Split

By: JB Salsbury

Narrated by: J. F. Harding, Holly Chandler

Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's Summary

JB Salsbury is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author who has captivated listeners around the world. Her unforgettable new novel is a story of romance and suspense, with a twist no one will see coming.

What do you do when you wake up with no memory of what you did last night?

Lucas spent the first half of his life protecting himself from others, but now his own mind is his biggest enemy. He doesn't know what happens when the blackouts overtake him, but he can recall the feelings - the rage, the confusion, the fear. Thankfully the quiet life he's found in Payson, Arizona, has kept the darkness at bay. Until his boss' estranged daughter shows up in town, asking questions she shouldn't and sparking a desire Lucas can't control. Getting close to Shyann is the best thing that's ever happened to him, but when his blackouts return, unleashing the truth he's battled so long to hide, he may just lose her forever.

©2016 JB Salsbury (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Misleading Summary!

This was one I purchased during the 70% off sale in the last couple weeks. I like the authors work and was glad to have found a couple at a discounted rate. My biggest concern with this book isn’t that the author rushed the novel or has lost creativity, but the summary did not disclose I would be reading a novel with graphic detail of child abuse and child murder. This is a topic I am very sensitive to and do not enjoy reading about. I finished the novel so I could write a fully informed review, but I must say, PLEASE, if you have trauma or triggers related to mental, physical or verbal child abuse, SKIP THIS BOOK. I’m talking about a boy being forced to eat his mother’s feces from the toilet after starvation, forced to eat rotten food and then the vomit after food poisoning and siblings being forced to watch their mom shoot them in the face one at a time while the others hyperventilated as they awaited their turn to die. It was too much and for that reason, no, I didn’t like this book, and despite the authors ability as a writer, I cannot give it a good review.

THESE CHARACTERS OWNED ME.. BODY & SOUL

Running from bad memories and bad press Lucas has found the right job in Payson - it's a small town where nobody will recognize him or put any pressure on him. You see years before there was a family massacre, a lone survivor, a media frenzy, a trial and a young boy was sent to a mental institution. Lucas was that sweet, timid and innocent boy.. but he's still being hounded for sensational stories so now he's happy working construction, living alone and rarely speaking to anyone. Just his job, the mountains, his carvings and the lodge he's been living in while renovating it for his boss - he keeps himself to himself and never socializes with others.. but when he sees the beautiful, sassy and friendly Shyann he's intrigued.

Shyann left Payson five years previously to study and make it big as a newscaster but things didn't quite turn out that way and she's come home to lick her wounds, regroup and start again. She tries to get a job but her father, who owns a construction company, is her best bet - even if she hates the thought of grovelling back to daddy. Then she sees a handsome, awkward, shy and polite construction worker and her reporter senses mix with her feminine ones and Lucas becomes an interesting, mysterious and sexy diversion. But that diversion soon becomes much much more as she witnesses firsthand the change between Lucas and his dark alpha counterpart Gage and suddenly her life may be in danger, there are deep dark heartbreaking secrets to be uncovered and the love of her life is split.

Jeez this story really pulls at your heart strings as you listen to the harrowing childhood abuse (not sexual), heartache and degregation that Lewis suffered at the hands of someone who was meant to unconditionally love him and it's no wonder he created Gage to step in and take over when things got too much for his little body and mind to take. There are no laughs to be had here but it makes up for it with a lot of touching emotional scenes and there's also angst, sex, suspense, drama, a serial killer loose, various douche bags and a beautiful love story. Likeable characters and I'm pleased that JB Salsbury didn't go down the road of trying to fix Lucas but instead only sought for understanding and acceptance for him from those around him and from those who loved him. Shyann won the trust and heart of a possessive sexually clued in alpha as well as a timid shy loving virgin - both wrapped up in one handsome sexy package.. the luck lucky woman. Multiple POV's and great narration.

Worth a credit? JB Salsbury has written an unforgettable, unpredictable, thrilling, thought-provoking, tragic yet beautiful, emotion filled story of despair, survival, acceptance, devotion and love. I loved every second of it and, WOW yes it was very creditworthy.

