Review: Beautifully poignant
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 2, 2013
COLE is the second instalment in The Leaves series and instantaneously picks up where Book 1, INKY left off.  Like INKY, which sets up the melancholic journey of Anika's process of dealing through the horrific events of her childhood and the new found love she finds within Cole, Book 2 follows the ever evolving journey of these two characters. After we are left on the horribly gut-wrenching cliff-hanger, COLE instantly catapults the reader into the new unfolding events that challenge these characters. The reader gains insight into Cole's perspective as well as Anika's this time around also which alternates throughout this kinetically paced instalment, creating a nice flow within the story.For those who are yet to read Book 1, INKY  it is a stunning depiction of how love ensues even from heartbreak and how one love can lead you to the great true love that you can only hope to find. It is a stunningly poetic and artistic feast for your senses and a truly beautiful and unique story.The further development of these characters in COLE was poignant and stunning to watch unfold. J.B Hartnett has created two very broken and complex individuals who suffer with the burden of their pasts but their love is strong, yet continuously tested.Cole is quite simply the definition of male beauty and sexiness. He is one of the most gorgeous and passionate male characters. He is a man whose relentless love is pure and almost palpable, as is his determination to heal Anika and finally attain the life and happiness they both deserve. He is also beautifully broken, and just as afraid of the demons that still pervade his world."Because your pain is my pain, Anika. I can't take it away, but I'll wear it with you."Anika is a woman who is still slowly healing the deep wounds she has suffered from the devastating abuse and horrific torment from her past. She is a heroine you cannot help but feel a sense of deep empathy with. Her continuous strength and desire to achieve true happiness and contentment from the unconditional love she so deserves just emphasises how complex, yet delicate her character is.I loved the expressiveness of these characters, the way in which every element of their personas complemented each other and their relentless pursuit to find happiness and contentment in order to break free from their pasts. It is the intensity of their love that truly drew me in and consumed me though. When this book ended I was left feeling extremely bereft. With sore eyes, wet cheeks and achy thumbs from being glued to my kindle until 3am, I utterly devoured this book.There is no doubt you will develop a strong bond to these characters, as well as love for the new secondary characters who are introduced into the story (particularly David). The development and growth of existing characters we saw in INKY, was also well written and watching the growth of the relationship between Cole and his father was simply endearing. The author also sets up the much anticipated scene for Nico's book. No doubt he will be another enigmatically beautiful and damaged character that will steal our hearts.J.B. Hartnett has created a book that was very emotional, filled with heartbreakingly painful situations, intense and endearing moments and scorching love scenes that ignite right off of the page.This is truly one of the most gorgeous and heartbreakingly gorgeous stories about two individuals who find solace, healing and an undeniable connection that allows them the power to love. It is the journey the author takes you on that is a stunningly poignant one that will leave you feeling a myriad of emotions but it is one that will also make you smile with its delicately weaved humour .I strongly recommend you read COLE and The Leaves series.5 BEAUTIFUL Stars