Review + Excerpt: The Edge of Always (#2, The Edge of Never) by J.A. Redmerski - Vilma Iris | Lifestyle Blogger

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Review + Excerpt: The Edge of Always (#2, The Edge of Never) by J.A. Redmerski

My Thoughts

Magic.
J.A. Redmerski once again recreates that special, intangible something…  that intense and enduring connection between two people that makes this story so unforgettable. I felt every moment as Camryn and Andrew unravel the lingering tangles from their past and embark on a journey to define their always. I just can’t get enough of their romance.

5stars

Synopsis

Edge of Always COVERHe was taking the long road. She was taking the road to nowhere. It just so happened that they led to the same place…

When everything falls apart, love remains . . .

THE EDGE OF ALWAYS

Camryn Bennett has never been happier. Five months after meeting on a Greyhound bus, she and her soul mate Andrew Parrish are engaged—and a wedding isn’t the only special event in their future. Nervous but excited, Camryn can’t wait to begin the rest of her life with Andrew – a man she knows in her heart will love her always. They have so much to look forward to—until tragedy blindsides them.

Andrew doesn’t understand how this could happen to them. He’s trying to move on, and thought Camryn was doing the same. But when Andrew discovers Camryn is secretly harboring a mountain of pain and attempting to numb it in damaging ways, there is nothing he won’t do to bring her back to life. Determined to prove that their love can survive anything, Andrew decides to take Camryn on a new journey filled with hope and passion. If only he can convince her to come along for the ride…

My Review

“You’re the world to me,” I whisper onto her lips. “I hope you never forget that.”

“I’ll never forget,” she whispers back… “But if I ever do, for whatever reason, I hope you’ll always find a way to remind me.”

It’s supremely difficult to begin reading a sequel when you hold the original novel in such high esteem. Before I commenced, I told myself to avoid over-analysis, and simply experience what the book had to offer.  And in doing just that, I enjoyed every well-written minute of it. This story is one that is full of emotion… this sequel is all heart and feeling. It’s about the restlessness of one’s own soul, the disquietude of the heart and finding the road to forever.

In this next chapter of their story and after surviving Andrew’s near-death experience, Camryn and Andrew try to define what’s next for them… what’s home… what feels right. After life on the road, settling down has been, well, unsettling. With so much to look forward to including a wedding to plan, their future is bright. Camryn, however, still searches for that feeling of rightness… the moment where fate bestows that illusive “aha moment” that gives insight to where they should go and what their forever looks like. Gripping onto the happiness before them, she uses that bright spot to keep her moving forward. When tragedy befalls, however, and their world shatters, they both lose their way and succumb to grief. Camryn in particular begins to shut down, retreating into herself, hiding the pain behind a facade of normalcy.

“I feel like Jekyll and Hyde. All the time. When in front of Andrew I put on my happy face, but not as if I’m faking it. I am happy. I think. But the second I’m alone again, it’s like I become someone else. I feel like someone invisible is always standing behind me, flipping a fucking switch inside my brain. Off. On. Off. On. O–no, On.”

It’s evident, even from The Edge of Never, that Camryn deals with pain and loss through compartmentalization and shutting people out. She buries things so deeply that she avoids facing them altogether. This time, however, she not only ignores the pain, she numbs it. Dangerous habits take hold and Andrew, always so in tune to Camryn, becomes significantly concerned.

“My girl was broken. It was scarin’ the shit outta me more every day, the person she was becoming.”

So Andrew does what he does best, which is do whatever it takes to make Camryn happy and life on the road, in the seat of that well-worn Chevelle, has always been the best medicine for their souls.

“This is our life. We met on the road; we grew to know and to love each other on the road. It’s where we were meant to be for however long, and it’s what we’re going to do until it becomes clear that we were meant to do something else.”

It’s during this time that Camryn searches within herself to find her happiness and finally face that deeply buried pain. I think that one of the reasons I love this series so much is because of they love they share. You can really feel the fact that they are soul mates… kindred spirits that love and understand each other so completely. That magic is tough to engender, but with Camryn and Andrew, you feel it spark from the page. This story made me fall in love with Andrew Parrish all over again. Although the story alternates between Andrew and Camryn, I absolutely loved hearing the story unfurl largely through Andrew’s POV. He is so selfless, so giving, so loving that every time he says something so honest and emotionally charged, it just levels me.

