When you’re consumed by grief, can love find a way to bloom? For as long as I can remember, I’ve been in love with Chris. I was never old enough or brave enough to act on it. He never saw me like anything more than his best friend’s little sister.So, when he falls in love with my best friend, I smile and try to move on. Only I never thought I would lose them both.*** One tragic night. One day … both.
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One tragic night.
One day leaving me wondering what my future holds.
One event that has me seeing Salomé under a different light.
She’s the only one who can understand what I’m going through.
She’s also the only one who can soothe my pain.
I need her to survive. But I certainly shouldn’t take advantage of it.
An emotional brother’s best friend novel like no other.
Please be aware this book is not an easy love story. Subjects such as grief and sudden death are addressed.
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While this story pulled at my heart, i just really couldn’t get into it that great. I felt like to much was going on all at once, to many characters for me to remember who was who… I did like that the gritt family was one big family..
I just didn’t find the connection Chris and Sal was supposed to have, i felt like it was really missing something..
thank you again for an arc!
Sal (Salome) has been in love with her brother’s best friend, Chris, for years, but he’s always just seen her as a little sister. But it’s when he gets together with her best friend, Jordan, that she knows she’s truly lost him (not that she ever had him) and had to get over him if she wanted to have a life worth living. Unfortunately, losing Chris did mean losing Jordan too, because for some reason, Jordan’s shut her out of his life since they moved. Sal never thought she’d lose Jordan, permanently, and lose Chris all over again, though.
Wow, this story is a lot to take in. So much happened, there’s so much angst, and quite frankly, I didn’t really like any of the characters that much with the exception of Dex, Sal’s brother-in-law, and I sorta like Sal. Well, maybe it’s not so much that I like her, as I feel really sorry for, because everyone but Dex treated her horribly. Her brothers treated her horribly, her “best friend” treated her horribly, and Chris treated her horribly. Plus there’s the little fact that I could not feel the connection between Chris and Sal. I never felt as if they loved each other, or even liked each other for that matter.
3.5 stars
I was really excited about Forsaken by Gabrielle G. as brother’s best friend with a touch of forbidden is my favourite kind of poison. It was sure an emotional rollercoaster. The ups and downs were too much. The author sure handled lots of complicated issues head on in this messy, angsty and chaotic love story.
But my issue was with both the lead characters Salome and Chris. Salome is such a fierce woman with the biggest heart. I just couldn’t figure out how she kept on loving Chris through all the trouble and making mistakes one after another. I absolutely understand the unbreakable spell of first love. Still I had a hard time understanding the character. Same goes for Chris. He always cared for her when her own brothers didn’t properly do so. But he hurt her and broke her and left her alone. He is a great man, but is he the right man for Salome? I am all for heartbreak and angst and pain if I can feel the connection between the couple. It was there. The sparks were there but somehow it didn’t develop into something special. Also the Gritt family and their dynamics is a bit too much to handle. A large part of the story was spent in descriptions of day to day events. I just wanted to feel the feels. And I was missing it.
Forsaken was a reckless, impulsive and intense romance. It was a different take on brother’s best friend.
Received ARC for honest review
Wow. Just wow. Forsaken is not your typical brother’s best friend romance. Chris and Salome’s path to HEA is so twisted and hard and emotional and gritty and at times, ugly. I was really curious about the two of them after reading Heartbroken (Gritt Family #1) and Forsaken was nothing like what I expected between Chris and Sal.
Chris has always been an unofficial part of the Gritt family, as Aaron’s best friend. What started out as a crush on him when she was 6 years old turned into something deeper for Salome, and every guy she dated was compared to Chris. Nothing had ever happened between them since he’s 10 years older than her, but she has been in love with him for as long as she can remember.
Chris is bisexual, as we know from the last book. He dated Sal’s brother Luke when they were teenagers. (I haven’t read Luke and Dex’s book from the previous series, so I’m not sure how much detail there is about that relationship.) But this book really is about the romance between Chris and Salome. The fact that Chris is bisexual definitely is a big part of who he is and how that impacts their relationship.
It struck me as odd that Sal cared less about the fact that Chris had been with Luke than he was with her best friend. I don’t want to say too much about the events that lead Chris to be with Salome after being with her best friend. But had he not had that relationship first, there probably would not have been a relationship with her. And that screws with Chris’ mind. Sal feels guilt about it too, but it really messes with Chris, and it takes A LOT of work on his part to get to a good place. Meanwhile, Sal feels once again like she’s an outsider in her family when her brother takes Chris’ side over hers. Like she’s not good enough. Like no one cares what she thinks. And Chris has similar struggles. Why won’t Sal go with him when he needs to leave the memories of his ex behind?
