ABOUT THE BOOK
Hendrix
It’s funny the things you notice as a child.
Like the way people uneasily glance away from me whenever I catch their eye. Or the way a stranger seems to smile happily at other children, but when I say hello, their smile looks more uneasy than warm…
But as I approach the steel gates to the elite Arthur Academy, I can’t help but take a long-awaited breath towards my freedom. Finally, I have the chance to build the life I want. A future. Something that gives me more to live for than the daily beatings my childhood only ever knew. The girl I used to be doesn’t exist here. But even as the confidence grows about a life I now have control over, I can’t help but feel there could be something else waiting for me here. Something I’ve never faced before.
And it isn’t something I could prepare for.
And preparation is what got me out. It got me here.
I can’t afford to lose this opportunity, because if I lose this hand, it’s more than just a loss.
It’s like not being able to breathe. Not being able to fly.
Paxton
I grip the leather ball in my hand, feeling the weight of the year pressing down on me. If it was just football, I could deal, but with my last name – it’s everything else that suffocates me. The Arthur Elite is what they call us, and we each have our roles to play. But my fathers given me the next two years to do what the hell I want without his interference, before he’ll own me and I’ll become nothing but his pawn.
After that, when college is done, I dread the life I’ll have to lead. The role I’ll be forced to play.
It should be simple. Just stroll through the steel gates and be the crown they all see; but I can’t help but feel there is something lurking beneath the surface. There is something different about this year that I sense inside my dark soul.
And it isn’t something I am prepared for; even when staying ahead is the one thing that ensures my next breath.
Because when I lose a hand, it’s more than just a loss.
It’s like losing a limb. A bird breaking its’ wing.
And without that – I can’t fly toward freedom.
And my freedom right now, is all I have to hold onto.
MY REVIEW
Nothing is as it seems in this disquieting tale filled with college classicism, bullying, and secrets…so many secrets.
It’s a total new start. A start where no one knows me. Where no one knows about my past, about my family. Where I’m not that girl. Where I can finally be someone else. Finally.
Many people think Hendrix is out of her league when she arrives at the elite Arthur Academy, but she has moved on from her horribly abusive upbringing by receiving a scholarship to a prestigious college. She didn’t come here to fit in. The Arthur Elites call scholarship kids “charity cases”, but she has worked too hard to be here and she’s not letting anything or anyone stop her from achieving her goals. Until she meets the king of the elites, Paxton Reed. She doesn’t need any more drama in her life, but he’s the elite bad boy who always gets what he wants and she is in his sights. Despite the warnings from friends to stay away from him, she starts to care for the side of Paxton that no one else sees. Until his ultimate betrayal destroys her trust and reveals the selfish and entitled man everyone says he is. But, then again, “nothing is as it seems”.
We keep to ourselves. We get our shit done. And we don’t let people inside. It’s our non-spoken rule. We can’t let people get too close; and it’s not because we are far superior like they’re led to believe, but it’s mostly for their sake.
Paxton is the star quarterback and the golden boy of Arthur Academy. He can get anything he wants, but all he wants is to be in control of his life. Paxton is his wealthy father’s pawn who must do as his father says, or there will be consequences involving Paxton’s mother. And then his disgusting father makes a business deal that involves destroying Paxton’s life. A deal that he has to honor or his father will bring destruction to those who Paxton cares about. Including the new girl who has melted his mask and his heart. He liked Hendrix more than he should. Will she forgive him for what he has to do?
I love Hendrix’s strength, integrity, and honesty. Despite her abusive past, she handles confrontations very well from her first meeting with the extremely bitchy Amber to her first meeting with the intimidating Paxton and his elite friends. She doesn’t back down and it’s refreshing. Paxton is a complex character with a lot of weight on his shoulders. He’s sick of the cocky and golden boy façade he hides behind to live in his fake world and it’s touching how he feels he can be honest and real with Hendrix. His life is so messed up and all he wants to do is protect the people he loves.
There are several supporting characters with secrets in this book who I really like and who I hope have a major role in further books in the series. Lucy “Luce” stands out to me because of her immediate and loyal friendship with Hendrix despite being from different backgrounds. Austin is another unlikely friend aka bodyguard to Hendrix. The brooding Mercedes takes some getting used to and the hilarious and sex-crazed Gabe is another great addition to the story. Tucker is Lucy’s cousin and is truly hated by Paxton. And let’s not forget the vile Amber who really gives her best mean girl impersonation when it comes to Hendrix.
If you enjoy angsty new adult romances with unresolved secrets and a shocking cliffhanger, give this book a try. I can’t wait to pick up book 2.
Thank you to Ms. Mare’e for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Arthur Academy Series
- Broken Wing (2021)
- Golden Crown (2021) – My review
- 5x winners for a kindle copy of Broken Wing plus 2 other of Kathleen Mare’e’s books: Camouflage and Cut
BUY THE BOOK
 |
 |
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathleen grew up in the south-western suburbs of Sydney, where family holidays by the beach and tormenting her two younger brothers, was how she spent her early years. But at the young age of 11, when she submitted a short story to a talented writing competition through the NSW schools program, not only did she win it, but she quickly found a love for it as well.
Throughout her schooling, writing was a hobby, along with sketching and various sports. But fast forward to her adult years when she moved to Europe to follow her husband’s field hockey dream, and her love for writing surged to the surface.
Her debut story, Cut, was penned over two years where her hobby seemed to lead to the completion of Pennys’ world. The rest of the series came the following year.
Kathleen enjoys writing stories full of self-discovery, emotional journeys, and of course, love.
Something else she loves is hearing from her readers, so feel free to follow her blog or drop her an email.
For signed copies of her novels, more information about upcoming stories, or to follow her blog, please visit her website www.kathleenmaree.
Dream often. Believe always.
Follow Kathleen on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Goodreads.
BLOG TOUR ORGANIZED BY:
This sounds like a very character driven and compelling story! Great review! 🙂
Thanks, Giselle. I couldn’t put it down while trying to find out all of the secrets. I can’t wait to read book 2.