| Title | : | Warrior Blue |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 490 |
| Publication | : | First published January 8, 2020 |
But his meticulous planning is turned on its head when he meets the upbeat and beautiful Audrey Wright and her butterfly tattoo.
Now, through a complicated maze of coincidence and fate, Blake begins to question if maybe there could be more to his life than just work and Jacob.
That is, if the guilt doesn't eat him alive first.
With the help of Dr. Vanessa Travetti and a girl he doesn't think he deserves, can Blake convince himself that even the bad guy deserves a happy ending?
Warrior Blue Reviews
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About 80% into Warrior Blue it occurred to me that there was no way I'd be able to write a review that would do this book justice. In order to give it a shot, I started jotting down a list to capture my thoughts while still reading. It looked like this:
~ thought-provoking
~ spiritual
~ redemptive
~ metaphorical
~ powerful
The love story is stunning. But understand that this is because the love story is so much bigger than the romance. There is romance here, but it doesn't play out how you might expect it to. Blake is not always an easy hero to love, and the instinct may be to judge Audrey for the way she loves him anyway. It could be perceived as weakness, and I had that in the back of my brain as I read the story because, to me, it came off as strength. She was honest and steadfast in her belief in herself, her belief in her God, and her belief in her love. I loved her for that. I loved her for the way she loved Blake. And I loved the way she saw the world.
Make no mistake - I also loved Blake. He was incredibly wounded, but there were layers upon layers upon layers to his personality, the choices he'd made, and the person he ultimately became. His growth over the course of the book was tremendous and as his character began to bloom, it was impossible not to carve out a little niche in my heart for him. For the way he loved Jake. For the way he loved Audrey. For the way, after much hard work, he ultimately loved himself.
Every single thing about this book is perfection. From the title, to the cover, to the brilliant story contained within - it all came together to create some sort of powerful emotional experience that I want to shout from the rooftops about. Whether or not you are a spiritual person, I felt like the themes that touch on that (signs, fate) are handled so respectfully that it never felt heavy-handed or like it was too much. It only looked like beauty to me.
Ms. Kingsley has a tremendous gift for storytelling. It's not only that the story is so powerful, but also that the words are so thoughtfully chosen and so beautifully strung together. I felt every emotion so deeply. I was hopelessly hooked from the moment I started reading. My heart ached and fluttered and raced in alarm. I cried (Lord, but I cried!), I laughed, and I smiled so hard. There is so much love in this story and you'd be doing yourself a disservice to not pick it up. Easily 5 stars. More than 5 stars. So many stars. Just read it! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars -
Salem, Massachusetts.
Blake is a 33 year old Tattoo Artist. He's extremely talented - he could have his own tv show - or at least his own shop and he would be booked for years. But Blake is also the twin brother to Jacob. Jake. And while Jake is also a 33 year old man ... he's also not. He might look like Blake, but inside he's a five year old kid. We don't know what happened to him, we just know that Blake loves him madly, but he also feels responsible for him and for whatever happened to him.
Blake's whole life revolves around Jake. He takes him to daycare and picks him up every day. That doesn't leave Blake with a lot of free time. No time to have fun, to date, to fall in love.
He thinks he'll never have that. He has to be there for Jake for as long as they live. Plus he doesn't deserve to be happy anyway. Not when Jake will never have any of those things either.
But then Audrey comes into Blake's life. Audrey with her Butterfly tattoo and her smiles - and no matter what he throws at her - she's just not leaving. And suddenly nothing is as it was in Blake's sad and boring and lonely life.
What will happen to Audrey & Blake?
Will we get a happily ever after?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺
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I loved Blake and Audrey. And Jake!
I wasn't sure I was going to love this book. First of all I'm not a tattoo fan. And I hate religion - I can't have it in my books! (With the exception of Tiffany Reisz books!) And I don't like butterflies! They're just colorful moths. Bugs. Ew.☺
But the story was so adorably sweet and heartbreaking and sad and ugh. Tears were definitively involved!!
I just adored Blake. But I also hated him for being so .... I don't know. He just accepts everything life throws at him. He doesn't seem to want to fight for himself and for Jake and for Audrey and his happily ever after.
He was way too give-up-ish for me. He gave up his future long before it even started! He thinks he doesn't deserve anything good!
