Gus by Kim Holden Series: Bright Side #2
Published by Self-Published on May 19th 2015
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
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The journey that began in top-rated, best-selling Bright Side, continues ...
This is the story of Gus.
Losing himself.
Finding himself.
And healing along the way.“ … but the honest-to-God truth is I don’t even know how to function anymore. Bright Side wasn’t only my best friend; she was like my other half ... the other half of my brain, the other half of my conscience, the other half of my sense of humor, the other half of my creativity, the other half of my heart. How do you go back to doing what you did before, when half of you is gone forever?”
Liezel’s Thoughts:
The first book in the Bright Side Series was over-the-top, way beyond magnificent. I definitely would consider it as one of my top reads in my entire reading history. That being said, you couldn’t question why that as soon as I heard that there would be a follow-up to that book I immediately added onto my “Most Anticipated List” for this year. Just like I expected, “GUS” was fantastic – almost just as fantastic as its predecessor.
Here’s your fair warning…have some tissues ready ladies because you can literally feel the heartbreak transcending throughout the pages. In the first part of the book we witness Gus going through the stages of grief. The pain and suffering that he is experiencing over the lost of not only his best friend but really his soul mate is pure agonizing. There were multiple times where I wanted him to pass this stage of despair. I was hoping that he could focus his energy towards something creative or perhaps find a distraction yet when finally he does I became sorely disappointed. Let’s just say that Katie would’ve been rolling in her grave knowing what he’s been up to. It is so bad that I became to question how could be possibly recover from a fall that low.
“Bright Side wasn’t only my best friend; she was like my other half… the other half of my brain, the other half of my conscience, the other half of my sense of humor, the other half of my creativity, the other half of my heart. How do you go back to doing what you did before, when half of you is gone forever?”
It takes him awhile but when he does he rises up spectacularly. This is when we witness a softer and gentler side of Gus emerge. What was terrific about his change was it was so unexpected. Yes we knew he was capable of love, compassion and kindness but these attributes are heightened tenfold. It is likely that this change happens when Scout enters the picture but it isn’t only her influence that snaps him out of it rather it is every single person around him. The support that he receives from Franco, to Aubrey and even Keller who lives miles away – every single one of the characters plays a vital role in finding peace and eventually closure. Instead of mourning her they come together and celebrate her.
“The sun is setting. It’s like fire in the sky. Bright. Brilliant. Orange. The four guys stand with me in awed silence. They know how much Bright Side loved to watch the sunset. My smile grows as the sun makes its final descent and plunges us into darkness. Bright Side was definitely in charge tonight. “That’s my girl.”
Now lets talk about the relationship between Scout and Gus… There were some things that really worked and didn’t work between them. I did love the fact that their relationship took time to develop. It started from a great foundation – with a strong friendship and while it was a little slow going I thought it was beneficial for both of them. I do have to say that Scout came in at the perfect time in Gus’ life. She certainly wasn’t a rebound nor was Gus one for her either. What held me aback was their connection – they did have a strong one but for me it didn’t have the intensity that Gus and Katie had. I think this was because they had so much history. For this very reason I wished that the book was longer. I wanted to read more about them taking those final vows and starting a family. I just couldn’t get enough!
Everything else about the book was perfect. I can honestly say that I can not come up with enough complimentary superlatives to describe just how great this series is. Thank you Kim Holden for delivering another gripping and inspiring story.
The Verdict:
