For some, it’s simply one of life’s certainties, nothing more. For others, it’s merely a fleeting thought, one often overshadowed by the reckless delusion that they have been blessed with the gift of immortality.
For Aubrey Miller, death is the definition of her very existence. Overcome with the guilt resulting from the loss of her beloved family, she alters her appearance from the once beautiful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed little girl to that of one shrouded in complete darkness, enveloping herself in her own unbreakable fortress of solitude as a form of protection for others.
As she enters her first year of college, her goal is simple: Earn a degree with the least amount of social interaction as possible. What she never anticipates is the formation of very unlikely relationships with two people who will change her life in ways she never believed possible: Quinn Matthews, the boisterous former pageant queen, and Kaeleb McMadden, a childhood friend from her past who never really let her go.
Over the years, as their connections intertwine and grow, a seemingly indestructible bond is formed between the three…
But when death painfully reemerges, Aubrey is lost once again, burying herself deeper than ever before inside the familiar fortification of her fears.
Will the refuge of friendship, the solidarity of life-long bonds, and the power of unconditional love be enough to do the impossible?
Will they be enough to finally bring about…
The Resurrection of Aubrey Miller?
****NA Contemporary Romance****
****WARNING - Due to the graphic nature of some scenes, this book is not recommended for those who are particularly sensitive to the death of a child and/or suicide and is intended for mature audiences only. Contains adult language and themes.****
Overall Rating: 4.5 Rockin’ ★★★★☆
"Death becomes me." "The simplicity of living astounds me. But it's the terror of death that devours me."
"Finding security as I twist the fringe of the blanket around my index finger, I ask, Do you remember me? His answer is instantaneous. How could I ever forget you?"
"Sometimes in life, there are these random moments when everything just clicks. When all the fragments of your fractured past fall together, merging in your mind to form a lucid image of your future. Each mistake made becomes a vital piece as it serves whatever purpose necessary to complete the picture as a whole and suddenly everything becomes so clear."
"Every choice you make has the potential to create a ripple effect, trickling into and affecting the lives of others."
"I think some people are just inexplicably bonded. Drawn by forces beyond their own comprehension, they have no choice but to gravitate to one another. Destined by fate to keep crossing paths until they finally get it right."
"Because in death, I found the true meaning of love and laid to rest my fears, emerging the person I was meant to be."
"I came here a terrified girl, completely hidden inside my darkness and ruled by my fears. Yet somehow, even while consumed by that darkness, I found my way."
To begin, the emotions that I experienced and felt so deeply throughout this story gripped my heart. It was one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. The intense pain and all consuming love that plays out in the story brought me on a journey that even I wasn't expecting. A little girls' extreme loss intentionally created another personality in herself to harbor the deep soul wrenching pain which was experienced when she was younger. The only thing that remained a constant in her life and she never forgot was her childhood best friend, Kaelab McMadden. Although he was lost to her for a time, ten years to be exact, he was and would always be her anchor.
Aubrey or Raven Miller was seeking solace in any form she can find. Changing herself with her black bottled hair, multiple face and body piercings and locking down all emotional ties to anyone has helped her survive up to this point, entering her freshman year of college. In all intents purposes, she was dead. Raven has no idea that she needs fixing, because she has buried her true self, Aubrey, so far below that life is usual as Raven. Through the new experiences that devour her during her first few months of freshman year, she begins to realize that life is more...
Wishing for so long that he could see or find his best friend who left when they were both eight years old, Kaelab McMadden comes face to face with the one person who he never thought he would find again, Aubrey. However, she now calls herself Raven. Just like when they were young, the couple has a chemistry that goes beyond all reason. It's a pull, a tug or better still a tether that binds them together even through the absent years between them.
I believe this book touched me to my soul. Once I began reading, the story captivated me and I couldn't stop until it was finished. I was entranced by the characters and the reality of the less talked about meaning the author was delving into: depression, grief and suicide. Bringing to light that even in death and defeat, that love conquers all! I feel that L.B. Simmons did a phenomenal job on the subject and I applaud her for a most spectacular read...Grēta
Hero - Kaelab McMadden 4.5 stars
Heroine - Aubrey Miller, or Raven Miller 4.5 stars
Steam Level: 4.0 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes!
Would I read other books by this author: Yes!
***Received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review***
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