Tragic (Lark Cove, #3)

by Devney Perry

[stacey_is_sassy]

Her magic brought him out of the dark...

I have a confession to make…I don’t know how to be and act around people who have faced tragedy. I don’t think I’m alone with not knowing what to do or say. What are the right words to show you care? How soon is too soon to try and make them smile? Do I hug them…what if they’re not into hugs? See, I’m bad. All these things flow through my mind when I’m face to face with someone who is facing or has faced devastation. I think, therefore, I was a little overwhelmed and in awe of Piper. Her first glimpse of Kaine is when he is at his darkest, most vulnerable and tragic place. Did she want to run? No, she was pulled towards him. She wanted to help him. Tragic is the story about how love can turn tragic into magic.

Both Kaine and Piper have already lived and faced plenty of hurdles in their lives. They’re mature, established and comfortable in their skin. Sure, mentally they are struggling a wee bit but who can say they don’t have a few inner demons lurking? Piper is divorced from a selfish, egotistical and manipulative jerk, and Kaine is battling depression after a tragedy destroyed his family. These two are licking their wounds and trying to just live each day.

Tragic is a very emotional story that deals with loss, depression and betrayal. I never felt overwhelmed though. Sure, it made me sad and I felt helpless that the characters suffered so much, but I knew, together, they could make it. Piper never shied away from Kaine’s grief or frustration and was always ready to help and support him. Kaine took control when it was needed and made sure that Piper’s ex knew when he’d gone too far. They may not have started their relationship with love on their mind, but the connection grew stronger and their feelings couldn’t be denied.

As we progress through Tragic, more of Kaine’s past comes to light. I was so very angry on his behalf and I wanted him to turn his back on those who had betrayed him. When he starts finding happiness with Piper, he starts to forgive…and I got a little cranky. How could he forgive them? I’m not sure I have it in me to forgive this unforgivable thing. Then, I realised, I’ve only had hours to deal with the betrayal (while reading) and Kaine’s lived with it and breathed it for 3 years. Yep, I can see you’re all shaking your head at the “crazy” book reader who takes the unreal way too realistically. What was a blink of an eye for me to suffer (yes, I’m only the reader, but I do suffer), was 3 whole years of solitary, miserable grief for Kaine. Luckily, Kaine’s a better person than me and managed to move on to bigger and better things.

There’s something about the way that Devney Perry manages to make such a tragic story inspiring, romantic and beautiful. Because I know it will be emotional, I tend to go in bracing myself for the heartbreak. I take a few knocks and a few tears will form but it’s not long before someone makes me smile, smirk or shiver in delight.

Talk about shivering in delight...HUBBA HUBBA!! Kaine certainly does have the MOVES... I was a little surprised with their first encounter but oh so very delighted too. Neither of them was thinking too much of what would happen after, but who doesn't love a little reckless abandon now and again. Just thinking about that scene is making me smirk.

We get the pleasure of catching up with some beloved characters and meet some new ones too. This is not a series you have to read in order. Once you try, you may find that you’ll want to go back to the beginning to meet and get to know the rest of the gang better. Lark Cove is somewhere that I wish was able to visit. I want to meet the people, head to the diner for a burger and check out the bar with the bra hanging off the antlers.

This series has become one of my favourites and each instalment gets better. I’m a Devney Perry fan and if you haven’t tried her stories yet, I highly recommend starting NOW! Tragic was FANTASTIC!!

Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.