Warning: This book is intended for mature audiences and may contain possible triggers with sexual abuse.“India’s unique writing style throws me into the deep end Every Single Time.”—Nikki, Once Upon An AlphaBook one in the Huanted Roads series“Some relationships have hidden truths that few can survive. Only us strong ones can dare listen to, and have the balls to stay and bear witness to, the … the balls to stay and bear witness to, the result of irreveocable damages. So tell me, Mavorick, are you one of the strong?”
Maverick, unfortunately, is well aware of Tucker’s meaning. Mav has recently lost his father, his mother is slipping into a depression, and his little sister is in desperate need of a parental figure. But now he’s losing his heart to Tucker’s mysterious sister, Delilah. As Maverick squints into the sun, looking at the beauty standing in front of the lake, he wonders if his heart is crazy for begging him to take on yet another tragedy.
more
Empowering perfect imperfections is an ongoing theme in each of the stories we have been blessed with by India R. Adams.
The connective tissue in her Haunted Roads, and actually each of her book series’, gathers the destruction and growth of hearts, minds, bodies, and souls.
The level of heart intensity has a physical effect on readers, like me. As I attempt to share the depth of India’s characters, to cry and laugh with them, to reach out and want to hold a hand or shake a shoulder, to feel the actual tears run down my face, to find myself smiling and even laughing out loud, I know I am only able to attempt a weak tribute to this master story teller.
What I can do, with strength of conviction, is trumpet her titles to all, so that you, fellow readers, can partake in the joy of miraculous words being shared by this truly authentic author!
This story is a true testament to the struggles and resilience of humans, especially young ones.
Love, loss and survival.
This author is new to me, and this story is very well written.
It’s not my usual genre, so I didn’t connect well with the character…just an age thing for me, as I’m of the older generation, but I’m confident this will be a favorite among young adults.
Lord! This book almost killed me. SO MUCH ANTICIPATION!!!! And then that ending?! AH. I’m ready for book 2.
What the hell just happened to me?
Oh, my goodness! What a ride Ms. Adams has taken me on. This book was just pulling on all my emotional strings.
These beautiful band of kids and the grief they’ve had to experience so early in their lives. Watching them mature far too quickly when they should’ve just been enjoying life without worries.
Ugh, I’m still clutching on my chest.
I felt so much for Maverick. That boy went from being a careless 16 year old high schooler without a worry in the world, to a single parent for his younger sister.
After learning about his father untimely death, his mom couldn’t cope with the grief, AT ALL. If it wouldn’t have been for Mav stepping up, I’m pretty sure this family would’ve lost absolutely EVERYTHING.
Now, I understand that everybody grieves in a different way, but I was so angry at his mom for COMPLETELY forgetting about her son and daughter.
We see them moving to a new town because it was becoming too hard for them living in a town where their dad’s ghost was constantly around.
This is where Maverick meets the coolest and most understanding group of kids.
Ugh! I want a friends like them, especially Viola. I had a major girl crush on her.
With this group of friends, Mav realized that they’ve all experienced a loss like him. This ends up uniting them more.
Within this group is our gorgeous Delilah.
The girl with the weight on her shoulders and a secret so deep it’s prevented her from living her life.
Mav and Delilah meet and it’s like the world put these two in each other’s paths to help heal one another.
But, nothing is ever as easy as it seems, right?
There’s a secret too deep inside Delilah that’s tearing her apart, there’s anger inside Maverick that has him ignoring all the signs around his life.
Will these two be able to help each other? Steal one another from their pain?
Oh wow! This story has so much in it and once you start you are hooked. I can’t wait to read book two, Scar Me, and luckily for me it’s already published.
Young adult stories have never really been a favourite genre of mine but this story is totally different, it changes everything I ever thought about the genre. Yes, it delves into post college live briefly but it is mainly latter high school and college age. It is written in mainly the lead male characters points of view but not all at the same time and I have to say it really works.
The backstory of Delilah’s deceased boyfriend, Kenny, intrigues me so much. We are given snippets of information as to what happened in their relationship and to them both but all will be revealed soon I am sure. I love puzzles!
There are quite a few very funny scenes and lots of lighthearted banter, the humorous elements are scattered throughout and yet it is filled with some very serious issues. All are woven into the story well, some stand out as features while others are only whispers. Very cleverly executed.
I am in awe of this author’s writing talent!
Seriously this is a new to me author and I am so angry at myself that it’s taken me so long to find her. I couldn’t put this book down as had to know what happens. She has made the characters so relatable and lovable. Do yourself a favour and one click now
Well I kinda did things backwards and read this one 2nd after Scar Me which is book 2. It was OK to me as I felt as I was reading Maverick’s backstory and filled in a few things for me. So to me this can be read as a standalone from the other book.
Just like the 2nd book this one captured me and I fell more in Love with Maverick!! He stepped up when his sister needed him, but he became a parent when he shouldn’t have been. Bailey relied on him when their mother fell down the rabbit hole after their father’s untimely death while away on business.
I loved again how after reading Scar Me first this was kinda like reading his relationship with Delilah from his point of view beside hearing how they come to meet. You also get a little behind the scenes of Tucker, Delilah’s and Viola childhood and how they became close.
I can’t wait for more of these stories as I work my way through all of India’s books. Unlike most I was glad to have discovered her later so I could read these stories one right after another and not have to wait because of that ending. I would have pulled my hair out waiting for the next book.
As per usual, the author doesn’t cease to amaze me!
“Steal Me” is a lovely story of survival. It grips you from the first chapter to the last, and you WILL cry/laugh/feel everything with these characters.
You have Maverick & Delilah, each with losses in their past, each with healing to do. When these two come together, I swear angels must have sang somewhere! They’re THAT perfect for each other. I love that the author doesn’t just leave us with “and they lived happily ever after” but rather shows the intricacies and complications within a relationship – something she does admirably and amazingly well! We get to follow them through high school, college, and adult life.
Then you have Tucker & Viola, my second favorite couple; these two… My heart breaks for them; I spent the entire half of the book biting my nails, and wishing/praying/begging for something good to happen!
Each character has their own voice, and you’ll be flipping page after page after page, waiting to get onto the next good part. Much like with “My Wolf and Me”, I spent the entire night reading – started around 10pm, and didn’t stop till the last SHATTERING paragraph.
Can’t wait for “Scar Me”. Scratch that… Waiting with baited breath is more like it!! 🙂
I kind of went into this book blind…and OMG I am so glad that I did. I’m putting it down as one of my top reads of 2018. It broke me, oh my lord it hurt my heart so bad to read some of it…but Ms. Adams somewhat put it back together. I laughed and I can honestly say I cried…I cursed the author on more than one occasion. This book brought forth so many different emotions. I LOVE books like that. I want all the feels and this one gave them to me. There was also a lot going on with secondary characters. That usually bothers me because it can sometimes take away from the main characters. Let me tell you, this lady can write and it added so much to the overall story. All I can say is I am glad I was late to the table on this one because now I can dive right into book 2, Scar Me.
Magical –
the first word that comes to mind when I think of Mavy and Lilah and Tucky Wucky and V
NO PEEKING!!
It took everything I had to control my inner brat from looking to the end to see how this story ended – We start with Maverick’s story and all the feels that go with it then suddenly we sort of get left dangling on this really rocky cliff by our fingernails – Don’t panic! It is not the end of the book – while we are hanging filled with dread and suspense from this fictitious cliff, we get to see the same storyline evolve but from Tucker’s perspective – which gently eases us back on to the solid ground- sort of. There is a lot to take in, it is not just one couple or one story – it is a group of friends all connected by a common thread and this is their story.
This is the first of two parts – part two is available now.
This is not my usual genre but Adams’ writing just does it for me. Her characters are just so? I am not sure how to describe it. There is such a simplicity to them that deepens the very essence of not only them but the storyline – they make me laugh – they make me cry- they make me fall in love -they provide me with all the feels that come with a really good read.
I can not say if it is the situations or the emotions but I find that I can easily relate and get lost in the story
And that is after all what fiction is all about
This was my first book by India R Adams but it definitely won’t be my last!!
This story was an emotional rollercoaster. Those older ones where you feel every dip and turn completely.
The author took us on a journey of growth and self healing. It was therapeutic to see these characters develop and grow. Most were able to conquer their demons. The rest, I’m hoping will come with the sequel.
Mav and Lilah, they were meant for each other. This was not the case insta lust. Yes it was there, but their connection was above that. It was amazing to see how they developed around that. To nourish their attraction beyond a physical aspect. They simply glowed
The author heads a warning at the end of this book. Yep definitely want to yell at her! Lol.
My love for side characters continues. As a couple characters stood out and stuck with me. I’m ready to dig into the next one!
Book Boyfriend Whoarder approved.
At first I thought I got the wrong book. Teenagers and their age appropriate problems. Not my usual reading material. But wanting to give a new to me author a chance I read on, and on, … ! And was truly hooked.
Ms Adams took me into a circle of friends that are young in years but their lives are fraught with age old hurts and dangers. Their loves run deep, their dedication to the ones they call their own is unshakable.
Only when the true depth of their life experiences comes to light could I fully appreciate their maturity, their incredibly helpful and loving circle of friends and family.
Wow, what a story. It has alot to do with the passing of loved ones and how we deal or font deal with them, it’s very emotional! It also has a little bit dealing with rape. India’s books are amazing shes not afraid to go into the depression side of life and make great storys about them. This book also has romance, friendship and caring for your siblings. It left me wanting more I cant wait to read the next one!
Can I give this book 7 stars? Sadly, that rating does not exist, so I shall invent it.
First of all, this book had ALL the feels. I mean ALL of them. I laughed, I teared up (I had to contain myself as I was in public), I smiled, and I ached. All from a beautifully written book. This demonstrated how amazing India is as an author.
Secondly, India immensely impressed me. The book was written in two male perspectives. Yes. MALE perspectives, and she hit a bulls eye with both. She got the teenage male psyche down to the T, and created completely natural and believable characters. Also, totally “‘yum” worthy (I’m quoting India here). Maverick and Tucker are the most kind, caring, and protecting men I have ever read about. India, are you setting an unreachable standard that the future men I meet need to achieve? Okay, back to the book.
All of the characters in this book are so incredibly strong; showing us that everyone has a past they would like to keep under wraps. They are all so complex and layered. They add depth to the story and demonstrate just how skilled India is. I was especially intrigued by Delilah, the main female character. She has so many layers, we, the readers, have only just begun to peel back. There is still so much we don’t know about her, because it is not told through her perspective (another ingenious decision).
Now I am out of India books to read as I have read them out… Sadness and despair… The anguish is real…
I was gifted this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
A truly emotional ride. Lots of love and heartache. Growing love and love denied.
Every single time India’s writing pulls me in. She has a unique talent of making you feel her story. Everything is so real.
A little more steamier than what India normally writes but still very mild for what I usually read.
This book is in two parts. Part one focuses on Maverick and Delilah.
After Maverick’s father suddenly dies his mother falls into depression and he finds himself fighting to hold his family together.
Moving to a new town Maverick takes his little sister Bailey to the store where he meets Cole and Hu. Who take him back to meet their other friends. At the house Maverick sees Delilah for the first time and knows shes the one.
Part two is the same story but from Tucker’s POV. Starting from when Tucker’s mother dies through the rescue and death of his brother Kenny to his growing love for Viola then back to where part one ended.
I was a little frustrated at the sudden POV change. But still it was full of amazing friendships. A truly beautiful heart wrenching story.
Well I guess there is another frustration. I have to wait till 2017 for Scar Me..Sigh..
