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Rain City Lights
Coming of age and mystery blend in this stark, yet atmospheric tale of love and loss. A young woman is pushed onto the streets where she learns the harsh realities of what it means to survive, to serve justice, and to fight for the man she loves. As they navigate their way through Seattle's underground scene, Monti & Sasha will break and warm your heart!
"Sometimes you make so much history with someone, the present just don't make sense."
In the summer of 1981, a serial killer preys on black, teenage prostitutes working Seattle’s arterial highways. But the eyes of youth are blind to danger, and Montgomery “Monti” Jackson is distracted by her own problems. She’ll be starting high school soon, and the return of her mother’s boyfriend heightens the tension in her fractured household.
To add to her worries, Monti fears she may be in love with her best friend Sasha. But as close as they’d once been, now they couldn’t feel further apart. Sasha is a burnout punk rocker, and has befriended the neighborhood drug dealer. And when an eviction notice is posted on Monti’s door, a strange dynamic forms between them.
One night, an altercation leaves her family penniless. So Monti turns to the very streets where a killer stalks and ensnares young women, beginning her journey towards understanding one, simple truth - sometimes your only choices in life are to love and survive.
"Sometimes you make so much history with someone, the present just don't make sense."
In the summer of 1981, a serial killer preys on black, teenage prostitutes working Seattle’s arterial highways. But the eyes of youth are blind to danger, and Montgomery “Monti” Jackson is distracted by her own problems. She’ll be starting high school soon, and the return of her mother’s boyfriend heightens the tension in her fractured household.
To add to her worries, Monti fears she may be in love with her best friend Sasha. But as close as they’d once been, now they couldn’t feel further apart. Sasha is a burnout punk rocker, and has befriended the neighborhood drug dealer. And when an eviction notice is posted on Monti’s door, a strange dynamic forms between them.
One night, an altercation leaves her family penniless. So Monti turns to the very streets where a killer stalks and ensnares young women, beginning her journey towards understanding one, simple truth - sometimes your only choices in life are to love and survive.
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First published October 1, 2020
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About the author
Marissa Harrison
1 book94 followersMarissa Harrison is the author of her debut novel, Rain City Lights, and writes literary romantic suspense novels. She's also an avid reader and reads across many genres, except for sci-fi. Sci-fi is not her thing. In her spare time she enjoys running, hiking, dramatic miniseries' and a great glass of wine. She lives in Seattle with her husband and fur babies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
January 3, 2021
What a beautiful cover! I love a coming-of-age story!
Monti is about to start high school when her mother’s boyfriend returns and there’s a serial killer on the streets of Seattle, where she lives. Monti begins to question whether she’s in love with her best friend, Sasha.
In just one night, Monti’s family loses it all, and she’s on the streets, fending for herself.
What a unique and engaging story! Part murder mystery, part coming of age, a punk rock band, set in the 80s, an urban love story, with enough grit to keep it all grounded. I loved it, and I treasured these characters.
Marissa Harrison is a talented voice, and I can’t wait for her next novel!
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Monti is about to start high school when her mother’s boyfriend returns and there’s a serial killer on the streets of Seattle, where she lives. Monti begins to question whether she’s in love with her best friend, Sasha.
In just one night, Monti’s family loses it all, and she’s on the streets, fending for herself.
What a unique and engaging story! Part murder mystery, part coming of age, a punk rock band, set in the 80s, an urban love story, with enough grit to keep it all grounded. I loved it, and I treasured these characters.
Marissa Harrison is a talented voice, and I can’t wait for her next novel!
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
July 30, 2020
SEX, DRAMA AND ROCK'NROLL - THIS WILL ROCK YOUR WORLD!
If you like drama, murder mysteries, coming of age tales, interracial relationship, love stories and rock band back stories, THIS IS A MUST READ! A stellar debut novel, sure to be a number one hit!
Monti is a very poor child being raised by her drug addicted mother. Once a famous blues singer, who lost her career due to her habit, she turned to prostitution to pay for her habit and occasionally pays the rent. Monti's guardian angel is her next door neighbor, Sasha. Nearly inseparable since age 7, Sasha manages to get Monti food when she is without and supports her with a listening ear on her worst days, when she has no one else. Added to their challenges is the issue of Sasha being white and Monti being black, neither of their parents are pleased with their child's choice of selection of companionship.
As they mature, they turn to music and their love for each other burns stronger, beyond friendship. Unfortunately, they can't seem to be there completely for the other emotionally, since both had no nurturing in childhood or good role models. Monti turns to a career in law enforcement, while Sasha turns to his drugs and playing gigs. Writing original songs for his band, Fungus Reigns (punk and Grunge style), most of his music are long songs inspired by Monti. Monti's aversion to drugs means she loves Sasha from afar.
But wait, there's MORE! In the stories background is a murder mystery. While growing up, a serial murderer is on the loose, terrorizing the prostitutes of their Northwest Pacific community. Eventually, Monti becomes a part of the search. In the midst of her efforts, her past is illuminated. Though she had many unanswered questions about her family history and her childhood things begin to add up. This aspect adds a layer of suspense to the novel in a very intriguing way.
Ms. Harrison is a great talent. If she can weave all these story lines together her first time publishing, I can't imagine what comes next! The murder mystery was better than some published mysteries I've read that just focused on unraveling the murder. However, Sasha and Monti's story was also delivered a tragic love story of two people, who struggle to connect despite their challenges. I loved the characters and was rooting for them throughout their angst. Truly, this story delivers a novel of tenderness, emotion and unconditional love.
Thank you to Ms. Harrison (who went the extra mile to get a second copy to me, when the first went "missing" in rout), Pine City Press and Goodreads for an ARC in return for my honest review.
