review - The Edge of Never

	The Edge of Never by: J.A. Redmerski | Website | Twitter Publication Date: November 15, 2013 Series: The Edge of Never #1 Format: eBook via Netgalley Page Count: 426 Genre: NA, Contemporary, Romance Get your copy: Amazon | B&N
Summary: Twenty-year-old Camryn Bennett had always been one to think out-of-the-box, who knew she wanted something more in life than following the same repetitive patterns and growing old with the same repetitive life story. And she thought that her life was going in the right direction until everything fell apart. Determined not to dwell on the negative and push forward, Camryn is set to move in with her best friend and plans to start a new job. But after an unexpected night at the hottest club in downtown North Carolina, she makes the ultimate decision to leave the only life she’s ever known, far behind. With a purse, a cell phone and a small bag with a few necessities, Camryn, with absolutely no direction or purpose boards a Greyhound bus alone and sets out to find herself. What she finds is a guy named Andrew Parrish, someone not so very different from her and who harbors his own dark secrets. But Camryn swore never to let down her walls again. And she vowed never to fall in love. But with Andrew, Camryn finds herself doing a lot of things she never thought she’d do. He shows her what it’s really like to live out-of-the-box and to give in to her deepest, darkest desires. On their sporadic road-trip he becomes the center of her exciting and daring new life, pulling love and lust and emotion out of her in ways she never imagined possible. But will Andrew’s dark secret push them inseparably together, or tear them completely apart? Due to sexual content and language, this book is recommended for 17+ New Adult Fiction Summary and cover image from goodreads. I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation for my review.
Cam and Andrew's chance meeting on a bus-trip starts these two on an amazing journey, entwining their lives and dreams. Laced with romance and heartbreak, The Edge of Never was a home run in the sea of New Adult. Having run Division I XC and Track, I am intimately familiar with buses; it was our modus transportius every weekend for four years going to meets. I completely sympathized with the uncomfortable seats and all the sights and sounds of bus travel. Jessica nailed the bus description perfectly. Even the Waffle House visit had me reminiscing about college (although Waffle House menus don't fold, small details!). I actually highlighted a Waffle House quote that just spoke to the traveler in me. The traveling/road trip aspect of this book correlated with Cam's journey and growth as a person. She's traversing across the nation, putting miles between her old life and the life she wants. And there's nothing better than spending hours in a car with a hot guy and endless, easy conversation. Cam's friend, Nat, almost made me question continuing this book, but so glad I did. The first five chapters or so, I was ready to dump Nat since Cam wouldn't. The partying, pushy best friend is one trope I am completely over. Even having grown up together, I really think these two personalities would have parted ways; I guess Cam's situation kept Nat around and thinking that she would snap out of her funk. Nat didn't realize that events had ultimately changed Cam. By the end, my view on Nat had become more forgiving; true friendship is called upon and Nat delivers. The connection between Cam and Andrew starts off as an unwelcomed distraction for Cam and a unfightable need to protect for Andrew. Seeing Cam's walls fall down when she was with Andrew was heartwarming. She might have given up on finding a relationship, but her dissuasion against love really just stemmed from not finding her other half. Andrew is just that person; the one to make her want to open up and tell her secrets. He has a very intuitive personality, knowing that Cam has some important truths to tell, both to herself and him. He provided the right amount of push Cam needed. Cam's presence during Andrew's emotionally rough time was touching. The twist totally kicked me in the gut. Sure I knew Andrew was holding back something, but I just didn't see that one coming until we met his mother. The epilogue seemed a bit rushed but did leave the characters in a settled situation. I am glad I started The Edge of Never knowing that there was a sequel, therefore the epilogue was just an appetizer for what's to come. Can I fangirl about the cover for a moment? It captures Cam perfectly. I also love Jessica Redmerski's (who I happen to live in the same metro area as, awesome right?) Pintrest board for The Edge of Never. The next installment for Cam and Andrew, The Edge of Always, drops November 5th, 2013. And Andrew…You own me!
I love the smell of Waffle House; it's the smell of freedom, being on the open road and knowing that ninety percent of the people eating with you are also on that road. Andrew | page 141 She got pissed when I accused her of having Bieber Fever (it pisses me off that I even know what the fuck that means--I blame that on society)… Andrew | page 65
Have you read The Edge of Never or any other good New Adult books lately?