Absinthe of the Heart by Monica JamesMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Monica James O-M-G what in gods name have you done? This is an emotionally gripping novel that had me in all kinds of states- my emotions were torn, shredded, glued together, then torn apart. This book was darkly delicious because of the layers and of the characters involved. It is a unique story that is not your typical enemies to lovers read. It is filled with drama, suspense, angst, intrigue and a heap of romance to boot.
In the prologue is where we meet the parents of London and Holland at school, and see how their actions set off a chain reaction where the consequences have set up for their children. They hated each other’s guts because their parents hated each other.
Holland is the girl who has the parents who love each other and in turn love her. They may not have much else material wise but they are rich in love for each other. Thing is, she is the target for London’s hate-filled attacks on a daily basis it seems. And each year it seems to get worse. Now London is the boy who has everything he could ever want- looks, girls, guys looking up to him, riches-everything except loving parents. And that burns him because he hears his mom tell him things and he is bitter. So he lashes out at her, emotionally and physically. Until everything changes one night. Holland’s friend Belle gets Holland to meet her at a party in the woods. While there, looking for Belle, something happens between her and London which sets off this epic reaction between her, London, Belle and Lincoln who ends up being her boyfriend. Holland and London realize that they are not responsible for their parents’ actions and feelings and they realize they have deep feelings for one another but outside forces are determined to keep them apart. Something occurs between Holland and London and separates them and they do not see each other for 10 years. When Holland does come home 10 years later, we realize Holland has some issues in her personal life. She is unhappy yet trying to fake happiness. In returning home, she runs into London again. The love she has for him is still there and quite deep. But at the same time, she is afraid to let go of the misunderstandings and lost time. She is also being followed and stalked by someone. Who would be sending threatening letters to Holland? During the time she was away from town, someone has grown a lot closer to London—and at the epic cliffhanger, we find out Lincoln isn’t mister good guy and has tons of secrets. How long has those secrets been in effect and where does Belle fit into this?? Oh My Gosh.. This was a phenomenal story, it has hate to love, enemies to lovers to enemies again, angst , pain, heartbreak, unrequited love, passion, obsession, and so much more. The sex is red-hot and steamy. I loved the young versions of Holland and London and was just getting revved up with the grown up versions of Holland and London when the book went into a cliffy. This is a HOT READ. There is so much drama and angst. This isn’t your typical romance which is fantastic. I like unique reads and this is one. There is so much going on and I am dying to find out what is going on and if Holland and London will get their HEA. All I can say is this is a MUST READ by the fantabulous and marvelous Monica James.
My Rating: 4.9 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
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