A third read and it gets better and better.  Loved finding new quotes, seeing new things and glimpses into the truth of these characters.  Andrew continues to draw me further and further in.  

***

A group of people shouldered their way up to the bar counter at Neil's back, pushing him into Andrew. Andrew didn't budge beneath his weight. He was something solid to lean against, something violent and fierce and unmoving. Neil couldn't remember what it felt like to have someone hold him up. It was terrifying and liberating all at once. His life was out of his control now; he was giving it to Andrew and hoping Andrew would keep it safe. 

If ever there was a series that deserved a reread...it's this one. This series and these characters captured my heart earlier this year and needless to say I haven't been able to let them go. And the revisit is one word...breathtaking. 

***

Original Review:

"Family means something different with us because it has to. It's not about blood. It's not even about who we like. It's about who Andrew's willing to protect."

To say I'm stunned with this book is an understatement. There is really no way to even put into words what this book is about...while not much seems to happen...so much is unfolding and captivating you as a reader. I was not only intrigued from the very beginning but absolutely glued to the actions unfolding on the page...the writing is quite impressive.

While none of these characters are what I would call "mom material"...my gawd, you can't help but love every single one of these broken and quite dangerous men.

I'm also holding out on the Sevro comparison AT THIS POINT (sorry Marco) when talking about Andrew, as those are quite some shoes to fill...but potential...Oh Yes...there is no doubt that this psychotic crack head is brilliantly portrayed and mesmerizing to watch. I want his POV BAD!!

The cousins had pushed two of their dressers against the wall under the window. Andrew sat on top of them, leaning forward so he could fold his arms across his knees. Neil smelled blood and looked past Andrew at the window. Andrew had taken the screen off in the main room so he could smoke, but this window still had one. It was probably all that saved his hand when he punched a hole in the glass.

Andrew...yeah...



I can't help it...and with no romance yet, nor even real indication of who will get with who...I'm still turned on to the point that even a kiss could prove quite explosive. These guys are dangerously addictive and I'm under their drug induced spell for sure.

A group of people shouldered their way up to the bar counter at Neil's back, pushing him into Andrew. Andrew didn't budge beneath his weight. He was something solid to lean against, something violent and fierce and unmoving. Neil couldn't remember what it felt like to have someone hold him up. It was terrifying and liberating all at once. His life was out of his control now; he was giving it to Andrew and hoping Andrew would keep it safe.

Yep...total boner. I want more now!

As for recommendations...who knows who would enjoy this, but it's worth the try...it's FREE!

You hit the jackpot with this pick Marco...I hope the greatness continues.

Reading-Updates:

1%

Neil Josten let his cigarette burn to the filter without taking a drag. He didn't want the nicotine; he wanted the acrid smoke that reminded him of his mother. If he inhaled slowly enough, he could almost taste the ghost of gasoline and fire. It was at once revolting and comforting, and it sent a sick shudder down his spine. The jolt went all the way to his fingertips, dislodging a clump of ash. It fell to the bleachers between his shoes and was whisked away by the wind.
First paragraph and I am mesmerized already. :)

22%


So intrigued by this.

26%

"Don't you dare be more afraid of me than you are of Andrew."

34%

It didn't matter what they offered or promised him. Neil wasn't like them. He was nothing and no one, and he always would be. Court wasn't for people like him. He'd take what he could learn and enjoy it while he could, but this was a dream he'd have to wake up from eventually. Wanting anything more than that would just make it harder to walk away.

36%

Abby thought she was ready. Neil knew she wouldn't be, and he was right. Her mouth parted on a silent breath and her expression went blank. She wasn't fast enough to hide her flinch, and Neil saw her shoulders go rigid with tension. He stared at her face as she stared at him, watching her gaze sweep over the brutal marks of a hideous childhood.

Oh Neil.

44%

Wymack tried explaining the ERC's logic, but he kept his attention on Andrew. It didn't take the team long to notice his distraction. The hubbub slowly died out. As it did, Andrew's smile returned. This time it was all teeth. Andrew's drugs made him manic, but they didn't make him any less vicious. Neil knew what that smile meant and braced for violence.


62%

Andrew reached up and forcibly uncurled Neil's fingers from his mouth. He pushed Neil's hand out of the way and stared Neil down with nothing between them. Neil didn't understand the look on his face. There was no censure over Neil's crooked parents or pity for their deaths, no triumph over having backed Neil into admitting so much, and no obvious skepticism for such an outlandish story. Whatever this look was, it was dark and intense enough to swallow Neil whole.
Loving this book!

66%

UGH!! I don't wanna work!


80%

"Going on for Seth Gordon is freshman Neil Josten, number ten, of Millport, Arizona."
Neil wondered if casket lids sounded like court doors slamming shut.
What a statement!


98%



Read#2, 2016 March

1%

Yeah I can't let go of this. Reread with Teri. <3


Neil Josten let his cigarette burn to the filter without taking a drag. He didn't want the nicotine; he wanted the acrid smoke that reminded him of his mother. If he inhaled slowly enough, he could almost taste the ghost of gasoline and fire. It was at once revolting and comforting, and it sent a sick shudder down his spine. The jolt went all the way to his fingertips, dislodging a clump of ash. It fell to the bleachers between his shoes and was whisked away by the wind.


11%

Between that sudden change in attitude, the disappearing pack of cigarettes, and the matching outfits, Neil was starting to second-guess what was going on here.


16%

Keys meant Neil had explicit permission to be here and do what he liked. They meant he belonged.

"Family means something different with us because it has to. It's not about blood. It's not even about who we like. It's about who Andrew's willing to protect."

Neil was no stranger to violence. He'd heard every threat in the book, but never from a man who smiled as bright as Andrew did. Apathy, anger, madness, boredom; these motivators Neil knew and understood. But Andrew was grinning like he didn't have a knife point where it'd slip perfectly between Nicky's ribs, and it wasn't because he was joking.

I love this little psycho!