Book Review: A Brand New Ending - Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile

Media Type: Ebook
Title: A Brand New Ending
Author: S.A. Rolls
Publisher: Self-published
Pages: Paperback; 532
Release Date: April 9, 2013
Source: Author / Promotional Tour
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Content Screening: Mild Violence; Sexual Situations

HDB Rating: 3 Keys to My Heart

Recommended to: Readers who enjoy contemporary fiction with a bit of a twist.

Add it on: Goodreads / Shelfari / Amazon / B&N

“Phoenix Harper never imagined her life would come to this: A life not worth living anymore.

After a failed suicide attempt, Phoenix is sent to be observed at a local psychiatric hospital. There she meets Braeden Harris, a hospital aide with his own haunting past.

Not long after their first encounter, they feel an unexplainable pull towards one another. Will fate bring them together, or will outside forces tear them apart?”

I have such mixed feelings about this book. I’ll admit that the first few pages definitely drew me in. We meet Phoenix at the end of her rope. Her home life is so dark, so unshakably awful, that she feels the only way to escape is to end it altogether. I felt for her from page one, and I didn’t even really know her yet. However once the book moves forward, S.A. Rolls switches to alternating point-of-view between Braedan and Harper. I wouldn’t have minded this, but both of them are in first person. This means no easy way to distinguish between the two of them as they share their stories. It made staying in the story a little tough.

I also can’t deny that I really liked the connection between Braedan and Pheonix. From the first time they touch, a spark grows between them that is bittersweet. Especially since they aren’t supposed to be together. Star crossed lovers, anyone? My problem, especially towards the middle of the book, was that they start to move really fast. There are sexual situations in this book that honestly felt like they didn’t really belong. With the way that Phoenix was set up as a character, I had a hard time believing she’d move so quickly with someone.

Then there was the ending, which threw me for a total loop. I know, without a doubt, that it is going to be the main thing that makes or breaks A Brand New Ending for most people out there. I, for one, actually thought it was a pretty intriguing twist! The connection between these two felt perfect at that moment, and I did get a bit misty. What can I say? I’m a sucker for soul-mates.

Before I end this review, let me throw in that I don’t know whether I was reading an ARC or a finished copy but there were quite a few grammatical errors. Just a heads up to people who notice those like I do. I did find this a really original read and I finished it quickly! The characters are really what bring this to life, and that twist! You’ll be intrigued.

FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.

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