scijessreads

First of all: 😭💜😭💜😭💜

OK, now to a longer review! I have been a fan of Sarah’s since I read the Fate Philosophy (and then went back to read The Soulmate Theory). I have been fortunate to be an ARC reader and street team member pretty much since then, as well. She writes complete characters that are allowed to make mistakes, grow, and find their place in the world with the support of those that love them and challenge them to be everything they know they can be. And August & Elena here in Vice & Violet (and in the beginning of their arc in Reckless Roses) are no different. What is special about their story, however, is that we have seen it play out in pieces in the previous Pacific Shores series books, as part of the background of Darby & Leo’s and Dahlia & Everett’s stories.

In Vice & Violet, we see the present-day fallout of the aftermath of the tragedy that ended in the previous book of the August & Elena’s duet. Elena has pulled away from everyone, drowning in her own grief and anger. August still cares for her, but is also nursing his own heartbreak at losing Elena and his brother. And when Elena is first dragged home, they are very much at odds. It is a classic hate-to-love you situation, where both of them think that they are not enough for the other, and that what they had in the past is irretrievably broken.

But they keep coming together. They fight and they yearn and there is so much tension and grief and anger (at themselves and each other). They are one lit match away from burning. And when that fire is lit, everything comes to the surface. The secrets, the pain, and the realization that they have always been meant to be. Their road is rocky and steep and full of pain, but it is theirs and they make it to the end.

If ever there was a book for that emotional damage gif, this is it. And the family that surrounds August & Elena – they make everything better. This world of Pacific Shores has been a favorite of mine to return to (and I’m sad that we are leaving), and this is a fitting end to our time. It is one last jump off the pier with all your friends as this chapter in the story closes.

I read this early as an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own. The whole Pacific Shores series is out now.