desolate

Grace Trilogy Series, Book 1

By: Autumn Grey

Narrated by: Morae Brehon, Teddy Hamilton

There are angels and demons at war inside my head.

I had it all figured out: finish high school, attend seminary, and finally answer my calling of becoming a priest. What I hadn't counted in the equation was her.

Grace Miller.

The girl who was always out of my reach. The girl who still makes me lose my breath with just a look.

Little did I know she would become my temptation and vice, and quite possibly, my ruin.

Now I'm standing at a crossroads, and my head is a battlefield. How do I choose sides when it means losing a part of who I am?

Contains mature themes.

©2018 Autumn Grey (P)2019 Tantor

Aching First Love

Ahh what a story…There are demons and angels waging war between Sol and Gracie’s feelings for each other and it’s hard to tell who’s winning. They’re so young and so in love and yet so lost. This story is beautiful and the characters are so layered. The pull between these two is undeniable yet they get in their own way because they’re caught up in what they want to be apart and together - ensnared between the pressure of their young lives and their young love. Everything about this book is so relatable and speaks to all kinds of emotions we all face in our lives at one point or another. I read the book and listened to the audiobook. The narrators did a good job overall with the audiobook. Do listen to or read this story - it’s worth it.

Delicious Tension

The slow build between Grace and Soloman was phenomenal. But Soloman's "commitment" to God makes it seem like there's no other way to serve God outside of the priesthood. Why not switch faiths to one where a celibate priesthood is not at the center? It just seems so unnecessarily angst-y... I wonder if we need three books to tell this story?

beautifully heartbreaking

Desolate ● Grace Trilogy Book 1
@autumngreywrites
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a forbidden, friends-to-lovers romance. Sol plans to go seminary in the fall after high school graduation. He's had feelings for Grace since they were kids, but never discussed it.They finally act on their feelings, but must keep it a secret because of Sol's plans to become a priest.

This book tore my heart out. Sol had a plan for his life, but Grace came through and made him question everything. I felt for him being conflicted about his life choices & for Grace for constantly preparing for things to end.
This book was so beautifully heartbreaking & scandalous, yet steamy and romantic. We are left with a cliffhanger for book 2!

As a side note, this was my first audiobook featuring Teddy Hamilton & oh. em. gee 🥵🥵 He has THE sexiest voice!

The Joy and Heartbreak of First Love

Overall 4.5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars

This is my first book by Autumn Grey and what a story it was! Sol and Grace's journey was filled with joy, heartache, and so much emotion. It had the all consuming beauty and elation, as well as the gut wrenching heartbreak, that comes with first love. Sol and Grace have just finished high school and are still trying to figure out and become the people they want and feel they need to be. Autumn Grey captured the confusion and fear during this vulnerable time of growth and maturity so well. Yes, our characters make some poor decisions. Yes, they act rashly and impulsively. As readers/listeners we may not agree with their actions, but they are completely understandable and relatable. My heart broke as these two struggled with their feelings and convictions. Every shared moment and touch is bittersweet with the knowledge that Sol has chosen to become a priest. His actions overall were selfish to me, but the conflict of his heart felt true. Grace knew what the outcome would be from the start, but she continued to hope and it was both frustrating and heartbreaking. She grew so much throughout the book though and as the story came to a close, I was proud of her for choosing herself, even if it broke her heart.

Teddy Hamilton and Morae Brehon were fantastic as Sol and Grace! Teddy Hamilton especially couldn't have been more perfectly cast! They both captured the innocence and vulnerability of young love so well. Their performances displayed so much emotion that I'm convinced that the story was 100 times more impactful on audiobook than it would have been by reading the book itself. Definitely recommend the audiobook and it's so worth the credit!

There isn't a major cliffhanger at the end of the book, but listeners/readers should note that this is trilogy and the story is not over yet. I'm anxious to get to book 2, Disgraceful, and see where Sol and Grace's story goes.

Quite a storyline

My goodness, so much going on in this book; and all of the emotional turmoil is more than one can handle; love the narrators even though Morae’s male voice leaves a lot to be desired but on point with female characters. There was some humor scattered about in the story which helped break up the downers. Didn’t realize this was a series. Can’t wait to start the next book.

excellent story

I personally love Teddy Hamilton so I already knew his performance would be stellar. He did not disappoint. This story was sooo deep, so real and I really enjoyed it.

Such a good read.

I was hooked from page one! What an amazing love story! Cant wait for the next book.

Excellent - beautifully done, narrated

As you can tell, reviews are not my forte, this was a great story, well done - and I think much more rationally dealt with. Very thankful that this was dealt with openly regarding struggles of priests when they are deciding finally for their vocation - and I am glad this decision process and relationship was shown. God gave him Grace period - and forsaking that gift - God shows us which vocation we are made for - it's not always our narrow view. BEAUTIFULLY DONE!!!! FIVE STAR PLUS

STOPPED BREATHING

Starting this book I really didn't think I could get into it... I stuck it out and it absolutely grasped me wouldn't let me go.... The ending has me in tears.... Absolutely loving teddy hamilton.... The female was good narration but could've been better at doing the male voice..... I cannot wait to read the second book

So amazing

I went into this book not knowing anything about it and let me tell you the story was absolutely amazing and heartbreaking at the same time. I am still not over the story. I definitely recommend.