I am grateful for this opportunity.
If you like drama, murder mysteries, coming of age tales, interracial relationship, love stories and rock band back stories, THIS IS A MUST READ! A stellar debut novel, sure to be a number one hit!
Monti is a very poor child being raised by her drug addicted mother. Once a famous blues singer, who lost her career due to her habit, she turned to prostitution to pay for her habit and occasionally pays the rent. Monti's guardian angel is her next door neighbor, Sasha. Nearly inseparable since age 7, Sasha manages to get Monti food when she is without and supports her with a listening ear on her worst days, when she has no one else. Added to their challenges is the issue of Sasha being white and Monti being black, neither of their parents are pleased with their child's choice of selection of companionship.
As they mature, they turn to music and their love for each other burns stronger, beyond friendship. Unfortunately, they can't seem to be there completely for the other emotionally, since both had no nurturing in childhood or good role models. Monti turns to a career in law enforcement, while Sasha turns to his drugs and playing gigs. Writing original songs for his band, Fungus Reigns (punk and Grunge style), most of his music are long songs inspired by Monti. Monti's aversion to drugs means she loves Sasha from afar.
But wait, there's MORE! In the stories background is a murder mystery. While growing up, a serial murderer is on the loose, terrorizing the prostitutes of their Northwest Pacific community. Eventually, Monti becomes a part of the search. In the midst of her efforts, her past is illuminated. Though she had many unanswered questions about her family history and her childhood things begin to add up. This aspect adds a layer of suspense to the novel in a very intriguing way.
Ms. Harrison is a great talent. If she can weave all these story lines together her first time publishing, I can't imagine what comes next! The murder mystery was better than some published mysteries I've read that just focused on unraveling the murder. However, Sasha and Monti's story was also delivered a tragic love story of two people, who struggle to connect despite their challenges. I loved the characters and was rooting for them throughout their angst. Truly, this story delivers a novel of tenderness, emotion and unconditional love.
Thank you to Ms. Harrison (who went the extra mile to get a second copy to me, when the first went "missing" in rout), Pine City Press and Goodreads for an ARC in return for my honest review.
I am grateful for this opportunity.
August 7, 2020
I would give 3.5 stars so I rounded up to 4. I had trouble to go through the first 1/3 of the book but then I rushed through to the last pages.
I can't really explain why I was struggling with the beginning but it felt not special and I was almost expecting the average coming-of-age/fiction book. But then the magic happened and I loved Monti so much with each additional page. The relationship with Sasha felt so intimate and close, and I also loved the other side characters with all their errors and mistakes. (OK, I don't like Clarke, Reggie or Richard that much but well...)
Additionally, the story has many emotional and suspenseful moments which gets stronger to the end. And again, Monti is a very wonderful, strong girl who is so remarkable throughout the book! I truly love her. The gloomy atmosphere is well captured and I was also surprised by how diverse the characters were. It sometimes felt like a book I might have read in school for an assignment.
Oh, may I also mention how well chosen the book title is? "Rain City Lights" wonderfully reflects the sad fate of those who are not as privileged as others but who still won't give up their lives for their hope and happiness.
**I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens for leaving an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.**
I can't really explain why I was struggling with the beginning but it felt not special and I was almost expecting the average coming-of-age/fiction book. But then the magic happened and I loved Monti so much with each additional page. The relationship with Sasha felt so intimate and close, and I also loved the other side characters with all their errors and mistakes. (OK, I don't like Clarke, Reggie or Richard that much but well...)
Additionally, the story has many emotional and suspenseful moments which gets stronger to the end. And again, Monti is a very wonderful, strong girl who is so remarkable throughout the book! I truly love her. The gloomy atmosphere is well captured and I was also surprised by how diverse the characters were. It sometimes felt like a book I might have read in school for an assignment.
Oh, may I also mention how well chosen the book title is? "Rain City Lights" wonderfully reflects the sad fate of those who are not as privileged as others but who still won't give up their lives for their hope and happiness.
**I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens for leaving an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.**
June 10, 2020
Monti and her friends Sasha and 'Lights' were for me the driving force behind this tough, but great story. Their friendship contained plenty of challenges as did their lives, but their resiliency and failure to give up is what shone through.
Contains mystery, murders, drug abuse and poverty, but the plot is well written and these topics are skillfully handled. I loved the fact that they didn't take center stage and smother the main story.
A great read by Marissa Harrison!
Contains mystery, murders, drug abuse and poverty, but the plot is well written and these topics are skillfully handled. I loved the fact that they didn't take center stage and smother the main story.
A great read by Marissa Harrison!
Want to read
July 15, 20227/15/22: Putting this back on the shelf for a while. I made it to page-62, but am just too distracted with all the new releases flying at me every Tuesday.
I was enjoying what I have read so far, however it's a heavy story which I am not really in the mood for at the moment. I'm in a Summer Drama-Filled Thriller or Horror mood pretty much exclusively right now.
It's not a DNF-forever, just a see you soon, good-bye.
Original:
Yes, please. This sounds like a gut-punching, amazing story! I need to get my hands on it...
I was enjoying what I have read so far, however it's a heavy story which I am not really in the mood for at the moment. I'm in a Summer Drama-Filled Thriller or Horror mood pretty much exclusively right now.
It's not a DNF-forever, just a see you soon, good-bye.
Original:
Yes, please. This sounds like a gut-punching, amazing story! I need to get my hands on it...
