Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.Lies.Words destroyed me. “I’m sorry. She didn’t make it.”“Daddy, he can’t breathe!” “There’s nothing more we can do for your son.”Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.More lies.Those syllables and letters became my executioner. I told myself that, if I didn’t acknowledge the pain and the fear, they … acknowledge the pain and the fear, they would have no power over me. But, as the years passed, the hate and the anger left behind began to control me.
Two words—that was all it took to plunge my life into darkness.
“He’s gone.”
In the end, it was four soft, silky words that gave me hope of another sunrise.
“Hi. I’m Charlotte Mills.”
more
Breathe. Just breathe.
There are so many emotionally crippling, heart wrenching, soul stealing moments in this duet. It’s hard to guard your heart and honestly, it would probably only make it worse. Between the drama, the horror, and the painfully tense situations, there are laughs, smiles, and smirks. There are happy tears and soul warming moments.
This duet is…It just IS. Some books take you on an adventure. Some books give you new friends. Some give you a place to run and hide. Other books just make a place in your heart that can’t be taken- it leaves not just warm fuzzies…but a tattoo reminder of all it was, is, and will continue to be.
This duet is all of the above. The very talented author is incapable of keeping the feels out of a book. Each and everyone I’ve read has made me love her style even more. If there is only one thing you get out of this review, it’s that every story she takes on- seems to be the only story.
As a voracious reader, I generally read fast and whole heartedly. But it is rare for books to consume me. Each one of Ms. Martinez’ books has done just that. There’s no…oh this reminds me, no stopping to check emails, no. I am wholly invested and distracted by the world she creates. She is my favorite kind of author.
Back to the Brightest Sunset though:
You know from The Darkest Sunrise that the emotion is intense. You know the crazy situation. You think you know the characters.
Book Two, The Brightest Sunset, is a death. The death of all your wishes, dreams, “knows”, but most of all the death of innocence. You no longer are innocent in what has happened. You will forge new wishes, hopes, and dreams.
While you do, dream a little dream for me…
reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
“Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me. Lies. Syllables and letters may not be tangible, but they can still destroy your entire life faster than a bullet from a gun.”
Holy. Whoa! I have read so many books throughout my life, and I have to say, this book ranks as a top read! The Brightest Sunset is the second part of Aly Martinez’s duet, and I am still reeling from it (to be honest, I’m still reeling from the first book)! This book picks up where The Darkest Sunrise left off, and completes Porter and Charlotte’s story. And it really does complete it. They both so deserved to be able to find their way out of the darkness- and they had so many reasons to keep them down. I know I’m being vague, but I so do not want to give anything away; this duet deserves to be read with an open mind.
This is truly one of the best that I’ve ever read. Seriously. I can’t wait to reread it already!
Wow Incredible end to this duet- Reese and Charlotte Mills, two tormented souls joined by loss. But secrets have come out and her son/his son needs help. And navigating a new reality is beautiful. So happy that I could read this series together. AMAZING
5 beautifully tragic stars!! I really liked book one but this book was perfection!!
I have so many emotions regarding this book. This book broke me, lifted me up, broke me again and made me fall in love.
I don’t even have enough words to describe how much I love Porter. What a wonderful father and man he is. Crazy enough I feel the same for Charolette. They deserve every single thing in the light.
The author did a wonderful job in keeping me drawn it. I literally read this in a little under two hours no stopping. I thought I will read a couple chapters and go to bed. Well I couldn’t stop. The words were just flying off the page. Page one until the very last page were perfection.
This is a MUST read!!
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars! I have never had a book rip me apart and put me back together the way this one did. I cried. I never cry and this book had me bawling. The raw emotion Martinez put into this book is spectacular. Aly Martinez is one of my new favorite authors and I will read a grocery list if she writes it because it will be magic. I will definitely be shouting about this book to everyone.
This duet was emotional and very well written. Charlotte and Porter were a beautiful couple and they connected when they were both in such darkness and needed some light. The story was a beautiful one, but it was predictable. That was the only issue I had. The characters were great and the story was great, but I always knew what was coming next. It was a highly emotional duet.
A wonderful end to this A+ rated series.
Book 2 of a brilliant duet. Really!
I was irritated to realize that in order to finish the riveting story in Book 1 of this duet, I had to buy Book 2. That I didn’t hesitate (for even a moment) is testimony to the distinctive and unpredictable story, the quality writing, and the charisma of the characters. It’s delightful to read about intelligent, resourceful people wending their way through a nightmare situation with good communication, clarity and compassion. Buy this book and read it. Of course, you’ll need to read Book 1, The Darkest Sunrise, first. It’s worth it, friends. You’ll thank me later.
An engaging read with plenty of feels
The second half of the Darkest Sunrise duet, you don’t want to read this without reading book 1 first. Note that you can read Across the Horizon either before or after this duet; it takes place in parallel to the duet and the author did a great job avoiding spoilers no matter which you read first.
I was pretty invested in these characters after book 1, so it was heartbreaking to see the circumstances Porter and Charlotte found themselves in. I really liked how the author handled the character development; everyone’s reactions—including secondary characters—felt authentic and real, and I really loved that they (mostly) acted like grownups (excerpt for the actual kids of course, lol). Because of that heartbreak, this book did feel a little more angsty to me than book 1, but there were still moments of humor and heat as well.
While those circumstances I mentioned added a ton of tension to the story (I’m not going to go into detail to avoid spoilers for book 1), Travis’ health also added a lot of tension and angst, and this was another story I couldn’t read fast enough.
An engaging read with plenty of feels, and of course all those wonderful characters, this was a great conclusion to the duet, and I’m adding this author to my “read more soon” list. 5 stars
NO SPOILERS!
Aly Martinez hurt my heart in The Darkest Sunrise, but healed and mended every broken piece with The Brightest Sunset. The conclusion to Porter and Charlotte’s incredibly unique and emotional story was beautiful and heartwarming, and I absolutely loved it!
The storyline was once again amazing. I’ve never read anything quite like The Darkest Sunrise Duet, and probably won’t ever again. Porter and Charlotte’s journey was full of ups and downs and trials and tribulations, but at the end of the day, all of it was completely worth every heartbreaking moment. Even though The Darkest Sunrise Duet hurt my heart and soul at times, it was a beautiful story full of heart, heat, humor, healing, forgiveness, and swoon-worthy romance.
The characters were phenomenal. I fell even more in love with Porter, Charlotte, Travis, Hannah, and so many more. They were an amazing group of lovable and relatable people, and I honestly couldn’t have adored them more. There were a few that weren’t my favorite, but luckily they weren’t too intolerable. Porter and Charlotte have been among my top favorite characters from Aly Martinez so far, and it was a true pleasure to have read their unique and unforgettable story. Although it was a tough journey, I absolutely loved the conclusion and couldn’t have been happier for everyone.
The Darkest Sunrise Duet was an epic roller coaster of emotions, but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Aly Martinez did an outstanding job with Porter and Charlotte’s story, and even though she broke my heart on numerous occasions throughout the entire duet, she gave me the ending I so desperately wanted for this amazing couple. Aly Martinez is by far one of my top favorite authors, and I can’t wait to devour more of her unique and unforgettable stories!
A phenomenal emotional experience about love, forgiveness, selflessness and how fragile life is. How to come out of the dark and into the light. An amazing conclusion to this duet. Highly recommend this book.
Second book in this series and holy cow hold on because this one will have you on the edge of your seat. Begins where the first one left off. Charlotte has the one thing she has wished for for 10 years but is losing the one person she just found. This one tore at the heart strings.So many different tough emotional moments in this one. But amazingly written . Loved it loved the characters and the chemistry. Amazing storyline. I loved how strong Travis is and how he deals with everything. Highly recommend this series.
Great story I could see a lifetime move
Please remember – you MUST read ‘The Darkest Sunrise’ before you venture into this one. Otherwise, you will miss out on so much of the story, and making sense of this one will be difficult. I know much of this is rather vague, but I don’t want to give the secrets out. They are worth waiting for.
Well Edited.
At the end of ‘The Darkest Sunrise’, Porter Reese and Charlotte Mill’s world blew apart. Old secrets rose and threatened to take them under. When the dust settles, Porter is rocked, but resolute. He will do whatever is necessary to protect his family. Charlotte’s world is once again turned upside down. She is left with a choice – does she follow the noise of those around her, or does she follow the quiet in her heart?
Once Charlotte makes a choice, she too is resolute. She will do anything to protect those she loves. Except, in following her chosen path, she is going to be pitted against someone that she loves. Doesn’t really matter which path she chose, someone she loved was going to be on the opposite side. All that is left is to move forward to a future where she can be happy. But, will it include Porter?
It is so easy to love Porter Reese. As book dads go, he is one of the best. It is so easy to feel for Charlotte. Her loss is heartbreaking. It is so easy to root for them. Their journey isn’t easy, but so often life just isn’t. Enjoy!
As soon as I finished book one I grabbed book two. I HAD to know what happened. I was consumed!
As a mother of a baby who had a heart transplant only a couple ago, I connected to book two so much.
The waiting. The unknown.
This duet was simply amazing.
Hard to put down
An emotional conclusion to such a great story. I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first. This duet will take you on the journey of your life and although it was never an easy one, it was definitely worth it all in the end. This story was everything and more; romance readers will absolutely enjoy it. It was emotional, sweet, frustrating, regretful, hopeful, hateful and loving. It will leave your heart hurting one moment and have it filling up the next. It brought a few tears to my eyes more than once. I definitely look forward to reading more books from this author in the future.
my heart is so full …
If you’ve gotten to this point then you know that Charlotte and Porter are entering a phase in their lives that even I don’t think I could navigate. The odds are against them, for sure. I honestly thought the plot twist at the end of book one could not be topped … HA! And what a beautiful path Aly Martinez chose for them. I’ve said before that Aly is a master manipulator when it comes to story-lines and this duet is truly her best work yet.
For me, the most beautiful thing about this story is the high road that both Charlotte and Porter took. You see, they didn’t make it about themselves. NOT ONE SINGLE TIME. It was always about their son. The story was riddled with drama but not in respect to that. And I am so ridiculously pleased with Aly Martinez, I could kiss her! I’m not even playing. As I read chapter after chapter, page after page, of this story, my heart got fuller and fuller because the story was just so real and relatable. Her characters were real people in a really hard place just trying to do what’s best for one little boy.
I don’t think I’ve read a story this year yet that has captured not only my mind but my heart from beginning to end. I applaud you Aly Martinez and I just cannot wait to read all the words from you in the future!
I really love a good romance and that’s exactly what The Darkest Sunrise Duet is and more. The romance is awesome and the storyline intriguing. Book 2 is packed full of emotion including anguish, heartache, suffering from the actions of another, healing, learning the true meaning of family, forgiveness and so much love. Porter and Charlotte are strong, well developed characters and that continues in Book 2. The growth of the relationship is pure and realistic. Book 2 wraps up the Duet in fantastic fashion. A great read through and through. (less)
“He’d made the darkness a beautiful place filled with understanding and acceptance.”
Wow. I’m not even sure how to give this duet the praise that it deserves. Aly Martinez once again rips into my heart and tears it to pieces only to rebuild it and seal it with love.
Since pretty much anything I want to say about this will directly results in spoilers, I’m just going to tell you my love for Porter and Charlotte. Their story is heartbreaking yet hopeful. It’s sad yet happy. It’s ugly yet beautiful. Just like with the first book, I felt every single thing the two of them were going through. My heart hurt and I balled my eyes out and I couldn’t have been happier with it. It just makes me feel. I get so sucked in an emotionally involved.
I think everyone needs a Porter in their life. He’s so relatable and just a down right genuinely nice guy. He’s sweet, protective and knows just what both his kids and Charlotte need. Everything that he did made my heart melt more and more. His banter with Charlotte is absolutely delicious.
Overall, this duet will go down in my top reads of the year. It’s profound, beautiful, angsty and powerful. If you haven’t read this duet yet, you need to stop right now and pick it up.