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After Always
Lydia Li’s life ended when Tristan died. At least, that’s how it felt. Sure, they had problems and he could be a little…intense…at times, but he’d loved her. He was the Romeo to her Juliet… And now he was gone. When her parents get her to agree to a summer across the country with a music teacher who runs an inn, Lydia agrees. But it’s different than what she expected. There’s something else there. Something that feels a lot like Tristan. But that’s impossible, right? Then there’s Michael Malone, the quiet guy who’s Tristan’s opposite in every way. And Lydia can’t help but be drawn to him…and whatever the house is hiding.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2018
4 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Barbara J. Hancock
40 books104 followersComing in July 2023, writing as Willa Reece, WILDWOOD MAGIC from Orbit/Redhook. Were the Ross women really witches? A magical tale about coming home when the only home you’ve ever known is gone. Also be sure to check out the first book set in a mystical mountain wood, WILDWOOD WHISPERS.
For Harlequin Nocturne, I've written as Barbara J. Hancock, a Faustian series featuring men who've sold their souls and the women who save them--Brimstone Seduction, Brimstone Bride, and Brimstone Prince. And a fairytale shifter series featuring three Russian wolf shifters-- Legendary Shifter, Legendary Wolf and Legendary Beast. Also a YA Gothic Thriller for Entangled Publishing. When I'm not writing, I'm the adopted mom to many rescued pets. I live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains in Virginia with my soulmate where ghost stories are often told on a dark side porch in the flicker of firefly light.
For Harlequin Nocturne, I've written as Barbara J. Hancock, a Faustian series featuring men who've sold their souls and the women who save them--Brimstone Seduction, Brimstone Bride, and Brimstone Prince. And a fairytale shifter series featuring three Russian wolf shifters-- Legendary Shifter, Legendary Wolf and Legendary Beast. Also a YA Gothic Thriller for Entangled Publishing. When I'm not writing, I'm the adopted mom to many rescued pets. I live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains in Virginia with my soulmate where ghost stories are often told on a dark side porch in the flicker of firefly light.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 30, 2018
I received a free e-ARC through NetGalley from the publishers at Entangled Publishing, LLC. Trigger warnings: death, abuse, abusive relationships, domestic violence, violence against women, blood. Spoilers will be clearly marked.
When Lydia’s boyfriend, Tristan, is killed in a boating accident, it feels like her life is over too. Their relationship was intense, a Romeo and Juliet for the modern age, and it doesn’t feel right to go on without him. In the hopes that it will help her healing process, her mother sends her to the Stonebridge Inn by the sea to mentor with a family friend and music teacher. But Stonebridge has its own haunting history, and there’s a painting in the sitting room of a man who looks disturbingly like Tristan. There’s also a presence that feels a lot like her boyfriend, as if even in death, Tristan hasn’t been able to let her go. Lydia is torn between past and present when she meets Michael, the kind and gentle handyman who is Tristan’s opposite in every way. If Lydia is able to forgive herself and move on, will Tristan and Stonebridge let her, or will she be another cursed chapter in the inn’s history?
I’m a regular reader for Netgalley, and I like to think I mix in a fair amount of small press titles in there. Most of them are fine, some of them are good, and occasionally I come across a hidden gem. In the paranormal romance genre, After Always is one of those. It’s been days, and I’m still blown away by all the good things in this book. I’ve read plenty of paranormal romance novels, since I love ‘paranormal’ even if I don’t always love 'romance’, and Twilight, Fallen, and Hush, Hush could learn a thing or two from this book. I’m going to be upset if it never comes out in paperback because I need one for my library. The Kindle version just isn’t going to do it this time. (Also, that cover is so gorgeous!)
The writing is lovely and atmospheric, and that alone will have me searching out more of Hancock’s work in the future. The setting at the Stonebridge Inn is haunting, twisted, and darkly beautiful, and the presences of the ocean and the inn’s troubled past linger over every page. It’s a top quality ghost story, which is a surprise because paranormal romance so often focuses heavily on the romance side and lets things like world-building or atmosphere slip to the wayside. This book has a heavy dose of both, and I was continually creeped out by the ways the dead make themselves known. From ghostly fingers writing Shakespeare in the sand to Lydia playing her violin until her fingers bleed, it’s clear that the world at Stonebridge is slightly off-kilter and has been for some time.
Lydia is smart, talented, and sympathetic, and her character development is top notch. Her grieving process is lengthy and real, and watching her transition from the girl who is never going to forgive herself and move on to one that is cautiously hopeful about a new life and a new romance is one of the major threads of the novel. Her relationship with Tristan is more complicated than she lets on at the beginning, and the ghosts are inside as well as out. (More after the spoilers mark.) The slow-burn romance with Michael is also well-done. Their progress is slow and never feels forced, and there’s so much emphasis on how Michael never pushes her or tries to fix her. He waits for her to move within her comfort zone, and he accepts her as she is. This kind of patient, gentle, and boundary-respecting love interest is exactly the kind of hero fiction could use more of. (Just kidding. Lydia is totally her own hero.) There’s also a great female friendship with Hannah, a psychic who helps Lydia navigate the paranormal happenings at Stonebridge.
The pacing of the novel is spot on, and the suspense slowly ramps up as the hauntings gain power. There’s an utterly creepy backstory about the inn’s original owner, Alexander Jericho, and his wife that disturbingly mirrors Lydia’s relationship with Tristan. The one major downfall of the book is that Jericho was a Vodou practioner and obviously evil. While the book takes care to mention that Vodou itself is no more evil than any religion, it’s also perpetuating the stereotype at the same time by including it. Personally, I thought Hancock was doing just fine building the rules of her paranormal world without ever calling it by name. The end scenes are tense and satisfying, and I’ll definitely be reading it again in the future. If you’re a fan of the genre, I highly recommend it.
SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS. TURN BACK BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.
It’s a slow realization that Lydia and Tristan’s relationship wasn’t “intense”; it was abusive, and Lydia’s grief is mixed with as much shame and relief as it is sadness. Watching her forgive herself for not ending the relationship sooner is nearly as harrowing as watching her be haunted. Personally, I think it’s an excellent portrayal of the process a teenage girl in an abusive relationship might go through, and I feel like Hancock handles it with the necessary sensitivity and ultimate hope. Lydia knows she should have asked for help, but she also learns that she can’t linger on her mistakes forever. I like to think girls who find themselves in similar situations could learn from her courage and her recovery. It’s not an issue that crops up often in YA fiction.
I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.