September 5, 2020
4.5 Stars
Oh wow! Melissa Harrison smashes a home run with her debut novel! Thank you so much to Book Sirens for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Rain City Lights is a thriller centered around Monti and Sasha. We meet them as children when separate traumas throw them together. From that moment, they become best friends and each other's safe place. As they become teens, their lives are still harsh in different ways. Monti is smart, athletic and beautiful. She's also black and desperately poor, living with her single mother who loves her but has been so thoroughly beaten by racism, oppression and her own bad choices, she brings Monti dangerously close to being dragged down into the same life. Sasha is an artist, a gifted singer and musician who pours his heart and pain into music and is inspired by the punk movement of rebellion against the status quo. He's also white, the son of a single father who is a deeply disturbed, violent man who justifies himself in religious zeal. As teens in the 1980's in Seattle, victims of a society that hates them for different reasons, Monti and Sasha only have each other to rely on. But their feelings for each other have changed, grown into something more that's confusing and scary. They pull away from each other, afraid to admit their desires, their pain and too filled with pride and shame by the atrocities they suffer. There's violence and murder and danger in the city in the summer of 1981 when their lives are thrust down different paths and they lose each other. It not until several years later in 1989, when meet again as young adults, that they are forced to deal with the traumas of their past and feelings they've both tried to bury. And they're thrown back into the cold case of the serial killer who plagued the city 8 years ago.
I loved this book!! The character development was truly outstanding, done with such attention to detail that I know I'll still feel connected to them for a long time to come. The story is compelling and the writing is descriptive without being flowery or overdone. The author's use of flashbacks was also very well done and added depth to the story. I was captured by the back stories some of the other characters, learning what led them to the present narrative. I think the author could have gone a bit deeper with these because there are still some unanswered questions remaining. There were a few characters that, upon finishing the book, I now wonder what their purpose was because their arcs either ended abruptly or didn't tie up in a satisfactory way. I loved that the author surprised me with how she developed Monti and Sasha, making choices I didn't expect. And while I wouldn't call the twist a shocking surprise, it was still quite good and unexpected.
Overall, this is a great debut and deserves more buzz and excitement! Loved it and I can't wait to see what Melissa Harrison writes next!
Trigger warnings for violence, child abuse, drug use, sexual assault, and the use of racist language.
Oh wow! Melissa Harrison smashes a home run with her debut novel! Thank you so much to Book Sirens for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Rain City Lights is a thriller centered around Monti and Sasha. We meet them as children when separate traumas throw them together. From that moment, they become best friends and each other's safe place. As they become teens, their lives are still harsh in different ways. Monti is smart, athletic and beautiful. She's also black and desperately poor, living with her single mother who loves her but has been so thoroughly beaten by racism, oppression and her own bad choices, she brings Monti dangerously close to being dragged down into the same life. Sasha is an artist, a gifted singer and musician who pours his heart and pain into music and is inspired by the punk movement of rebellion against the status quo. He's also white, the son of a single father who is a deeply disturbed, violent man who justifies himself in religious zeal. As teens in the 1980's in Seattle, victims of a society that hates them for different reasons, Monti and Sasha only have each other to rely on. But their feelings for each other have changed, grown into something more that's confusing and scary. They pull away from each other, afraid to admit their desires, their pain and too filled with pride and shame by the atrocities they suffer. There's violence and murder and danger in the city in the summer of 1981 when their lives are thrust down different paths and they lose each other. It not until several years later in 1989, when meet again as young adults, that they are forced to deal with the traumas of their past and feelings they've both tried to bury. And they're thrown back into the cold case of the serial killer who plagued the city 8 years ago.
I loved this book!! The character development was truly outstanding, done with such attention to detail that I know I'll still feel connected to them for a long time to come. The story is compelling and the writing is descriptive without being flowery or overdone. The author's use of flashbacks was also very well done and added depth to the story. I was captured by the back stories some of the other characters, learning what led them to the present narrative. I think the author could have gone a bit deeper with these because there are still some unanswered questions remaining. There were a few characters that, upon finishing the book, I now wonder what their purpose was because their arcs either ended abruptly or didn't tie up in a satisfactory way. I loved that the author surprised me with how she developed Monti and Sasha, making choices I didn't expect. And while I wouldn't call the twist a shocking surprise, it was still quite good and unexpected.
Overall, this is a great debut and deserves more buzz and excitement! Loved it and I can't wait to see what Melissa Harrison writes next!
Trigger warnings for violence, child abuse, drug use, sexual assault, and the use of racist language.
June 7, 2021
*Thanks to the author & MTMC Tours for the review copy! Check our tour stop here: @thereaderandthechef*
Oh, I just finished Rain City Lights by @marissa.harrison.books & I am just drowning in FEELS. This book is BEAUTIFUL and heartbreaking, about two teens growing up in 1980’s Seattle while they navigate a life of abuse, neglect, poverty, and at risk of racial & gender discrimination. Absolutely loved Monti & Sasha, my heart would constantly ache for all the things they had to endure. Both messy and in desperate need of help, but such beautiful broken souls.
Rain City Lights also has a murder mystery plot and it was brutal and had me at the edge of my seat the whole time. It turns out I am not that great at solving mysteries since this book would constantly flip everything I thought I knew and throw me back to square one. It is all masterfully written and was constantly awed by the author.
Highly recommend this read if you like gritty, urban stories that are heartbreaking but with a lot of soul. ♥
Oh, I just finished Rain City Lights by @marissa.harrison.books & I am just drowning in FEELS. This book is BEAUTIFUL and heartbreaking, about two teens growing up in 1980’s Seattle while they navigate a life of abuse, neglect, poverty, and at risk of racial & gender discrimination. Absolutely loved Monti & Sasha, my heart would constantly ache for all the things they had to endure. Both messy and in desperate need of help, but such beautiful broken souls.
