Review: The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski

Summary
Twenty-year-old Camryn Bennett thought she knew exactly where her life was going. But after a wild night at the hottest club in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, she shocks everyone-including herself-when she decides to leave the only life she's ever known and set out on her own. Grabbing her purse and her cell phone, Camryn boards a Greyhound bus ready to find herself. Instead, she finds Andrew Parrish.

Sexy and exciting, Andrew lives life like there is no tomorrow. He persuades Camryn to do things she never thought she would and shows her how to give in to her deepest, most forbidden desires. Soon he becomes the center of her daring new life, pulling love and lust and emotion out of her in ways she never imagined possible. But there is more to Andrew than Camryn realizes. Will his secret push them inseparably together-or destroy them forever? 

Review
When I start to read a book, I usually just read the summary and that’s it. I don’t know what compelled me to read the feedback on this book ahead of time but there was such an overwhelming majority that raved about how amazing this book was. Don’t get me wrong, there was opposition but the great buzz set the bar sort of high where my expectations and anticipation couldn't wait to read. What did I think about the book? Well, here are my thoughts…

So, let’s start with the story. The overall story I really enjoyed. I felt the author did a really good job creating characters that were engaging and well written. As a reader, I really appreciated the pace of the book to tell the story. Some might think it had a slow start but I really think that helped you understand the characters better. I will admit, in the beginning I was like where are we going? Once that story took off, it was undeniable that you wouldn't want to put it down because you just get so wrapped up into the story.

What I think really enhanced the book was how the story was told. While telling the story she included alternate pov's which gave the reader a better understanding of what each character was thinking and feeling as the story went along. It added something to the story that drew you in more and enabled a connection that bonded the reader to the story. Even though this book was categorized as new adult, by no means is this story limited to just that audience. It had such a great story that involved love, friendship, and just taking a blind faith to jump into a life of the unknown. That exploration of learning to live through your experiences by taking chances really shines through. You never know where life will take you or what people will come across your path to bring something into your life.

The only thing about the book that I felt a little uncomfortable was the nature of some of the graphic scenes that were written. Some like it hot, but some of scenes were a bit too much for me. It didn't deter me from reading but it made me slightly uncomfortable when I did. So if you might be uncomfortable reading, just flip the page. Even though I know the younger adult audience would probably want to read this and has probably scenes or heard worse, I can’t say that I would recommend for a younger audience of 17 and under. That would be up to your discretion.

So, here is a little bit about the story to get you started:

Camryn is someone that has every right to be defeated by life. Her parents divorced, her brother went to jail for a dui, her boyfriend died in an accident and then one night changed everything between her and her best friend. After that night, she just decided to just leave “her life” behind and just get away. She decided to get on a bus and just go wherever it took her. Once she decided where she was going to go, she met a guy named Andrew Parrish. The great thing about life is that you never know who you will meet or who is brought into your life for a reason. It turns out that he has some things about his life that he is also running away from. When their paths cross, where does it lead? It leads the reader down a story of two people finding their way through life and finding a bond that will make you reach for the kleenex. 

I don’t want to give away too much because I want you to enjoy the experience of their story. Overall, despite the one issue that I had, I would definitely add this to your reading list.

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Book Information
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication date: 7/2/2013
Pages: 481