Promise Me Light (Promise Me, #2)

by Paige Weaver

[Cocktails and Books]

PROMISE ME LIGHT continues the story of a United States torn apart after a terrorist group sets off an EMP that disables the entire country. Ryder has been captured and we find Maddie, Ryder's family and their friends struggling to live each day. But more importantly, a pregnant Maddie struggles to hold onto her hope that Ryder will come back to her...despite what everyone else might think. She's determined to be strong and make Ryder proud while helping her family stay alive. But poor Maddie had her moments of weakness, where she secretly lost hope and longed for the days before the EMP went off. Add to the mix the fact that her best friend, who was rescued when Ryder was captured, is having difficulties dealing with what she endured during captivity, Ryder's brother running hot and cold with her and her own insecurities about whether Ryder is truly coming back to her, you get a very gritty, dark and emotional story.

But Ryder keeps his promise to Maddie and finds his way back to her. But the Ryder that returns is a much different Ryder than who left. He's endured unspeakable things and he's both physically and emotionally scarred. While his love for Maddie is clear, he has a hard time dealing with his injuries, his emotional state and his feelings for Maddie. Ryder lashes out and pushes people away as he tries to come to terms with everything and keep them safe. But even with all that, he always stayed faithful in his belief that his family can make it through this and his love for Maddie.

I loved this story. The relationship between Maddie and Ryder was as complex, frustrating and hotter than in Promise Me Dark. It's a testament to their character and love for each other that they were able to work through the issues they had and remain together. Paige Weaver masterfully created a story that brings a plausible and terrifying possibility into a gritty romance of the bad boy loving the girl next door like no one else could. She is now one of my must watch authors.