The Madness of Two is the first time I've read one of Kate's books, and I definitely plan to read the others. This author has a way of bringing a story to life without all the spice. This story is full of redemption and self acceptance, that was handled in a very good way.
From the blurb:
How far would you go for your first love?
Nobody at school would guess that outcast Andy is secretly best friends with the most popular boy in class. But cool, collected Grant hides dark truths about his home life and Andy’s the only one he can trust.
Bound together by secrets and shame, their friendship develops into something more. As Grant’s home becomes increasingly abusive, the system fails them, and tragedy strikes, Andy vows to do whatever it takes to support his friend—with deadly consequences.
Andrew emerges from the ashes a broken man, haunted by his mistakes. Handsome librarian Jeremy offers a chance at redemption, but after the things he’s done, does Andrew truly deserve to be forgiven?
CONTENT WARNING
This low-heat, non-linear story covers dark themes including: murder, suicide, alcoholism, and off-page child abuse (physical, psychological).
Autumn's review:
It's not often when an author is able to leave out sex like this one. So, if you are looking for a smutty book, this book won't be for you. This book is full of second chances, past regrets, and learning to become someone who is worthy of love.
When I read the blurb for this story I was curious about the 'tragedy' that struck Andrew. Upon reading I began to realize what that tragedy was and my heart broke for him.
He and Grant are best friends and have been for a long time, they'd do anything for each other. But, their relationship isn't healthy, and Grant takes advantage of Andrew's kindness to coach him to do what Grant wants. I definitely did not like Grant's character, he treated Andrew so poorly. All Andrew was trying to do was be a good friend, and all Grant wanted was to take advantage which was sad to read about. What Grant was going through at the hands of his parents was awful, and the fact that other adults didn't do anything to help him was heartbreaking, but treating Andrew the way he did was messed up.
I thought the characters were written well, I liked how the story went back and forth between when Andrew was a kid and when he was an adult after getting released from prison. The time jumps back and forth was written well, I was able to follow along with the story clearly as each time jump was marked. I liked that Andrew got the help he needed and was working on being true to himself and learning from his mistakes. I thought that aspect was handled well. I liked Jeremey's character, he helped bring Andy out of his shell and helped him forgive himself for what happened in the past, and how to accept himself as he is.
Overall a great story by a new-to-me author.
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