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Life being Layton Parks isn't easy. Everything she touches seems to just fall apart at her fingertips - the air conditioning, the coffee maker, her ability to say no. A push over at heart, Layton does what she's told, when she's told. With two jobs bleeding her dry, she barely has time to register the rut she seems to have fallen in. Despite this, she's okay with her life. It's simple and uncomplicated.
Until it isn't.
Kane Thatcher doesn't need any help in being broken because he's already a walking mass of shattered shards. Unlike Layton, Kane is no one's Yes Man. After a split decision three years previous turned his world upside down, he's finally living independent, with no one to worry about but himself.
Until he isn't.
He's curious about her, and determined to make her stand up for herself and be who she wants to be.
She's a little scared of him, yet knows there's a softer side of him hiding behind all the hate.
Will they bring out the best in each other, or will outside obstacles force out the worst? Will hate win over love, or will they be able to navigate their way through it together?
Dawn's Review
This is my first time reading AJ Love, and I am a FAN! I loved this story so much. It wasn't pretty, at times it was down right ugly, in the BEST possible way. We have two characters that are broken, each in a different way. Kane, thinks that his past makes him unlovable because of a single act that changed his families dynamic. Layton had it all, a family that loved her, finish high school. college, marriage and motherhood. That, was not what Layton, wanted. When she got her chance she quit school and left with her friend Morgan, heading from Louisiana to Texas. Life was not on her side. Working two jobs, one at a grocery store and the other... well, I'll let you find out on your own.
Kane, has had plans in the works for years for his brother and himself to open a garage. With his brother gone now, it is all on Kane and he is determined to make it a success. He has his Mom in his life and a father that is useless and gone. It is all on Kane to take care of his mother and live with guilt and keep everyone at arms length with his off putting attitude and constant scowl.
Kane and Layton, live in the same rundown apartment complex and literally trip and fall into each other's arms. The attraction is instant and palpable, but unwanted by both. Layton. is having a serious run of bad luck and has about reached her limit. When Kane, offers to fix one of her problems, her air conditioning. This leads to Kane, stepping up and doing other odd's and in's for Layton, but for Layton this leads to her unstoppable need for Kane. Unbeknownst to her, Kane, is feeling the same way. Their lives are full of secrets and unknown trouble coming their way from an enemy that Kane, is aware of. His need to protect Layton, has him relying on the local MC ,that he has become friends with. Kane and Layton are explosive and have amazing chemistry! When they decide to give in and see where this could lead, once their pasts are shared and they decide they are worth a chance.
There are twists and turns and then MORE twists and turns. I was reading and then "RIGHT TURN CLYDE," I was stunned at what happened. The tension was building and you just knew something was going to come along and try and destroy what Kane and Layton, were trying to build... and it is a BIG thing. The Author does not sugar coat it,but still tells the story and makes it so believable. It was tough to read and I LOVE that she made me feel all the feels!
The supporting characters offer some comedic relief. The MC brothers really give Kane, a lot of crap and it is fun to see. But Jackson, he is EVERYTHING. Layton's gay bestie is so funny and her prefect match. I loved their relationship.
I loved this story so much! I had so many emotions and to be honest, it has been lacking recently with most of my reads. I was brought out of my book funk and thrown into a book that grabbed a hold of me and kept my attention from page one to the last.
5 Clocks for Even at Your Darkest by
AJ Love
**** if you are triggered by dark situations, please read with CAUTION****
