Today is the release day for Liquid & Ash by EM Abel, a book I fell in love with! This standalone novel is brilliant, packed with an emotional punch that will stun you. Check out more about this new release and read Tina’s Thoughts below! Make sure to enter the giveaway for your chance to win some awesome prizes!

Liquid & Ash
E.M. Abel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 1, 2016

Love was my weakness.
In the light of the truth, no one can hide.Derek had ignited a spark inside of my heart, a hope for a love I never expected to find. However, our connection lacked the substance it needed to burn. Weakened with resentment, our relationship crumbled under deception, slowly dissolving into ash.

I had sacrificed myself for him and paid the price.

By the time Brandon entered into my life, the longing in my heart had turned cold. But fate was not done with me. His crystal blue eyes and fluid touch revived a wish that had been frozen in time. He gave me hope once again.

Hope is a dangerous thing, especially when you dare to dream.

**WARNING: This book contains adult content and drug use.

 You can purchase your copy of Liquid & Ash today from the retailers listed below!

Amazon US | Amazon UK

I am still new to Abel’s writing. I have only read one of her books before and it was different than my normal read. It was raw and gritty and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Liquid & Ash has the same feel. It is a story in which Abel addresses some raw issues and creates a story that is both hurting and healing at the same time. I was captivated by both the writing and the storyline. Abel is a brilliant storyteller and this book shares the heartbreak of lost love and learning to find yourself again.

I know that this book is categorized as a contemporary romance, but I would say that it is more. Sure there is love and romance all throughout, but the main focus of the story is emotional struggles of Penelope. When the books begins, we see a woman who is struggling to live any kind of resemblance to life. She is heartbroken and at such a low point. She uses alcohol and drugs to numb her pain and it is devastating to read. This woman gave up everything and was crushed by the one she loved most in the end. It is hard to read this first section. It makes your heart bleed with Penelope. Abel does a great job of blending both the present moment with the past memories that help the reader build context of Penelope and Derek’s relationship. It adds even more pain to read about them so in love and happy and then to see where they are now.

Penelope is a “real” character, one who reacts in a natural way to what happens around her. Watching her leave behind the bad and forage onward, hoping to find herself, it gives the reader a sense of hope and awe at her bravery. The angst and struggle is rough. She is not completely over what happened. She is still wounded. I loved that she feels it all and learns to cope in a healthy way. Her bravery was such an important part of this book. It was my favorite part of the story. Watching her leave a sad situation and make a place for herself in the world is admirable. She found love and purpose along the way. I love that she put herself first, knowing that her happiness was primary.

Liquid & Ash is a story about the betrayal of love and the loss of who you are. It deals with harsh realities that people can understand and relate to. It has a sad tinge that cannot be erased. But the beauty of sadness is that there is always a chance for hope and happiness. Abel does a brilliant job of blending so many emotions together to create a story that fills your heart and your mind. It causes you to think and to cheer Penelope on to find who she is and embrace that woman whole-heartedly.