Review: Sexy, Angsty, Emotionally-Driven
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 14, 2014
Hope is a dangerous thing, but now it's a risk that I'm willing to take.Grace For Drowning was a deeply introspective story of two "broken" people, struggling, and finding redemption in one another. I use the word broken lightly in my reviews these days, because it is so common and I find myself desensitized to the issues. I think a lot of other readers have this problem, as well. But in this book, I think it's an accurate description.Logan and Grace are both brought down by real problems. For Grace, she's struggling with guilt and depression after losing a loved one. She's struggling to move forward, but it is so very hard. For Logan, the effects of life as a soldier, along with troubles re-acclimating into society have played havoc on his mind and heart. When the two meet at Grace's lowest point, they set off on a path to a better future.Here's the deal: I really admire author Maya Cross's take on these characters, and how she develops their story. The fact that both have had issues with alcohol dependence and how this plays into their story, was well-done. I think it is very important to point out that Grace and Logan are not "healed" by each other or sex. Yes, they have a very sexy relationship, and it could be extremely steamy and playful at times. But, that's not what fixes them. And the simple fact they're together doesn't fix them, either. Logan's struggles with PTSD will likely never disappear entirely. Grace will always feel some guilt over her loss. But the strength they provide each other, the advice, simply listening, being there, can all have a healing impact on another person. What Grace and Logan give each other are the two most powerful feelings of all: hope and peace.I feel like I'm being so vague with this review! I know I am. What I will say about Grace For Drowning is, in a sea of books filled with exaggerations, melodrama, Band-Aid-covered issues, this book does not fall into that pattern. It is a sexy, angsty, emotionally-driven story that I devoured, and I do recommend it.Favorite QuoteA sense of peace began to descend on me, and it wasn't just the peace of seclusion and silence, it was something deeper. Something that seemed to seep through me all the way to my bones. That constant undercurrent of tension that underlined everything I did felt more muted than it had in years."Will you sit here with me for a while?" I asked."As long as you want."We were two broken halves making something that vaguely resembled a whole. Well adjusted Grace and decorated soldier Logan didn't belong together. She'd never get me without the s*** she'd been through, and I'd never get her without mine. Pain has a way of stripping you down, burning away your masks until it's just the core that's left. We found each other because of that, and so I couldn't begrudge it, no matter how much I might have wanted to.