When Lydia’s boyfriend, Tristan, is killed in a boating accident, it feels like her life is over too. Their relationship was intense, a Romeo and Juliet for the modern age, and it doesn’t feel right to go on without him. In the hopes that it will help her healing process, her mother sends her to the Stonebridge Inn by the sea to mentor with a family friend and music teacher. But Stonebridge has its own haunting history, and there’s a painting in the sitting room of a man who looks disturbingly like Tristan. There’s also a presence that feels a lot like her boyfriend, as if even in death, Tristan hasn’t been able to let her go. Lydia is torn between past and present when she meets Michael, the kind and gentle handyman who is Tristan’s opposite in every way. If Lydia is able to forgive herself and move on, will Tristan and Stonebridge let her, or will she be another cursed chapter in the inn’s history?
I’m a regular reader for Netgalley, and I like to think I mix in a fair amount of small press titles in there. Most of them are fine, some of them are good, and occasionally I come across a hidden gem. In the paranormal romance genre, After Always is one of those. It’s been days, and I’m still blown away by all the good things in this book. I’ve read plenty of paranormal romance novels, since I love ‘paranormal’ even if I don’t always love 'romance’, and Twilight, Fallen, and Hush, Hush could learn a thing or two from this book. I’m going to be upset if it never comes out in paperback because I need one for my library. The Kindle version just isn’t going to do it this time. (Also, that cover is so gorgeous!)
The writing is lovely and atmospheric, and that alone will have me searching out more of Hancock’s work in the future. The setting at the Stonebridge Inn is haunting, twisted, and darkly beautiful, and the presences of the ocean and the inn’s troubled past linger over every page. It’s a top quality ghost story, which is a surprise because paranormal romance so often focuses heavily on the romance side and lets things like world-building or atmosphere slip to the wayside. This book has a heavy dose of both, and I was continually creeped out by the ways the dead make themselves known. From ghostly fingers writing Shakespeare in the sand to Lydia playing her violin until her fingers bleed, it’s clear that the world at Stonebridge is slightly off-kilter and has been for some time.
Lydia is smart, talented, and sympathetic, and her character development is top notch. Her grieving process is lengthy and real, and watching her transition from the girl who is never going to forgive herself and move on to one that is cautiously hopeful about a new life and a new romance is one of the major threads of the novel. Her relationship with Tristan is more complicated than she lets on at the beginning, and the ghosts are inside as well as out. (More after the spoilers mark.) The slow-burn romance with Michael is also well-done. Their progress is slow and never feels forced, and there’s so much emphasis on how Michael never pushes her or tries to fix her. He waits for her to move within her comfort zone, and he accepts her as she is. This kind of patient, gentle, and boundary-respecting love interest is exactly the kind of hero fiction could use more of. (Just kidding. Lydia is totally her own hero.) There’s also a great female friendship with Hannah, a psychic who helps Lydia navigate the paranormal happenings at Stonebridge.
The pacing of the novel is spot on, and the suspense slowly ramps up as the hauntings gain power. There’s an utterly creepy backstory about the inn’s original owner, Alexander Jericho, and his wife that disturbingly mirrors Lydia’s relationship with Tristan. The one major downfall of the book is that Jericho was a Vodou practioner and obviously evil. While the book takes care to mention that Vodou itself is no more evil than any religion, it’s also perpetuating the stereotype at the same time by including it. Personally, I thought Hancock was doing just fine building the rules of her paranormal world without ever calling it by name. The end scenes are tense and satisfying, and I’ll definitely be reading it again in the future. If you’re a fan of the genre, I highly recommend it.
SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS. TURN BACK BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.
It’s a slow realization that Lydia and Tristan’s relationship wasn’t “intense”; it was abusive, and Lydia’s grief is mixed with as much shame and relief as it is sadness. Watching her forgive herself for not ending the relationship sooner is nearly as harrowing as watching her be haunted. Personally, I think it’s an excellent portrayal of the process a teenage girl in an abusive relationship might go through, and I feel like Hancock handles it with the necessary sensitivity and ultimate hope. Lydia knows she should have asked for help, but she also learns that she can’t linger on her mistakes forever. I like to think girls who find themselves in similar situations could learn from her courage and her recovery. It’s not an issue that crops up often in YA fiction.
I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.
September 11, 2018
Thank you to Entangled Publishing, LLC.for the arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book held me from he beginning, I had difficulty putting it down, I really enjoyed it, but I do feel a little bit flat about the ending, I am not sure what I was expecting but I feel a little let down by it.
This book held me from he beginning, I had difficulty putting it down, I really enjoyed it, but I do feel a little bit flat about the ending, I am not sure what I was expecting but I feel a little let down by it.
October 13, 2018
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Content Warning: Story has mentions of previous physical abuse and manipulation.
I initially came across this book on NetGalley, but wasn't too sure I wanted to put this on my shelf at the time because I'm pretty much swamped at the moment, but when it came up in my e-mail as being part of a tour, I looked further into the book and browsed some other reviews I found on Goodreads. One review talked about how eerie it is and decided that since it's Spooptober, I might as well get into the spirit of Halloween with a thriller.
As always, let's start with Lydia. She's your average girl, nothing really stands out about her except for her past, which is pretty much the sole focus, so it's not that big of a deal. Her past clearly defines her, having been in the type of relationship she was in previous to going across the country. She's confused and in between feeling relief and guilt after everything that has happened. At first, we're not sure why she's relieved, but the more the book goes on, the more information is revealed about her past and why she feels the way she does. Much like anyone who has been through what she has, she's extremely hesitant to confide in anyone.
The story itself was well-written with a creepy vibe with enough details to give you a sort of chill when reading. Honestly, though, you wouldn't have really guessed it would be paranormal by just reading the summary. When I first read the summary, I thought it was just a bit of mystery and thought nothing of it potentially being a thriller/paranormal book.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and the story it had to offer. I was pretty much attached to the pages, but it lacked.... something. I can't really get a grasp for what it was missing, but there was just... something that made it from being a full 5 stars. Either way, this book is a great Halloween read for anyone into the paranormal / thrilling aspect of books.
October 3, 2018
(This review will be on my blog All the Ups and Downs soon).
There was something about the synopsis about After Always by Barbara J. Hancock that caught my attention, so when the opportunity came about to review it, I jumped at the chance. I'm glad I did.
I felt like the pacing was a little all over the place in After Always. There were some places where the pacing dragged, and in other places, the pacing sped up too quickly where I was lost about what was going on. However, there were also some places where the pacing was perfect. Regardless, After Always held my attention throughout.
I enjoyed the plot. Lydia gets sent to an old inn for music lessons after her boyfriend dies in a tragic accident in the hopes she will start to heal. Lydia had been to the inn before with her mother when she was three. However, there is something sinister afoot at the inn. Lydia, alone with the intriguing Michael, must figure out what it is before it claims them both as well as the inn. Along the way, we learn more about Lydia's relationship with Tristan which isn't exactly what it appeared to be. I didn't feel that there were any major plot twists. Perhaps there are a few minor ones. This doesn't make the plot any less enjoyable though. I had many questions, but they were all answered towards the end of the book. I did feel like the ending was a bit too easy. I won't elaborate because I don't want to give any spoilers away.