I truly believe fans of the original book will love it. Heartfelt and poignant, the story of Camryn and Andrew will always be among my all-time favorites. And let me tell you, it has the most perfect of perfect epilogues! I LOVED IT! It’s what I want an epilogue to be each and every time. I can’t wait to have this book on my top shelf, where my favorite romances sit for me to constantly recall. I love this book. Love this series. Love Camryn and Andrew and hope you will too!

“I feel free with you.” she says. “I feel like I can do anything. Go anywhere. Be anything that I want.”

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Reading Order and Links

edge of never Edge of Always COVER

Excerpt

“Get up, birthday girl,” Andrew announces from somewhere near the foot of the bed. I hear him slap the tabletop by the window with the palm of his hand repeatedly.

I roll over onto my side, putting my back toward the bright sun and then burrow underneath the sheets. A gust of cold air hits me when Andrew snatches the sheets off me.

“Oh come on!” I moan, drawing my knees toward my chest and pulling the pillow over my head. “I should be able to sleep in on my birthday.”

Suddenly my body is being dragged off the bed and my arms come up wildly, trying to hold on to the edge of the mattress. Andrew’s hand is wrapped firmly around my ankle. I kick and flail, trying to get away, but he drags me across the bed so fast and without much effort that I just give up. My butt hits the floor and the sheets tumble down and around me.

“You are such an ass!” I laugh.

“But you love me. Now get up.”

With my hair all tangled around my head, I look up at him and pout. He smiles at me and reaches out his hand. I take it, and he pulls me into a stand.

“Happy birthday, babe,” he says and pecks me on the lips.

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48 Comments:


  1. nicole johnson said:

    So excited!

    Reply

  2. rhowie said:

    i think one of the reason why i read NA is because i love the more intense love between the characters… 🙂

    Reply

  3. Tonda Stockwell said:

    I read NA novels because they have great storylines, like a YA book… with all the sexiness of an “adult” book. Plus the characters are my age so I’m not constantly reading about 16 year olds falling in love.

    Reply

  4. Rachael Sauve-Cumle said:

    I have heard so many good things about this series. It is on my TBR list. I love NA because I can easily get lost in the characters. Love feeling the emotion in the writing 🙂 Thanks so much for the giveaway!!

    Reply

  5. Kimberly Sheridan said:

    Great escape, enjoy the steamy scenes.

    Reply

  6. Meta said:

    Love New Adult book and this this series sounds amazing! 🙂

    Reply

  7. starchaser8808 said:

    I can’t wait for this one. I will read almost anything, NA, YA, Erotica, Paranormal Romance, Contemporary Romance, etc. Great giveaway, thanks!

    Reply

  8. Emily M said:

    They are so emotional and a great escape.

    Reply

  9. Mandy said:

    I love NA because I seem to get wrapped up in them more than any other books I read.

    Reply

  10. Barbara Miller said:

    I lose myself in NA novels. Most are modern day fairy tales. Everyone deserves that.. :). I loved the Edge of Never, I am dying to read The Edge of Always!

    Reply

  11. Danielle Schaaf said:

    It’s a great way to escape into another world 🙂

    Reply

  12. Janie said:

    I read NA because they are all just great stories and can take you thru a whole new journey with these characters.

    Reply

  13. Cili said:

    i love NA because the Love express on the books is the most strong of any other genre!! thank you so much for the giveaway 😉

    Reply

  14. VanillaOrchids said:

    I love reading new adult books. From the ones I’ve read so far, they tend to have storylines that would appeal to anyone who enjoys reading young adult novels but with just the right amount of spice to move it beyond a YA novel.

    Pam

    Reply

  15. Anastasia said:

    I read NA because I just love how emotional this genre of books is…Also because of more developed characters, and because of more mature content.

    Reply

  16. Stacy said:

    I can not wait for this book!! 🙂

    Reply

  17. Lindsay said:

    Loved your review. I’m so excited and ready to read it!

