Tainted (Broken #2) by A.E. Rought - Ashley's Pre-Reading

*I received this book as an eARC from Strange Chemistry on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Broken
Author: A. E. Rought
Year Published: 2013

My review of Broken

Synopsis: Alex Franks believes the madness is behind them. With Ascension Labs under his direction and the forces threatening Emma's life overcome, they have a chance at a normal life, and keeping his secrets safely buried. But a shadow rises from Alex’s past, and she wants him back. Criminally brilliant, Hailey Westmore will stop at nothing to claim the boy she was meant to be with. 

Without warning, Emma Gentry finds she cannot trust anything. Not her mind, her memory, not even herself. Tragic events and unexpected deaths stalk Alex and Emma, testing them in ways they would never imagine, and may not survive. Alex carries a new secret, and a horrifying guilt that Hailey uses to her advantage. 

Emma’s life and sanity hang in the balance, and Alex may have created a monster...

Why?: I read Broken last February and enjoyed it. I liked the spin on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and I loved the dark, Gothic feel of the whole book. I thought that it was a standalone though, so imagine my surprise when I found out there was a sequel - told from Alex's point of view! I'm excited to find out what happens next and to find out more about Hailey Westmore.

Expectations: I expect this novel to be just as dark, if not darker, than Broken. I also expect there to be less of a Frankenstein influence on this one. A lot of mystery and conflict and romance will probably be in this book. 

Judging a book by its cover: I love the colors of this cover. The blue and the black go well together and complement the red and black from Broken. Alex and Emma look a little bit cartoon-ish to me, but I think it works. If I saw this on a shelf, I would probably pick it up.


--Ashley