O.M.G. That’s all I have to say! You know how when you’re reading on your kindle, you glance down every so often just to check how much longer you’ve got in this book? Well, not with this book. I started it in the afternoon, and didn’t move until it was finished (yes, I am a fast reader but I don’t skim!). My children went without food, I went without ‘personal’ breaks 😉 – nothing was allowed to interrupt me whilst I was reading it. And I STILL nearly threw my kindle at the wall when it was over and I hadn’t noticed it sneaking up on me! It was only when India R. Adams started “speaking” at the end that I realised what had happened, and it took my breath away!
The first half of the book is written from Maverick’s POV, the second from Tucker. Both POVs overlap so you get a full, well rounded picture of what was going on, but Tucker’s continues after Maverick’s finishes, so you get more of the story. This is a heartbreaking story, whichever side you take it from. Bailey is gorgeous, and was stealing hearts left, right, and centre! Maverick’s devotion to her as her big brother was heart-melting. Delilah is a broken character, and I only hope that she emerges from her fires stronger than ever. Now, there is something hinted at with Lilah that I think I MIGHT know the answer to. However, I’m trying to keep an open mind because, if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, you can’t take anything for granted by India R. Adams until she actually writes it down! Luckily for me, there is a sequel in the works so I will be hooked into that as soon as it comes out.
Yes, I know, it’s another India R. Adams book and another 5-Star review. Trust me when I say that they are all deserved though, in my opinion. Perhaps you don’t think so, based on what the synopsis says and what my review says. All I would say to that is to get one for yourself and see. Everyone’s opinion differs, and not every book is for everyone. HOWEVER!!!!! For myself, I have found an amazing, talented author, that covers everything from contemporary to paranormal, and simply blows me away whichever genre I’m reading. Yep, once again, I highly recommend this book!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!
Exceptionally crafted novel of love & loss.
Some books just grab ahold of you the moment you start reading. And then there are those writers who are so skilled at storytelling you don’t realize you’re reading a book – it’s more than that, deeper, and just as real as the breath in your lungs. That’s what it’s like to jump into the pages of Steal Me.
A tale of love and loss that shatters the heart but also brings hope in the midst of darkness. Something this author does amazingly well and completely effortlessly. The characters are raw, open, and every single page brings them to life as you champion their success and hug them close to your heart as they suffer. The truth within these pages will latch on and become deeply rooted in your soul. Be prepared to journey through the haunted roads, but know this . . . you won’t ever be the same.
Highly recommended! Incredibly well-written and not to be missed!
Wow, just wow!!!!
This was one of the BEST books I’ve read this
year It was one of those books that’ll haunt
you for awhile. My heart bled for these characters,
it was so heart-wrentching, but beautiful at the same
time. The author did an amazing job.
Great world building, amazing character depth, and I
loved that she gave her characters a background.
Mav & Lila, those two, I can’t wait what happens in “Scar Me”.
That cliffy almost had me crying, lol.
I want more of Tuck and V, and the rest of the gang. Can’t wait what
happens next.
“See? I love that you give me time to think. You’re not trying to… fix me.” I wanted to reach out for her, to comfort her, but I held back. “I don’t think that you’re broken.” She laughed, but it wasn’t humorous. It was more like a burst of hurt. “That’s where you’re wrong. I’m damaged goods, Maverick.”
Steal Me has been on my TBR, but I just hadn’t gotten to read it. Thankfully I’ve corrected that now. Once again India has delivered a book that will shred your heart, but somehow manage to patch it back up. She left us with one hell of a cliffhanger, the good news is that Scar Me is already released and believe me you’ll want to jump straight into it. What perfectly imperfect characters, makes me wish I had an older brother. Grief has devastating effects on us and how we process it varies. Depression and sadness, reaching for a crutch that’ll lessen the pain, anger or pushing it deep down so that you can face the days ahead. Everyone has a breaking point though.
This book came highly recommended, and couldn’t wait to start it. It wasn’t what I was expecting, but I was soon got caught up in my quest to find out everything about these wonderful characters.
Delilah, Maverick, Tucker, Viola, all these new characters stole my heart. These young adults go through so much together. Now I won’t dip into their stories as that would spoil the whole experience of this book. That and I’m still not fully understanding everything that unfolds. So I going to jump straight into book 2.