The Edge of You by Theresa DaLayne
He left home to escape. She made a new life out of guilt. Neither one expected to find love—but not even the Arctic can cool this steamy romance.
Maya knows she’s doing the right thing by moving to Alaska with her parents, but that doesn’t mean she has to be happy about it. Forced to give up a scholarship to a prestigious art school, she relocates to a Podunk town with one college the size of her high school cafeteria, all to help hold her family together after the death of her little sister. But a fresh start can only do so much.
Jake doesn’t like handouts and he certainly doesn’t need any distractions. Working on a salmon boat in Kodiak, Alaska is the only way to pay for his mother’s surgery back in the lower forty-eight. Juggling college courses and constant worry about his mother’s health, Jake couldn’t imagine anything else fitting into his life. That is, until he meets Maya, the sexy Californian artist who tints his world in technicolor.
But when Maya’s family starts to crumble and Jake’s mom takes a turn for the worse, will they drag each other down, or can they find what they were missing all along?
In this new adult romance, Theresa DaLayne paints a swoon-worthy story about life under the midnight sun, following your heart, and learning to live on the edge.
Publishes in US: September 25th 2014 by Bloomsbury Spark
Genre: NA contemp
Source: Bloomsbury via Edelweiss
Series? no
Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Book Depository
Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook ~blog
I wanted to read The Edge of You because the male main character seems like such a caretaker and loves his mom. She is sick, which is something that I am also drawn to in books, usually it really catches my eye if it is the main character or their girl/boyfriend, but seeing it from a different angle, where the child is becoming the caretaker is def a part of being in college or working professional because the parents who started late are coming to an age of vulnerability.
I was also attracted to this one because of Maya and her family's grief. I know that Maya's younger sister passed away, but wanted to know why Maya felt so guilty and hopefully see her learn to forgive herself and that grieving is okay, but so is letting change happen, and making good decisions for yourself and still considering your future.
The Alaskan setting is something that I haven't seen very much and it was refreshing to see the small town taken in a whole new way.
They had some great chemistry and I enjoyed getting to know Jake and Maya both individually and as a couple. They have their own share of hardships that they're already dealing with as well as some that take them by surprise during the book. It was such hard choices that they had to make and on top of that dealing with Maya's absent dad and drinking mom as well as her feelings of guilt over what happened to her little sister. Jake has the weight of his own job and finances on top of those of his mom who needs surgery.
I liked how things turned around for them and I thought that it was a good fix and I had been hoping that something similar would happen to wrap things up. I did think that a few things were a little too easily tied up and then a couple of others that didn't get quite the amount of closure I would have liked, but I enjoyed it and would read more about them if another story was written.
My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have you ever been to Alaska?
I don't really read NA, but this sounds lovely and emotional, and I make it a point to read books with characters named Maya. i'm just that narcissistic. :D
ReplyDeleteI love a good fix in the end.
ReplyDeleteIn spite of a couple of easy outs, and a few things left hanging, it sounds like you enjoyed this book overall which is really all that matters. I've never been to Alaska, but I would LOVE to go on one of the cruises; I think the scenery would be absolutely breathtaking. I wouldn't want to live there though, it's already cold enough as it is where I live. LOL
ReplyDeleteGreat cover and I'm interested in books set in Alaska. Glad you liked this, despite not having quite enough closure.
ReplyDeleteI hate when things are all tied up too nicely and quickly, always makes it a little unrealistic for me. :( Never been to Alaska, but want to! :)
ReplyDeleteI love that it takes place in Alaska. Glad you enjoyed!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you enjoyed this book. And no, I have never been to Alaska. But I am reading a book called Looking For Alaska, at the moment, if that counts for anything xD
ReplyDeleteOh that sounds like a great read Brandi! I'm dipping into NA a little more these days. Will add it to my list :)
ReplyDeleteI like the setting. I don't think I've read anything set in Alaska before.
ReplyDeleteI think I would like the Alaska setting, but this sounds like every other NA out there and right now I am bored of the genre as a whole.
ReplyDeleteI'd read it for the setting
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting book. I've not heard of it before, but I do like stories that involve issues like this. Great review!
ReplyDeleteOh the synopsis makes this book sound like a super emotional read! I'll have to give it a try! Great review :)
ReplyDeleteNA? I will either pass or maybe something for later?
ReplyDeleteI definitely enjoy books that wrap up things for the reader, but it sounds like you applaud the book anyway. I haven't been to Alaska, but I would love to see the aurora borealis. Great review! Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven.
ReplyDeleteAlaskan setting? Very cool! I'm tempted to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds kind of sweet and I think i would really enjoy it! It is great to see you enjoyed it! Fab review!
ReplyDeleteNaomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace