★★★★★
5+++ Beautifully Frayed Stars!
ARC very generously received from the author for an honest review
Release Date: September 2, 2014
"Sometimes you have to chase what you really want because everything in life worth having won't fall into your lap."
I never thought this series could get better, Kim Karr proved me wrong.
I couldn't be more happier.
If you think you've got Ben all figured out, I wouldn't be so sure.
If you didn't like Ben and are not even a tad bit curious about his story, it's your loss.
And I'm saying that with as much understanding as I can.
I know most people are hesitant when it comes to redeeming not-so-likeable characters from previous books, I understand because I'm one of those. But I'm also one who is always so curious and interested to know about that character's story. Because surely, there's a reason why they became that frustrating character that we'd love to strangle or worse. And as what the lovely Kim Karr has signed in my copy, "Everybody deserves a second chance.". And indeed, love is sweeter the second time around (well okay, it wasn't sweet the first time but you know what I mean).
This is the love story after Blurred. And although you can read Frayed without having read Blurred first, I would highly recommend, insist even, that you go through the novella first before diving in to this story. I promise, it will make for a deeper understanding of Ben Covington's life before and after Connected and Torn.
"Happiness fills me, all of me, every part of me. I never thought two people so lost in this world could make each other feel found, but we have."
Frayed left me speechless. I am not even sure I can write a review that will do justice to the emotions I've felt while reading it and the feelings I have days after closing the book. This is one of those stories that you savor every page, absorbing every word, letting it sink in slowly and before you know it, you're already at the end and the characters and their life has stuck with you like a good aftertaste.
This book picked up where Blurred ended -- Ben finally piecing back his frayed life. Knowing all the heartache, loss, and pain that he went through made me appreciate him tons more. There's only so much a person can handle before he realizes that life goes on and either he drowns in sorrow or swim against the current and find the shore. I guess that's why in the end, I admire Ben. I think I might love him already (shh! Don't tell Xander!). He turned his life around, from drinking himself to oblivion to running a business. He's now even opened up himself a little bit with friends and his sisters. His gloomy days where he felt loss are gone and now he's found his life's direction.
But what if when it comes to his love life, everything isn't as easy? What if the past needs to be settles before they can move forward? And what if what he finds out will break his heart once again?
I'm sorry I'm gushing mostly about Ben here, but let's talk about Bell too. Going into the story, we know that secret Bell has been keeping from Ben. But that was all we know before, and now, Kim has given us a glimpse of the past. Of what really happened then and how Bell handled it, how she got to that decision that would change her life. It was sad when I first read about it and now after reading the whole story, it was heartbreaking yet understandable. She was young and she genuinely thought that she was doing the right thing. I just wished her family, especially her mom, tried to talk her out of it. It just really made me sad.
Ben and Bell's relationship has had its fair share of ups and downs. They met when Ben was still in a relationship with Dahlia, basically cheating on her with Bell. Years after, they see each other in another awkward circumstance. They fight their feelings, they give in, they tried working out being friends but their sexual and physical pull was too palpable to ignore. This has got to be the hottest book in the series too! I loved how their love for each other passed through all the bumps in the roadIndeed, the series comes in full circle with Ben and Bell's story. That seed of intrigue that Kim planted during the first 2 books in the series, made the anticipation for this one especially high. At least for me, and it did not disappoint. No. Honestly, it was beyond anything I've expected because yes, Ben wasn't on top of my favorites. Yes, we could care less whatever happens to him. But Kim Karr wrote Frayed that had me reeling and sympathizing not just with Ben but also with Bell.
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The rough path that those two walked on to get to their finish line was bittersweet. I may have wanted to smack them both upside down in some parts but looking back to those times after finishing the book, I realized they needed it to be who and what they are meant to be. All the secrets kept taught them to accept the past, not necessarily forget it but let it go and heal... together. All the pulling back made them realize how honest communication is important for a relationship to work and no matter what, they will always find their way to each other.
So now, even though I have been very vocal about my love for Xander Wilde, I would say for me, Frayed has got to be the most beautifully written story in the entire Connection series.
Stars: 5+++ Stars!
Recommended to: Lovers of characters being redeemed. Second chance love.
POV: First person. Dual POV.
Series: Yes but with interconnected characters. Blurred and Frayed are Ben's books.
EXTRA COMMENT: Everyone has cameos in this book and I'm happy where Xander and Ivy's relationship is at the end of Ben and Bell's story. It made me want a novella or another book for them. I hope River and Dahlia follow suit after that heartbreaking episode in Mended.
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