This book brought all the feels. I found myself relating to this book so well that it was scary. As someone who deals with anxiety and depression myself, it was extremely relatable (although I never found myself in a situation as Phoenix). I love that Kristen Granata wrote this book because I feel like it needed to be written. She did a beautiful job with the triggering topic while keeping the reader engaged and wanting more.
Those Russo men were an intriguing trope of men. I absolutely loved the Russo family, and I looked forward to their witty banter and the love they had for one another. Leo was hilarious, and I couldn’t wait to see what came out of his mouth next. James Russo was the absolute book boyfriend, just as Phoenix mentioned. He was alpha, dirty talker, yummy, romantic, caring, and a cop so I could only imagine him fitting that uniform very well.
I loved the callouts to Colleen Hoover and Kandi Steiner in this book. That brought such a smile to my face because I love these authors as well!
This was my first Kristen Granata read and it will not be my last. She has a new fan added to her fanbase!
Angst, drama, emotional triggers, sexy cop, dirty talker, and all wrapped up in a romance with a twist at the end. What more could you want in a book?
My husband was getting annoyed with me because I wouldn’t stop reading while I should have been doing housework and let me tell you, it was completely worth annoying my husband LOL
I included the Amazon buy link on the photo above for easy click access.
#avidreaderbookblog #readingislife #bookblogger #bookworm #booklover #bookaddiction #bookrecommendation #newrelease #comingsoon #romance #angst #angsty #bookbloggersofinstagram #bookstragram #bookbloggersofinsta # dirtytalker #emotionaltriggers #sensitivetopics #anxiety #depression #sexy #steamy #drama #twist #romancebooks #booksbooksbooks #alpha #kristengranata #bringmeback
BOOK BLURB
A contemporary romance about hope, mental health, and the healing power of love.
After surviving a suicide attempt, Phoenix Bridges has been given a second chance at life—one she isn’t sure what to do with. When she’s released from a psychiatric treatment center, she moves into her family’s old shore house in New Jersey to figure out how to start over. She expects the town to be desolate in the winter months.
What she doesn’t anticipate is the gorgeous, brooding cop who lives next door.
James Russo blames himself for being unable to save his mother years ago. Now he’s made it his life’s mission to help everyone he can. So when he catches a glimpse of his beautiful new neighbor crying through her bedroom window, he’s determined to be her refuge.
Sparks fly as they grow close and share their tragic pasts. But when danger unexpectedly strikes, James is helpless to stop it as Phoenix gets caught in the crossfire.
Will Phoenix fight for the life she never wanted, or will James lose the one he loves all over again?
*TW: This book contains some sensitive subject matter.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristen Granata is a teacher by day, and a romance author by night. Known for writing emotional contemporary romance, she loves creating realistic, flawed characters who struggle through the darkest parts of life and come out stronger on the other side. Kristen is a self-proclaimed “bitter cynic trapped in a hopeless romantic’s body.” Her characters pack a sarcastic punch, make you laugh, make you think, make you ugly cry–and they always live happily ever after. If you’re a lover of moving, inspirational reads, Kristen’s your girl.
Kristen openly shares her mental health struggles with depression and anxiety with her readers. Her message is a beacon of hope to anyone who is suffering: You are not alone. She delicately weaves this theme into her writing, and her stories demonstrate the ability of love to heal after tragedy.
Kristen was born & raised in New York. She now resides in New Jersey with her wife & two step-daughters. When she’s not teaching or writing, Kristen is reading, making people laugh on social media, indulging in her messy love affair with popcorn, and forever singing along to The Greatest Showman soundtrack.
Where you can find Kristen:
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/kristen_granata
NEWSLETTER: bookhip.com/RCHTCA
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kristen.granata.16
WEBSITE: http://www.kristengranata.com
Avid Reader Book Blog 
Leave a comment