Review: Katie Ashley is incredible
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 23, 2013
Nets and Lies by Katie Ashley, was an incredibly heart-wrenching journey from start to finish. Her writing was impeccable in its descriptive prose, detail and sensitivity. When the subject matter of a book is teenage rape, it would be preferable to skip it and move to a lighter book. However, Nets and Lies was more about hope, fresh starts, forgiveness and the strength found in solid friendship and love.Two high school girls, the all-round high achiever and golden girl, Melanie Reeves, and the promiscuous trouble maker Jordan Solano, had their lives irrevocably changed by the detestable conduct of their teacher, Coach T. What happened when one wanted to hide the truth from the world to protect her family and boyfriend, and the other, in anger, falsified claims of rape, was devastating to all involved. The drama, the pain, the desolation and humiliation for both girls was captured so clearly, and so convincingly, that it was impossible not to be moved to tears throughout.Yet, it was the tale of new beginnings, of hope and truth, that was probably the focal point of this masterpiece. Both Melanie and Jordan fought the consequences of their actions, both endured the aching pain of betrayal, and both blossomed under the comforting arms of emotional love and security. Both found hope for their future, once darkened by atrocity.The supporting cast were written well, with just the right amount of input to assist the storyline and help build character identities. You will probably fall in love with both Will and Nick, and hope for their HEA's as well. I did. What amazing young men.The ending will leave you a little breathless, but extremely thankful for the resolution. It was appropriate that the future for the girls was not wrapped up with neat little bows, like some trite stories can be. Rather, it left you hopeful, that the strengths they had gained through trauma, would provide the armour they needed to make positive decisions for their future.Katie Ashley is proving herself to be an accomplished and extremely talented author. Nets and Lies was beautifully written, especially given the topic; garnished with gentle humor and will leave you filled with hope rather than anguish. Well done Ms Ashley, well done.Thank you Katie Ashley for the privilege of receiving a copy of Nets and Lies. No compensation was received for an honest review.