But of course Audrey will change all that!
And it's beautiful to watch poor Blake trying to resist her and to fight against that looming happily ever after!
This was such a sweet and beautiful family drama romance. I just adored (almost) everything about the story. I sooo need to see this on Netflix one day!
I also loved the little cameo we got of some guys we might have met before! ☺
I didn't love the whole religious part - obviously - and I kinda hated that Audrey 'converted' Blake back to being religious. Like recruiting him for a cult! I hated that. And I didn't like the appearances of the two life butterflies at all. Those moments didn't really have to be in the book - they turned everything into something a little ridiculous!
BUT - that doesn't mean I didn't love the book - I really really did! I loved all the moments between the brothers and between Audrey and Blake and Audrey's family and I hated Blake's mom soo much most of the time! ☺ I loved the Salem moments - the walking through town. It was a really beautiful story.
I'm just not a person for religion and faith and signs and supernatural sh*t!
WARRIOR BLUE was such a beautiful & heartbreaking love story.
Run to your nearest amazon for your own Blake - he'll be sold out in no time!
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Coincidences abound in this relatable story of two survivors.
There are so many creative twists and turns throughout this beautiful book.
Described as two angels who are sent to save each other. Together they overcome a series of hurdles which would trip most people.
Grab your tissues because you’re going to need them. -
I have read all of Kelsey Kingsley's books to date and Warrior Blue is her most moving and inspirational book by far! Blake Carson is angry with the world. He is angry with fate, his parents, strangers and mostly himself. His only soft spot is for his developmentally disabled twin brother that he feels personally responsible for. Well Blake's world is going to turn on it's axis all because of a tattoo that he did and doesn't remember. Audrey walks into Blake's dark life like the ray of sunshine she is and from that moment on he can no longer live in the dark tunnel that he has been existing in. This is a story about fate and how seemingly unconnected moments can tie together to weave lives. Warrior Blue is told entirely from Blake's perspective and is a story about faith lost and found, hope lost and found and love ever-changing. This is one of the best books that I have read and will be the highlight of your January 2020 reading list!
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I freaking loved this book. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down until I finished. Kelsey Kingsley awes me with her words and this might be my favorite book of hers.
Blake Carson is a tattoo artist who is often angry and lives a colorless life that includes taking care of his disabled twin brother. He blames himself for his brother’s accident and feels he doesn’t deserve happiness. Audrey Wright comes into his tattoo shop for a replica of her sister’s tattoo and this tattoo is a catalyst for color and change to be introduced into Blake’s life. No matter how much he tries to not engage with Audrey, fate and circumstances keep throwing them together.
Blake’s growth throughout the book is absolutely heartbreaking and joyful at the same time. Audrey’s strength and faith is beautiful and inspiring. I loved Blake’s interaction with Jake and how he took care of him. His parents made me angry but I was also hopeful that they would be able to rebuild a semblance of a family at the end.
Warrior Blue is a breathtakingly beautiful book that will make you mad, sad, and also put a smile on your face. It will give you hope and make you think about fate and how we are all tied to one another. No words can do Warrior Blue justice. Just read it!! -
I had the great pleasure of reading an ARC copy of this book. In all honesty, Kelsey Kingsley is one of my favorite authors - she’s written some of my favorite books EVER - but I knew going in that this might be a bit of a departure for her. I went in a little blind, on purpose, just to see if the Kelsey “magic” would happen again.
Let me tell you - it did.
Warrior Blue is a magical story. What I admire most about Kelsey’s writing is her ability to deal with difficult themes and situations in a way that really get you thinking about them from all sides. No character is unredeemable and no situation is hopeless (even when it looks like it may be). The heart of this book is hope and the ability to choose faith and love over all.
This book may be my favorite Kelsey book to date. It surprised me, because at first, I really didn’t like Blake very much. But, I stuck with it and I am firmly Team Blake now. And, if I could possibly love Jake and Audrey even more, I don��t think it’s possible. I absolutely adored how this story touched on the themes of faith, destiny, fate and forgiveness. I loved going on this journey with these characters. So many amazing twists and turns that result in an ending that will make your heart burst.
For those of you who are familiar with Devin O’Leary and his bandmates, you *may* recognize a few familiar characters. (Admittedly, I squealed when I got to this part because I LOVE it when these guys pop up in other stories!) However, it is a standalone story, so if you are not familiar with Devin and the guys, you’ll get a taste of them (and you NEED to load “Daises and Devin”, “The Life We Wanted”…the whole dang series…to your Kindle now because if you love this book you will love this entire series).
If you’re ready for a ride that will give you all the feels and will keep you thinking long after you finish it, give this one a try. You won’t regret it. -
One of my favorite reads of 2020! Yes, I can unequivocally state that at this time. It is a timeless story. The story captures your attention from the author’s beginning note, the prologue intrigues you and starting with chapter 1 you will be riveted and taken on a journey for which you will not be prepared. You can’t pack enough in your emotional bag to accommodate all you’re going to need for the trip you are about to traverse .
This author writes from the heart and in a very realistic way. You forget you’re reading a book and become invested in these people. You experience hope, being gutted, sympathy, smiles, tragedy, happiness, grief, spiritual moments and so many other emotions I can’t list them all. While reading this book a song came into my mind by Cindy Lauper, True Colors. I couldn’t get it out of my head. When you read this story you will get the reason why.
Jake you will fall in love with, feel sympathy and joy all at the same time. He will make you question your belief in so many ways. Although he has special needs and his circumstances are far from ideal you know there is so much more to him. He is the true definition of the, “ The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away”. So much has happened to him yet he has a special insight and so much love to give. I could forever talk about all the emotion he brought forth.
Then we have “The Parents”, who seem inexcusable and are mind boggling in their actions. However, when I really thought about it afterwords there was a certain understanding I got from their reactions. I never condoned their actions but I could visualize them and empathize with their situation but not their actions. Again, though, who’s to say how people really react. When faced with crisis we all want to lay blame but how we go about it is a different matter.
Audrey, is the angel we all need in our life. She is the light to the darkness. I really don’t want to go in detail about her because she brings so much to the table.
Blake Carson, is undefinable. He is a tortured soul with more to him than even he can imagine. He is the definition of the word unconditional love. His story ripped me up, down and sideways. Both Blake and Audrey are my definition of the song, True Colors. I want to discuss this story so much but that would be unfair to the author. This is a story that deserves to be read.
Yes, there’s heat and all the feels you could possibly want. But there is so much more to this book. It will make you question so many things. There’s a theory of Six Degrees of Separation and when I read this book it immediately came to mind. So many things came to mind. It made me think of my own experiences in my life and my family’s life. I have a feeling you will experience your own personal reactions.
This isn’t a story you rush through, although I found I couldn’t put this book down. Reading the book is an experience. This is a story you ingest, devour and then digest. You will be thinking of it and contemplating long after you’re finished with the pages.
This author writes on a whole other level because she writes real and true. As you can see I loved his book. As Cindy Lauper sang in True Colors, “ they are beautiful like a rainbow”. So is Warrior Blue. -
This book broke my heart, and put it back together again. It was so much more than just Blake and Audrey. Yes, Blake needed her. She made him better. She pulled him out into the world. He saw things differently with her.
Jake... I loved him. It was clear Blake needed him probably more than Jake needed Blake. There was something so very special about him. He sees the world differently.
I loved how this story came full circle. Facing a heartbreaking situation, his mother finally saw what she was doing. I was so glad to see it. This author manages to take you heart and squeeze until you can’t do anything but ugly cry. This book was amazing. I can’t wait to see what others think! -
It’s been hundreds of books since a character shoved me out of bed so I could capture my thoughts about the book world I’m currently immersed in, so I guess I was overdue. All though Blake Carson is the kind of hero we would rather have inviting us into bed, his voice, as well as Audrey's, were so persistent in my head that it wasn't the kind of threesome anyone would enjoy, so here I am. I suspect this review is gearing up to be a long one, and if you'd like to skip to the summary, here it is. Buy this book. Read this book. It will change your life, most profoundly in the way you view yourself and others in your world.
When creating a character whose major flaw to be redeemed is unworthiness borne of guilt, there’s a hair-thin line between eliciting the maximum emotion and sympathy from the reader and too much “woe is me" that makes the reader what to shake said character rather than wrap him in her arms and make everything better. This gifted wordsmith toes this line, nudges it and even straddles it at times.
