Hitting rock bottom is just the beginning…I’m a son, a brother, a friend. A writer.An addict.Dead.Cardiac arrest isn’t enough to keep me dead, though. The doctors brought me back, but for what?At twenty four I’ve already achieved what most people do in a life time. I’m a successful author, own a flat in the heart of London and drive my dream sports car. Or at least that’s what people see.Once … at least that’s what people see.
Once the spotlight fades, I’m left alone with my overactive mind, alcohol and drugs the only way to quiet down the noise.
Until an overdose nearly kills me and drags everyone I love down with me.
With the help of my best friend, I leave London and its toxic influence behind, moving to a small town in the outskirts of Cambridge to try and put my life back together again.
If only it were that easy.
85K words
As with every Teodora Kostova book, HEA is guaranteed.
Reviews
~ “Is it enough for me to say that I really loved this story? It had the perfect balance of angst and romance with just the right touch of family drama, bringing enough emotion into the mix to grab my heart without overdoing it—something that I often see happen in this type of story (journey back from addiction).” ~ Carra
~ “It was an exceptional book that I read easily.” ~ Dragunfly
~ “I read this straight through in one sitting except for updates and bathroom breaks. I literally just could not put this down.” ~ Lee Evans Jr
~ “A beautiful story of survival, second chances and finding love. A powerful look at depression, self-destruction and coming to grips with what will keep us sane and make us whole.” ~ Dixie
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The majority of the angst is at the start of the story. Thereafter follows the growth of the relationship between Finn and Ben, and the slow start to healing processes. The secondary characters are all well-crafted and never superfluous. Of course, I particularly loved Aiden and I am sad that his book has not yet been written. Maybe one day?
I own the majority of this author’s work, but not this one. Being somewhat hard of hearing, I usually read and listen to books. I was delighted, therefore, to find that the narration by Christopher Weeks is so crisp and clear that I didn’t need the ebook in my hand too. I love the contrast in voices between Finn and Ben. In fact, all of the different voices are very good and bring the characters delightfully to life.
I found this book to be just as amazing as all the others that I have read by this author and I loved that it is based around personal experiences.
This book made my heart ache. Finn is dealing with emotional demons which end up overwhelming him in one heart wrenching moment. Having to pick himself up from rock bottom, he finishes rehab and moves away from the temptation and turmoil of the city to work on renovating a cottage as well as calibrating himself. Finn is an addict, and this is not sugarcoated or wrapped up nicely. He has cravings and desires that he has to struggle to control. He has emotional issues he has to untangle and sort out. During all of this, he ends up meeting and falling in love with Ben, who has past mistakes of his own. Together, both men find love and the strength to heal, grow, and move on.
I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of angst, but it was cathartic angst, necessary for the characters to develop and grow into healthier and happier versions of themselves. The writing was well done and flowed smoothly. I was completely immersed in the story.
Well, that was one great story! Amazing angsty story with great characters. Teodora Kostova is great at capturing troubled souls and this book follows that well established track record to the t!
While this is very much a T. Kostova story, there’s just something holding that fifth star back. Finn is a great character, and Ben and the others are as well. But although Finn is filled with angst, anger, confidence, and overwhelmed at times, the rest of the characters kinda felt a bit flat. That’s not to say they don’t have their own personalities and whatnot, they just felt, I don’t know, underdeveloped?
Anyway, this is the story of Finn, a young man who saw success early in life, and grew up in not what I would call a loving family. He has his sister, and his best friend Aiden, but when he finally hits rock bottom, no one comes out unscathed.
It is decided that something new needs to be tried, so Finn points to a map, and that is how he ends up renting a house in a small town near Cambridge called Ten Mile Bottom. However, while trying to remain a recluse, he is inundated with new people at every turn. One of those people turns out to be a friendly mechanic named Ben. Another is a teenager named Rose, and I was very disappointed that the author chose not to delve deeper into her life just a little more.
Time goes by, and Finn is really finding a peace being around Ben. There are plenty of trials to be faced, and they both have regrets from their pasts. But when things get too much, Ben is the perfect boyfriend, always patient, and always there for support. I’m still not sure what exactly Aiden’s feelings toward Finn were, but in the end, their friendship survived a continental divide.
In the end, as with most Kostova books, everything comes together as it should. There’s a bright future ahead for Finn and Ben, and it looks like Aiden’s story is yet to be told.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
Hitting rock bottom is only the beginning for Finn the main characther in this book. The author takes us through him trying to rebuild his life, distance himself from his addictions and trying to keep to himself.
Finn has moved to Ten Mile Bottom a small (fictional) UK town, being on his own is not on the cards as the people are very friendly. Ben, his love interest has family that lives in town, his lovely, not pushy and perfect for Finn.
This is a good read, the romance isn’t rushed and you get a good feel for the characthers. There is some family angst mixed in with Finn’s recovery and romance.
The author’s notes at the end of the book give you an insight as to why the story reads well.
This isn’t my first book from this author and won’t be the last!
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie –
I am a big fan of Ms. Kostova’s novels, and this is an excellent addition to her list. It is refreshingly different, and hopeful without being sugarcoated. I don’t always read the preamble, but happened to in this case, and was moved by her words.
At the heart of the story is the opportunity for redemption and a future. It may well be different from the past, and may require a lot of self-forgiveness, but it is possible. And that hope, and the determination to do it is key. It is also a beautifully simple love story, which acknowledges that no one has an entirely blameless past.
I loved the side characters and what they brought to the page – Rose, Ruby, Frank, even Josh. Aiden was very important, and it was impossible not to sense his longing, which compelled him to leave. Ben and Finn learning about each other, and moving forward with their relationship and life, was intense and yet light.
Ms. Kostova often writes about dance, and I think of her writing as being just as fluid. It weaves across the page with lovely pace, and twists and turns, making a rich and lyrical experience for the reader. It was not difficult to see what would happen, but the story-telling retained magic and mystery to the end.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Ten Mile Bottom by Teodora Kostova to read and review.