Derailed

I don't even know where to start with this review. It's been a long time since I've been this invested in a story. I'm talking shouting at the audio, threatening characters lives, crying. The full works. My husband was very concerned. This book made me feel so much and it was unexpected. I wanted to throw my phone at so many moments.

Kacey's writing is so captivating and although this book involves a difficult subject, it is written with so much sensitivity and understanding that it as beautiful to listen to, even if I did need to hit pause a few times to just deal with the emotions I was experiencing.

Jess has been beaten down so much in her life that she truly believes she deserves whatever happens to her. It isn't until she meets Sean, a man that treats her with kindness and respect, that she starts to see things differently. I adored her journey to the person she was born to be. Sean may have helped open her eyes, but she's the one that did the work.
Sean is all the things. His capacity for care and kindness is just everything. I loved how gentle he was with Jess. Always wanting what is best for her, even if it wasn't him.
Together they were just perfect. I loved the dynamic between them. The chemistry and tension was palpable.
The band drove me crazy with their don't get involved policy but thank heavens for Deb. Who is not only the sweetest band mum ever but a wonderful person.

Jason Clarke was perfect as Sean and conveyed the emotions well like always. Emma Wilder as Jess was outstanding. I've listened to Emma before, and she's always a hit, but this book, her performance blew me away. The way she conveyed the raw emotion and experience of the character was both beautiful and heartbreaking. Both Emma and Jason have fabulous opposite gender voices and it makes for an all-encompassing listen as you don't get taken out of the story or the performance with the switch. Their voices complement each other well and the transition from one to the other and from each character was smooth. The production was great with no issues.