Somehow, just as one small piece of my brain was headed towards “we get it, he’s a train wreck, move on already,” the rest of it was picking up on the illusive, nuanced transformation that was ever so slowly taking place in our hero. Blake says his twin, Jake, doesn’t like change but, hello pot, meet kettle. Yes, we're talking about a soul-deep, fundamental change with decades of ingrained patterns and thinking, but Blake resists it at every turn.
Blake is gloom, doom, and darkness. He's the Yin without a dot of Yang. He not only carries a world of guilt, but it's as if he has infused the tattoo ink that adorns his body with all of that guilt so that it is woven into the very canvas of his being and existence. Living in Salem, MA, you might think someone like Blake would be involved in the religious culture there, but then that would mean acknowledging a higher power of some kind, instead of believing that everything is coincidence, with not even a hint of fate, destiny, preordination or purpose. The other problem here is that Blake would be faced with the contrary notion that a benevolent higher power would want him to actually have friends, live a fulfilled life, and find peace and happiness.
And then there's Audrey. Ahh, Audrey, I adore every beautiful, positive, sunny and happy part of her compassionate, longsuffering, loving heart! She is definitely the Yang to Blake’s Yin, having had her own equally devastating losses and experiences, yet coming through them with grace, acceptance and gratitude. This girl embraces life, faces challenges head on, and chooses to focus on the gifts and blessings life offers. She brings light to Blake's darkness and has enough hope and faith for the both of them.
One irrefutable fact of life is that it brings to every one of us both love and loss, and not necessarily in equal measure. As Blake eventually figures out, what really matters is how we handle it. Do we appreciate the good while we have it and store up precious memories for the future when our heart needs something to lighten it? Do we learn the lessons that, if we let them, will serve to make us stronger and wiser? Do we choose to view life through a lens of hope, faith and gratitude rather than anger, pain and bitterness? There is so much in our world that, no matter how much we’d like to, we have absolutely no control over. What we can control is our attitude, actions and outlook, and that truly makes all the difference. Never have I seen a writer portray this so aptly and beautifully as it is with Blake and Audrey.
I can’t begin to express to you how powerful and profoundly moving this story is. Watching Blake's character transform from a life mired in anger, pain, bitterness and loneliness to one of healing, hope, faith and redemption is exquisitely, achingly beautiful, and his story will touch the depths of your soul and leave its indelible mark. It's bitter and sweet, heartbreaking and healing, bleak and hopeful, and absolutely, unequivocally unforgettable. Run to the 1-Click button and start reading this one now. -
This is a love story.
It's not a typical love story. There is romance, and there are swoon-worthy moments between Audrey and Blake, but for me, the love story between brothers was what stole my heart.
In the beginning, I didn't think I was going to like Blake. He was an a$$ to pretty much everyone and carried his anger around him like a shroud. But once I saw him with Jake, his disabled twin brother, he won me over (and once I read on, I got really freakin' angry on his behalf!). His patience, affection, and love for his brother was boundless. As a mom to twin boys, one of which has special needs, the depiction of this relationship gutted me in the best way. I cried, I laughed, I felt. The two of them were so real to me. That is the magic of Kelsey's writing.
It is impossible not to fall in love with the heroine, Audrey. She is the person most of us strive to be. She's patient, kind, understanding, but she is also able to be firm. When Blake tries to pull away-- because he's Blake and that's what he does-- she does not put up with that nonsense. And I loved that about her.
This is a love story, but it's not just between Blake and Audrey. There's an entire love story between brothers, between parents and sons, between the new family Blake and Audrey create. And there's the love that ended in tragedy but didn't fade, the love that changed into friendship, and the love from unexpected places and people.
Reading Warrior Blue filled me up in an entirely different way than any other book I've read. The brothers' story shot straight into the tenderest place in my heart and lodged there, and I don't think it's going anywhere for a long, long while. -
I have to say I have read a bunch of broken heroes that sometimes they are even the same as the next one I have read and than there are others that are just so very good that they just get stuck with you after you have finish with their story. Blake this man will be with me for awhile if not forever. His pain, his guilt, his love was is the most amazing, beautiful story I have the privilege of reading. He was just perfect,imperfect kind of way even with his rudeness you just could feel all the pain, the guilt, the love this man had in those big shoulders of him. I can honestly say that I have come across to the best story this new year has brought for me.
