Every Hidden Truth (Far From Ruined #2) by Nik Knight


Despite the heartbreaking themes, their story is still so beautiful and sweet. It's the kind of story that just sticks with you. I can't stop thinking about these guys and I've already read the series twice, thinking about giving it a third go.


From the Every Hidden Truth blurb:

Two young men haunted by their pasts. One bond that can save them both.


Sarcastic loud-mouth, Silas Brigs is used to taking care of himself. He's done it for years, after all. But the too-perfect Ben Adams has other plans. Against all odds, the California diver has worked his way under Silas's prickly exterior, and Silas is left to wrestle with the simmering attraction building between them.

When their feelings can no longer be ignored, Silas and Ben must work together to navigate their insecurities and trauma, or risk the delicate relationship they've come to rely on. But Silas's life is filled with more than simple high school drama, and being his friend—let alone more—puts Ben in danger. Monsters from Silas's past refuse to sleep, and the secrets are piling up. Unfortunately for Silas, some truths don't stay hidden.

This is the second edition printing of the Far From Ruined trilogy. While it is the same general story/plot as the original publication (2019), it has been heavily revised and re-edited to better reflect Nik Knight's style, voice, and principles.


GreenwingReads review:

This book is the second installment of a trilogy that follows the same couple. What happens in this book is directly tied into the first one and ends on a cliffhanger that leads to the third book. None of the three can be read as standalones. Also, really pay attention to your trigger warnings. This one is just as fraught with triggers as the first one, but some of those triggers are different, so double check.

Silas and Ben continue to grow closer and we finally get into the romance in this story. It is closed door, so know that going in. Also, it is imperative to keep in mind that these boys are kids, seniors in high school, and act accordingly. Their emotions can be all over the place, they are reactive, they speak without thinking and can sometimes be hurtful. To top it off, they are dealing with so much trauma. Silas's trauma is mostly more on-page and continuing as the story unfolds. Ben's trauma are things he dealt with before coming to IN but it's severe and has lasting effects. We learn a lot more about Ben's back story in this book, though not everything is revealed.

I've been a foster parent to a traumatized teen who dealt with some of the same things Silas did, though at a slightly younger age. I've also cared for kids whose parents weren't who they should have been. I thought Nik did an excellent job realistically depicting how teens navigate and respond to trauma. While their actions could be frustrating at times, I could absolutely see boys their age acting this way.

I received the entire trilogy as ARCs and I loved them. Make no mistake, they are HARD reads. They are HEAVY reads. Don't go into these blind or with the wrong mindset. Despite the heartbreaking themes, their story is still so beautiful and sweet. It's the kind of story that just sticks with you. I can't stop thinking about these guys and I've already read the series twice, thinking about giving it a third go.


Every Hidden Truth is currently available as an audiobook, e-book and paperback, and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription

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