90’s Grunge, Teenage-GRIT, Totally GUTTING…


Unputdownable tale of FORBIDDEN, young LOVE, ANGST, and real life that looks different from most of what we see on TV or in the movies… A. Atkins devises a singularly intricate plot. She not only outlines to readers the the various characters’ perspectives from as far away as a fly on the wall, but she also eventually briefly details the impact of global events on her very human characters’ lives.

This book kept me on edge (in one way or another) until I finished it. When the narrator said “The End,” I instantly thought there was NO WAY it just turned out like THAT. I even replayed the last chapters to ensure I understood. WOW! SO UNPREDICTABLE! And it honestly ends on a cliffhanger because this is BOOK 1, and there’s no chance BOOK 2 won’t pick up the thread. At least give us some for crying out loud! ;)


#ThemBones #netgalley #romanticsuspense #suspense #thriller #mystery #anticipation @ALEXATKINSWRITES @BookShell_F

Homeless teenager Shane meets a 14 year old Laney under peculiar circumstances. They are instantly drawn to each other but their age makes keeps them apart and their trauma bond keeps them tethered. Right one, wrong time. I absolutely loved this book. It’s been so long that a book could make me feel nostalgic. It made me feel like a teenager again reading a book I shouldn’t be. Can’t wait to read the next installment.

Thank you A. Atkins and NetGalley for the ARC.

I’ll be honest, I requested a copy of this audiobook because I thought it was written by another A. Atkins, forename Ace. However, I quickly ascertained that the mood of this novel was distinctly different, in both pace and tone, to what I’d expected. That said, I still initially found this tale featuring a young cast battling sexual frustration and angst to be engaging enough to hold my interest.

Shane is 17, and he’s drawn to Laney, who is only 14, when the story begins. Gradually, their interest in each other becomes sexual, though Shane is defiantly determined not to consummate their relationship until it’s legal to do so. In many ways, this is the story, pretty much the whole story it seemed to me. There are side issues concerning Laney’s flighty mother and bullying elder brother, and also a sub-plot built around a group of seedy drug dealers, but really the focus keeps coming back to Shane and Laney – will they or won’t they?

It’s a lengthy story, which I found to be repetitive to the extent that the same scene of temptation and denial just seemed to play over and over again. I pulled the plug on it at around the 70% mark, unable to take any more.

I’d normally give any book I fail to finish one star, but there are some mitigations here.

1. I truly believe that I stumbled into a story that really didn’t suit my tastes or my age bracket – it really feels like this is one written for a YA audience.
2. The audiobook is competently narrated by Jessie Elwyn.

I’m therefore going to award two stars. Sorry, it just really wasn’t for me.

Laney Hawton, who is a young girl (still at school) with a lot on her plate. She has to juggling the responsibilities of looking after her younger brother, Dustin.
She also has to deal with a messy family situation made even more complicated by her older brother, Cary and her Mother.
Just when she thinks she’s ‘got this’, she meets Shane Mathers.

Their encounter flip’s her world upside down, leaving them both to wonder if….. their meeting is a lucky break or just another challenge thrown their way.

As they navigate growing up, the crazy - that is their world and of course - LOVE. Their survival, and destiny. they face some tough questions. Will they be able to get through it all?

Them Bones is packed with angst, drama, and a nostalgic '90s vibe. Get ready for an emotional ride with this gripping mystery, the first book in the To The Grave Duet.

The cliffhanger has me eagerly anticipating book 2.

Thank you to NetGalley and Audio ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op.

Absolutely loved this audiobook!! It had me guessing to the end. The story was so nostalgic. Please check trigger warnings and it does end in a cliffhanger. I need the next book!!

I absolutely loved this book it was perfect till the ending I'm a little sad about the ending I was speechless I literally gasped and didn't want to believe it was the end I hope there is another book planned after this one. One thing I thought was interesting and it made the story so immersive was it was multiple Pov besides Shane and Laney. throughout the story I wanted to punch Shane for being so stubborn, I understand that the age thing is controversial, but they liked each other before he turned 18 so it gets a pass for me. I'm so glad that Shane had took up for Dustin and he Had helped Shane poor kid, they became the perfect found family for each other I felt bad for Laney and there unfortunate meeting. This book had me glued I did not want to put this book down.

I received a free audio copy from netgalley for my honest opinion
I posted on amazon, but it hasn't been approved yet

When I tell you my jaw is still on the floor!!!

