Review for Illusion by Ashley Beale

Illusion

Ashley Beale

Standalone 

Rating: 4.5 Groupies Stars

Zoey's life had its battles but she easily overcame the things in her life thanks to her fiance, Kirt, who dies during the war. Being a year later and still struggling with his death, she up and moves to NYC from her home in Atlanta, for both a job and to try to finally heal. While in this new city, Zoey does the last thing she ever thought possible- she meets a guy. Harvey is everything Zoey needs and it only makes the situation easier when he so easily compares to her deceased fiance. Some times things seem too perfect, but its not something Zoey questions much as she is finally finding happiness in her life again. Then, one little thing turns everything Zoey thought she knew around and has her questioning everything in her life. Things don't make sense and she now has to find a way to move on (again) or give up on her life.

This book has a mature theme with strong adult content, and is most certainly not for everybody. It is recommended that all readers be 18+ in age. 

This is the first book I have read by Ashley Beale, and it will not be the last. I really enjoyed this book. It was not at all what I was expecting. I knew that something was not right as the story went on, but I was not fully expecting the big bomb that is revealed. This book is a romance, but it has so much more depth and issues involved. The book deals with PTSD, which is a very serious subject. The author did great research into the subject, and it really shows in her writing. 

The main character, Zoey, is only 27, but has already had a lot of tragedy in her life. She beat cervical cancer and lost the love of her life Kirt, a soldier who died in an explosion. After his death Zoey was in a very dark place and decided with her family's urging to transfer to the New York office of the magazine she works for. In New York she can hopefully move forward and start her future. There are many obstacles for Zoey throughout the book, but they all seem to make her stronger and help her to become the carefree loving person she was in the past. I do not want to give details into what those obstacles are because it will ruin the story for you. There are many twists and turns and the author does a great job on keeping you heavily involved. I had a hard time putting the book down. I loved the secondary characters. Her sister is hilarious and is a huge support system for Zoey. She gives great advice and has saved Zoey more then once. 

This book book made me laugh and cry ( have the tissues ready). There is a HEA and no cliffhanger (yay!). If you are looking for a book that pulls at your emotions, has a main character that grows tremendously, and shows that even though the past knocks us down we can still have a bright future then this book is for you. I will definitely be recommend this book.

Ashley Beale, 25, is an indie author and self-publisher from the beautiful state of Maine. She comes from a large, loving family, which she adores completely, is a mother of two, has the best of friends, and really enjoys connecting with her fans!

Ashley has a love for reading and writing, traveling, watching great movies and addictive TV series, doing crafts, exploring, or just laying back with a glass of wine.

To find out more about Ashley, visit any of her official webpages:

http://www.facebook.com/ashleybealeau...

http://www.twitter.com/author_abeale

http://www.ashleybeale.com