Review: Flawed - Kate Avelynn

Title: Flawed

Author: Kate Avelynn

Release Date: December 11th 2012

Publisher:  Entangled Teen

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Pages: 336

Source: For review

Sarah O’Brien is alive because of the pact she and her brother made twelve years ago — James will protect her from their violent father if she promises to never leave him. For years, she’s watched James destroy his life to save hers. If all he asks for in return is her affection, she’ll give it freely.

Until, with a tiny kiss and a broken mind, he asks for more than she can give.

Sam Donavon has been James’ best friend — and the boy Sarah’s had a crush on — for as long as she can remember. As their forbidden relationship deepens, Sarah knows she’s in trouble. Quiet, serious Sam has decided he’s going to save her. Neither of them realizes James is far more unstable than her father ever was, or that he’s not about to let Sarah forget her half of the pact . .

I never expected to love this book. Hell, I didn't really expect to like it. BUT. OMFG. Let me just say this: it's the best contemporary YA I've read this year. By far. Everyone needs to read this, and not just because of the gorgeous cover, but because of the beautiful story inside.

First, let's talk about James. Honestly, I don't like him. I was always wary of him and didn't trust him, but at the same time, I feel a lot for him. This kid gave up his life for his sister. Even though he does some bad things, you feel so sorry for him and just want to HELP him. It's all so complicated and never did I want to be Sarah in this book. He's one of the most complex characters I've met in a YA book.

Sarah is an amazing protagonist and one that I admire very much. This is another example of just because a heroine couldn't fight vampire or aliens, doesn't mean she's not strong. THIS girl is. She's got that inner strength that in my opinion a lot of YA girls don't. I kinda wanted to punch both of their parents for what they've done to these poor kids. She loves her brother and her boyfriend so much but what if she can only choose one? Let's face it; her loife sucks. No matter what, she just couldn't win this. She's so torn between them.

Sam. Sam, Sam, Sam. God I love him so much. Normally, I don't like generally good guys in YA (don't judge me!) and I mostly fall in love with the bad boys, but good ole Sam totally won me over. He reminds me of someone I know. He's genuine, caring, brave and just a really nice guy. Oh,and he's hot aswell. ;) Sam is now one of my newest book boyfriends.

Kate Avelynn doesn't shy away from anything. Which means she's awesome. Really. BUT in some of the scenes at first I was like 'whoa, is this even YA?' but then afterwards I didn't really care as much since I think it made it even more believable. More realistic. Also, her writing is just addictive. I read this within two days and if it wasn't for school (stupid school!), I'd have finished it within a day. Oh wait that's not entirely true. I admit I was kinda scared to finish this and get to the last page, since a few bloggers have said they cried and stuff but then I couldn't wait any longer and had to find out what happened. I BAWLED like a baby. And this is a big thing for me because I NEVER cry. Not with books. Some might call me a heartless bitch but apart from reading Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma, I never cry.

The ending was heartbreaking and powerful. I didn't think there could be  better ending. Nothing else would seem believable. I'm really glad the author decided to do this.

Even just writing this review is so so so hard because all I want to do is cry. It's one of those books that you will never forget, will always stay with you, and even though I love it so damn much, I don't think I can read this again. I know I won't stop crying if I do.