So if you haven’t read the first book (A Forbidden Rumspringa), I suggest you get a hold of it first before reading this one.
Okay, first reaction after reading it – I was seething! I was mad, and wanted to bitchslap everyone within five feet. After a couple of days, I got it together and thought about David and Isaac’s first foray into the “outside” world.
It’s been difficult for Isaac and David to leave their Amish settlement in Zebulon much more for David because he knows that he’s abandoning his mother and two sisters to fend for themselves. He was ridden with guilt and with Isaac’s love; he’s trying to make it day by day.
The boys made their way to San Francisco and settled into Isaac’s big bro Aaron and his wife’s place. Things seemed to go easy for Isaac as he decided to continue his schooling and makes new friends. David on the other hand, still struggles to reconcile with his guilt and his new environment. With guilt, insecurity and fear marring their new life, Isaac and David needs to remember why they’ve escaped from their former world in the first place.
The whole story was told from David’s POV this time. His voice was very different from Isaac’s. With a stark realization of their new life finally dawning on him, David finds himself struggling to come to terms with it. I loved that the author made it a point to tackle every issue warring inside David’s mind. We’re flooded with his insecurities, with his fears and his hesitation to move forward with this new life. We also see how he truly loves his Isaac and how much he’s willing to sacrifice for his happiness. I was honestly hurting for him all throughout his lamentation. It was heartbreaking whenever he feels so alone with his internal battles. He doesn’t want to show Isaac his weakness and it’s painful to see how he’s not coping well with his new environment.
Can I just mention how I loved the part when Jen’s family visited their place? That was awesome and just 100% pinoy. It was very authentic and I was touched that Keira Andrews made it a point to really reflect the usual Filipino flare for siestas and family togetherness. I wonder who the inspiration was for Jen’s character.
Oh, no. Don’t even get me started with Clark. Okay, I won’t say anything more about this a-hole but something needs to happen to him in the final book. Like really, something bad.
I’ve been reading tons of comments about this installment not having some kind of a “peaceful agreement” between our main couple regardless of the intended cliffhanger. I was pretty satisfied with it though. I see the direction the author was going and I totally understand why some people feel that there should’ve been more to it at the end before the cliffie. I don’t know but the whole vibe of this second book was apt to David’s character and that ending gives so much reflection to his character. How he’s got so much to overcome especially with all his internal battles and his needs to overcome his anxiety. When his resolve to go back to Zebulon to follow Isaac and not leave without him – it was then I realized how really strong his character was despite everything that happened. A Clean Break was David’s story of trying to acknowledge his flaws, trying to ask for help and trying to come to terms with all his decisions.
This for me was a perfect sequel to their story and I’m so looking forward to the final book of this series! Thank you Keira Andrews for another stunning story!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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About The Author
After writing for years yet never really finding the right inspiration, Keira discovered her voice in gay romance, which has become a passion. She writes contemporary, historical, paranormal and fantasy fiction, and–although she loves delicious angst along the way–Keira firmly believes in happy endings. For as Oscar Wilde once said, “The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.” Find out more about Keira and her books at http://www.keiraandrews.com
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