    Reply

  18. Pam said:

    I love new adult because they are easy to relate to. I’m so excited for this book!

    Reply

  19. Sara said:

    I’m a sucker for love and romance and I get both in NA books

    Reply

  20. Jodie Larson said:

    I cannot wait for this book. I loved the first book so much!

    Reply

  21. Jodie Larson said:

    I read new adult because I’m a hopeless romantic!!

    Reply

  22. Irene Rosa said:

    I read because I live through the book. The romance, sex and whatever else the author throws in the story line.

    Reply

  23. Leighann said:

    I enjoy New Adult because it explores a phase of life that has been skipped for many years. YA covers the firsts where NA really covers the exploration of adulthood & really making decisions that will effect their lives.

    Reply

  24. Holly U said:

    I love New Adult because the characters are my age and it makes them very relatable. I’m also a hopeless romantic, and I’m always craving a good love story.

    Reply

  25. Bella Bookaholic said:

    I love to read NA because the story line is more interesting, intense and captivating.

    Reply

  26. Amanda Barrios said:

    New Adult gives you a thrill of love and what can be. I love reading NA because it gives my imagination a sense of hope for everyone who thinks they’re broken. You can find love no matter what.

    Reply

  27. Christina Rivera said:

    I love NA because there’s nothing like getting lost in a hot steamy romance novel!! ❤️

    Reply

  28. nessabear327 said:

    I read them because I feel that’s the only place real love exists..

    Reply

  29. Cassandra T. said:

    easy to relate to and very captivating stories! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  30. Bobbie Bohn said:

    Reading is my escape! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  31. Leslie Miner said:

    I think it’s because it seems more real. I can’t wait for The Edge of Never. The Edge of Always is by far one of my top favorite books.

    Reply

  32. Amanda said:

    I read NA because there’s so much emotion. I love feeling what the characters feel. Can’t wait for Edge of Always!

    Reply

  33. Melissa Jones said:

    I read NA because I love the emotion and sexiness! Thanks for the giveaway!!

    Reply

  34. Rita Luken said:

    Even tho I’m a lot older I still like NA books, It brings back memories of those years.

    Reply

  35. cara said:

    i love love love NA books. new, young love, experiences, drama. it’s all very interesting to see (even if book is ficiton, all fiction comes from some sort of reality…) what people my age experience in life and in such a short amount of time…

    Reply

  36. mlynpeters said:

    Want this so bad!

    Reply

  37. Margil said:

    I like NA novels because they contain something so raw and passionate and real that you could almost touch the experience. It’s a truly amazing experience when you read a book you can relate to at some level and I think NA books are so rich with those things.

    Reply

  38. piglets71 said:

    I love to read NA because the intensity, connections and angst all gets kicked up a notch. It’s very realistic. Love to get lost in them…

    Reply

  39. Lindsey C. said:

    They’re so good! (:

    Reply

  40. Christina B said:

    I love to read anything! YA, NA, drama, romantic suspense, thrillers! LOVED The Edge of Never. One of my all time favorites!

    Reply

  41. Michelle T said:

    I read NA for the story of love that is new and fresh and exciting, but stronger and more intense and more mature than YA

    Reply

  42. Joseph Hawkshaw said:

    They are real cool and more emotional than any other read.

    Reply

  43. Kristi said:

    I love reading New Adult novels because they have what you love about ya but are more steamier and the issues you can relate to.

    Reply

  44. Mary Ann Atzrott said:

    They are a great escape from real life and really touch my need for romance!!!

    Reply

  45. Dawn Kephart Bush said:

    I love NA…they add a little steam and are at a maturity level I enjoy!

    Reply

  46. Jennifer Essad said:

    I read Adult Novels for the mature interests & levels of conversations

    Reply

  47. Patricia Lee said:

    I read NA because it offers me an escape from my somewhat mundane life. I like the drama and the way author’s can make me fall in love with fictional people.

    Reply

  48. Suzi Mason said:

    Thanks for the giveaway. It is on my TBR list and I can’t wait!

    Reply

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