The perfect break from typical romance novels that I needed

It feels like my brain is on autopilot 90% of the time while listening to typical romance novels. Poor girl meets rich guy, dramatic misunderstanding, then their HEA. I was delighted when I stumbled across Split! I recently listened to J.F. Harding in another audio book and loved him, so searched some of his other work. That led me to Split. Yay! While I could predict what was coming throughout the whole story it didn't stop me from being captivated the entire time. The author did an exceptional job at making you feel strong emotions toward each character, whether good or bad, and I enjoy that in a book. Granted my feelings toward each character changed at least twice :) but that's what keeps you want to keep listening! The beginning was a tad slow, but by the end I couldn't put it down! It wasn't quite as twisted or mysterious as I thought it would be, it actually turned out a lot different than I expected, but I still loved it and would recommend it. Especially if you're ready for a break from the usual. And like I said J.F. Harding is great. It's not the first time I've fallen for a mentally unstable character :)

Messed with my mind!

Well..... I didn't know what this book was about before I started and I have to say it wasn't what I thought it was about. This was a crazy emotional screwed up story with a happy ending! I loved all the characters for completely different reasons. I can't say anything else without giving anything away so I'll just say WOW and the narrator was great!

Your next favorite book

Any additional comments?

Sometimes you read a book that changes you and makes you see things differently and strikes a chord so roughly within your soul that you just know you are changed. JB Salsbury did that to me with Split. First, JB created a female lead that is so strong and holds so much perseverance that you want to be a better person just like her. Shyann is what every woman should be, throughout her journey in this book she stood her ground and fought for what and who she believed in without wavering. She didn't believe gossip, she didn't make assumptions, she was a woman that I would be proud to be just like. Then she created a man that is broken apart by situations so deplorable and so completely shocking, you will be brought to your knees. I wanted to jump inside the book and save him from the conditions he suffered through. Lucas is a man that is so good, all the way to his core that he just couldn't save himself. It was too much. And now he suffers from black outs and when he wakes up, things are never quite the way he left them. Shyann and Lucas together are the epitome of true love. Shyann is able to get Lucas to open up to her in a way he never opened up with anyone. There were no games or secrets, just honesty and respect. Lucas saw Shyann for the amazing person she was, not the woman she wanted to be. This book game me all the feels. All the emotions. All the intensity. I listened to it on Audible and it was one of, if not the best audios I have listened to. The narrators, Holly Chandler and JF Harding, could not have been more perfect and truly brought these characters to life. I was held deep into the story, unable to come out due to some A+ narration. I wish there were more stars. 5 doesn't quite seem like enough.

5+ My pick for best book of the year

Would you listen to Split again? Why?

YES!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

I was hopeful, happy, sad, tense and hungry for more. I had so many emotions while reading this book, I wanted to AND did tell anyone that would listen that this book is AMAZING!

A feisty young small town woman is forced to return home to regroup after making a mess of her short career in the city. She meets Lucas, a quiet unassuming man working for her father. Lucas is a wanderer, trying to find a place in the world where he can feel safe and be content. Gage is the protector, he appears when Lucas is distressed. Shyann and Lucas/Gage made this such an intriguing tale......I could not put it down.

Truly, a REAL Page-Turner.

WHAT AN EXCELLENT BOOK

Any additional comments?

I have never read anything like this book. It is great from start to beginning. I was so anxious and confused but it was in a really exciting way. The story is so well written that I could not stop listening. You will love Lucas and Gage in different ways and for different reasons. The narration is also stellar. All I can say is GET THIS BOOK.

Even the Damned have a Chance at Redemption

Lucas and his siblings have an evil, sadistic, psychotic mother. Just so you know I hate even referring to her as mother or parent. Lucas being a kind child created, Gage, a personality to be strong and protect him when he couldn't. When Lucas is 14 years old a horrific tragedy strikes the family (you have to listen to find out what and it'll make you sick).

As an adult Lucas is a loaner. He's found a quite life in Payson, Arizona working with a home construction and remodeling company. Even though Gage stays close to the surface Lucas has gone a long time without having a blackout until Shyann returns.

