Book: From Dust (A Standalone Novel)
Author: Freya Barker
Genre: Dark / Suspense Romance]
Cover Design: RE&D, Margreet Asselbergs
Hosted By: Francessca's Romance Reviews
Synopsis
Pain punished her.
The bottle numbed her.
Guilt kept her trapped.
In the dark alley of a pub, the words “Please don’t” take hold of her heart and break the silence she seeks. Thinking herself beyond redemption, she tentatively grabs on to the slim thread of hope that unfolds inside of her.
Holding her secrets close, she can’t resist the comforting draw coming from The Skipper. The unconditional friendships it offers, the protective roof it provides, and the spark that its owner ignites in her—melting the frost off her heart, and slowly stripping away her resistance.
His life flows from one crisis to the next. Under the pressure of competition crowding him out of his family’s pub and the need to protect his children from the ruins of a bad marriage, he barely breathes. That is until a mane of strawberry-blonde hair and a set of big, pale blue eyes, shake him up.
He never expected the shadow of a woman he finds on the floor of his washroom to bring him the air―the balance and the light he’s been missing.
Review by: Leeann
I absolutely loved this book. I fell in love with Syd from the first words written. Even at her lowest she had a sense of dignity. She is a beautiful soul who has fallen into the pit of despair and sees no way out, that is, until a stranger finds her and a friendship is born.
Gunner doesn't need anyone. He has his pub and his kids and that's how he likes it. Then he meets Syd and neither of their lives will ever be the same.
They are drawn to each other with a force stronger than either of them know how to deal with. He knows nothing about Syd or her past but he is willing to open his heart to her. Syd lives in constant fear of rejection due to her past that she has yet to face or disclose to her new friends or Gunner.
This is a beautiful story about mistakes, grief, healing and redemption. There are some heartbreaking moments that may require tissues but their are so absolutely beautiful moments that play out that show human emotion can be raw, gritty and brutal. Sometimes you need someone else to see the good in you before you can see it in yourself. Everyone needs someone to stand up and have their back and both Gunner and Syd show they can be that person for each other. Together they can face anything that is thrown at them, and they have alot of stuff thrown at them throughout this story.
This is the kind of book that restores your faith in human nature. I absolutely loved it & recommend it to anyone who loves a meaty story you can sink your teeth into. It is a beautiful storyline, the characters are gorgeous and the book is brilliantly written.
Get your one click finger out for this one!
Review by: Tracy
Syd is a woman who is living on the streets, looking for food, sleeping where ever she could that might keep her safe. She woke up every day not knowing what life had in store for her. One day she meets a complete stranger, one who will change her life. As Syd starts to become hopeful again she meets Gunner. Oh Gunner. How could you not want a man like him? He’s handsome, strong and a dedicated family man. (ok so he maybe be a crab ass, but hey you can’t win the jackpot EVERY time). All Syd needs to do is learn to love again, but with her past that may be a little hard to do. Gunner doesn’t know it, but Syd will change his life as well. We all know how your “demons” or family obligations could alter the course of your life or at the very least the path you want your life to take.
This was my first book by Freya Barker and she is definitely a must read author. The snippet of the book is really what made me want to read this book. Based on that, I hoped that it wasn’t your run of the mill love story. And let me tell you, it wasn’t! It showed how ugly life can really be.
4 Stars
Excerpt
“Fucking took ten years off my life, Syd,” he growls, sounding out of breath. “Don’t ever do that shit again.” With a swift yank on my arms, I find myself enveloped, my face against his chest and his arms wrapped around me tightly. His face is pressing in my hair and I swear he is inhaling my scent. “Can’t figure how you’d believe I’d think you responsible for something like that. Jesus,” he mumbles in my hair. I suspect more to himself than it was intended for me, nevertheless, I slip my arms around his waist and give him a squeeze. “I’m an alc—“ I don’t get a chance to finish before he lifts me up off the floor sits me on the counter and grabs my face in his hands. The green of his eyes is so dark, I can barely see where the pupil ends. For a minute he just stares at me, before his eyes slide down to my mouth. I know what’s coming and even though I don’t deserve it, I can’t help but lean in, craving the moment his mouth takes mine. He stops just before our lips meet. “Fuck it.” Is what I hear before I become deaf to everything but the blood rushing in my veins as his lips slide over mine, his slick tongue demanding entry. O God. The sensation... My mouth opens on a groan and his tongue boldly claims the space, stroking my far more hesitant one with alternating strong strokes and teasing licks. With his mouth plastered to mine, he pulls me to the edge of the counter. Wedging himself between my legs, I instinctively wrap them around the backs of his thighs. Restless hands roam over his broad back and up his shoulders, and I whimper when he pulls his mouth away, leaving his forehead resting against mine and panting hard. “We’ve got customers,” he whispers. “I’m so—“ His lips cut me off with a hard kiss. “We’ll talk later, little bird. We’ve got people to feed.”
What Others are saying
I really did love this book from the author Freya Barker. I have read one other book by her and felt the same way, she has a lovely style of writing that is so fully explained and laid out, you can't help but feel you are part of the cast. ~ 2 Friends Pimp Your Book
This story blew me away from the first page. It deals with serious issues but is also heart-warming as it proves that everyone deserves a second chance at happiness and redemption. ~ Kez Korner
From Dust blew me away! This is hands down the best book I have read in a long time. ~ Goodreads Review
Wow, this book is one intense read and well worth it. This is the first book that I have read by Freya and I am so glad I took a chance after reading the blurb. ~ Obsessed By Books
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About the Author
Freya Barker craved reading about 'real' people, those who are perhaps less than perfect, but just as deserving of romance, hot monkey sex and some thrills and chills in their lives – So she decided to write about them. Always creative, from an early age on she danced and sang, doodled, created, cooked, baked, quilted and crafted. Her latest creative outlets were influenced by an ever-present love for reading. First through blogging, then cover art and design, and finally writing. Born and raised in the Netherlands, she packed her two toddlers, and eight suitcases filled with toys to move to Canada. No stranger to new beginnings, she thrives on them. With the kids grown and out in the world, Freya is at the ‘prime’ of her life. The body might be a bit ramshackle, but the spirit is high and as adventurous as ever. Something you may see reflected here and there in some of her heroines.... none of who will likely be wilting flowers.
Stalker Links
Other Books by this Author
All Cedar Tree novels available with KINDLE UNLIMITED!
”CLEAN LINES" (Cedar Tree #4)
”AGAINST ME” (Cedar Tree #3)
"HUNDRED TO ONE” (Cedar Tree #2)
"SLIM TO NONE" (Cedar Tree #1)
Give-Away
I am so incredibly grateful for the beautiful post first of all and the unbelievable reviews. The BEST start to a blog tour. Thank you so much, Leeann and Tracy! xox Freya B.
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