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Omg Kelsey does it again.
This book has all the feels and emotions you look for in a gripping book.
A story of a jaded tattoo artist and a hopeful woman.
They’ve both endured their own versions of hardships and loss, they’ve both dealt with them in their own ways, coping as best as they can. Together they realise that they can deal with the adversities and trials that life throws at them, so much easier than they can alone.
They truly are Warriors who no longer need to be blue. -
This book is an absolute masterpiece. I have been contemplating what to write that would do this justice but I still can't. The depth that Kingsley dove to explorer the subject at hand and how the dyanamic plays out is stunning. A true representation of the intricacies of the interwoven fabric of our lives. If you are looking for a fluffy glitter filled romantic beach read skip this book. If you are ready for a book that makes you fall in love with every word, that alternates between ugly cries and tears of joy, a book that grabs you by the threads of your very soul and sinks deep into your heart
..then hurry up read it now! Warrior Blue will absolutely be on the top of the charts for 2020 of that I have no doubt! -
Wow.
This was a new to me author and one I'll definitely look out for in the future.
The book took me awhile to get into but once I did I was turning pages like a mad woman.
I'm sitting here bleary eyed as I just couldn't put it down and read till I crashed at some ungodly hour.
This is not an easy story to read but boy is it worth it.
Pay attention to those "signs" you never know what you're missing out on by keeping yourself closed off -
So, I already know that I will ultimately do this book an injustice because I'm not a writer, I'm a reader, but I'm going to do my best. Do you ever feel as though certain people were placed on this earth at the same time as you for a certain purpose? I feel that way about Kelsey. She writes for me. She is my author soul mate. That, not coincidently, parallels with the exact theme of this book. I have struggled to find the powerful words to equal the powerful gratitude I feel for her words. I'm coming up short.
This book is about love. Love of a family, love of brothers, sisters, lovers, and kids. None is more powerful than another, but they all are priceless. This book has woven itself permanently into my being. It brought me tears of happiness and fear of more sorrow. It broke me and healed me, and had me look inside myself more than any book In my recent history. In only the way that the magnificent Kelsey Kingsley can do, it became not only an unforgettable story, but a part of my life. Thank you.
On a personal note, if you are a broken person, read this. If you don't feel worthy of love, read this. If you are gifted with a special needs person in your life, read this. If you want a brilliant journey of heartbreak and repair, read this. I'm all of the above. This story WILL change you, in every beautiful way possible. -
I knew when I read the synopsis and the story around this book that it was going to be something special.... I mean even the cover and the title say ‘look at me....’
Well, seriously this is a must read. Ms Kingsley has brought something totally amazing. The writing is fresh and exact. The characters are raw and real. It’s heartbreaking, emotional and ultimately uplifting. It made me cry, crack up laughing and also made me appreciate my own life and the people in it that little bit more.
Blake is stuck in a desperate cycle, barely even an existence. Trying to care for his twin brother Jake while also hoping to find himself a few hours of peace and solace away from the constant put downs and nasty barbs from his mother. Away from his fathers indifference and need to try and patch over the cracks. Blake’s unwavering love and patience for Jake is what keeps him going. He has two escapes where he can be himself, at work as a tattoo artist and at the poetry club. His art is a gift and it keeps him sane. When a girl, Audrey, comes in insisting that he must replicate the tattoo he gave her sister, it sparks a series of events and coincidences that no one could possibly predict. Suddenly he finds himself on a journey of self discovery and acceptance . Audrey’s influence in his life and the love she introduces him to is something he can’t believe he is worthy of. However, as their relationship grows and as his walls start to fall he starts to see that he is deserving and that he and Jake can have a great life. By opening his eyes and his heart to love, the possibilities for them all are endless.
The character of Jake was so beautifully and compassionately written. The difficulties and moral dilemmas that were covered were emotional and made all the more upsetting given the realistic storyline..With love and care Ms Kelsey has brought these amazing characters to life and created a truly beautiful story. I defy you to finish without a pain in your chest and a warmth in your heart.
I received an arc from the author and I have chosen to leave my review. -
Every. Single. Time. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I should know what I am getting into when I read a Kelsey Kingsley book. But I always forget that this author writes books that rip your heart out than puts it back together piece by piece and she never disappoints. This is no exception. Audrey and Blake are two lost souls wrapped in their own despair when they find each other and try to help each other through their demons. I cried, I smiled, i fell in love and i cheered as they maneuvered through the new found attraction and the obstacles they need to overcome. I can not get enough of this book and was broken hearted when it ended.
