Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Edge of Living

AUTHOR: H.L. Day

PUBLISHER: Self-published

LENGTH: 218 Pages

RELEASE DATE: October 26, 2018

BLURB:

Sometimes, death can feel like the only escape.
It’s been a year since Alex stopped living. He exists. He breathes. He pretends to be like everyone else. But, he doesn’t live. Burdened by memories, he dreams of the day when he can finally be free. Until that time comes, he keeps everybody at bay. It’s been easy so far. But he never factored in, meeting a man like Austin.
Hard-working mechanic, Austin, has always gone for men as muscular as himself. So, it’s a mystery why he’s so bewitched by the slim, quiet man with the soulful brown eyes who works in the library. The magnetic attraction is one thing, but the protective instincts are harder to fathom. Austin’s sure though, that if he can only earn Alex’s trust then the two of them could be perfect together.
A tentative relationship begins. But Alex’s secrets run deep. Far deeper than Austin could ever envisage. Time is ticking. Events are coming to a head, and love is never a magic cure. Oblivious to the extent of Alex’s pain, can Austin discover the truth? Or is he destined to be left alone, only able to piece together the fragments of his boyfriend’s history, once its already too late?

Trigger warning: Please be aware that this story deals with suicidal ideation. If this is a subject you find uncomfortable, then this book is not recommended.

REVIEW:

Holy hell this book is incredible but it is NOT, NOT, NOT for the faint of heart. If you have any issues with severe depression, suicide, severe panic attacks, then this might not be the book for you. If you can read it, you should. It is a little on the dark side but considering the content and context, yeah, I’d be a little dark too lol. But damn, the writing in this book, just great. So good. The characters were broken, flawed, but so real. I really love it.

I’ve had some low points in my life but mercy, this book started hitting me the minute I started reading the prologue. So emotional and heartfelt. Even when feeling devoid of emotion. Alex is just someone I wish I could reach in and comfort. He has literally been through hell. Life has broken him in ways I would never want to know about. Just thinking about it makes me cry. He’s trying to cope, but everything sets him off. Panic attacks, fear, hiding. I don’t know how he survives as long as he does. He just goes through life. Empty, feeling like there’s no reason to go on. He has one reason to do so, but once that is done, all bets are off. And I, for one, can’t blame him. When you read all he goes through, it kind of puts your own life into perspective, that’s for sure.

What I love, though, is Alex never bet on Austin. Alex has avoided everyone like the plague. He’s closed himself off from everyone. His old friends, everything. He doesn’t talk unless absolutely necessary. But he met Austin in the library, and thankfully, Austin was hooked. Austin is a giant teddy bear. He’s so patient, understanding. He seems to know when to be soft and quiet and when it’s a little more ok. The only problem Austin has is that Alex doesn’t open up. But Austin is so patient with him. He feels when Alex is ready, he will let him know what’s going on. The problem is Alex tries and he can’t and by the time Austin learns what’s really going on, it’s almost too late. Austin never gives up. Love doesn’t always conquer all but damn if he doesn’t try.

The struggles in life are hard and so very real. But being put through the hell Austin has makes it worse. And this book pulls no punches. It’s hard to read in spots because it is so real, but I couldn’t put it down. It’s an incredible read.

RATING:  

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