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This contemporary romance will sweep you away as two lonely, damaged people find a home in one another.

For those of you who legitimately forgot it was Valentine’s Day.. you are not alone.

To my husband.. Oops?

Kill Devil Hills is a captivating story of heartbreak and renewal as two broken people find in one another the hope for a better tomorrow.

Now, I’m not a big reader of romance, I don’t mind it in the story but.. generally? I prefer more action, intensity, suspense, mystery.. the kind of stories that consume you. I forget sometimes that love can be the most consuming thing of all and, written well, it can be all of those things and more. Is this one of those stories? I’m afraid not.. but it will pull you into a deeply emotional story of love, grief, and acceptance.

Happy Reading!

Trigger Warning: This book contains themes related to suicide, grief, sexual situations and probably more if you look really hard.

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Kill Devil Hills by Sarah Darlington

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When the devastation of her brother’s tragic loss becomes too much, so consumed by her grief, Georgina makes a decision that she can never take back.

In the wrong place, at the wrong time, her sister’s best friend Noah stumbles into the middle of Georgie’s attempted suicide.. and when his quick thinking and actions save her life it sets into motion a heartwarming journey of discovery and healing.

She wants to know him.

He can’t get her out of his head.

She’s not what he planned.

He’s not what she expected.

Eighteen and newly released from the institution that has given her the tools to cope with life after her brother’s death, Georgie returns to find that nothing back home is the same. She is now forced to confront the consequences of her actions. Facing her mother’s brittle smile, her younger sister’s indifference, and the memories of what she lost test her fragile hold on recovery.. Until the growing feelings she has for Noah offer the chance at a new beginning.

I kind of loved the fact that he could snap me in two and the fact that I knew he never would.”

― Sarah Darlington, Kill Devil Hills

Georgie is a sweet girl who lost her brother and her way. It’s mentioned that she used to be more selfish and materialistic but you never see that side. She’s more reserved, thoughtful, and family oriented.. This Georgie finds work with her oldest sister, Ellie, and Noah’s best friend. Mends the rift she created with her younger sister. Loves Noah from the very beginning with a hopeless abandon that seems reserved for the young. She  sees past his seemingly intimidating qualities and finds in him a love like no other.

“I’m not a wild card, Noah. I’m the safest bet you’ll ever make.”

― Sarah Darlington, Kill Devil Hills

Noah is very controlled. Being abused by his drunk uncle growing up left him cautious and watchful. He knows what he’s feeling for Georgie might not be what they both need. She’s too young and Ellie’s little sister but.. he can’t get her out of his head. The compulsion to know she’s okay, to watch over her, to be near her practically consumes him. He’s fiercely protective of her. And the fact that he would go out of his way to make sure that Georgie knew where he stood with him was really refreshing.

“Sweet as hell. Unexpected. Reassuring. It was as if he wanted me to know, in his own particular Noah way, that he hadn’t forgotten about me.”

― Sarah Darlington, Kill Devil Hills

Each gives the other a sense of safety and acceptance that truly warms the heart and has you rooting for them both to succeed.

I found Georgie, Noah, and the entire family to be likeable and endearing characters. Ellie was very supportive of her sister, often finding ways to be there without making Georgie feel pressured or judged. The youngest, Rose, is smart as a whip and understandably hurt from her sisters decision but quickly forgives her after Georgie apologises for all the pain she caused.

Sparks fly and flames ignite as the two collide in this fantastic debut.