Rain City Lights also has a murder mystery plot and it was brutal and had me at the edge of my seat the whole time. It turns out I am not that great at solving mysteries since this book would constantly flip everything I thought I knew and throw me back to square one. It is all masterfully written and was constantly awed by the author.
Highly recommend this read if you like gritty, urban stories that are heartbreaking but with a lot of soul. ♥
May 24, 2021
4,5
It was absolutely fantastic, it has a little bit of everything.It was fast paced, interesting, there is mystery and it deals with different topics. Murders, racism, poverty and drugs , while I was reading it I thought it could be an amazing movie. This book follows Monti and Sasha as they grow up together, and later they are apart.It's a raw, gripping and emotional story. There are twists and turns to keep you on edge.The author did such a good job, the writing is fantastic and the plot captivating.
It was absolutely fantastic, it has a little bit of everything.It was fast paced, interesting, there is mystery and it deals with different topics. Murders, racism, poverty and drugs , while I was reading it I thought it could be an amazing movie. This book follows Monti and Sasha as they grow up together, and later they are apart.It's a raw, gripping and emotional story. There are twists and turns to keep you on edge.The author did such a good job, the writing is fantastic and the plot captivating.
February 10, 2021
Set in Seattle in 1981, Monti, an impoverished child being raised by her drug-addicted mother, is busy and disturbed with her own problems. Her mother was a singer, but she lost her job and turned into prostitution to pay for her drug and rent.
Monti’s only hope was her next-door neighbor Sasha since the age of 7, they shared so much with each other despite their parent’s dissatisfaction with this friendship, since Monti was black, and Sasha was white.
They shared their love of music and their relationship grew stronger and intimate.
As their feeling towards each other grow they become fearful to admit their desire and they pull away. With all the danger and murder in the city during the summer of 91, they both are being pushed to different paths, Monti starts a job in law enforcement, while Sasha turns to his drugs and playing music and concerts. with all this, they get away from each other until they meet again 8 years later and thrown back into the cold case of a serial killer and the feeling they both tried to bury.
I enjoyed Harrison’s choice of side characters and all their blunders. She did a great job interweaving the storyline and rich characters. main characters were perfectly crafted through flashbacks and moving the story forward. The surprising changes made the story more tempting.
This book touches so many ongoing issues and I think I like to see it turning into a movie.
Trigger warnings: gender inequality, sexual assault, violence, child abuse, drug use, and the use of racist language
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Monti’s only hope was her next-door neighbor Sasha since the age of 7, they shared so much with each other despite their parent’s dissatisfaction with this friendship, since Monti was black, and Sasha was white.
They shared their love of music and their relationship grew stronger and intimate.
As their feeling towards each other grow they become fearful to admit their desire and they pull away. With all the danger and murder in the city during the summer of 91, they both are being pushed to different paths, Monti starts a job in law enforcement, while Sasha turns to his drugs and playing music and concerts. with all this, they get away from each other until they meet again 8 years later and thrown back into the cold case of a serial killer and the feeling they both tried to bury.
I enjoyed Harrison’s choice of side characters and all their blunders. She did a great job interweaving the storyline and rich characters. main characters were perfectly crafted through flashbacks and moving the story forward. The surprising changes made the story more tempting.
This book touches so many ongoing issues and I think I like to see it turning into a movie.
Trigger warnings: gender inequality, sexual assault, violence, child abuse, drug use, and the use of racist language
Blog
Amazon
January 21, 2021
Harrison has written an intoxicating debut novel. She takes us back to the 1980s deep into the city streets of Seattle, among the drugs and prostitution. But the real shining stars are Monti and Sasha who met as young children and became the best of friends under the worst of circumstances.
Monti Jackson is falling in love with her best friend Sasha. She met him at only seven years old. It was the night Sasha’s mom died, and they have been best friends ever since. They share so much, yet they hide their deepest hurts and true feelings for each other.
As Sasha and Monti enter high school, things start to change. Although color and money have always separated them, they have never let that come between them, not really. But Monti doesn’t want Sasha’s pity and she doesn’t want to compete with his new friend Tommy.
Monti needs to worry about her mom too. She knows her mom has been selling herself to try and earn rent money, but when Reggie, her mom’s abusive boyfriend, comes back, they lose everything. Now Monti has to find a way to get money for rent, and it means doing something she never thought she’d lower herself to do.
But Monti is leaving herself vulnerable, as a serial killer has been stalking and killing young, black prostitutes in the area, and the predator is closer than Monti knows.
This story gets pretty heavy on many important topics: **racial injustices, drug abuse, mental health, homophobia, parental abuse, physical and verbal abuse. [TW]
It's a tense thriller and an achingly beautiful coming-of-age love story all rolled into one. I guarantee you will be rooting for Sasha and Monti, but fair warning they will break your heart bit-by-bit.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @marissa.harrison.books for this #gifted copy.
Monti Jackson is falling in love with her best friend Sasha. She met him at only seven years old. It was the night Sasha’s mom died, and they have been best friends ever since. They share so much, yet they hide their deepest hurts and true feelings for each other.
As Sasha and Monti enter high school, things start to change. Although color and money have always separated them, they have never let that come between them, not really. But Monti doesn’t want Sasha’s pity and she doesn’t want to compete with his new friend Tommy.
Monti needs to worry about her mom too. She knows her mom has been selling herself to try and earn rent money, but when Reggie, her mom’s abusive boyfriend, comes back, they lose everything. Now Monti has to find a way to get money for rent, and it means doing something she never thought she’d lower herself to do.
But Monti is leaving herself vulnerable, as a serial killer has been stalking and killing young, black prostitutes in the area, and the predator is closer than Monti knows.
This story gets pretty heavy on many important topics: **racial injustices, drug abuse, mental health, homophobia, parental abuse, physical and verbal abuse. [TW]
It's a tense thriller and an achingly beautiful coming-of-age love story all rolled into one. I guarantee you will be rooting for Sasha and Monti, but fair warning they will break your heart bit-by-bit.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @marissa.harrison.books for this #gifted copy.
August 5, 2020
This is an absolute must read novel. I loved almost everything about it and I already miss the characters.
It’s 1981 in Seattle and there’s been a string of murders targeting black prostitutes. But honestly while crucial to the storyline, it’s not the focal point. Monti, the protagonist, and her neighbor/best friend Sasha are coming of age in some of the most difficult circumstances. Both children of single parents for reasons explained in the book, Monti and Sasha’s story address racial discrimination, classism, gender inequality, prostitution, homelessness, and drug abuse, among many other issues. And of course the favorite ‘will they/won’t they’ storyline.
I think what I loved most about this book is that Harrison wove intensely rich characters and plot lines from beginning to end. There’s certainly a thriller aspect in that there’s a huge murder component but the way she developed the characters, both with flashbacks and by moving the storyline forward a decade, is what struck me as truly beautiful writing.
The only thing that made this slightly difficult to read was that the time jumped around and if a chapter started it in the past, it was always easy to note when it shifted back to the future. There was also a moment when it said it was 1981 and the trial was taking place, but I think that date was inaccurate? Regardless, the story was not affected and everything still flowed very well.
.
Please go read and fall in love with this book and these characters like I did so it gets all the attention it deserves. And pre-order it for when it’s officially published in October!
It’s 1981 in Seattle and there’s been a string of murders targeting black prostitutes. But honestly while crucial to the storyline, it’s not the focal point. Monti, the protagonist, and her neighbor/best friend Sasha are coming of age in some of the most difficult circumstances. Both children of single parents for reasons explained in the book, Monti and Sasha’s story address racial discrimination, classism, gender inequality, prostitution, homelessness, and drug abuse, among many other issues. And of course the favorite ‘will they/won’t they’ storyline.
I think what I loved most about this book is that Harrison wove intensely rich characters and plot lines from beginning to end. There’s certainly a thriller aspect in that there’s a huge murder component but the way she developed the characters, both with flashbacks and by moving the storyline forward a decade, is what struck me as truly beautiful writing.
The only thing that made this slightly difficult to read was that the time jumped around and if a chapter started it in the past, it was always easy to note when it shifted back to the future. There was also a moment when it said it was 1981 and the trial was taking place, but I think that date was inaccurate? Regardless, the story was not affected and everything still flowed very well.
.
Please go read and fall in love with this book and these characters like I did so it gets all the attention it deserves. And pre-order it for when it’s officially published in October!
February 19, 2021
This book is so beautifully written. The descriptions are stunning. The scenes were painted so vividly that I could see everything playing out like a movie.
I also loved the characters. I thought they were so well developed & I really enjoyed watching them change from teenagers into adults. Sometimes their interactions positively broke my heart. Monti is a great character who undergoes such an amazing transformation. I really feel like I developed an attachment to them over the course of the book & I’m kind of sad to let them go now. 🥺
The ending had a little twist that took me by surprise for sure. I was like “wait, what!?” I loved the mixture of romance and thriller/mystery & I thought the author did it very well with the perfect balance of the genres.
I absolutely love this quote, which is also featured on the back cover: “Sometimes you make so much history with someone, the present just don’t make sense.” WOW.
Since this was her debut novel, I can’t wait to see what else the talented Marissa Harrison comes up with! This one was fabulous & well worth a read. I definitely recommend it!
I also loved the characters. I thought they were so well developed & I really enjoyed watching them change from teenagers into adults. Sometimes their interactions positively broke my heart. Monti is a great character who undergoes such an amazing transformation. I really feel like I developed an attachment to them over the course of the book & I’m kind of sad to let them go now. 🥺
The ending had a little twist that took me by surprise for sure. I was like “wait, what!?” I loved the mixture of romance and thriller/mystery & I thought the author did it very well with the perfect balance of the genres.
I absolutely love this quote, which is also featured on the back cover: “Sometimes you make so much history with someone, the present just don’t make sense.” WOW.
Since this was her debut novel, I can’t wait to see what else the talented Marissa Harrison comes up with! This one was fabulous & well worth a read. I definitely recommend it!
July 26, 2020
What a whirlwind of a story! There are a lot of big ticket issues going on in this book. You have gender inequality, racial discrimination, drug abuse, prostitution, homelessness, just to name a few. There was quite a bit of heft to this story. Basically there is the Sasha and Monti friendship/slow burn romance and the serial killer picking off victims left a right. Both plot lines were interesting and moved at a good clip. I was surprised that I enjoyed the flashbacks of my least favorite characters to understand more how they became the person they are today. Usually I find flashbacks unnecessary and skip them entirely. Getting more information and seeing a different point of view was great.
I felt like this was the kind of story I should have read in high school rather than some of the horribly dull books I had to read. The story was interesting, there was great character growth and we got to see how the hardships of our main characters affected their whole lives.
Ugh, Sasha and Monti were frustrating but great at the same time. Will they or won't they? Who is messing up their life more? I have to admit, I did find the ending a bit unsatisfying. I would have preferred it all magically fixed and tied in a neat bow. The characters have a long road ahead of them and I guess it wouldn't be true to their characters or story if it wrapped up nice. It was a deep, thought provoking read overall.
I felt like this was the kind of story I should have read in high school rather than some of the horribly dull books I had to read. The story was interesting, there was great character growth and we got to see how the hardships of our main characters affected their whole lives.