The world building was written very well. The author, Barbara J. Hancock, is a master with words. I enjoyed reading about the world Miss Hancock had created for her characters. It was easy to imagine myself as a character in After Always. I could easily imagine the inn where all the action takes place.
I liked the characters in After Always. However, I would have enjoyed reading more about the background of Lydia. I would have liked to see how she was right before her relationship with Tristan. I would have also liked to read more about her relationship with Tristan. Lydia does speak about their relationship, but I found myself craving more information about it. I would have also liked to read more about Octavia's and Jericho's relationship a bit more. It would have been interesting to read more about the courting days between them as well as how their marriage was at the beginning. We do get a glimpse at Michael's family history which was nice. My favorite character in After Always was Hannah. I just felt like I could relate to her the most even if she isn't mentioned as much throughout the book.
Trigger warnings include dating abuse, death, violence, ghostly possession, and very mild swearing in a few places throughout the book.
Overall, After Always is a decent spooky read. It is written beautifully and has an interesting plot as well as likable characters. I would recommend After Always by Barbara J. Hancock to those aged 15+
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(Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an eBook of After Always by Barbara J. Hancock in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
There was something about the synopsis about After Always by Barbara J. Hancock that caught my attention, so when the opportunity came about to review it, I jumped at the chance. I'm glad I did.
I felt like the pacing was a little all over the place in After Always. There were some places where the pacing dragged, and in other places, the pacing sped up too quickly where I was lost about what was going on. However, there were also some places where the pacing was perfect. Regardless, After Always held my attention throughout.
I enjoyed the plot. Lydia gets sent to an old inn for music lessons after her boyfriend dies in a tragic accident in the hopes she will start to heal. Lydia had been to the inn before with her mother when she was three. However, there is something sinister afoot at the inn. Lydia, alone with the intriguing Michael, must figure out what it is before it claims them both as well as the inn. Along the way, we learn more about Lydia's relationship with Tristan which isn't exactly what it appeared to be. I didn't feel that there were any major plot twists. Perhaps there are a few minor ones. This doesn't make the plot any less enjoyable though. I had many questions, but they were all answered towards the end of the book. I did feel like the ending was a bit too easy. I won't elaborate because I don't want to give any spoilers away.
The world building was written very well. The author, Barbara J. Hancock, is a master with words. I enjoyed reading about the world Miss Hancock had created for her characters. It was easy to imagine myself as a character in After Always. I could easily imagine the inn where all the action takes place.
I liked the characters in After Always. However, I would have enjoyed reading more about the background of Lydia. I would have liked to see how she was right before her relationship with Tristan. I would have also liked to read more about her relationship with Tristan. Lydia does speak about their relationship, but I found myself craving more information about it. I would have also liked to read more about Octavia's and Jericho's relationship a bit more. It would have been interesting to read more about the courting days between them as well as how their marriage was at the beginning. We do get a glimpse at Michael's family history which was nice. My favorite character in After Always was Hannah. I just felt like I could relate to her the most even if she isn't mentioned as much throughout the book.
Trigger warnings include dating abuse, death, violence, ghostly possession, and very mild swearing in a few places throughout the book.
Overall, After Always is a decent spooky read. It is written beautifully and has an interesting plot as well as likable characters. I would recommend After Always by Barbara J. Hancock to those aged 15+
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(Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an eBook of After Always by Barbara J. Hancock in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
October 10, 2018
'After Always' is a great new young adult paranormal thriller that readers are going to want to pick up. The description doesn't really make it sound paranormal, but it definitely is. I was happily surprised by the huge supernatural aspect and it definitely made my reading experience better. I don't do spoilers, so I can't go into the plot very much without giving anything away, but the main character, Lydia, goes up against some nasty ghosts who are out to claim people's souls and bodies. Awesomely creepy, in my opinion. On another level, Lydia is dealing with the death of her boyfriend Tristan. It's ripped her apart and she's become numb - a hollow shell of herself basically. But we find out throughout the story that her relationship with Tristan wasn't as perfect as she'd like to remember and things were actually pretty bad and she was always scared - of him, of upsetting or disappointing him, of him hurting her one way or another. So there's two different levels of the plot happening that the author nicely ties together to have them blend into a seamless story line.
I really liked Lydia as the main character. I found her very realistic and easy to identify with right from the beginning. I loved watching her find herself again - her sense of self, her strength, determination, and willpower - and changing for the better. The book is told from the first person point of view, from Lydia's perspective - which I'm so happy the author chose to do. The first person is by far my favorite style of writing because the reader gets to really connect with the narrator in ways other perspectives don't allow. I love getting to know the main character on a deeper level - their thoughts, feelings, memories, hopes and dreams, fears, and everything in between. It makes them so much more relatable and helps me really get into their story. Which is exactly the case with this book - I felt like I was right alongside Lydia as everything happened. I ended up reading the entire book in one sitting in a matter of a few hours. I didn't want to stop reading because I needed to know what happened next.
I have to mention the romance in the book because it's a little different than most novels. Lydia has just lost her boyfriend and is deeply mourning and filled with grief. Enter Michael who is basically the opposite of Tristan (which we learn wasn't exactly the greatest guy to begin with) and we see their relationship start as friends and co-workers and then grow into something more. It was really sweet and I was definitely rooting for them the entire time. Normally I don't like a lot of romance in books that aren't specifically about that topic because it tends to overshadow the main story line and take over the book when it's not supposed to be the center of things. That wasn't the case here and I'm so happy that the author found the balance between having the romance between Lydia and Michael be a large part of the story but not taking over the super creepy main plot. Definitely recommended for fans of YA, contemporary, paranormal, supernatural, fantasy, and romance.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked Lydia as the main character. I found her very realistic and easy to identify with right from the beginning. I loved watching her find herself again - her sense of self, her strength, determination, and willpower - and changing for the better. The book is told from the first person point of view, from Lydia's perspective - which I'm so happy the author chose to do. The first person is by far my favorite style of writing because the reader gets to really connect with the narrator in ways other perspectives don't allow. I love getting to know the main character on a deeper level - their thoughts, feelings, memories, hopes and dreams, fears, and everything in between. It makes them so much more relatable and helps me really get into their story. Which is exactly the case with this book - I felt like I was right alongside Lydia as everything happened. I ended up reading the entire book in one sitting in a matter of a few hours. I didn't want to stop reading because I needed to know what happened next.
