Split by J.B. Salsbury

 

Split

by

J.B. Salsbury

3.25 Stars

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’s 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 . . .

~ My Thoughts ~

You start reading and a sense of comfort and warmth surround you.  The author leads you to believe that you are reading a sweet, tender love story.  Did you catch those few key words, leads you to believe?  J.B. Salsbury could be called the master of surprise because I seriously had the biggest WTF just happened moment while reading Split.

“There’s something about him that’s impossible to walk away from. Like an injured boy being held captive by his abuser” 

Split is the story of Lucas and Shyann.  Two people fighting battles of their past.  Each running from memories that cloud their thoughts, hoping that they can find some peace and calm in the future.

Lucas will do anything to keep his secret.  He works hard, keeps to himself and prays for the darkness to stay away.  Broken, filled with self-hatred and never sure when he will seep into the black, Lucas is a character that bleeds into your heart.

Shyann is desperate to escape her hometown, her past and the ghosts that haunt her.  She is determined to make it on her own.  All it takes is one moment and the devastation she tries to hide, floods her entire being and everything she has worked so hard for disappears before her eyes.

Written with a steady and flowing pace the story of Split leads you into the world of Lucas, Shyann, their families, their secrets and their friends.  From Shyann’s brother to Lucas’s mother each and every character plays such an important role in bringing the story full circle.  Each character is written with strength.  The author did a great job at making these characters feel life-like.  Surprise and shocking turn of events are laced throughout the storyline.  Trying to figure out the back story of the hidden truths is next to impossible.  The author has a great knack for keeping the reader guessing.  The dynamic between Shyann and Lucas is off the charts and I really enjoyed their interactions.  Take a bit of mystery, add in a touch of suspense, lace the story with love in various forms, add in steamy, sizzling sexy heat and you have Split.  A very enjoyable story that makes you wonder, holds your attention and has you rooting for the characters.