Pages: 366
Genres: New Adult
Source: Amazon
Goodreads
Let him who is without sin cast the first stone…
I’m the second-most hated person in Amber Springs.
First place honors go to my twin, Ethan; however, hate isn’t a strong enough word to convey how people feel about him.
Not that I blame anyone—some days, I hate him too. Mostly, I’m just lost and afraid, drowning in a sea of betrayal and guilt, wondering how this happened right under my nose.
There’s no choice but to leave. To move clear across the country in a last-ditch attempt to start over.
Transferring to a new school midway through senior year is hellish for most people. For me, it’s a welcome relief—until someone discovers our secret and now everyone knows.
The pointing, whispering, and scathing looks follow me around again, and I’m back to square one. Except, this time, I’m not alone.
Axel, Skeet, and Heath took me under their wing from the minute I arrived here. I’ve no idea why three of the hottest guys in town took any interest in me or why they continue to have my back, but I’m so grateful to have them in my corner.
Because, right now, they’re the only reason I’m not following my brother into an early grave.
Surviving Amber Springs hits on LOTS of tough teenage topics: school shooting, bullying, rape. Its full of triggers so be forwarned. Having said that, I think Davis did a great job of tackling these topics in an appropriate manner.
Blaire’s brother walked into their private school one day and killed 7 people. Blaire’s family fell apart-they didn’t understand why, they couldn’t grieve their own son because the town hated them, her parents lose their jobs, and they are eventually forced to leave town and start somewhere no one knows them. Blaire’s story is one of crushing guilt. She knows why her brother killed (well, mostly knows…) and she hasn’t told anyone. She is trying to be a different person in her new town, but getting the attention of Skeet, Heath, and Axel brings her the unwanted attention of the local mean girl.
The story starts in high school, then takes a bit of a time jump and continues when they are in college. As I mentioned, Surviving Amber Springs is about more than just an unconventional relationship between Amber, Heath, Axel, and Skeet. There are some serious and heavy topics that are relevant in today’s world (sadly) and Blaire is tacking these while trying to navigate a very unconventional relationship. I was glad for the jump forward in time to provide the characters time to grow and heal from some of the trauma. However, I was still never quite impressed with Heath. What a jackass.
- POV: 1st
- Tears: yes
- Trope: reverse harem, high school/college, mental health
- Triggers: View Spoiler »
- Series/Standalone: stand alone
- Cliffhanger: View Spoiler »
- HEA: View Spoiler »
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angsty NA authors like Jessica Sorenson, Tijan, AL Jackson, Abbi Glines…then you will probably like Surviving Amber Springs!
Wow. I think I’ll pick up this one, Samantha. It seems as though Davis handled the topics well and you have me very curious about Blaire and what happens to her next. I can’t imagine being the family of someone who commits this sort of atrocity but I live in Colorado so I can somewhat imagine the fallout for those who suffer and experience and live through it. My kids were 2 of the 500,000 who didn’t attend school week before last because of a shooting threat. I live VERY close to where they found her. I’m relieved nothing happened yet feel badly for the girl and wonder what she’d experienced in her life to lead her to the path she was on and her end.
Sorry. Anyway, great review and I will be reading Surviving Amber Springs.l
Oh wow this sounds so emotional. I may pick this up. I did read the spoilers but I’m genuinely curious and intrigued about the whole story.