I have to mention the romance in the book because it's a little different than most novels. Lydia has just lost her boyfriend and is deeply mourning and filled with grief. Enter Michael who is basically the opposite of Tristan (which we learn wasn't exactly the greatest guy to begin with) and we see their relationship start as friends and co-workers and then grow into something more. It was really sweet and I was definitely rooting for them the entire time. Normally I don't like a lot of romance in books that aren't specifically about that topic because it tends to overshadow the main story line and take over the book when it's not supposed to be the center of things. That wasn't the case here and I'm so happy that the author found the balance between having the romance between Lydia and Michael be a large part of the story but not taking over the super creepy main plot. Definitely recommended for fans of YA, contemporary, paranormal, supernatural, fantasy, and romance.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2018
This book was freaky deaky but a very very good freaky deaky. A great October read.
When you begin the book Lydia isn’t exactly your favorite person. You see her obsession with Tristan and the world she was in with him. She seems to be disconnected from everyone and the reader as well. But as you read the story and become engrossed in it you realize that this may have been done on purpose by the author. It was a haunting parallel to Octavia’s world and what was happening so many years ago. It was to see how she is brought back to life by the inn and Michael. Mainly Michael for the inn was her challenge I believe. It was her way of finding her way back and facing what her life with Tristan really was. A dark void that left her distant and hollow. It was Michael that helped her come back and find someone to trust and be by her side and not controlling anything.
Michael was a great character. He saw more than others and had his own secrets but they weren’t dark and ominous. He was a protector and wanted to rid his family of the darkness that seemed to be there even if no one understood what it truly was.
When Lydia arrives at the inn she is hollow. Soon things begin to occur that can’t be explained and it is rather freaky. She has an obsession that takes over and we see her and everyone around her seem to be stuck in a sort of obsession that isn’t who they are. We see Michael fight it at times but at other times he cannot. It is love that keeps him in the now and his will to be there for his family, Lydia and his desire to find out the truth.
The dark tale of Jericho and his valet and what they dabbled in was ominous in its own right. As the past is unfolded and blends into the present you are engrossed in what is happening and feel like you are truly in the inn with Lydia and fighting the darkness and unraveling the truth. We learn just how dark and evil Jericho was and the lengths he went to for power and control of others.
Watching Lydia and Michael fight that evil, reveal the truth but also find their way to one another was great. Seeing Lydia finally become connected and realize what her life was before Tristan left and after and how it was a bad place to me paralleled Octavia and the inn itself. As she grew stronger and more present, the fight became more ominous and difficult and the darkness became more vicious.
A truly engrossing story that has you captured from the beginning wanting to know the secrets of Jericho, Lydia’s family, Lydia and the inn itself. Wanting to see light win and dark disappear. Wanting Michael and Lydia to grow close and fight together and see Lydia let him in. A great October read for it’s content and freaky deaky nature.
When you begin the book Lydia isn’t exactly your favorite person. You see her obsession with Tristan and the world she was in with him. She seems to be disconnected from everyone and the reader as well. But as you read the story and become engrossed in it you realize that this may have been done on purpose by the author. It was a haunting parallel to Octavia’s world and what was happening so many years ago. It was to see how she is brought back to life by the inn and Michael. Mainly Michael for the inn was her challenge I believe. It was her way of finding her way back and facing what her life with Tristan really was. A dark void that left her distant and hollow. It was Michael that helped her come back and find someone to trust and be by her side and not controlling anything.
Michael was a great character. He saw more than others and had his own secrets but they weren’t dark and ominous. He was a protector and wanted to rid his family of the darkness that seemed to be there even if no one understood what it truly was.
When Lydia arrives at the inn she is hollow. Soon things begin to occur that can’t be explained and it is rather freaky. She has an obsession that takes over and we see her and everyone around her seem to be stuck in a sort of obsession that isn’t who they are. We see Michael fight it at times but at other times he cannot. It is love that keeps him in the now and his will to be there for his family, Lydia and his desire to find out the truth.
The dark tale of Jericho and his valet and what they dabbled in was ominous in its own right. As the past is unfolded and blends into the present you are engrossed in what is happening and feel like you are truly in the inn with Lydia and fighting the darkness and unraveling the truth. We learn just how dark and evil Jericho was and the lengths he went to for power and control of others.
Watching Lydia and Michael fight that evil, reveal the truth but also find their way to one another was great. Seeing Lydia finally become connected and realize what her life was before Tristan left and after and how it was a bad place to me paralleled Octavia and the inn itself. As she grew stronger and more present, the fight became more ominous and difficult and the darkness became more vicious.
A truly engrossing story that has you captured from the beginning wanting to know the secrets of Jericho, Lydia’s family, Lydia and the inn itself. Wanting to see light win and dark disappear. Wanting Michael and Lydia to grow close and fight together and see Lydia let him in. A great October read for it’s content and freaky deaky nature.
January 20, 2019
*I received an ARC copy via NetGalley and Entangled Teen in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my review whatsoever*
With YA Thrillers, they seem to be a hit or miss for me, especially if romance is tied into it as well. This book holds a strong in every department I look for in a thriller. Despite a couple weak spots here and there, it's a great tale of romance, healing, growth, and contains a compelling mystery.
Lydia is mourning the loss of her boyfriend Tristan. We listen to her tale of what her and her past relationship was through what we initially perceived as a perfect romance, but in reality, it was abusive and full of darkness. What is initially painted by Lydia to what seemed an overly obsessive relationship on her part, turns out she was a victim in the end. Lydia is used to a relationship filled with fear from Tristan's physical abuse and manipulative ways while remaining devoted all because of her personal views on love.
Her parents finally believe Lydia needs a change of scenery and allow her to go away for the summer to stay in a mansion. Upon arriving, she meets Michael who is basically the healthy, compassionate opposite of what Lydia is used too. Their relationship begins as co-workers to friends and leads to more, however, Lydia is not used to a healthy relationship. Her self-growth and healing in this story is wonderful. Michael is a love, I could not get enough of him.
The paranormal aspects of this novel were an added bonus to this story. On the sole plot foundation, it read as a Contemporary novel then next thing you know you're faced with a supernatural mystery tied into it. All in all, all elements come together in the end to keep you on your toes.
I could not get enough of this book and it was beautiful to see a broken character like Lydia find the power within herself to grow and pursue forward in a healthy manner with someone else who truly feeds her soul with love and kindness.
With YA Thrillers, they seem to be a hit or miss for me, especially if romance is tied into it as well. This book holds a strong in every department I look for in a thriller. Despite a couple weak spots here and there, it's a great tale of romance, healing, growth, and contains a compelling mystery.