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DNF at 25%
The hero's pity party is unbearable for me. I am so bored and even more depressed than I normally am. Time to drop it...
Side note: If you are looking for safety in your romance, this is not safe as he sleeps with his f*ck buddy after meeting the heroine. He believes he cannot have a decent relationship with anyone so he is only for the easy lays... -
When authors or bloggers ask who is one author I think everyone should really know about or read, I always, always say Kelsey Kingsley! Warrior Blue is the perfect example as to why I choose her!
Kelsey always gives me characters so memorable, that my heart still longs for more months later. I didn't want this story to end. I felt every insult Blake took, all the frustration Jake felt, all the love Audrey gave. I could go on and on, and still not be able to convey how moved I was by this story!
If you believe in God, fate, coincidences or not. Or if you are in to hunky broody foul mouth tattoo artists with family drama and a sweet special needs dentical twin, then look no further! This book will knock you socks off! And you can bet it will stay with you for months too! -
I was lucky enough to be a part of the ARC group for Kelsey Kingsley’s new book, Warrior Blue. This book is a beautiful, gritty masterpiece. It’s not a book for those looking for a fluffy romantic read or an easy hero.
In Blake Carson, you’ll meet a soul searching for love and acceptance. He’s battered and bruised. Audrey Wright is the light that his darkness needs. This book is a wonderful read, bringing tears of sadness, joy, and happiness.
I highly recommend this book that shows the struggles that people keep hidden and those that they don’t, an anti-hero who is so real you think he should walk out of the pages of the book, and the woman he needs. You won’t regret it. -
Kelsey Kingsley never ceases to amaze me. I love this women's writing more than I can express and jumped for joy when this early copy of Warrior Blue arrived on my Kindle the other day. Thank you, Kelsey for the opportunity to read and review another breathtaking creation of yours in advance of its release. I'm absolutely thrilled.
Blake and his twin brother are handsome, head turning men in their early 30's but only one of them knows it. Jacob/Jake is stranded in the long ago past- loves music, Legos, his dog Mickey and Gremlins- his favorite movie which he watches over and over again. Something happened that has Jake frozen in time with a childlike joy for all the things that matter to him in his small repetitive world. Blake is his favorite person and their twin connection continues despite it all, along with Jake's keen and unusual 6th sense, which can be eerily prophetic at times. As you read on, the question you don't want to ask is- what the hell happened that made Jake this way?
Blake, on the other hand is a brooding, talented tattoo artist, sometimes dark poet, living the same life, day after day. Not much deviation from his stark routine- takes and picks up his brother from daycare, runs interference between Jake and their parents, works his artist magic for a while, goes home to sleep...rinse and repeat daily. Time with his well meaning therapist breaks the monotony but his angry thoughts and self loathing keep him from believing in himself and truly living. After all, why should he feel any happiness when Jake will always remain as he is now, innocent and childlike forever. Will Blake ever see the light?
I wanted to cry for Blake so many times and force him see what gifts he was hiding under all his pain. His promising life was so hopeless, sad, filled with despair, sorrow, sarcasm and so much anger. After meeting his parents you could see why..I would have gladly locked them in the basement and thrown away the key, if only I could've reached into this book and grabbed them by their hair!!! They were the poster parents for insensitivity- nothing but demeaning and hateful, especially towards him. They treated Jake like a burden, leaving Blake, the perceived unworthy son to calm him, patiently care for him as only he seemed to be able to do. That twin thing was always there, running in the background and is a big part of this story.
Then, a series of almost freaky, unexplained coincidences brings a special woman into his tattoo shop and his life, Audrey. She keeps turning up in random places, accepting him, smiling even as he insults her, trying to push her away and still she paints him with her beautiful light...against his darkness and his will. He doesn't deserve happiness or love, remember? It might feel good but then, guilt rears its ugly head and those sweet feelings disappear.
You'll want to cheer for Blake as he tries and fails to push Audrey far away and out of his life, but with each new discovery of how entwined in every way they are, how perfectly they could fit together, another chip in his stone wall falls away, revealing the truth Blake won't acknowledge...that he is worth every drop of success and love that fate has been trying to tell him he deserves, no matter who thinks otherwise...the twisty 'signs' are all there and fun to see.
