I Stand Before You (Judge Me Not, #1)

by S R Grey

[Cocktails and Books]

3.5 Stars

I really liked the story of Chase and Kay. Both of them were essentially broken people who did their best to keep others away. But fate managed to bring these two people, who were desperate to be accepted, into each others lives.

Kay has been living with tremendous guilt after the death of her much younger sister on her watch. Being shunned from her parents and missing her sister, she remains in the small town where her sister dies living a partial existence. While she doesn't really admit to it, she's also dealing with the abusive relationship she had with her high school boyfriend. Because of everything, she shies away from people....despite being an elementary school teacher.

Chase has many things he feels guilty about, but falling into the abyss of drugs and alcohol to diminish the pain at the loss of his father is his greatest. That fall lead to a four year stint in prison and for his relationship with his little brother to become broken. When he returns to the farmhouse he inherited from his grandmother, Chase hopes that by working at the local church he can redeem himself.

When Kay and Chase meet, you get a sense for the chemistry immediately. They try fighting their attraction and declare they're only going to be friends. It was noble, on their both their parts, to try and deny what was there while they both try to continue on with their lives. But when they finally give in, it's very hot and very clear these two would be able to help each other through just about anything (which they prove when Chase has a slight slip).

My only issue with the book was all the inner monologue when the story was being told in each of the different POVs. I appreciate being privy to a character's inner thoughts, but I don't want that to overshadow actual dialogue. At times, it felt like that monologue was used rather than letting the characters actually have the conversation. I get summarizing a conversation here or there, but it happened a little too much for me.

A great read about starting over and forgiving yourself. I can't wait to see what happens next with Will and Cassie.