Lydia is mourning the loss of her boyfriend Tristan. We listen to her tale of what her and her past relationship was through what we initially perceived as a perfect romance, but in reality, it was abusive and full of darkness. What is initially painted by Lydia to what seemed an overly obsessive relationship on her part, turns out she was a victim in the end. Lydia is used to a relationship filled with fear from Tristan's physical abuse and manipulative ways while remaining devoted all because of her personal views on love.
Her parents finally believe Lydia needs a change of scenery and allow her to go away for the summer to stay in a mansion. Upon arriving, she meets Michael who is basically the healthy, compassionate opposite of what Lydia is used too. Their relationship begins as co-workers to friends and leads to more, however, Lydia is not used to a healthy relationship. Her self-growth and healing in this story is wonderful. Michael is a love, I could not get enough of him.
The paranormal aspects of this novel were an added bonus to this story. On the sole plot foundation, it read as a Contemporary novel then next thing you know you're faced with a supernatural mystery tied into it. All in all, all elements come together in the end to keep you on your toes.
I could not get enough of this book and it was beautiful to see a broken character like Lydia find the power within herself to grow and pursue forward in a healthy manner with someone else who truly feeds her soul with love and kindness.
September 24, 2018
What do you do when you can’t let go of your heartache because everything is a reminder of what you had lost?
A macabre tale of lovers that starts from the ending.
Lydia’s character is suffering from grief and heartbreak from the tragic loss of a love that was destined to be forever yet was cut short when her dark and lovely boyfriend Tristan, had died at sea and she is left behind to pick up the pieces of the fractured soul that was left behind in his absence.
When Lydia leaves for the summer to Stonebridge manor where the once famous Jericho family had resided 100 years earlier things take a spine-chilling turn. Being haunted by the ghost of her ex-love is about as dangerous as the secrets that Lydia Li has been hiding since Tristan had left her behind for his watery grave. Or is it more than what she is thought that is creeping through the Victorian mansion after her and the inhabitants?
And then there is sweet sunshine filled Michael who fills Lydia with purpose and life again. Yet will it be enough for her to come back to the world of the living? Or will she be destined to join her love like Romeo joined his Juliet?
I loved the way the author had put the story together until I found out who had haunted Lydia and why. Mr. Jericho was an insane and incredible villain in this story however it was not expected. And I seemed to want Tristan not Jericho to come out. Maybe it would have been too predictable but that is what I would have liked to read.
Pick up the copy of After Always on October 1st, 2018 and delve into the mystery and eerie story of Lydia Li
A macabre tale of lovers that starts from the ending.
Lydia’s character is suffering from grief and heartbreak from the tragic loss of a love that was destined to be forever yet was cut short when her dark and lovely boyfriend Tristan, had died at sea and she is left behind to pick up the pieces of the fractured soul that was left behind in his absence.
When Lydia leaves for the summer to Stonebridge manor where the once famous Jericho family had resided 100 years earlier things take a spine-chilling turn. Being haunted by the ghost of her ex-love is about as dangerous as the secrets that Lydia Li has been hiding since Tristan had left her behind for his watery grave. Or is it more than what she is thought that is creeping through the Victorian mansion after her and the inhabitants?
And then there is sweet sunshine filled Michael who fills Lydia with purpose and life again. Yet will it be enough for her to come back to the world of the living? Or will she be destined to join her love like Romeo joined his Juliet?
I loved the way the author had put the story together until I found out who had haunted Lydia and why. Mr. Jericho was an insane and incredible villain in this story however it was not expected. And I seemed to want Tristan not Jericho to come out. Maybe it would have been too predictable but that is what I would have liked to read.
Pick up the copy of After Always on October 1st, 2018 and delve into the mystery and eerie story of Lydia Li
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
After Always was a surprising read for me and thankfully it was in a good way. What I was expecting to read was a simple love and loss story about a girl who ends up finding love again, but I ended up getting some much more.
I enjoyed getting to watch Lydia’s healing and growth from her past relationship and Tristan's death. It was believable and real. There was no speedy fix to her pain and grief, just the simple fact that it takes time. Michael was a gem and I feel he is exactly they kind of person Lydia needed to be around during such a difficult time in her life.
The paranormal aspects and added mystery gave this story a twist I was not expecting but it did not disappoint. I look for to reading more by Barbara J. Hancock in the future.
After Always was a surprising read for me and thankfully it was in a good way. What I was expecting to read was a simple love and loss story about a girl who ends up finding love again, but I ended up getting some much more.
I enjoyed getting to watch Lydia’s healing and growth from her past relationship and Tristan's death. It was believable and real. There was no speedy fix to her pain and grief, just the simple fact that it takes time. Michael was a gem and I feel he is exactly they kind of person Lydia needed to be around during such a difficult time in her life.
The paranormal aspects and added mystery gave this story a twist I was not expecting but it did not disappoint. I look for to reading more by Barbara J. Hancock in the future.
September 18, 2018
I'm writing this review in response to a copy of the book provided to me by Entangled Publishing, in return for an unbiased review.
I really liked this book. It started out as just another YA novel - with a main character too in love with her boyfriend. Worryingly, it seemed to me to be following the Twilight mould, with a boyfriend who was clearly trouble, but only the main character can't see it.
I'm glad I gave the book a chance, though, because it's more than that. It was a bit of a surprise when the gothic horror part of the plot kicked in (I thought this was a paranormal romance or just a thriller) so that was a bit unexpected.
I really liked Lydia as the protagonist, though. So nice to read of a sensible heroine! I'd definitely recommend this book - a good, engaging read.
I really liked this book. It started out as just another YA novel - with a main character too in love with her boyfriend. Worryingly, it seemed to me to be following the Twilight mould, with a boyfriend who was clearly trouble, but only the main character can't see it.
I'm glad I gave the book a chance, though, because it's more than that. It was a bit of a surprise when the gothic horror part of the plot kicked in (I thought this was a paranormal romance or just a thriller) so that was a bit unexpected.
I really liked Lydia as the protagonist, though. So nice to read of a sensible heroine! I'd definitely recommend this book - a good, engaging read.
February 2, 2019
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This is a very emotional novel. It goes from sad and tragic to dark, creepy and kind of depression. That is after the death of her boyfriend in an accident. That is when her mother suggests that she goes across the country to Stonebridge Inn. The place with a dark and spooky history of it own. There is this picture that looks lot like Tristan. There is some dark entity that lives at the inn. She meets a gentle man named Michael who is a handyman. This made me feel all kind of ways for there is a lot dark theme and plot points. It will get your heart going.
October 3, 2018
This was my first read from Barbara Hancock. Overall, it was a good read, and I will definitely read more from this author.
February 13, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and Barbara J. Hancock for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I call this new adult because the narrative perspective is that of an eighteen-year-old girl who has already had her fair share of life experiences, including those in the romance category.
Lydia and Tristan were together, and promised forever, until his untimely demise at sea. Lydia is haunted by guilt, because she's not so sure she did want forever with him; he was abusive and controlling.
When she takes some time stay with a music teacher who runs an inn--an inn that has the feel of an old Victorian gentry home--strange things begin to happen around her.
Michael, a young man who works there, shows interest in Lydia, but she can't quite bring herself to trust in love. It's too soon, and perhaps not something she is ready to move on to.
On top of this newfound love interest, every time she wants to test the waters with Michael, something strange happens, preventing their showings of affection for each other. And this strange presence feels like Tristan, but how can that be possible?
Lydia takes time to absorb a painting of the previous owner, Alexander Jericho, and his wife Octavia. The eyes of Jericho seem extremely similar to those of Tristan, but something seems off and foreboding, hidden within the eyes of those in the painting. When other strange thing begin to happen, even a seance is requested to try and find out if Tristan really is holding onto something against Lydia. Tristan is gone, and it is the ghost of Alexander Jericho, who presumably drowned/murdered his wife and unborn child, that haunts the inn. Or is he haunting Lydia herself?
When I first started this book, it felt like it would be a basic "accept loss and move on" type of book. I wasn't really expecting the paranormal aspect to the novel, at least not to the degree that it takes, but it definitely makes this already easy read much more interesting and quick-paced. Overall, and enjoyable read that gives new adult a new twist, as well as shows the importance of looking on the past, accepting what is, and moving forward in life.
I call this new adult because the narrative perspective is that of an eighteen-year-old girl who has already had her fair share of life experiences, including those in the romance category.
Lydia and Tristan were together, and promised forever, until his untimely demise at sea. Lydia is haunted by guilt, because she's not so sure she did want forever with him; he was abusive and controlling.
When she takes some time stay with a music teacher who runs an inn--an inn that has the feel of an old Victorian gentry home--strange things begin to happen around her.
Michael, a young man who works there, shows interest in Lydia, but she can't quite bring herself to trust in love. It's too soon, and perhaps not something she is ready to move on to.
On top of this newfound love interest, every time she wants to test the waters with Michael, something strange happens, preventing their showings of affection for each other. And this strange presence feels like Tristan, but how can that be possible?
Lydia takes time to absorb a painting of the previous owner, Alexander Jericho, and his wife Octavia. The eyes of Jericho seem extremely similar to those of Tristan, but something seems off and foreboding, hidden within the eyes of those in the painting. When other strange thing begin to happen, even a seance is requested to try and find out if Tristan really is holding onto something against Lydia. Tristan is gone, and it is the ghost of Alexander Jericho, who presumably drowned/murdered his wife and unborn child, that haunts the inn. Or is he haunting Lydia herself?
When I first started this book, it felt like it would be a basic "accept loss and move on" type of book. I wasn't really expecting the paranormal aspect to the novel, at least not to the degree that it takes, but it definitely makes this already easy read much more interesting and quick-paced. Overall, and enjoyable read that gives new adult a new twist, as well as shows the importance of looking on the past, accepting what is, and moving forward in life.
December 16, 2018
** A Few Chapters 'til Love was sent an ARC copy of After Always by Barbara J. Hancock in exchange for an honest review!**
‘After Always’ is a great book. The plot, the writing, it’s all great. I also love the character development. This book was a really easy book to read and enjoyed it immensely. I don’t actually read that many supernatural novels, I tend to stick more with fantasy or contemporary, but ‘After Always’ has gotten me rethinking my ways. My own outlook on life as I am a very confident person and will not take crap is that you should never control someone, and I can see how Lydia wants to break free from her relationship with Tristan.
I felt that Lydia’s character had an amazing development and plot line, with some intense struggles that she had to work through. I loved witnessing her character grow and get stronger with every struggle she faces. She is strong enough to recognise that her relationship with Tristan was abusive and that it wasn’t right. She is scared to get into anything and is worried about her own behaviours. This novel is great as I hope that Lydia’s character will help people to relate, empathise or get out of relationships that are making them unhappy.
The supernatural aspects of ‘After Always’ also impressed me. Nothing in the plot was disjointed and all of the small little things came and tied back to something else, such as the masks or little poppet dolls found in Lydia’s room. I was extremely impressed, as this can be very very difficult to do successfully.
To read more/full review, go to: https://afewchapterstillove.wixsite.c...
‘After Always’ is a great book. The plot, the writing, it’s all great. I also love the character development. This book was a really easy book to read and enjoyed it immensely. I don’t actually read that many supernatural novels, I tend to stick more with fantasy or contemporary, but ‘After Always’ has gotten me rethinking my ways. My own outlook on life as I am a very confident person and will not take crap is that you should never control someone, and I can see how Lydia wants to break free from her relationship with Tristan.
I felt that Lydia’s character had an amazing development and plot line, with some intense struggles that she had to work through. I loved witnessing her character grow and get stronger with every struggle she faces. She is strong enough to recognise that her relationship with Tristan was abusive and that it wasn’t right. She is scared to get into anything and is worried about her own behaviours. This novel is great as I hope that Lydia’s character will help people to relate, empathise or get out of relationships that are making them unhappy.
The supernatural aspects of ‘After Always’ also impressed me. Nothing in the plot was disjointed and all of the small little things came and tied back to something else, such as the masks or little poppet dolls found in Lydia’s room. I was extremely impressed, as this can be very very difficult to do successfully.
To read more/full review, go to: https://afewchapterstillove.wixsite.c...
September 25, 2018
I was approved to read an advanced copy of After Always by Barbara J. Hancock from NetGalley. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it! Here is my thoughts on the book and why I think you should read it.
"Lydia Li’s life ended when Tristan died. At least, that’s how it felt. Sure, they had problems and he could be a little…intense…at times, but he’d loved her. He was the Romeo to her Juliet… And now he was gone.
When her parents get her to agree to a summer across the country with a music teacher who runs an inn, Lydia agrees. But it’s different than what she expected. There’s something else there. Something that feels a lot like Tristan. But that’s impossible, right?
Then there’s Michael Malone, the quiet guy who’s Tristan’s opposite in every way. And Lydia can’t help but be drawn to him…and whatever the house is hiding."- Synopsis from Amazon
In the beginning of the book you are introduced to a young woman, Lydia Li, who has finished high school and is getting ready for college. She had been in a relationship with a young man named Tristan who was lost at sea during a sailing trip. Their relationship seemed perfect but as you read further you realize her eyes had been close to the problems she didn't want to face. One thing I love about Lydia is that even though her life had been ripped apart and the past still haunting her, she tries to remain in control of the situations that arise.