What a story Kelsey has once again woven, as she often does, with poignancy and raw, heartbreaking feelings that are hard to hide from. You can't help but feel everything Blake does, including that twin connection, which takes the reader to some places that were tearful, scary and so, so sad that at times I had tissues pasted to my eyes. Couldn't help it. But...there was also hope, love and the colors of life that leave trails around us all. Beauty and joy are in the world if we allow ourselves to let it in and embrace who we are really meant to be!
Blake and Audrey, so right for each other, will be hanging around in the back of my mind for a along time to come. This stand alone is told in Blake's POV and I found myself loving his inner thoughts. It may not be the typical way most romances are told but nothing about Kelsey's writing style is typical so....enjoy their special and unique journey where you may even see some familiar visitors in this atmospheric Salem, Mass setting! Recommending this one. -
I really enjoyed this book. I love that it is all from Blake's POV. He has a lot of personal growth and he def works toward personal healing and understanding. His relationship with Jake is lovely.
I read somewhere that someone didn't like Audrey because she put up with too much of Blake's crap and that some of his behaviour could be red flags for real relationships. I have a different opinion. I think making Audrey a preschool teacher was an excellent choice. Competent preschool teachers, or anyone who lives or works with small children, become masters at understanding poor behaviour and where it is coming from. This stems from tiny humans having big complex emotions but not the words or patience to express them - hence tantrums, hitting and any number of other undesirable behaviours. I will say that if it wasn't just pops of these episodes I too would have wanted her to walk away.
If I had one critique or thing I would like people to know it would be that I think Audrey is just a player in Blake's story. I personally don't think there is anything wrong with that but I do know some people don't like when women take a backseat to men in stories; however, in this case I think that this is Blake's story and it is ok that everyone else is just a player in it. With this in mind, the people around Blake do not develop very much. One notable exception to this is his mother. I think that she also has some personal growth and develops into a more complete character. Blake, however, does develop very nicely and he has a lot of positive growth throughout the entire story.
I hope you enjoy the story too. -
AMAZING!!! I am adding Blake to the list of my favorite Kelsey characters along with Sebastian and Chaddington! I felt every emotion in this book; the pain, the anguish, the guilt and the love. Was definitely feeling the guest appearance by some of my other fav characters. If this story had ended the way I thought it was going to, I would have needed therapy! Well done Kelsey and I can’t wait to see what you do next!
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This book wrecked me! I woke up this morning picked up my phone to finish reading it. Still laying in bed as a read the last page at 1045am. So raw and real! I feel like I crawled inside Blake and cried and yelled right along with him. The signs and how everything came together was so amazing! Kelsey Kingsley is so talented 😍. After reading just one of her amazing stories, you will binge read the rest of her wonderful books!
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I’m a firm believer in fate. That everything happens for a reason and how it’s supposed to. This story packs a powerful and emotional punch that has left me reeling. Words cannot be written to adequately describe how fantastic the storyline and characters are. All I can say is read this as it is of the best books I’ve read in 2019!!
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I was privileged to receive an ARC copy of Warrior Blue. Through the tears I read about the heartache and triumph of Blake. This was a beautifully written story. Audrey is a beautiful soul that we all should aspire to be more like. Her unconditional love is astounding.
Kelsey Kingsley has written another stunner! Beautiful and astounding. -
Kelsey Kingsley never ceases to amaze me with the vividness of her characters and the depth and honesty of her words. Warrior Blue is so much more than just a story about twin brothers, loss and HEA's. After reading this book I think for me the overwhelming feeling I had was hope....this book provides hope that even the most broken lost soul is still worthy of being loved. Blake is a broken hero and Audrey truly is his saving grace and you can feel the darkness of Blake softening with the light of Audrey. Audrey's way of looking at life is a life lesson in itself....she is a glass half full person and her way of looking at what Blake sees as a negative should be a lesson to us all. Many times in our lives things happen that we never really understand and every so often we get a glimpse of the "why" and we realize our journey, though painful at times, led us to exactly where we were suppose to be. This book is full of life advice, wisdom, and hope. 5 stars doesn't seem to be near enough.