It’s a tricky situation, and there is a lot of upheaval for both of them, but the resolution is a beautiful HEA. I am so enjoying this series! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
One of the things I love to hate about Gabriel G.’s books is that she’s not afraid to get dirty. And I don’t mean dirty in the schmexy way you might be thinking, though she does that too. I mean, she digs into the messy parts of people and relationships. She’s not scared to make her readers squirm, wondering if a HEA is possible for her couples. Her newest release Forsaken had me questioning if the H and h were going to make it. If it was possible to overcome the mountain of baggage she had created in front of them.
While we all know to categorize a book as Romance means the HEA is inevitable, it seems like an impossible road for these two. Be prepared to experience all the feelings while consuming Forsaken.
Gabrielle G again manages to get all the feels and still manages to make you smile along the way. She writes some of the most unforgettable characters I have encountered. For example, I am a huge Led Zeppelin fan. I have been since I was a teen in the early ’70s. In fact, Led Zeppelin was the first concert I ever attended. One scene from Trouble had Dan and Lars playing “Fool in the Rain,” ever since then, whenever I hear that song, I picture Dan and Lars, not Page and Plant. Those, my friend, are memorable characters. She has done it again with the Gritt family.
We’ve met and loved Luke Gritt, grown-up, and cried with Aaron Gritt, and now we are walking through devastation and rebirth with Salome Gritt. Salome (or Sal) has loved Chris ever since she was a small girl. Chris is the best friend of Aaron and Luke’s first boyfriend. Chris is bi-sexual and comfortable in that, and Sal is too. However, she’s ten years younger, and there’s the whole little sister of the best friend dynamic. Throw in Sal’s supposed best friend (who is obviously a very disturbed individual), and we are left with a catastrophic trainwreck of vast proportions leaving people broken and devastated.
Out of the ashes left behind, Chris realizes that he loves Sal and wants a life with her. But healing takes time. Getting over yourself takes time. Growing up, facing your faults, acknowledging your shortcomings, and being big enough to admit to these takes time. And thankfully, Gabrielle G has created a world of influential people to surround Chris and Sal, who will aid and assist as characters we know and love learn to grab the love that is before them.
We have at least one more Gritt story to crave. Not to mention, there’s still another musician’s story we are awaiting. In the meantime, if you haven’t met the Gritt’s start with Luke’s account in Often and Suddenly and move on to Heartbroken for Aaron and Alane’s love journey. All will leave you sighing and wishing for more of Gabrielle’s beautiful words.
This is a gritty, emotional, angst ridden read and I loved every word. It deals with love, loss, and the aftermath of suicide. Despite the subject matter, it was an engaging read, with a varied cast of great characters that really enhanced the story.
I haven’t read any Gabrielle G books before, but I will absolutely be reading more of her work. She is able to pull the reader into the story – you get caught up in the plot that just flows so smoothly from start to finish. Her writing is realistic and you will get the HEA, but the road to happily ever after is strewn with obstacles that will test the main characters as they deal with love, loss, grief, and healing. If you you enjoy edgy, passionate stories, then this may be the book for you. Highly recommended. Advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. 5s.
Who ever said that your brothers’ best friend is off limits? What if you have loved this man for your entire life? What if he always gave you the care and compassion that no one else did? Would you give in to your feelings, or would you shut him out because you are just the “little sister”? Does age make a difference? Would that be a hard limit?
No matter how hard they tried and no matter how many relationships came in between Salomé and Chris, it seems that they were always meant to be it for each other. However, they keep going back to the fact that he’s older and more like a brother, instead of a love interest. So many secrets and feelings kept inside. When is it time to say, ‘enough is enough’ and make it about your happiness? I absolutely love Chris and Sal. I love their passion and even their stubbornness. This story comes full circle and I adore that Sol’s entire family is mixed into their relationship. Sometimes, all you need is family to tell you to grow up and make your move.
An amazing friends-to-lovers romance. If you like a romantic happily ever after, Forsaken is for you. However, make sure to pick up Heart Broken first. The story of Aaron and Alane starts off this amazing series. You will not be disappointed!
I LOVE the Gritt family. I adore the angsty mess and the pain this author puts her characters through on their way to happiness. I thought she had me with Heartbroken and the Darling Devils but nope. Just SO GOOD. These characters made me want to shake them but they got into my skin and made me root for them!