Ugh, Sasha and Monti were frustrating but great at the same time. Will they or won't they? Who is messing up their life more? I have to admit, I did find the ending a bit unsatisfying. I would have preferred it all magically fixed and tied in a neat bow. The characters have a long road ahead of them and I guess it wouldn't be true to their characters or story if it wrapped up nice. It was a deep, thought provoking read overall.
November 1, 2021
What Just Happened?!
First of;
- This book was amazing!
- No Shit, Emma.
When it comes to books with few reads and from an unknown author it's a game of Russian roulette. You really have no idea what you're getting into. It could be a hidden gem or it could be a reason for the book being unknown. Rain City Lights shocked me from the start.
This book had everything!
It was funny, my type of humor with sarcastic answers to serious topics.
"You have to pick one vice and stick to it, Daan. I can either be a homosexual or sleeping with Monti, but I don't think it's fair to accuse me of both."
It showed beautiful relationships, especially between Monti and Sasha (how gorgeous are those names?!).
"He knocked, two rasps with his knuckles. Are you still there? (...)
Until she knocked back. I'm still here."
It also showed great character depth and development. As well as taught me that some people are equally the worst and the best. People are more complex than "a bad person" or "a good person". This book made me so invested in every character. I usually don't enjoy too many subplots and side characters, however, Rain City Lights had me on the edge of my seat for.every.single.one!
But most importantly it dealt with very important topics in a heartbreakingly realistic way. Me being a privileged white woman felt like I got educated in a non-educated way. Rain City Lights is the perfect book to readif you want for everyone who should learn about injustice. It dealt with feminism, racism and social class.
"Rich people got the cleanest trash."
"Somewhere, in the urban sprawl, one man's desire could be the end of one woman's desperation."
This book was also so beautifully written, I wanted to cozy up to the words on the page.
"Her skin was like burnt marshmallow, toasted a rich amaretto and so very sweet."
I recommend this book to; everyone!
Thank you Marissa Harrison who gifted me this book in exchange of an honest review. I genuinely loved it!
First of;
- This book was amazing!
- No Shit, Emma.
When it comes to books with few reads and from an unknown author it's a game of Russian roulette. You really have no idea what you're getting into. It could be a hidden gem or it could be a reason for the book being unknown. Rain City Lights shocked me from the start.
This book had everything!
It was funny, my type of humor with sarcastic answers to serious topics.
"You have to pick one vice and stick to it, Daan. I can either be a homosexual or sleeping with Monti, but I don't think it's fair to accuse me of both."
It showed beautiful relationships, especially between Monti and Sasha (how gorgeous are those names?!).
"He knocked, two rasps with his knuckles. Are you still there? (...)
Until she knocked back. I'm still here."
It also showed great character depth and development. As well as taught me that some people are equally the worst and the best. People are more complex than "a bad person" or "a good person". This book made me so invested in every character. I usually don't enjoy too many subplots and side characters, however, Rain City Lights had me on the edge of my seat for.every.single.one!
But most importantly it dealt with very important topics in a heartbreakingly realistic way. Me being a privileged white woman felt like I got educated in a non-educated way. Rain City Lights is the perfect book to read
"Rich people got the cleanest trash."
"Somewhere, in the urban sprawl, one man's desire could be the end of one woman's desperation."
This book was also so beautifully written, I wanted to cozy up to the words on the page.
"Her skin was like burnt marshmallow, toasted a rich amaretto and so very sweet."
I recommend this book to; everyone!
Thank you Marissa Harrison who gifted me this book in exchange of an honest review. I genuinely loved it!
November 23, 2021
Part coming-of-age, part murder mystery, RAIN CITY LIGHTS was a thrilling, fast-paced story of trauma, love, and loss that also gives readers plenty of food for thought and many a discussion point.
The world that Harrison created with this book was dark, gritty, and mean, much like the streets of 1981 Seattle, but there was beauty to be found as well, particularly in the people who inhabit said streets. There’s a strong theme that runs throughout of life experiences, where people come from, and how that shapes and forms them into the people they are today. There’s also plenty of talking points about human nature and how at the end of the day, people are people, and everyone is a person worthy of being seen as such.
The characters were all perfectly imperfect, and I really loved the emotion that Harrison packs in to this story. There are quite a few gut-punching scenes, and you couldn’t help but feel the trauma, grief, sadness, and anger right alongside these characters. There are a few bright spots though, particularly between Monti and Sasha, and I adored their friendship-turned-more. I love those two with my whole heart, and the heartbreak this book took me through was completely worth it. 4 stars.
*Many thanks to R&R Booktours and the author for providing a copy for review.
The world that Harrison created with this book was dark, gritty, and mean, much like the streets of 1981 Seattle, but there was beauty to be found as well, particularly in the people who inhabit said streets. There’s a strong theme that runs throughout of life experiences, where people come from, and how that shapes and forms them into the people they are today. There’s also plenty of talking points about human nature and how at the end of the day, people are people, and everyone is a person worthy of being seen as such.
The characters were all perfectly imperfect, and I really loved the emotion that Harrison packs in to this story. There are quite a few gut-punching scenes, and you couldn’t help but feel the trauma, grief, sadness, and anger right alongside these characters. There are a few bright spots though, particularly between Monti and Sasha, and I adored their friendship-turned-more. I love those two with my whole heart, and the heartbreak this book took me through was completely worth it. 4 stars.
*Many thanks to R&R Booktours and the author for providing a copy for review.
