Wednesday, January 22, 2014

The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski

Title: The Edge of Never
Author: J.A. Redmerski
Format I Read: Kindle
Pages: 426
Genres: Romance, Realistic Fiction, New Adult
Release Date: November 15, 2012
Stars: 5
Goodreads Link

When I started this book, I thought it was a book called Sovereign, which is dystopian. So you can imagine my confusion when it's a realistic fiction love story, with an escapist main character, a naughty love interest, and tangible sexual tension. Not to mention, I was reading this on my Kindle, and didn't realize that the book wasn't in fact Sovereign until about halfway through. So the first half of the book, I was anxiously waiting for some apocalyptic event to cause dystopia. So that kinda screwed me up. But if I had known what the book was, I'm sure I would have enjoyed the first half more :')

But anyway. I loved it. Loved, loved, loved it. It had alternating points of view between Camryn and Andrew, who meet on a bus while both are looking to escape reality. Camryn's best friend's boyfriend (cliche, I know) has confessed that he loves her and comes onto her, even when Camryn rejects him; she tells her best friend about it, but she doesn't believe Camryn and accuses her of being a terrible friend. So Camryn decides to take a break from life and get on a bus to Idaho--destination chosen because the bus counter attendant was eating a potato. On the other hand, Andrew receives a call that his father is dying, but he wants to procrastinate the arrival and reality by taking the long way home--with a bus. So they meet on the bus and the rest is history.

Of course, they hate each other at first. Camryn has her defenses up, but Andrew is just charming enough that they start to fall.
And the romance is just... lovely. I loved them together. And I loved that Camryn was so cautious at first; which is great because I'm sick of girls jumping in stranger's arms.

Later, at the end of the book (don't worry this isn't a spoiler), it's mentioned that they've known each other for less than a month. Which makes their love story seem crazy. But then I reminded myself that throughout the time they knew each other, they were on the road and were together 24/7. It makes the relationship a little more realistic and less "love at first sight" unreasonable.

Also, just warning you, for around the last fourth of the book, make sure you have nowhere to be. Because there is a MAJOR plot twist that I personally never expected; which led to me staying up way later than I had planned to keep reading.

Another thing is sex. So warning; this is a New Adult book, and therefore it's for mature readers. Both characters are in their early 20s, so they're not afraid of sex and aren't afraid of some sexual escapades. So if you're uncomfortable with that, you may want to forgo this book.
I personally loved the couple so much that I didn't mind the sex scenes, but again, if you have a weak stomach for sexuality in books, you may want to consider not reading this. It's not 50 Shades of Grey caliber, but it is significant.

In conclusion, I loved the book. It was a feel good read that turned "gasp-heart-palpitation" worthy with the plot twist and then turned feel good again. The relationship was realistic considering the circumstances and was not an immediate, irrational love. I felt like the characters were realistic and the writing was well done.
It ended well too. It left you feeling satisfied and happy with the ending (though there is a sequel, which is dangerous because for once I was actually happy with the ending of the first book).

Definitely worth a 5/5 rating. Perfect for anyone who wants a nice romance with some excitement and spontaneity. And insane chemistry!

*I apologize for any rambling or confusion in this review; I read the book over winter break and never got around to reviewing it, so it may not be the best*

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