This is the 2nd book in this amazing series and is Chris and Salome’s story. Salome has had a crush on her brother’s best friend Chris since childhood, and she has always had a complex and insecurities which left her feeling unloved. When an event changes life for everyone knows it, she is the one to step up to the plate to help. No spoilers: this is a definite must read you will not be disappointed. This is a beautifully written tale which is an emotional roller coaster journey throughout, and is a raw, gritty, and heart-breaking story, with angst, anger, emotions, and is a brutal and relatable all-consuming read. I was intrigued and hooked throughout, and I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
3.5*
I was really excited when I read the blurb of this. This was my first read by this author and to find out it was a forbidden brothers best friend romance left me really excited. If you’re looking for a angsty, gritty romance, you’ll find it right here. This was intense.
I requested an ARC for review. My opinions are my own and haven’t been influenced.
3.5 Stars
This is my first book by Gabrielle and I’m asking myself why that is. The book is told in dual perspectives and was a very unexpected friends to lovers romance.
I found the story quite complex there are alot of characters and it takes time to work out where they all fit. I felt like Salome was invisible to everyone, for no apparent reason they ignore her or put her down. Her brother was the most judgemental idiot and the way he spoke and acted towards her infuriated me so much and I felt like he didn’t make enough amends. After a shaky start Chris and Sal burn up the sheets and I felt their chemistry more than Chris and ….. I loved the way the author dealt with their sexuality. This book proves that love finds us and sometimes it is the right person at the wrong time.
Gabrielle G has ripped my heart out again with Forsaken! This is a deep book that deals with very sensitive issues and I was ready to cry by 10% in. She writes well about the topics and family dynamics that make this book one I devoured. Half the time this book leaves your cursing the characters but their feelings and situations are real and they make you feel right along with them. Salome and Chris are a couple trying to protect each other while at the same time ripping each other apart. Without giving away any spoilers if you are wanting an emotional angsty read about friends who become lovers even when they feel like they shouldn’t this book is for you!
Again Gabrielle has writing amazing story that will have you pulled in to story. This story is a very emotional roller coaster ride from the first page tell the very ending. This is the set book in this series. This story will have you on the edge of your seat and have you reading in on setting as you will want to know what is going to happen at the end.
After meeting Salomé in Book 1 Heartbroken, I knew her story would be interesting.
Salomé is in love with her brother’s best friend and her protector.
Two people who have always had feelings for each other but never go the next step in sharing these feelings until a tragic incident brings everything together.
Secrets are discovered and having to find your inner self comes a lot harder then they think.
Full of situations that are all so real and raw. That’s the uniqueness with Gabrielle’s writing, it makes you feel so much and the realism of it is like a painting.
I recommend if you would like to start this series, start with Heartbroken so you understand the family dynamics.
Can’t wait for Barnabas Story!
Stay seated as it’s a story with lots of OMG moments! Debra @janise’s Jivin’ Book Blog
So this is the first of the Gritt Family series that I read. The fact that I didn’t read the first book was not a big deal for me. It didn’t take long to figure out the key players or the interaction with the family. They are a very open family and accepting of those in their circle.
I do have to say that to a certain extant I was surprised how they all interacted amongst themselves especially in relation to Salome. I wasn’t to pleased about it actually. But our author showed us, family is complicated. Love is complicated.
I actually could not believe how things went down with the friendships in relation to Salome, her friend and Chris. I was hurt for Sal in a big way and the outcome of choices made. Both Sal and Chris have a lot to deal with and I truly feel it was handled well and in unexpected ways.
Dealing with a few of the issues that crop up just make it all the more haunting for us the reader. Well executed to keep us wondering where it will all end up.
WOW! Just WOW
What a book!!!
This nerve-wracking, brutal emotional and heartbreaking book is why I love Gabrielle G. so much.
She writes the most real, raw and romantic stories.
Her characters are not sweet and swoony, but real and authentic.
They are flawed and broken and make mistakes.
That’s why I can identify with them so well.
Sel is like every single woman insecure, plagued with complexes and feels unloved.
Are we not all like Sel to a certain extent too?
She wants something or someone that she can’t have and tries to replace it with other people and things.
Are all her decisions appropriate?
Of course not. She is who she is. She makes mistakes and has to live with them.
The sad thing is that happiness is something completely foreign to her.
Chris is like all single men, he lives his life without thinking of consequences.
Till the consequences bite him…
But at some point he just wants what everyone wants, a relationship that is more than a one-night-stand and a home where his love is waiting for him. If only it were that simple and everything worked like planned
This book touches a lot of important topics.
One of them is self-love and acceptance. You have to love yourself so that you can accept love and let others love you.
The other is suicide and the sheer powerlessness of people who has lost their loved ones.
Their long way of mourning and suffering guilt feelings is a brutal reality of this story.
But this beautiful complicated love story ends of course with an amazing HEA and has an absolute epic epilogue.
I love this book and the cover is unbelievable beautiful
I can’t wait for the third book in the series