There is also a great comparison between the two men that have been a part of her life. One being night and the other day. I enjoyed how the author really built up the characters and did a lot of comparing which helps put everything into perspective.
This book took me for a ride! I was expecting a YA Contemporary love story, but it ended up also having a paranormal aspect to it which added a whole new level to what was already going on. If you are fan of creepy inns, hauntings, and learning to trust and love again then this book is for you. It will be available on October 1st, 2018.
"Lydia Li’s life ended when Tristan died. At least, that’s how it felt. Sure, they had problems and he could be a little…intense…at times, but he’d loved her. He was the Romeo to her Juliet… And now he was gone.
When her parents get her to agree to a summer across the country with a music teacher who runs an inn, Lydia agrees. But it’s different than what she expected. There’s something else there. Something that feels a lot like Tristan. But that’s impossible, right?
Then there’s Michael Malone, the quiet guy who’s Tristan’s opposite in every way. And Lydia can’t help but be drawn to him…and whatever the house is hiding."- Synopsis from Amazon
In the beginning of the book you are introduced to a young woman, Lydia Li, who has finished high school and is getting ready for college. She had been in a relationship with a young man named Tristan who was lost at sea during a sailing trip. Their relationship seemed perfect but as you read further you realize her eyes had been close to the problems she didn't want to face. One thing I love about Lydia is that even though her life had been ripped apart and the past still haunting her, she tries to remain in control of the situations that arise.
There is also a great comparison between the two men that have been a part of her life. One being night and the other day. I enjoyed how the author really built up the characters and did a lot of comparing which helps put everything into perspective.
This book took me for a ride! I was expecting a YA Contemporary love story, but it ended up also having a paranormal aspect to it which added a whole new level to what was already going on. If you are fan of creepy inns, hauntings, and learning to trust and love again then this book is for you. It will be available on October 1st, 2018.
September 30, 2018
This book starts off pretty depressing and just an FYI there are triggers regarding emotional and physical abuse. It starts out with Lydia's boyfriend, Tristan, having recently died via drowning. Lydia has been mourning him and decided to go away for the summer to help out at a sea side inn with her mother’s former music teacher.
It is evident from the beginning that Lydia had a very complicated relationship with Tristan. She is really struggling with his death. However, it starts to become obvious very early on that maybe they didn't have the best relationship. For a lot of the book, Lydia struggles with her feelings for her relationship with Tristan now that he is gone. The growth she experiences is slow going which is to be expected and feels very realistic.
The first day she arrives at the inn, she meets Michael. There is a definite attraction happening between them, but Lydia feels guilty for even looking at him. I really liked Michael's quiet way and the way he spoke with Lydia. He was sweet and respectful. Even though Lydia tried to push him away, he still worked to befriend her and let her know she was important to him. I loved that he followed her lead as to what she was comfortable with in regards to their relationship especially because her relationship with Tristan the exact opposite.
As the story progresses, strange things begin to happen at the inn. Lydia starts missing time and seeing strange things. She is able to play Tristan’s violin perfectly even though she has never played the instrument before. There are ghosts, voodoo, and even séances and it is all very intense and interesting.
The writing in this book is lovely. Light and dark is referenced throughout the book and it really works for the book. The mystery was engaging as was the romance. This book has a definite melancholy feel to it, and it is definitely not a light hearted read. However it was a compelling read I couldn't put down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It is evident from the beginning that Lydia had a very complicated relationship with Tristan. She is really struggling with his death. However, it starts to become obvious very early on that maybe they didn't have the best relationship. For a lot of the book, Lydia struggles with her feelings for her relationship with Tristan now that he is gone. The growth she experiences is slow going which is to be expected and feels very realistic.
The first day she arrives at the inn, she meets Michael. There is a definite attraction happening between them, but Lydia feels guilty for even looking at him. I really liked Michael's quiet way and the way he spoke with Lydia. He was sweet and respectful. Even though Lydia tried to push him away, he still worked to befriend her and let her know she was important to him. I loved that he followed her lead as to what she was comfortable with in regards to their relationship especially because her relationship with Tristan the exact opposite.
As the story progresses, strange things begin to happen at the inn. Lydia starts missing time and seeing strange things. She is able to play Tristan’s violin perfectly even though she has never played the instrument before. There are ghosts, voodoo, and even séances and it is all very intense and interesting.
The writing in this book is lovely. Light and dark is referenced throughout the book and it really works for the book. The mystery was engaging as was the romance. This book has a definite melancholy feel to it, and it is definitely not a light hearted read. However it was a compelling read I couldn't put down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 30, 2018
Rating 3.5/5
This is a thrillingly creepy read if you enjoy being scared. It definitely was not what I was expecting in this novel, but the plot itself was enjoyable and touched on such important issues. However, I really felt out of place at times when reading, and I think it was because the pacing wasn't maintained through it all.
The author tackled on a tough issue which was dating abuse and I really liked that this was brought up because I feel a lot of adolescents are already going through a lot hormonally causing their emotions to go haywire, but when *young love* is added to that, they feel like they have to work so hard to keep it going, even settling for someone is isn't right at all. Such is the case for Lydia who must learn that her and Tristan's relationship wasn't right for many reasons. I would have liked learning a lot more about their relationship prior to his death, but the way the story is now it didn't take much away from it.
The paranormal aspect included in this was interesting and kept the book exciting too, however, if the focus of this novel was for Lydia to open her eyes to what she was blind too, mature from it and learn to love and trust again, the book could have done without the ghosts. BUT, the parts without that paranormal activity, the pace was very slow and hard to keep up so it was sort of needed.
This is a thrillingly creepy read if you enjoy being scared. It definitely was not what I was expecting in this novel, but the plot itself was enjoyable and touched on such important issues. However, I really felt out of place at times when reading, and I think it was because the pacing wasn't maintained through it all.
The author tackled on a tough issue which was dating abuse and I really liked that this was brought up because I feel a lot of adolescents are already going through a lot hormonally causing their emotions to go haywire, but when *young love* is added to that, they feel like they have to work so hard to keep it going, even settling for someone is isn't right at all. Such is the case for Lydia who must learn that her and Tristan's relationship wasn't right for many reasons. I would have liked learning a lot more about their relationship prior to his death, but the way the story is now it didn't take much away from it.
The paranormal aspect included in this was interesting and kept the book exciting too, however, if the focus of this novel was for Lydia to open her eyes to what she was blind too, mature from it and learn to love and trust again, the book could have done without the ghosts. BUT, the parts without that paranormal activity, the pace was very slow and hard to keep up so it was sort of needed.
October 11, 2018
“‘… when he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine, That all the world will be in love with night, And pay no worship to the garish sun.’”
