ARC Review: Lead Me Not by A. Meredith Walters

 

“…I devoured it completely and left me with so many conflicted feelings by the end, that no matter which way you look at that, that is the sign of a good book.” ~ Under the Covers

This was my first book by A. Meredith Walters.  Although the subject matter is not a favorite of mine, I have to say that the writing was engaging and in its own dark way, it kept me riveted to this story.

LEAD ME NOT for me was one of those books that by the end you’re not sure if you hate it or love it, but that I devoured it completely and left me with so many conflicted feelings by the end, that no matter which way you look at that, that is the sign of a good book.  I’ll definitely be reading the next one.

This is not the type of book that will leave you with warm, fuzzy feelings.  So if you’re looking for that, find a different read and revisit this when you’re in a better place for it.  This book is about addiction.  About how it can destroy someone’s life and the lives of those around them that care for them.  Drug addiction is one thing, and yes, it’s a big focus of this book.  But addictive personalities in general can seek many things to make them feel good.  Relationships and addictions to people are also part of that.

Aubrey is as addicted to Maxx as Maxx is addicted to his drugs.  They both have to learn to overcome those issues.  This book was a journey for them both in both sinking deeper into their addictions, and the hope of healing.  Their story is sensual and hard at the same time.  It was hard to see all the mistakes they kept making and I wanted to scream at them both to act differently.  However, Maxx does have a huge appeal, or potential for having huge appeal?, as long as if snaps out of his own self hatred and finds a way out.

Be warned this is not a standalone novel, FOLLOW ME BACK will be the continuation of Maxx and Aubrey’s story.  That means this book doesn’t end up tied with a nice bow.  I guess I wouldn’t call it a cliffhanger, for those that don’t like those, but it is a to be continued and most definitely not a HAPPILY EVER AFTER here.

Favorite Quotes:

“I clawed through life with bloodied fingers.”

“I could be her white rabbit. She just needed to follow me where I wanted to lead her.”

“He was something primal and unfettered – a force that could take everything and everyone down with him, burning it all in a violent flame. And then afterward he would dance on the ashes.
He was terrifying.”

*ARC provided by publisher

[about-author author=”A. Meredith Walters”]

 

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