The Grove Series - A.R. Breck

Ruminations of an Insomniac..

I have to start this review with a trigger warning of sorts.. The author does include trigger warnings in the synopsis of both books (which can be found at the very bottom of this review). 

Reapers and Roses (Book 1)

A.R. Breck seriously took me off guard with this one.. A story, seemingly poised to be another standard enemies to lovers high school romance, took on a life of it's own before my eyes. She hits raw marks and dives into deep issues, giving a voice to silent victims. Sure, there are trope-y elements. But she fluidly blends them with hard hitting realities. The one that stood out to me most, weaving its way through chapter after chapter, was the stark difference between life above and below the poverty line. 

Easton and Rose are the most unlikely of pairs, making their clash feel of epic proportions. They have counteracting determination, and in several places I wasn't sure if they'd have a HEA or actually kill each other. They are fire and ice, Superman and kryptonite. 

"Because I'll keep you afloat. I'll save you, little Rose. Just like I've been saving you since day one." - Easton Malone

The thing is, fire melts ice. Making it seem like a completely different substance. And kryptonite? While most would argue that it is Superman's greatest weakness, it's also the thing that essentially makes him equal. His heart ties him to humanity, but the kryptonite brings him down from his pedestal, making him human. And if anyone can tame a Reaper, a Rose growing through adversity just might do the trick.

Thorn in the Dark (Book 2)

Fair warning, the cliffhanger that Book one left off on was outright brutal. I'm super thankful I waited until both were released to read this duet, because not knowing would have killed me. But now, I have all the answers!

Book two picks up, exactly where the first left off. I'm talking, the same moment. With Rose immersed in an unimaginable struggle, and Easton swooping in as her protector. This half of the story is brimming with even more hard reality hits. It's a delicately crafted image of strength and support, pulling one out of darkness. But also serves as a heartbreaking nod to addiction, duty, and loss. Saturated with deep-seated notes of coping before healing, too. 

“I bring the darkness, and you, Rose, you’re my ride or die. I was so lost in the unknown, and you woke me up. I ran right into your sharp edges, and you woke me the fuck up. I always thought no matter what blew in our path, we would conquer it. Is this where it ends? Is this where we end?” - Easton Malone

The journey Rose and Easton took me on was one I didn't expect. I found myself wading through frustration at their dynamic. I sat with tears running down my face as character arcs peaked, and realization hit. I held my breath as broken souls spoke words they never imagined they would utter. Throughout these pages, I wanted to wrap each person in a hug. And give them a snack. Because that's what moms do when things go wrong. And, much like Disney princesses, it seemed to me every one of them are in desperate need of a decent mother figure. Alas, I imagine their story would be different if that was the case. And I don't think I would change it (most of it - I still haven't recovered from that one part. With the transport. You'll know the one..) for anything. 

I invite you, to dive into the darkness of Easton and Rose's world for a while. Don't say I didn't warn you.. It's graphic, and it's brutal. But it's so worth it. 

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 8/10 (guy's got some serious damn issues) 

Flow: 9/10 

Plot: 9/10 (it has all the makings of a 10, but left me questioning some details) 

Overall: 9/10

Currently available on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited).

Synopsis:

Reapers and Roses 

Rose
When my mom told me we were moving to the Grove, I thought it was a joke.
Our family, one of the wealthiest in Woodbury, moving to a dump like the Grove?
Well, I guess that's what happens when you lose everything.
Now we're shoved into the house the size of a shoebox and I can literally feel the darkness seeping in around me.
But then, I meet someone with a darkness that even I can't compete with.
They call him the Reaper.

Easton
Darkness has consumed me my entire life.
I've known nothing but death and destruction, using my fists to control the beast within me.
Then, after yet another win in the ring, I find my Rose.
A little ball of light, I think.
But no, her eyes hold the familiar darkness that calls to me.
Alone, I live with my demons.
Together, we will conquer them.
Welcome to hell, baby girl.

**Reapers and Roses contains mature themes and triggers that might make some readers uncomfortable. Foul language, criminal activity, drug use, physical and sexual abuse are included in this book.**

Thorn in the Dark

Rose

I thought I had life figured out.

Until I crashed into the brink of tragedy.

That peak in which you teeter on the line of sanity versus insanity.

The moment where you look forward and see darkness, then look over your shoulder and see more darkness.

Pain is probably down either avenue I choose, but which one will keep me intact?

Which one will make me crumble?

How many times can tragedy happen to a person until they break for good?

One, two, three...

Easton

I grew up in darkness.

I thought I knew what It's like to walk through life shrouded in a world without light.

Pain never mattered much, because it's all I've ever known.

She walked into my life like a sharp thorn that I knew would bleed me dry.

I was okay with that, as long it was her that was by my side.

I never realized that the darkness I lived in wasn't dark at all.

I never really knew darkness.

Until tragedy on top of tragedy strikes and I feel like an atomic bomb ready to detonate.

How long will it take?

Three, two, one...

**Thorn in the Dark contains mature themes that might make some readers uncomfortable. Foul language, criminal activity, drug use, physical and sexual abuse are included in this book. Please proceed with caution.**