Krista Pakseresht has always been a dreamer, from the first time she opened her eyes. Creating worlds through words is one thing she is truly talented at. She specializes in Young adult/New adult romance, horror, action, fantasy, and non-fiction under the pen name Kira Adams.
She is the author of the Infinite Love series, the Foundation series, the Darkness Falls series, and the Looking Glass series.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
A Date with the Devil is a standalone contemporary romance with a HEA. It is told from Bryce’s POV with flash backs to the acccident that changed her life. This book contains an abusive relationship. It may cause triggers in some people.
The book starts out with Bryce sheltering herself in her house since the accident. She is has an inability to leave the house because of the fear she feels. Bryce has suffered greatly at the hands of Robbie, her ex-boyfriend. She has one good friend, Tyson, who has stood by her since the accident.
I’m not going to lie. Some of this was hard to read. It was intense and so well written you could feel the waves of emotions that Bryce was feeling. Her reactions were raw. Ms. Adam’s did an incredible job showing what Bryce was feeling in a manner that was authentic to an abuse survivor. There was a scene in which Bryce could no longer breathe. I found myself holding my breath, choking on what I was reading. That’s why I give it a trigger warning.
Tyson was authentic as well. Yes he was a best friend who grew to love Bryce romantically but his reactions to her were normal for a 22 year old guy, no matter how understanding he was. Sometime, we need a push for change. Tyson seemed to be the catalyst of many on the changes Bryce made in her life, she started to take control of her life and found the relief and normalcy she longed for. In the end, it was her strength that allowed her to fight for herself.
While it was a quick read, it was not a light read. It was a heavy topic written so well you didn’t want to put the book down. I know I’ll need to read something light after this book. I’m glad I read it and loved the book.
I have received an ARC copy of this book from the amazing Kira in exchange for an honest review.
I bow before you woman! This is your best book ever! I loved Into the Darkness, I adored Emerging from Darkness, but this? THIS IS JUST PERFECT! I love the fact that you are not scared to touch difficult subjects.
This story is about Bryce. A girl with an unusual name in an unusual relationship. She loved Robbie. She felt connected to him. But she never expected the tragedy that would follow. The whole book is about her struggle to learn how to live, how to be HER again. Not that damaged, wounded girl. To help her survive she has Tyson. A next door neighbour, who was her light in the tunnel, her saviour and her best friend. But for him it was never a friendship only. He wants more and he is not sure if he can wait for Bryce to heal.
When Bryce decided that it's not fair towards Tyson to hold on to him and not letting him live, her worst nightmare comes back and she is finding herself to be afraid of everything. Until a tragedy hits her and her loved ones, she is determined to find the courage to fight and get her life back.
This book is an emotional roller-coaster. I cried, I laughed, I screamed and was angry. And I loved every second of it.
So I received the ARC of this book and I have to say from the cover I thought it would be a little to much crazy for me but HOLY SHIT was I wrong.Kira Adams has some real skills.I received this book today at 9:00am it is now 1:30pm and I am done.Outstanding ,scary,heartfelt,deep read.This is a story that will make you feel a thousand different things at once,from page one she had me shutting the ringer on my phone.This book is truly a five stars must read.Thank you Kira Adams for letting me have the first look,I feel like I know a really good secret.lol
This book is about Bryce and her inner struggles, she's terrified to leave her home, because she's afraid that "he will finish the job".
Bryce' s best friend saved her life and has stuck by her side through it all. He helps her face her struggles. And the ups and downs of every friendship/relationship.
This book is an emotional read, but it also has some funny moments and happy moments. Kira Adams has a way with words through her writing, she makes you feel like you are that person or that you know this person. Not very many authors have that ability.
I like that this book shows that she is fighting an inner battle with herself, and she tries to over come that fear/battle. There is struggles in every inner battles, ups and downs. And Kira Adams hit it on the spot. Yes, she may have been physically abused, but there are different battles in everyone. So yes, I really liked/love this book.
After barely surviving her last relationship, Bryce lives every day in fear. Fear of admitting her feelings for her best friend, Tyson. Fear of facing her newly scarred reflection. Even fear of stepping outside her own home. With her abuser still on the loose, Bryce has spent the last year in hiding.
Family and friends convince Bryce it's time to move forward. But just as she begins to make progress, someone seems to be haunting her. When she once again comes face to face with the devil himself, will she crumble, or will she take her life back?
