Review: Magical, heart stealing, truly inspiring story...I Dare you to read it and not fall in love!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 30, 2013
WOW...What a powerfully inspiring and heart melting story! Move aside Cinderella...and take your glass slipper with you because there is a new heart stealing fairytale in town that will bring you to your knees. Melissa Andrea is a genius and then some *insert groveling bow*. I loved everything about The Grace in Darkness. It had a little of everything...just the right amount of angst and steamy goodness, a little mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat, and characters that mark you deep into your very soul. I really couldn't put the book down but hated for it to end at the same time.The Grace in Darkness is the second book in Ryalnd and Araya's story. The Edge of Darkness left off with Araya leaving Ryland to go to the Madison Academy for the Blind, which was paid for by Ryland's dear old dad who wanted Araya out of their lives. She left because she felt that she was holding Ryland back and wanted to prove to him and herself that she could be independent. Meanwhile, Ryland took on working for his spawn of satin of a father in order to find out where Araya was. He finally did find her and saw how happy she was dancing again and didn't want to ruin that by making her choose, so he let her be...for the time being that is. It was evident that they loved each other, to the extent that they sacrificed being with each other in a misguided attempt to make each other happy, which merely left them as two miserable lumps. Ryland felt so out of sorts that he didn't know where to place his anger and frustration, so he blamed everyone around him including his brother and his sister Cass. In order to get some much needed release from all his pent up anger, he began to fight at the Underground with his brother Sebastian.They were both at their breaking point and wanted to see each other desperately but fate, also known as Ryland's father J.D., stepped in to stir the pot for them. She'd been practicing for a performance for a benefit, which conceitedly was the same benefit Ryland was forced to go to by his father.  The reunion between them was flawlessly perfect and I was left in an emotional high. Of course things are never what they seem since it was all orchestrated by J.D. You get secret inklings throughout the book that let you know there is something seriously bad that is going to happen. The occasional unidentified chapters throughout the book added an agonizing mystery that left me edgey and nervous. I kept flipping back as I read to see if I could piece some of the mystery together...just call me Sherlock. What I did gather from it all was that they were both going to have to fight hard to get the happily ever after ending.There are some twists and turns that I am dying to talk about because it was wildly intense, but I hate to give it away for those who have yet to read this amazing story. Let's just say that everyone, not just Ryland become twisted in the wrath of J.D. and a sunny outlook is meek. Apparently everyone underestimated the lengths that J.D. would go to get what he wants.  I yearned for the taste of  revenge almost as much as these charters did.  On top of all that mess, Araya has to deal with some devastating news that leave her spiraling down into the darkness, making the light feel out of reach. I crossed my fingers and my toes that it would all work out for them. It is awe-inspiring to see how strong and resilient Araya is as she struggles with so much.  The love that Ryland and Araya share is something fairytales are made of and should really go down in history. Ryland was so dreamy, that if he was a dream, I would never want to wake up * long exaggerated SIGH*.I most definitely needed a hug after that. Everything wrapped up really well, with the exception of Araya's best friend Makayla. There were still some chin rubbing questions that I was left with. I wonder if perhaps she will have a book? I adored all things about The Grace in Darkness as well as The Edge of Darkness. I always worry that after a great first book, the sequel will not be on the same level. This was not the case here, the second book transcended any of my expectations.  I am so glad I stumbled upon the Edge of Darkness while I was aimlessly scrolling Amazon one day. If you haven't read these books, crawl out from under that rock , and DO IT! You will not be disappointed. I look forward to more stories from Melissa Andrea because she is an amazing story teller!For more info find me at:[...][...]