Shyann is the daughter of the owner of the construction company. Shyann wants a career in tv news reporting and comes across as selfish and arrogant, but she changes to a kinder person as she and Lucas develop a relationship. This is their story....

My heart ached for Lucas & Gage. What they went thru as a child and then being called a retard by people in town (but he doesn't know it). I was proud of Shyann for coming thru for Lucas & Gage.

This story will rip out your heart, have you cheering for Lucas & Gage, there's mystery, suspense, twists, and then your heart is put back in place.

J.B. Salsbury outdid herself with this story. I want more.

J.F. Harding and Holly Chandler gave an all consuming performance.

Worth a credit/$$ Absolutely...I didn't want it to end.

one of my new favorites!

I've given some pretty rave reviews this year on audiobooks with some amazing narration and storylines but this book blows even some of my favorites out of the water. I was listening to a different book earlier and noticed it was just saturated with sex scenes. I got bored and when I switched over to this book, I was instantly caught up in the story of it all along with the steamy scenes. They are natural within the story (which is freaking excellent) and damn they're hot! It's not even just about sex, it's about the intimacy between the two main characters. The intricacies of trying to walk through the minefield of hurt and fear for both of them and how one's pain resonates to the other and vice versa. When you go from hearing a story that's just full of sex and no substance to something of this caliber, it really makes the difference that much more noticeable. I was totally enraptured from beginning to end and will absolutely be looking for more from this author and these narrators. The descriptions of each scene, not limited to but especially during the steamy one's, were so detailed but in a completely necessary way (not like a lot of authors I've heard that include details readers don't really want to hear/read about for several minutes at a time like what the inside of a house/bar/hotel looks like etc. but instead what the character is feeling and seeing tot he point where I had such a vivid picture in my head that it could be made into a movie! Especially the scene in the closet of the bar when the main characters are facing off against one another. The descriptions just make it even better, when usually I become impatient and want to get on with whatever is gonna happen! Instead, I found a lot of beauty in these intimate details that were done in such a tasteful, delicate way that the delivery makes you involuntarily close your eyes and visualize it. All of that said, I could go on and on with praise for this book. The personalities of the characters are thought out and well-executed and it's clear there was a lot of thought put behind one had such a loving mom that died while the other had a horrible one that died along with so many other contrasting details that made this story so ridiculously delicious and worth every penny. This book has quickly skyrocketed to become one of my favorites and there are no doubts in my mind that I would recommend this to romance readers.

What a great plot

I highly recommend this book for people who enjoy story, characters, suspense and non-typical romance.

What an excellent writer. The characters were all believable as individuals; the descriptions made the town came alive; the plot and backstories are unique, and there was true suspense.

Steaminess rating: medium. A handful of erotic scenes. Sexy premise. Basic vanilla.

Trigger warning: the book includes horrific abuse of children and violence against women.

Note: the female lead is quite unsympathetic in the beginning but it's well worth sticking with the book through the first few chapters.

I liked the narration.

Loved this book.

I wish there were more books like this.

The main male character was fascinating. I loved that he had more than one personality; an innocent, slightlt shy, damaged man who had a darker side that he had no control over , and no memory of whatever was done when that part took over. When the darker side came, the protector, I never knew what to expect. It was exciting and made me want to know more about both Lucas and Gage.

As for the female lead; she was strong, determined and caring. I liked that she wasn't a typical pushover.

Both characters (three including Gage) had felt loss and ran from their pasts. But they have no choice but to face it when they realise it's the thing standing in the way of their happiness. Gage doesn't make it easy for Lucas and Shy to grow close . He's sometimes cruel with his words to Shy, even agressive, but Shy faces him head-on even though he scares her.
All in all, this book was a great, entertaining read.
Both narrators were good and made the story more enjoyable with their emtions.

A recommended read, for sure.

Beautiful and Complex

Great story, fantastic that the author broached a personality disorder. Cleverly written and well narrated.
The voice difference between Luke and Gage was so subtle yet distinct you knew exactly when Gage appeared. Fantastic story, this is the only one of JB Salsbury books I have listened to so far and I am excited to hear more.

excellent

loved it from begining to end. different from the average love story couldnt stop listening