What a book! Kept me entertained from beginning to end and had me rooting for Bryce in both her moments of weakness and moments of strength. A Date with the Devil is a brutally honest and intriguing roller coaster of heartbreak and hope, abuse and survival.
Thank you to Kira Adams for proving an ARC in exchange for an honest review :]
Here is my review.A very intriguing and mystical book.Bruce's life is turned into a miserable time,it's turned topsy,turvy,which it isn't very good ,You really don't now who can trust or depend on.Some people will hurt you and others save you.This Book was a book that kept on the edge of your seat.Hope you will enjoy it.
*I received an ARC of this book for an honest review*
I loved this book so much! I felt like Kira wrote parts of this book on my life.. As being a survivor of abuse, I could relate to Bryce in so many ways. I laughed with her, cried, screamed and cheered her on. A Date with the Devil is so beautifully written that when I started it I couldn't put it down. I finished it in 2 hours. Kira definitely did not disappoint me! It's a heartbreaking, amazing tale with a HEA that will stay with me forever!
This beautifully written book demonstrates the strength of the human spirit. What Bryce has been through is nothing short of horrific, and although it takes her a while to find her way back, she shows how strong she is,how brave she is, how she fought her way back to her life. Tyson is nothing short of spectacular. His love knows no bounds. His support is inspiring. This book shows that survival is possible, no matter the circumstances.
an absolutely amazing book. Kira Adams is a drama queen. Her books only get better. A Date with the Devil is a heartfelt story that you wont be able to put down. Make sure you have tissues because you will need them. Bryce's story is heartbreaking the things that she goes through is horrible.. Read it and find out what happens you wont be disappointed.
***I received an ARC from Kira in exchange for an honest review***
First, I want to say WOW!! This book had me hooked and I just wanted to find out more about Bryce, Tyson, and Robbie. love it when authors use a suspenseful event in a prologue to draw a reader in and that is exactly what she did!
Once again...I know I usually say this too but.... this story had quite the realistic elements to it. When readers read this story they will get a feel for abusive relationships and will be able to not only sympathize but empathize with the characters and possibly people in their lives. I enjoyed following Bryce's story and learning all about her past and her future as well as her friendships that bloomed into something more.
The way Kira portrayed Linda was amazing. Being a psych major in college, I had the opportunity to work, research, and observe my professors and their colleagues during clinicals and other duties. The techniques Linda used such as baby step tasks to go back out into the world, asking her to make social acquaintances and friends, and in general coming out of her comfort zone that she has been used to for the past year are all techniques I have seen. Many times therapists will ask their patients about those who are closest to them because they affect each other. I was happy to read that Linda questioned and pushed Bryce to think more about Tyson and realize how she truly felt about him.
I absolutely loved reading this book and I can honestly say that this has to be one of my favorite novels by Kira Adams.
I was given a copy in exchange of an honest review. I'm amazed of all the people who can get out of a violent relationship and keep going and find the courage to live. Unfortunately for Bryce she couldn't get out in time and after a year she was getting better until she saw Robbie again (which she should've said something). In this cases I think the family and those who are closest should have counseling in how to help, be patient with victims in Bryce situation. Aside from almost been burn alive, she had to deal with mental and physical abuse, Tyson was been unfair and an a-hole. He was there to witness the damage and everything she had to go through and have the balls to say "I can't wait for you." If he really love her the way he said, he would've stayed and be whatever she needed! That's the only thing I had problems with and she shouldn't have move in so soon, she should've have made him work hard for being unreasonable!! It was easy to fall into and follow through the last page. Also I loved that she was her own Hero. We're so used to have the good guy come through rescue but when said Guy was hospitalized and wounded you thought, how in the heck is she getting out now!! But she finally was able to move past her fears and have the courage she couldn't find while dating to stay alive!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Bryce is a girl suffering with agoraphobia, fear of going out. After an horrific abusive past with an ex boyfriend, Robbie, she goes into a deep depression and lives in extensive fear of a guy who set her on fire, his ultimate goal was to kill her, but after failing in his selfish mission, he runs and can't be found. Will Bryce forever live her like in stark fear of a man on the run? Will she ultimately find the life she only dreams about while locking herself a way for over a year?