May 28, 2021
This book takes place in the 1980s when a serial killer is targeting black, teenage prostitutes in Seattle, WA. Monti is starting high school, and she is in a less than ideal situation. Her mom is an addict who spends their rent money on drugs. Monti also has a best friend and neighbor Sasha who gets wrapped up in punk rock and drugs. What will Monti do to survive the unfortunate circumstances she continues to find herself in?
TW: Sexual assault, drug abuse, murder
This book has so tough topics, but I felt the author did such a good job of setting up the storyline. This novel jumps back and forth between different time periods that has you not wanting to put it down. There was mystery combined with love and loyalty, and I would highly recommend to my friends who enjoy these types of books.
TW: Sexual assault, drug abuse, murder
This book has so tough topics, but I felt the author did such a good job of setting up the storyline. This novel jumps back and forth between different time periods that has you not wanting to put it down. There was mystery combined with love and loyalty, and I would highly recommend to my friends who enjoy these types of books.
March 24, 2021
This book totally lived up to my own hype of it. It has the most amazing combination of a coming of age story, love story, and thriller. I’m not sure which part was my favorite. Each part is well balanced and intricately portrayed.
I think the setting of the 1980s was excellently represented. There is a good bit about music since Sasha is a performer which I liked. The flashbacks throughout the book gave the characters the necessary background I needed.
There are a lot of hard hitting issues portrayed in this book and the author even has a note about it at the beginning.
I would suggest this not only to read solo but as a book club or buddy read because it lends itself so well to some hard hitting discussion.
I think the setting of the 1980s was excellently represented. There is a good bit about music since Sasha is a performer which I liked. The flashbacks throughout the book gave the characters the necessary background I needed.
There are a lot of hard hitting issues portrayed in this book and the author even has a note about it at the beginning.
I would suggest this not only to read solo but as a book club or buddy read because it lends itself so well to some hard hitting discussion.
January 26, 2021
Due to illness I unfortunately have to make my reviews short and to the point. If you love thrillers with a side of romantic view then this book is for you. While I don't normally read thrillers, this one made me want to add more to my reading shelf. It's enough to keep wanting to know more with each page you turn.
May 28, 2021
The book is a perfect coming of age story with a thrilling storyline. The characters are written beautifully, they are raw and unpredictable. Sasha and Monti are at-risk teens and it shows, their character development is written expertly. The author has done an amazing job of showing just how cruel and crazy the world can be.
The books explores themes of addiction, crime and love in a suspenseful arc. The story will touch your hearts and take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
The books explores themes of addiction, crime and love in a suspenseful arc. The story will touch your hearts and take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
March 8, 2022
Fabulous debut novel. Anything written about the 80’s is right up my alley. Drama Love Drugs Rock & Roll and Murder all tied into very strong characters. I loved the ending. An awesome coming of age novel. Thank you Goodreads for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing book. I can’t wait to read Marissa Harrison’s next book.
May 9, 2023
I got this book free from a contest. The first 30 percent drug a bit. I feel the characters didn't grab me and the story wasn't that interesting until after that. Took me 4 days to read the first 30 percent and 1 day to read the rest. The mystery was pretty much figured out about halfway through but I do like the happy ending. I gave it 3/5 stars.
April 21, 2020
Murders, racism, poverty, drugs... Those things were involved in the story, so it was so heavy that I got tired when I read it for several hours at once. But the story was so interesting and I couldn’t stop reading it.
Although one of the biggest themes of Part 1 is teenagers’ friendship and romance, but it’s not a cute puppy love thing. Their relationship was complicated and difficult, and totally different from relationship between teenagers in other books.
Part 2 focused on the crime more than Part 1. It was fun for me to guess who the killer was. The reason of the crime was... intriguing.
I enjoyed the whole story, but especially the last few chapters were amazing. You can’t imagine how fast my heart pounded. It was a thrilling and surprising ending!
One of the main character Sasha sings songs. Since the author is good at describing his singing voice and music, it made me want to listen to his band’s songs. They should be to my taste.
Only one thing that distracted me from reading was the name of a Chinese girl. Her name was Japanese. Since I’m Japanese and can speak Chinese, I noticed it and it bothered me.
Although one of the biggest themes of Part 1 is teenagers’ friendship and romance, but it’s not a cute puppy love thing. Their relationship was complicated and difficult, and totally different from relationship between teenagers in other books.
Part 2 focused on the crime more than Part 1. It was fun for me to guess who the killer was. The reason of the crime was... intriguing.
I enjoyed the whole story, but especially the last few chapters were amazing. You can’t imagine how fast my heart pounded. It was a thrilling and surprising ending!
One of the main character Sasha sings songs. Since the author is good at describing his singing voice and music, it made me want to listen to his band’s songs. They should be to my taste.
Only one thing that distracted me from reading was the name of a Chinese girl. Her name was Japanese. Since I’m Japanese and can speak Chinese, I noticed it and it bothered me.
May 7, 2020
The first book in a long time that I couldn’t put down. The kind that makes you read just one more page, one more chapter, just till you learn what happens to... late into the night. Characters that are easy to relate to, who make their way into your mind and heart after the first few pages. A serious, sometimes stark story told through impressions and emotions. I loved it
July 24, 2023
3.5 stars
May 9, 2023
This book was just okay. The dialogue was unrealistic and the prose wasn't excellent, but the storyline had enough to keep me reading. Even so, I wasn't surprised by any of the plot points.
September 10, 2020
*ARC from Netgalley*
A family drama, a coming-of-age story, a murder mystery, a detective story, a romance, social issues and commentary, Rain City Lights had a lot going on!
This book follows Monti and Sasha as they grow up together, and later apart, in the world of addiction and prostitution and poverty in Seattle. One becomes an undercover detective, the other a rock star about to achieve stardom.