Before, Lydia was in an all consuming relationship with Tristan, quietly abusive which she refused to see when he was lost at sea and declared dead. After, Lydia has no desire to move on or attempt normal, instead she has given up everything she loved to only do they things that Tristan would have wanted her to do or loved himself. In a last ditch effort, her parents have sent her to an old friend's for the summer, hoping for her to have a chance to heal and to get back in touch with her music. But there is something about the old house that calls to Lydia...
Look at that cover!! I had to have this when I saw the prettiness that made up the cover. I read the synopsis and figured this was going to be an angsty teen romance that dealt with the loss of love and how to love again. And this kinda was... but it was so much better than that! I feel like I might be a little dense, but there was a supernatural component I never saw coming and it made the story that much better. The writing had a kind of lyrical feel to it, as if this was poetry or a Gothic novel, where words and transitions flow more smoothly together- all while being a contemporary story. It was very easy to sit down and read huge chunks of this book in a single sitting.
This was a complicated, at times painful journey. Lydia basically wants to fade away since Tristan died, since she does not know how to be her own person without his demands. Her emotions are all over the place- even joy to be free and then guilt for being happy. And then we have calm, quiet Michael who just wants to help and support in any way he can- but is rejected at every turn. I did find it interesting that Lydia knew Michael was interested in her, no coy girl here who could not read signs. It was very interesting to get into the mindset of Lydia, such a damaged lost girl who did her best to get through each day- her pain was so real and tangible it made my heart hurt for her. That is not to say there were so many times I wanted to shake some sense into her, but still I understood her whys.
Side note here (or trigger warning and/or spoiler)- this book really made me think about how many young girls get into terrible relationship situations like this, where they are being abused emotionally and or physically and have no idea it is going on or how to escape?? Now this, this is a scary topic way more terrifying than any ghost story!
Overall this was a very interesting story written in such a pretty way. I am glad I got to experience the tale and I highly recommend it to mystery, romance, paranormal and classic Gothic style fans.
I reviewed a complimentary copy of this title. Come visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
Before, Lydia was in an all consuming relationship with Tristan, quietly abusive which she refused to see when he was lost at sea and declared dead. After, Lydia has no desire to move on or attempt normal, instead she has given up everything she loved to only do they things that Tristan would have wanted her to do or loved himself. In a last ditch effort, her parents have sent her to an old friend's for the summer, hoping for her to have a chance to heal and to get back in touch with her music. But there is something about the old house that calls to Lydia...
Look at that cover!! I had to have this when I saw the prettiness that made up the cover. I read the synopsis and figured this was going to be an angsty teen romance that dealt with the loss of love and how to love again. And this kinda was... but it was so much better than that! I feel like I might be a little dense, but there was a supernatural component I never saw coming and it made the story that much better. The writing had a kind of lyrical feel to it, as if this was poetry or a Gothic novel, where words and transitions flow more smoothly together- all while being a contemporary story. It was very easy to sit down and read huge chunks of this book in a single sitting.
This was a complicated, at times painful journey. Lydia basically wants to fade away since Tristan died, since she does not know how to be her own person without his demands. Her emotions are all over the place- even joy to be free and then guilt for being happy. And then we have calm, quiet Michael who just wants to help and support in any way he can- but is rejected at every turn. I did find it interesting that Lydia knew Michael was interested in her, no coy girl here who could not read signs. It was very interesting to get into the mindset of Lydia, such a damaged lost girl who did her best to get through each day- her pain was so real and tangible it made my heart hurt for her. That is not to say there were so many times I wanted to shake some sense into her, but still I understood her whys.
Side note here (or trigger warning and/or spoiler)- this book really made me think about how many young girls get into terrible relationship situations like this, where they are being abused emotionally and or physically and have no idea it is going on or how to escape?? Now this, this is a scary topic way more terrifying than any ghost story!
Overall this was a very interesting story written in such a pretty way. I am glad I got to experience the tale and I highly recommend it to mystery, romance, paranormal and classic Gothic style fans.
I reviewed a complimentary copy of this title. Come visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
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October 12, 2018This book was sort of an ride for both my brain and heart. At first I was quite bored with it and stuck with it because it keeps talking about the main character missing her late boyfriend mourning . BUT THEN she discovered maybe the mansion shes living in has a VERY dark history and maybe haunted (I was totally creeped out) after a series of investigation and incidents and exploration (do not do that at home kids you're risking your life) she found out a very dark relevation and saved the house from further torture. Honestly this book is amazing it gave me the heebie jeebies and was totally creeped out yet intrigued on what happens next and what is behind all those incidents? Will Michael end up with her or is all his actions under influenced by a certain someone? dont let those first few chapters bore you away. Its amazing and if you love paranormal novels I 100000% recommend :)
November 27, 2018
Being a cross between a ghost story, abusive relationship, and romance, this book kept my attention until the end. I love the way the author only gave you bits of need to know information. It kept me guessing and eager to see what happens next.
December 28, 2018
I received an ARC copy from netgalley for my honest review, so thank you netgalley and publishers for offering me this book! ♡
The cover and title is what originally drew me to this book.
Lydia’s life felt like it ended when Tristan died. Sure, they had their problems and he could be a little…intense at times. But he’d promised to love her forever…
When her parents propose a summer across the country with a music teacher who runs an inn, Lydia agrees. But it’s different from what she expected. There’s a presence there she can’t quite reconcile—and it feels like it’s hunting her. It seems Tristan’s promise followed her…and may have graver consequences than she could have known.
Then there’s Michael Malone, the one light spot in an otherwise dark existence. Lydia can’t help but be drawn to him, and as they try to uncover the evil plaguing the inn, they grow closer. But guilt over Tristan’s death still consumes her. Can she and Michael uncover what evil lurks in the inn before it takes another victim?
This was my first book by this author. It was alltogether an easy read. ♡ I give this book a
4.5 star rating!
The cover and title is what originally drew me to this book.
Lydia’s life felt like it ended when Tristan died. Sure, they had their problems and he could be a little…intense at times. But he’d promised to love her forever…
When her parents propose a summer across the country with a music teacher who runs an inn, Lydia agrees. But it’s different from what she expected. There’s a presence there she can’t quite reconcile—and it feels like it’s hunting her. It seems Tristan’s promise followed her…and may have graver consequences than she could have known.
Then there’s Michael Malone, the one light spot in an otherwise dark existence. Lydia can’t help but be drawn to him, and as they try to uncover the evil plaguing the inn, they grow closer. But guilt over Tristan’s death still consumes her. Can she and Michael uncover what evil lurks in the inn before it takes another victim?
This was my first book by this author. It was alltogether an easy read. ♡ I give this book a
4.5 star rating!
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