Into the Nothing by B.T. Urruela Pages: 228
Genres: Dark Romance
Goodreads
Xander Evans has been on the road for many years. Never settling. Always moving from one place to another, unable to let go of his past. He lived a tragic childhood, spending most of those years in foster care. He's never felt like he's had a home. That is until he stops in the small town of Truman Valley, Missouri, where he meets a woman who will change everything he's ever known.
Paige Watson has it all. A loving family, beautiful home, and a great career. The only thing she's missing....is love. After escaping an abusive relationship, she opens her heart up to a stranger. He is unlike any man she's ever met. He came into her life and turned it completely upside down. Everything is perfect. That is, until one fateful night.
A night that would tear the Watson family apart, never to be put back together again.
A night that would send Xander away to prison for life.
Into the Nothing
BT Urruela
The best way to describe this book is different. First off, the book is a bit darker and grittier than a typical romance novel so it will not be for everyone. Paige, the heroine, has an abusive ex who also deals drugs. Xander, the hero, isn’t exactly on the straight and narrow. The book starts with him in prison for murder, then goes to a flashback so the reader sees how it all happens.
Like I said, the book is darker than your typical contemporary, and includes topics like domestic abuse, drug abuse, and violence. The characters are not as easy to love either. That doesn’t mean I didn’t like them; they are just not your typical romance characters. The plot gets crazy mysterious and suspenseful, but I felt like up to that point, it was a little slow. Then the end felt a little rushed. Into the Nothing has good bones and I think as Urruela gets a few more books under his belt, he will really be able to fine tune his style.
This book was difficult for me to rate. There were times when I was just not feeling it. Then there were times I could NOT put it down. There are 2 epilogues but I don’t know that I would say they were satisfying. They aren’t bad, but just not what I think most readers want in an epilogue. The door is left WIDE open for another book in the series so we shall see!
- POV: dual 1st
- Tears: no
- Trope: ex-con
- Triggers: drug abuse, domestic violence
- Series/Standalone: Book 1 in a planned series
- Cliffhanger: ish…. Most of the major plot lines are tied up but there are still a LOT of questions
- HEA: View Spoiler »
A Pound of Flesh by Sophie Jackson, King/Tyrant by TM Frazier, Never Let You Go by Katy Regnery…then you will probably like Into the Nothing!
BT Urruela was an infantryman in the US Army from August 2004 until February 2011. At the end of a year long tour to Baghdad, Iraq, his vehicle was hit by two roadside bombs, which took his right leg below the knee and the life of his commander. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his wounds, an Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. He medically retired from the Army in 2011 and moved to Tampa, FL where he currently works as a Director and Brand Ambassador for VETSports, a veteran community sports nonprofit he co-founded in 2012. He also conducts motivational speeches, works as a cover and fitness model and he’s a personal performance trainer. He co-wrote the military romance novel A Lover’s Lament and will be releasing his debut solo novel, Into the Nothing, on June 21st, 2016.
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“How about twenty questions?” I ask.
“I hate twenty questions.”
“How about five questions, then?”
He cracks a smile and lifts an eyebrow. “How about three?”
“Deal!”
“So, have I mentioned how much I fucking hate Tuesdays?” Brandi’s voice cuts right between us. Xander looks relieved.
Me? Not so much. “Damn it, Brandi!”
“What?”
“Oh nothing. Can you grab me Fireball though? Pretty please. Two of them.” I look at Xander. “You’re taking one.”
“Three. I am too, bitch! Fuck Tuesdays!” Brandi calls out from across the bar as she begins filling the shot glasses from the Fireball chiller.
“Question one. You said you’ve been traveling for a while now, right? Do you ever get tired of it? Ever feel like settling?”
“Damn. Starting out with the heavy hitters, huh?” He eyes the shot glasses as if hoping it will somehow make them fill faster.
“Need me to go easier on you? Maybe a finger or two first before I go in with the whole fist?”
He looks at me in disbelief. “Did you really just say that?”
“Just answer the question, two fingers or three?”
I’ve always wondered about this author and his writing style so I’m happy that I came across your blog. Great review, and BTW I absolutely love your blog set up!
Oh thank you so much!!! I am always unsure about the way I have the blog set up so I am so thrilled to get your feedback! And I’m glad I was able to help you learn a bit more about BT!