And also, there's a serial killer targeting black sex workers. It seemed at first to be an unrelated background story, but it all tragically ties together as the mystery unfolds.
It was suspenseful and emotional, and you can't help but root for these very flawed characters and their unbreakable friendship.
A family drama, a coming-of-age story, a murder mystery, a detective story, a romance, social issues and commentary, Rain City Lights had a lot going on!
This book follows Monti and Sasha as they grow up together, and later apart, in the world of addiction and prostitution and poverty in Seattle. One becomes an undercover detective, the other a rock star about to achieve stardom.
And also, there's a serial killer targeting black sex workers. It seemed at first to be an unrelated background story, but it all tragically ties together as the mystery unfolds.
It was suspenseful and emotional, and you can't help but root for these very flawed characters and their unbreakable friendship.
November 13, 2022
This book was a rollercoaster of a ride - coming of age, drugs, sex, murder mystery, drama. There’s so much to it! To be honest I had trouble through the first half of this book. It seemed a little slow but it really ramped up in the second half. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters. They were raw and real and had me rooting for them all the way through.
**I won a digital copy of this book in a StoryGraph giveaway.**
**I won a digital copy of this book in a StoryGraph giveaway.**
February 23, 2021
It's Christmas Eve in the 1980s when Monti meets Sasha for the first time. Even though she's only seven, she knows he will be her best friend for life. At sixteen, Monti and Sasha part ways after life has broken them in so many ways. Monti turns to the street because she needs to fend for herself and it's the only thing she knows, the only thing she's seen her mother do. Monti has always had to look out for herself, and now she knows she has to even more because there's a serial killer on the loose who is brutally murdering prostitutes. Meanwhile, Sasha heads for a punk rock life and begins to dabble in drugs, but, hey, that's all part of the lifestyle, right?
"Sometimes you make so much history with someone, the present just don't make sense.”
This was deeply sad and deeply moving. The characterization in this novel is spot on. Monti is such an incredibly strong character that you just can't help but love and want the best for her. Sasha is flawed and kind and redeemable. As I was reading, I just kept thinking, "these poor kids." They felt so real to me that I wished they were and that I could be in Seattle with them in the 80s when they were growing up. I'm not going to say I enjoyed this because it was so heavy that the word "enjoyed" just doesn't work, but I really loved this book. It was real and gritty. It was sad yet hopeful. I'm here for whatever Marissa Harrison writes even if it breaks my heart.
"Sometimes you make so much history with someone, the present just don't make sense.”
This was deeply sad and deeply moving. The characterization in this novel is spot on. Monti is such an incredibly strong character that you just can't help but love and want the best for her. Sasha is flawed and kind and redeemable. As I was reading, I just kept thinking, "these poor kids." They felt so real to me that I wished they were and that I could be in Seattle with them in the 80s when they were growing up. I'm not going to say I enjoyed this because it was so heavy that the word "enjoyed" just doesn't work, but I really loved this book. It was real and gritty. It was sad yet hopeful. I'm here for whatever Marissa Harrison writes even if it breaks my heart.
March 6, 2020
Beautifully written with characters that stay with you and a story that keeps you guessing from beginning to end. At once: powerful, haunting, moving, suspenseful. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a memorable love story or a page turning thriller. You won’t forget the protagonists of Rain City Lights, Monti and Sasha.
September 19, 2020
The two main characters of Monti and Sasha are the driving force that keep this novel's storyline both heartbreaking and worth fighting for. I was initially drawn to this debut because of the true crime aspect and while that is present, I felt there could have been a little bit more added as the story progressed. It focuses on romance a little more than I would have liked and although it is written well, that aspect was more often frustrating and distracting than anything.
The second half is much more enjoyable than the first, which is heavy on the character background that include characters that are pretty horrible people (but I will say it makes sense to the story). The topics covered here are pretty rough (heroin addiction, sex work, rape, murder, domestic abuse, and religion). That's A LOT of heavy stuff and it was never used egregiously, I just wish that there could have been a "light at the end of the tunnel" or more definition to the characters we meet.
Monti as the main protagonist was refreshing and badass. There were pieces of her story that I noticed felt way too easy (I don't want to mention those because of spoilers). I'll just say when they happened, I kinda just said to myself "Oh, that's convenient" It would never be that easy or simple in reality.
Not a bad book at all. I really appreciate how it teetered the edge of true crime AND romance in a new way. Just not was I was expecting. It took a little while to really get invested and the subject was hard to push through at times. Monti and Sasha as the main characters and the Seattle setting were the shining stars.
*Much respect to Marissa Harrison for crafting complicated characters with grace and to Pine City Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy before it is released on October 1st!*
The second half is much more enjoyable than the first, which is heavy on the character background that include characters that are pretty horrible people (but I will say it makes sense to the story). The topics covered here are pretty rough (heroin addiction, sex work, rape, murder, domestic abuse, and religion). That's A LOT of heavy stuff and it was never used egregiously, I just wish that there could have been a "light at the end of the tunnel" or more definition to the characters we meet.
Monti as the main protagonist was refreshing and badass. There were pieces of her story that I noticed felt way too easy (I don't want to mention those because of spoilers). I'll just say when they happened, I kinda just said to myself "Oh, that's convenient" It would never be that easy or simple in reality.
Not a bad book at all. I really appreciate how it teetered the edge of true crime AND romance in a new way. Just not was I was expecting. It took a little while to really get invested and the subject was hard to push through at times. Monti and Sasha as the main characters and the Seattle setting were the shining stars.
*Much respect to Marissa Harrison for crafting complicated characters with grace and to Pine City Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy before it is released on October 1st!*
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