Relationships are ugly, dark—destructive. They aren’t fairy tales. No happily ever after neatly wrapped in a shiny bow or sparkling diamond with a heartfelt engagement. And in their end, love was nothing but a beautiful lie told to hide the ugly truth. This is reality’s illusion.
Reality’s Illusion
By stephiewalls
What this book will do to you is beyond words. I honestly dont have words to describe the gripping tragic tale that you will embark on while reading this. This story will break your heart. From the beginning it’s dark and sad. Theres times when Bastian has light back in his life. I sit here crying as I write this. This is a book you will want to read with tissues. As in the warning before the start “Grief is the price we pay for love” Queen Elizabeth II
I recieved an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
This book was PHENOMENAL!!!! I highly suggest you go into it completely blind, but be aware that it is a raw, honest and exquisitely written book about the truth of grief. “This isn’t a love story, it is a story about love” no truer words have been printed. Not all stories have a happily ever after and Bastian’s story end as it needs to. It is so hard to write a review that does this book justice without giving anything away. Not many books bring me to actual tears, however this one did and more than once. This is one of those books that you read that just stick with you for a long time to come. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book for an honest review.
I’m at a loss for words. I admit that halfway through I thought what is happening here. Then seeing the harsh reality through the artist’s eyes grips me and left me deep in thought. A powerful story you need to just let yourself feel and get lost in. The author wrote another fantastic story that will stay with me for a long time. One read that you don’t want to miss. There are trigger warnings throughout so be aware.
wow this is a 2nd chance in life & love. Bastian gave up on his dream painting when he lost his wife but when his wife’s doppelgänger Sera comes in his life could she be his muse to pick up the paint brushes again? This book is def an emotional one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another amazing book from Stephie. Just like other reviews, it’s best if you go in blind with this one, there really isn’t too much to say without spoiling it. It will grab you from the first chapter. All the feels, heartbreak, love, friendship, and loss. It’s not a love story but a story of love. Have tissues ready. One of the best ugly cry books I’ve read. I highly recommend it.
I’m speechless. I’m at a loss for words. My heart loved Bastian and broke for him all at the same time. In his words “ We’re all broken. Everyone of us. Some of our cracks are just more visible than others.” To have loved two women Sylvia and Sera so strongly and deeply and then to crash and burn and hit rock bottom. Bastian started to live again and tried to move forward in life. What he felt emotionally for both women and what he had to go through was beautiful and it was ugly and it was dark and deep. Bastian’s best friend Nate is someone everyone needs by their side. The love of a best friend that will NEVER leave. That will bang on your door all hours of the day or night and tell you to pull your head out of your ass and hold you up when you need them too or tell you your doing a great job and slap you on the back. That is what everyone needs, someone that always looks out for you. I wasn’t sure at first if I would like this book. I knew that Stephie was gonna take me on a journey and I didn’t know if I was ready emotionally for that journey and what the outcome was going be. This book will leave you speechless and heartbroken and make you cry but it will also allow you to appreciate the ones that love you and their determination and their never ending friendship.