This story seriously broke my damn heart. It hit so close to home, that in some parts I was crying, not only for Bryce, but myself as well. I hope this story goes world wide as this story raises awareness of domestic abuse which this world seems to be ignorant of. I loved how carefully written and how much thought went into a book that could ultimately change people's lives. I also loved how this had flashbacks to times with Bryce and the ex so you're never truly in the dark. It flowed freely and kept me at the edge of my seat, I officially have no nails left to bite off. I love this authors work and her as a person, she's simply amazing.
Highly recommend.
*WARNING* this book is about domestic violence and is graphic in places.
Wow what an amazing story of one women that lived through hell and came back stronger then ever . I fell in love with this story and they way the characters were written. Kira did a great job at making me feel with Bryce and what she was going through .
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
A very well written book that contains many deep feelings and thoughts. The author did an eloquent job in seamlessly blending an abusive relationship and getting life on track. Definitely worth the read.
Panic attacks, debilitating fear, nightmares she awoke from in a pool of sweat were all a part of Bryce's life this past year since the "accident." There was also the physical aspects of her injury. How could anyone deal with that when she couldn't herself?
At her side, and her savior, Tyson. "If it wasn't for Tyson, I wouldn't be her today. He saved my life . . . although some days I wish he hadn't." Tyson was her rock, her best friend, the one she never wanted to lose.
He was never caught though; he was still out there. The Devil was lurking. His eyes black with rage, his fists ready to pummel her, his words sprewing hatred. Rational or irrational she was too afraid to venture out because of him. It started with the verbal assault, then intimidation before escalating to pushes, shoves, being choked, then his fists. How many times had she tried to escape him? Was he waiting for her now?
I was given the book by the author in exchange for an honest review. That's you'll get. I don't know how best to say this, but this is so realistic and brutally honest in its depiction of abuse, it was difficult to read. I finished it last night and still find I'm gritting my teeth fighting back the emotions of it all. So you don't think this is depressing to read, let me add and emphasize that there is an HEA. It's a struggle to get there, but through it all is an emotional story of finding strength in one's self, with the help and support of those who truly care. Abusers will want to close their victims off from the support, but more often than not they are the only way out. Thanks for the ARC Kira, it was a good kind of cry.
Thank you to Kira Adams for the copy of this book, and this my my review. I'm not going to give a whole lot away because you need to read it, I just want to say tho that although this isn't a very long book, it pacts an emotional punch! This is Bryce's struggle with her fear of her ex Robbie returning to finish the job.
We start with Bryce who's living with her parents after a life changing experience, she's scared and struggling to return to everyday "normal" life. Her best friend and saviour Tyson is with her every step of the way, and as we read, is an integral part of Bryce's recovery. This book deals with abuse and feelings left behind of a fighter who's stronger than she realises. Kira Adams has a special talent, that when she writes you can't help but get drawn into the book, feeling the characters highs and lows. A standalone novel that thankfully does have an HEA... Wonderfully written as usual and a highly recommended read.
First of all I just want to say this book is phenomenal. This book is well written. This book is full of suspense. I didn't want to put this book down. Bryce is my favorite character. She is strong, courageous, loving and just a great woman. Tyson shows Bryce what real love is all about even if it takes a while for her to realize she can get true love from someone. Bryce first thought no one could love her for who she became from someone else's actions. I hope Kira writes another book with Bryce and Tyson. Give this book a try. I loved it.
My favorite Kira Adams book, so far. I read in 1 sitting....abt 2 hrs.
I loved the suspense! Poor Bryce got dealt a majorly shitty hand, but she handled it like a trooper. Much better than I would have, that's for sure. But as we all know Karma is a bitch!! Sweet, sweet Tyson was her saving grace!!
Great book. lots of action and suspense. not a lot of sex which made it even better. you see Bryce with a lot of fear but strength. Tyson was wonderful and patient with her. it's all around a great book.
Disclaimer: This book was sent to me by the author, Kira Adams, for an honest review.
Opinion: I saw that this book was generating a lot of buzz via Facebook and reviews, so I figured that this must be a fantastic read. Not only is this the first book I have actually requested from an author, but I figured this would be a memorable and emotional read so I told myself I should definitely get my hands on it.
After Bryce is the victim of being beaten and set on fire by her ex Robbie, she is forced to deal with the aftermath of the trauma that she experienced. Unable to leave her house out of fear the Robbie will come back to kill her, Bryce leans on her friend Tyson for support and strength. But soon things start to happen that might prove that Robbie is back to finish what he started.
