Title: Vivid
Series: N/A
Author: Ana Raine
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (56 pages)
Publisher: Mlr Press (December 11th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: When Akai visits Grand Rapids for the holidays, he finds more than just his courage.
Akai has had a troubled past growing up in and out of different foster homes. Despite being an adult, he cannot forget his best friend growing up.
When Akai visits Grand Radpids in a last-ditch effort to find his long-lost friend, he is determined to finally sled without backing out. But when he meets Collins, there is more than just courage at stake.
ISBN: MLR-1-02014-0347
Product Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=AR_VIVID
Reviewer: Prime
Review: This is a beautifully wonderful book – I just want to gush about how sweet it is and give away the entire plot! It’s nice and short, too. So it’s a quick read, but all the t’s have been crossed and the i’s dotted, so there are no niggling questions on my behalf. Strangely, too, despite loving the story, I didn’t feel the need that there was something missing.
This is a poignant glimpse into Akai Greyson’s life. After his parents died when he was nine, he was in foster care until he became legal. This story is a combination of flash backs (triggered by either objects or stray words spoken in the book), with Akai telling the story of his current search for his nameless best friend.
If you read it, you’ll work out what is going to happen in the end, but the build up of Akai and Collin’s relationship is wonderful. We also witness Akai as he tackles his demons, which is where Collins comes in and helps Akai – a lot. The story was geared around reminders of Akai’s childhood including snow (or lack of), jars of water (you’ll see the relevance) and sledding, which makes the story just seem so much more personal.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *