I love him. From the instant I set eyes on him when I was just 11 years old I have loved him and nothing will ever change that. He owns me. He owns my heart and he owns my body and no matter how many lies are told, no matter how many people conspire to keep us apart, despite the fame and the distance, we will find a way.
WOW. WOW. WOW!!!!!!
What a beautiful, gut-wrenching and epic love story!!
This was a non-stop, edgy, passionate, and emotional roller coaster ride from start to finish and I LOVED IT!!!! It made me feel everything. It consumed me. It took over my life. I couldn’t put it down, didn’t want to stop reading, and I know that I will never forget this story.
But please note that this is not your typical romance story. It completely shattered all my “book rules”, but my love for this story makes it an exception to my rules and this is without a doubt one of my top favorites now. I know I’ll be re-reading it for years to come but just please go into it with a very, very open mind.
So, what’s the story about? …. I’m going to tell you as little as possible because this is truly the kind of story that you should just experience for yourselves but here’s what the story is about:
“I was eleven years old, but I knew without a shadow of a doubt I was staring into the eyes of the boy I was going to love forever.”
… then that boy grew up to be a world famous rock star. Carnage tells a story that spans two decades. We see Gia and Sean grow up together and fall in love. True, unchanging, unwavering forever LOVE.
“I’ll love you forever G, wherever I am in the world, whatever I’m doing, it will always be you.”
I’m torn about how much to tell you about the story. If you genuinely want to know nothing, just skip down the review past the part with all the quotes and just read the stuff I wrote after them but here’s a little bit if you want to have an idea of what you’re getting into….
This author has an incredible writing style that puts you right into the characters’ hearts. I loved the innocence of their teenage love. They were so full of hopes and dreams and plans…
“I’m fifteen years old, he’s seventeen and there’s nothing we don’t know about love and life, we have it all worked out… We have a connection that no one else understands, we know that other people think we’re just a couple of kids and we know how wrong they are.”
But as Sean’s band grows in popularity, things change. To the world, he was a rock god. To her, he was just the boy she’d been in love with since she was a kid. I don’t want to give away too much but I want to share this one line because it’s just such an epic moment. Here’s this guy with a world of fame, women, drugs, and scandals thrown in his face and he gets up on stage and this is what he says…
“All you ladies in the crowd tonight have gotta appreciate the fact that I’m a one woman type of bloke and I love my girl. I’ve love my girl since the very first day I set eyes on her and back then she was just a girl… but I’ve had the pleasure these past few years of watching her grow into an absolutely beautiful young woman and as much as I love touring and playing in front of you lot every night, I’m counting down the days till I’m back in England and in her arms.”
The intensity of their love for each other doesn’t change but there are outside influences that tear them apart and I feel that you should know that a part of this book is a second chance romance. They are torn apart for a few years and even though their love for each other always is the most important thing in their hearts, there is a love triangle of sorts. It’s probably not what you’re thinking though because it certainly wasn’t what I expected. Just like the rest of the book, it was totally unconventional and I honestly thought the way the author portrayed it was brilliant.
“Such sad eyes. Who hurt you, Georgia? Who took the light out of those pretty blue eyes, eh?”
At the lowest point in her life, Cam helps her heal and slowly brings her back to life even knowing that her heart will forever belong to Sean. And I don’t want to give things away but I’ll just say that please be understanding as you read — all is not as it seems.
“Cam, I really do like you but you need to know, you need to understand… There’s only him, it will always be him, there’s no room for anyone else. Wherever we go with this, you need to understand that my heart is sealed and there’s only him that’s locked inside.”
*Sniff*
Love is messy.
My heart hurt so much. It’s like the worst kind of romantic pain when the heart has been broken enough to cause emotional devastation but not enough to make you stop loving that person with every fiber of your being. So you love and you hate and you hurt so much because you still love that person with all your heart and always will. It’s ugly, raw, and devastating. But it’s real. I loved this book because it portrays a kind of “forever love” I believe in so strongly.
But even though there is separation, it’s not forever and we do see an absolutely epic, beautiful reunion, The thing is that even though I loved Cam, Gia’s heart belonged to Sean and always would.
“There’s no one else. There never was. It’s still only ever you.”
“… it’s suddenly all too much, he cries, I cry, we cling to each other and everything is just as it should be. Sean and Georgia, Georgia and Sean. Us against the world.”
Gah. I can’t even read that without crying.
There is so much more that happens but I’m going to stop here because I hope I’ve told you enough to make you want to discover the rest for yourselves. This is the kind of story you just need to be brave about, dive in, and let it take over.
“Georgia Rae, when we made love you used to cry”… He waits for me to sing my bit. I try to swallow down a sob but I just end up singing through it…
“I said I love you like the stars above, I’ll love you till I die.”
Guys, throughout the entire story, my heart was pounding, fluttering, melting, breaking. There were no lulls. The intensity poured off of every single page. You know that feeling you get where you’re almost breathless with how much you care for the story?? Where you have tears in your eyes just because you are feeling so much?? That was what I felt like from start to finish. This story will give you ALL THE FEELS.
I know so many of you are curious about the ending and I refuse to spoil it but I will say this: I can totally understand why someone would hate the ending, and I can also totally understand why readers are completely in love with this book. The story ends at a place that makes perfect sense given the events that occur, but there will be a sequel coming out this summer. Given the events that happened, I think I need the emotional separation between these 2 phases in the story so I don’t regret reading this book now, even though I’ll be looking forward to the sequel. BUT just please remember that this is an atypical romance with an unconventional “romance” ending. It breaks all the rules and is not what we’re used to so just go in with a very open mind. It’s beautiful and devastating at the same time.
This was my status update when I finished the book…
I hate that I loved this book so much. But I did love it even though right now I hate it.
Even though the story was entirely unique, the closest in feeling only that I can come to is actually “Thoughtless” (ish). The love of this girl’s life becomes a rock star and gets sucked into the uglier side of that world: drugs, women, scandals, fame, etc. but they just have this kind of passionate love that defies everything life throws at it and just doesn’t let go. Gah, it’s very painful and messy and there are elements to this story that would sometimes send me running for the hills in some books but with the way it was written, I just loved it.
LOVED IT.
I also want to note that this book is currently in the process of being professionally edited and a free upgrade will be available as soon as that is complete. Right now, there are a fair number of “errors” in the book: spelling, grammar, misused words, incorrect punctuation etc — BUT — I loved the story enough that I totally overlooked this element of it so please don’t let it stop you from reading it, just be aware and forgiving as you read. Oh, also there was this one recurring line in the book that I still really don’t like and I figured that in the interest of full honesty, I’d just mention that it exists. (PS: don’t wait for the corrected version to start — just dive in now. It’s worth it!)
I finished reading this book a day ago and I’m still sitting here feeling overwhelmed with the emotions from it. It still feels like I literally just finished reading. The kind of emotions it evokes are so raw and powerful that they just don’t let go. I love that this book was so different. I love that it broke all the rules. And I love that I loved it despite the fact that it broke all the rules. But most of all, I am so grateful to have experienced this epic love story. I know I’ll never forget it. I know I’ll re-read it over and over again. And, I know it’ll always be in my heart.
Rating: 5+ STARS!!! An unconventional, atypical, epic love story.
PS — Bring tissues.
Casting images — click here and here (I’ll let you read into them however you want… )
If you want my review of book 2, click here.
Manda says
I’m starting this tonight!!
Aestas Cross says
Ahhhhh *hug* I hope you love it!! <3
Holly says
This is one of my FAVORITES!!!!
Aestas Cross says
Mine too now!!! I’m SO glad I read it!!
Janie says
I’m terrified of this book but it’s next on my list! I can’t wait to start!
Aestas Cross says
Just remember that it’s an atypical romance and go into it with an open mind 🙂 <3
Alexandra Cruz says
Wow, what a great review, it really capture the essence of the book, it’s such a fantastic story.
It’s the kind of book you love and hate, but in the end, never forget, is just that good!
Aestas Cross says
Thank you so much, Alexandra!! I totally agree, it’s just SO good that you can’t help but love it in the end 🙂
Lori says
Your status update was perfect! I couldn’t pick up another book for 2 weeks. You should read her other books. It will help to … Forgive her 🙂
Aestas Cross says
I think I’m going to need to take a little bit of time to let this story sit too. I have an epic hangover. And I was actually juuuuuust eyeing her other books. Definitely going to add them to my TBR 😉
Rachel says
My heart is hurting just from reading the quotes. wow i think i need to add this to my tbr
Aestas Cross says
ohhh mine hurts too!! *sniff*
Maria says
I read it thru twice and cried my eyes out. They felt so real to me, like I had lost someone too. That’s how Lesley’s writing makes me feel. My favorite book I’ve read in years! I have told so many of my friends about it. Can t wait for C2!
Aestas Cross says
I definitely want to do a re-read too. I’m not ready to let go yet <3
Ashley K says
I finished this afternoon. I had no clue what to expect. I wasn’t expecting the feels or the ending. Reminded me of Emi Lost and Found though. Such a great book!
Aestas Cross says
Yeah I agree. I didn’t want to say it in the main review but it kinda had a Thoughtless x Emi feel to it for me in many ways even though it was very much it’s own story. Gah. I loved it even though it hurts so much!
Nicole says
Beautiful review!!!!!
Aestas Cross says
Thanks, Nicole! 🙂
Stacy (StacyHgg) says
OMG I absolutely LOVED this book too Aesta! And your review hit the nail on the head, I loved it and hated it so hard! When I read it I had no idea there was going to be a sequel and I contacted the Author and had a fit, lol. I said how could you put me through this, you are NOT a nice person!!!
So then I told my co-blogger Stephanie to read it and she practically cussed me out for doing that to her but read it twice and gave it a 5+ star review. So I guess she wasn’t that mad, lol.
You are right, ALL THE FEELS!
Aestas Cross says
Right??? Total love/hate and you want to hate it but you have to love it!! Gah. Put my heart through the ringer but I couldn’t give it anything but 5+ stars <3
So glad to hear you felt the same!!
Leslie says
I can’t put this book down! I’m not gonna get any sleep tonight!
Aestas Cross says
It kept me up aaaaaaall night too!!! 🙂
Lisa Williams says
This book was amazing had me from start to finish couldn’t put it down.xx
Aestas Cross says
I felt the same way!! so glad you loved it too!
Dacia B says
LOVED.THIS.BOOK!!! I have been shouting about it to anyone who will listen! Amazing!
Aestas Cross says
haha I’ll join in the shouting too 😉 It really was amazing!
Kendall says
ohmygosh. I was up til 4:30AM to finish this and I’m a mess. So many emotions! you’re right, I hate that I love it but I love it so much! It’s a fav for sure
Aestas Cross says
So glad you loved it!!! And yeah, it’s totally shattering but absolutely amazing. A fave of mine too <3
Jenna says
I’m 40% in now and loving it! Thank you for the wonderful recommendation 😀
Aestas Cross says
YAY!! You’re so welcome !!!! 🙂
Tracy says
I just finished this. I havent done anything but read all day. One of my favorites this year. Just amazing! Thank you for the rec:)
Aestas Cross says
It’s one of my favs this year too, Tracy!!!! So happy to hear you loved it ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Jocylyn Ignacio says
Again,I’m intrigued with your review.I’m going to start reading Carnage before going to sleep (will I be able to sleep!?)I’m bracing myself for this story coz I love the Thoughtless series and I love rockstars and how they end up loving and wanting the girl of their life.I wish Carnage 2 would soon be ready.Thank you Aestas for ur recommendations!You are our light. 😉
Jocylyn Ignacio says
Also,I love the thrill,mess and heartache of loving a God rockstar!Can’t wait to start.
Aestas Cross says
😉
Aestas Cross says
You’re so welcome!! I hope you love it too!!! The response to this book has been phenomenal so I hope the story touches your heart too. Just remember that it’s totally unconventional and different than what we’re used to. Go into it with an open mind and bring tissues! <3
I already know I want to reread it!
Leisa W. says
Aesta,
I have been following your blog for over a year now & I must say I feel like we are kindred spirits in the type of books we like & love. I really want to say thank you for all your great recommendations. If it was not for you & your blog, I would have missed out on some really awesome books, such as Carnage. What a book! I absolutely love it and I took your advice & just read it without reading much of your review. And I must your were right! Definitely an atypical romance, but those books can become so monotonous sometimes. Carnage was unexpected, brilliantly written & totally unforgettable. Thanks for the recommendation! I hope others love it as much as we do.
Aestas Cross says
Leisa, I’m so so glad you loved this book too! I was a little scared to recommend it honestly because it was such a departure from what I usually read and recommend but this book just blew me away and I’ve been so happy to see so many readers, such as yourself, feel the same way as well!! <3
Hailey says
I can’t stop crying! wow thank you so much for recommending this. Your review said it just right. I couldn’t put it down and i’m totally devastated right now but I loved it and was blown away. It really goes against what I usually read too but I was blown away. Really fantastic! I have such a huge hangover now!
Aestas Cross says
You’re so welcome!!! I’m thrilled that you loved it and totally understand what you’re going through. My heart still hurts but I just loved the book SO much!!! Epic hangover for SURE!
Maria Isabel says
Wowwwwwwww!!!This review has been soooooo awesome!!!! Thank you so much!!!!
Can’t wait for the corrected edition!!!
Again, thank you so much for your reviews!!!
XOXO
Aestas Cross says
aww thank you!!! I’ll post as soon as the corrected version is live 😀
Heather says
Wow this is the first book I read that you recommend. And thank you 🙂 I usually don’t read this type but I’m happy and sad that I did. Read in a day and a half and I’m now still recovering. Will there be a book 2? And I will be checking out your other books to read
Aestas Cross says
Hi Heather! 🙂
So glad you loved it!! I’m honestly still trying to recover from it myself.
Yes, there will be a second book out in late summer. I’ll announce as soon as we have a set date!
And, if you go to the “recommended” section (link at the top of my blog), you’ll find TONS of other book recommendations there.
Happy reading! 😀
Tracy says
BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aestas Cross says
Definitely (and, surprisingly) one of my top favs too now 😀
Andrea says
I couldn’t put this book down until it was finished. By the end of this amazing but unorthodox romance, I was crying and just feeling “gutted”. Two seconds after I finished, I was a texting a friend to READ THIS NOW. Thanks for a great recommendation, your review was spot on!
Aestas Cross says
Thank you! I’m so glad you loved it and are passing the word on about it. It’s such an amazing, unique read!! <3
Jen says
Just…..wow! I didn’t love all of it but didn’t hate either. Very unique, emotional read that certainly has your heart all over the place. The beginning was slow for me and I was a bit leery of some of the characters habits but gradually got sucked in. Can’t wait to see how the story will twist in the sequel….
Aestas Cross says
it really does have your heart all over for sure!!
Sharon mor yosef says
OMG I loved it but hated it this has never ever happened to me. I don’t get what the next book will be about. I can say the end doesn’t sit well with me or my style of reading . However, I couldn’t put it down.
Aestas Cross says
That’s exactly how I felt too!! Totally outside my comfort zone but I still loved it (even though I hated it a little). Gah. SOOO good though!!
Janne Swearengen says
I will have a ‘book-over’ for a month, I swear. I was prepared, not prepared for this book. It took me by total surprise after the first few pages. At the end, I wanted to throw my Kindle against the wall and then hug it. What a lovely, lovely and devastating read. Please don’t miss this book.
Aestas says
I had such a hangover after this one too!
Elizabeth says
AMAZING STORY!! definitely left me wanting more…You nailed it in your review…you didn’t say too much but said enough. I absolutely loved this story and had mixed feelings about the characters. I cannot wait for the sequel!
Denielle says
You and this post is the reason I had my heart handed to me in bits a week ago and I am so effing glad for it!!! <3
Aestas says
<3 !!!
meghana says
wow! i so completely agree with you! i hate that i love this book so much! and the ending completely blew me over! it was so unexpected! my heart still aches! i am never going to forget this book! never felt so much pain at the end for any other book! so unique and beautiful! thanks for teh recommendation:)
Aestas says
You’re so welcome!!
Kylie May says
I saw your review and couldn’t wait to read this book. I LOVED it, absolutely loved it. I’ve just read the last page though and I think I’m traumatised. I’m crying like a crazy person and I’m seriously distraught. The whole book was an emotional rollercoaster but the ending killed me, its going to stay with me for days. Off to start Carnage 2…..
Aestas says
Total roller coaster! I agree!
Wil says
Thank you for this recommendation. No words to describe how this book made me feel, so many feelings and emotions. The sequel was also pretty good, again, thanks!
Aestas says
You’re so very welcome:)
Kristin says
Wow. I just finished this first book. I am overwhelmed with the emotions. I went into this totally blind so I had no idea any of what happened would happen (mainly the ending). I have a serious love/hate relationship with books that do this to me… 😉 I may have to give it a few days before I start Carnage #2.
Thank you again, for another great recommendation. 🙂
Jennifer O'Connell says
This was one of my most favorite books, ever, so heartbreakingly beautiful!