I am not sure if I just had high expectations for this book, or if I just couldn’t completely absorb myself into the words, but I didn’t find this to be my favorite book ever. This idea for the story is a great concept to write about, and a lot of people can relate to it. I think the idea of how Bryce has become emotionally impacted by her trauma by not being able to leave her home is very realistic, especially because Robbie (her psycho ex) disappeared right after the “accident”. However, I think everything else fell a bit short for me. I didn’t feel emotionally connected to this character, or any of them for that matter. They felt scattered, underdeveloped, and instead of me feeling the words they were speaking...I was literally just reading them. Which brings me to the writing, which really confused me. A lot of the dialogue for Bryce was literally just small sentences: “I hope I will make a good impression. I hope I will fit in.” Although I found this style rather bothersome, it is at least not going on throughout the ENTIRE book. If you can get past that little bit, then you probably won’t even notice it happening. I am not exactly sure if the author wrote with a certain style for the character of Bryce intentionally, or if this is just her unique style of writing…but overall it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
I enjoyed how extreme the character of Robbie was, he was extremely ruthless and the definition of an obsessive and abusive person. Though the things that Robbie did were unforgivable and scary, I did appreciate his character having no limits as to what he would do to ensure that nobody could have Bryce if he could not. However, I think there could have been a lot more emotion going on! I was reading the anger Robbie portrayed, the protection that Tyson had over Bryce, and the fear that Bryce kept with her, but I wasn’t FEELING those emotions with them. I want to experience what a character is going through, I want to get lost in their world no matter how amazing or terrible. Another aspect that of the story that I did not exactly “fall in love” with was the character of Bryce. I feel like this story was trying to portray a “you are strong so stand up for yourself” kind of attitude, but I just wasn’t convinced that Bryce had grown all that much. It seems unrealistic that she gets better so quickly after something THAT demented happens, and that she is suddenly so trusting with another man. I love a female lead that doesn’t need a man to rescue her or make her feel whole, but unfortunately that is what the character of Bryce feels like to me. I think that the author has tremendous potential to really grow into a fantastic writer, but I think that the details and character development need work.
Overall, this wasn’t my favorite read or very memorable for me. As having personal experience in a negatively charged and volatile relationship, the duration and the aftermath of such relationships are…HUGE. For me, what makes a book like this POP is it feeling realistic and truthful. I think the author was on the right track…but didn’t completely get to where she needed to. However, this is only my opinion. There are MULTIPLE reviews on this book from other reviewers that will argue that this book is fantastic, so try it for yourself and see what you think.
Kira Adams has a way of handling tough subjects with delicacy and sensitivity, while at the same time being honest and not shying away from gritty details. This is the beautiful balance of A Date With The Devil. Full of raw emotion, and the desperate attempts of one woman to not only survive, but to thrive. ADWTD is a roller coaster ride that will leave you wanting to read more, unable to tear yourself away despite the heartache, turning pages into the night and smiling the next day. You might even find yourself taking some of the advice that Bryce receives as words of wisdom in your own daily life. I greatly appreciate the hope in an unrelenting and harsh reality that seems to befall Bryce, and the fact that despite many setbacks, she keeps going. Some characters suffer and give up, she suffers again and again and never really gives up, not once she realizes that she has a reason to go on. No less than 5 stars for another great read by Kira Adams!
***Free copy provided without any request for review, but of course I couldn't let that go undone anyway.***
This is an absolutely outstanding story of the inner struggle of a young girl who suffered physical abuse at the hands of her boyfriend which in the end left her a damaged and broken girl . Overcoming the simplest things in life are sometimes the hardest , especially if you live in fear . This is the story of Bryce and her best friend Tyson . .
This is an emotional read on every level wether your a reader who loves a good story or you unfortunately have also suffered . Not many authors have the ability to make you feel what the characters are going through and how desperate a plight it is . I have to admit this is in my opinion Kira's best book by far . Well done Kira , you've floored me once again .
What an amazing story of pain, heart break, brokeness, love, and healing. I was terrified and could relate to Bryce and what was going on. I cried, I wanted to run and fight back at the same time. I wanted Bryce and Tysons to be happy!! Thank you for an amazing story!!
The book opens with Bryce unable to leave her house for a year after her boyfriend Robbie poured gas on her and lit her on fire. She's got burns on about half of her body and outside of her family, she only has contact with Tyson, her former neighbor and BFF who saved her. Robbie hasn't been arrested, so Bryce is still understandably afraid that he'll come back. I wish it had been explained what Robbie was doing in that year. How did he live with no job and no money?
Tyson started falling for Bryce while living next door, and now he's completely in love with her. I hated Tyson, he was an immature jerk. I think the story would have worked better if he was older instead of a college student. When Bryce tells him she's not ready for a relationship (completely understandable given her recent past), he's a jerk. "Even if I'm not in your life, I want you to know that I'm always going to be her for you. We've been through too much for me to just walk away now. I just can't continue to hang out with you, and be around you, when I know you don't want me the same way as I want you. It's too hard. I won't do it." WTF???? He just contradicted himself multiple times! Ugh, find a new BFF Bryce.
So after saying she (again, understandably) wasn't ready to date him, Tyson ignores her for weeks. I guess being there for her equals ignoring her. When Bryce's mom calls him weeks later, he's hurt that Bryce doesn't want to see him? What? My hatred for him keeps growing.
Bryce takes the advice of her therapist and gets a job and tries to make new friends. One of the women at her new job hates her for no reason, but she meets two nice bartenders at a bar where she starts to hang out. So what happens with these people? I don't know because they are brought into the story and then completely dropped without another word about them. What?
In the span of a month or so two attempts (TWO!!!!) are made on Tyson's life and everyone is wondering who would want to harm him. WHAT?!?! A blind person could see who was behind it!
Robbie comes up to Bryce in a bathroom bar and she doesn't tell the police about it. What? Of course we know he's eventually going to get Bryce alone again, and when he does it's...grisly. But cut to one month later, and Bryce's therapist doesn't think she needs to see her anymore. What?
Then there's a trial. Bryce is on trial. What? Why would there be a jury trial for Bryce? That made no sense. And the big dramatic speech by the jury foreperson? Not believable at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I'm late to the party of adoring Kira Adams and the amazing words she gives readers! This book touched me in so many ways. Bryce is a girl that has lost herself thanks to her abusive relationship with Robbie until an accident changed her life and caused her to become a shell of her former self.
As I read this book, I could literally feel the emotions Bryce was going through and this is all thanks to the words that Ms. Adams put on the page. They're descriptive, emotional and painful all at the same time. As Bryce is trying to reclaim herself, Tyson, a man who has always been there for her, works so hard to get her to believe there is good in the world.
However, she's not healing the way she thinks she should and ultimately tries to push him away so he can live a life without being burdened by her limitations. But I love how Tyson wouldn't give up on her. This just made me love him that much more.
While there are definitely some triggers in this book, if you can handle them, then this is a book that should be read by anyone looking for a read that will draw you in, give you all the feels and make you believe that HEA's really are possible.
Don't let the cover of this book fool you. The book deals with some sensitive subject matter and may cause triggers in certain individuals. We have Bryce and Robbie, a young couple who move into their first home. While living together their relationship begins to change. Robbie becomes the abuser and Bryce is the abused. The story begins with Robbie's final horrific act to Bryce while they are together. The remainder of the story deals with Bryce's fight to heal from the mental and physical abuse inflicted upon her. My thoughts are; the book is well written and kept me interested. I don't know enough about the subject to adequately assume Bryce's recovery is what may actually be the norm. I had a lot of questions while reading the book and felt the author could have given the reader more information about Bryce's recovery. I don't understand how Robbie was able to get away with some of the dark things he did to others while Bryce was recovering. That being said I did enjoy the book as a whole and the fact the author did not get into the gruesome details of the abuse. I hear there is a second book but will probably not read it. If you like this type of book you may enjoy it.
Yet another amazing read from Kira Adams. Once again, she has caught and held my attention throughout the entirety of this book. I love Tyson and Bryce, they are both heart-warming characters. Bryce, trapped in the home of her parents by her fear of her ex, Robbie, refuses to leave the house. This has been the case for a year now. Her only outside interactions are with her therapist Linda and her best friend and old neighbour, Tyson. He has been there through it all, he was the one to save her from Robbie. After the attack, Robbie disappears, not knowing what happened to him keeps her on edge. She finally believes that she may be able to move on, however, Tyson wants her to move on with him. This puts strain on their friendship. Can the make it through without losing each other?