Romeo and Juliet meets 90s nostalgia is the most accurate way I could describe this.

This heart wrenching book will leave you staring at the wall! All the 90s nostalgia, found family, forbidden romance, right person/wrong time, and a tragically accurate depiction of drug abuse.

I don’t even know where to start! Laney and Shane grew up in a rough environment to say the least. Drug abuse/ and attempted SA are involved (not by the MMC) so check your triggers. They basically survive disaster after heartbreaking disaster. One Christmas Eve everything comes to a head and ends in tragedy.

The multiple POV and third person took me a little bit to catch on to, but the characters are so well depicted that I was able to keep track of them quickly. Absolutely loved getting little bits of everyone’s thoughts and life. The relationship building was so well done! I truly felt for every single character. I feel like everyone needs a Jerry in their lives!

The ending, boyyyyyy *heavy sigh* it was like a roller coaster ride that made me want to vomit and jump off in the best of ways. I absolutely did not see that coming. I don’t even know if it was a HEA, while my heart hurts over it, I can without a doubt say it feels like the main characters found piece and I’m happy with that. I am really hoping for a second book because this will live rent free in my mind for a long while

This thriller audio book plunges listeners into a whirlwind of suspense and intrigue from the very first moment. The plot is a masterful labyrinth of twists and turns, featuring a gripping narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end. The story weaves together a series of intense and unexpected events, creating a captivating experience that is hard to pause.

The narrator’s performance is exceptional, adding layers of depth to the characters and amplifying the suspense. Their ability to convey tension and emotion enhances the story’s impact, making each revelation and plot twist all the more thrilling.

This thriller stands out for its cleverly crafted storyline and dynamic narration, making it a must-listen for fans of suspenseful and fast-paced mysteries.

This is a book that I don’t think you enjoy. It was quite brilliant, the writing is clever and covers a huge range of emotions, it has power and really managed to give the detail of the poor family relationships, the secret language of siblings, and it hints at why this was needed. This is about power and control and who has it over whom. I forgot the ages of the characters, a ten year old with a job and saving a life, a 14 year old running a household and emotionally holding a family together, and a 16 year old living alone and making a living. This book kept me on the edge all the way through listening to it. It is uncomfortable reading but so well told.

A dark yet addictive love story which had me gripped from start to finish.

Thank you to the editors and Netgalley for allowing me to review this book. A fabulous book that will definitely stay with me!

Mixed feelings about this, it's a kind of lolita rewrite mixed with a murder mystery.

One the one hand reading underage sex is disgusting (which is of course the point as it keeps us acutely aware that these two are not soulmates but a trauma bonded abusive relationship) which makes this a slow painful read.

On the other hand, the clever interplay of switching pov and the scattering of police reports had real potential for a creeping sense of dread and a building crescendo of emotion. Sadly this wasn't quite pulled off to its full potential but the author is clearly one to watch.

Thank you Netgalley, A Atkins and Audio ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the audio arc of Them Bones .
Narrated by Jessie Elwyn

Laney and Shane strike up a friendship, that could be something more but Laney is 14, Shane 17. Laney has had and still having a rough upbringing, trying to look after her younger Brother Dustin and manipulated by her older, very controlling older brother Cary. Shane overwhelmed by Dustins charity as he was between couches wants the best for Lacey. Can he wait for her? Can see wait for him? Will they eventually get the break they deserve?

Having read the reviews on this book before requesting, I can honestly say that I can understand that people may be triggered by the age difference between the 2 MC. I do, however feel that the author wrote this gritty, dark thriller, with these romantic undertones well and with respect. The plot pace is a slow burn, in fact it reminded me a lot of Normal people by Sally Rooney. It's the same teenage angst, the tension. Where Rooney plot line was softer, Irish based plot line. Them Bones, gets to the nitty gritty darker side of romance.

I really bonded with both the MC, Laney and Shane. They both had very realistic character developments. Laney, constantly pushing, almost pleading to be loved and Shane, trying to respect her as a whole. The pushing and pulling of these 2 really is the bones of the plot line. I also loved Dustin and how throughout the book, gained confidence and momentum because of both Shane and Laney. Loved the 90s and early 2000' references to music, Tv shows and current affairs in this time period. There are some great twists and something happens just before the end which left me thinking ... OH NO! Somewhat left on a cliffhanger, Im looking forward to seeing more of Laney, Shane and Dustin.

Jess Alwyn who narrated this book was excellent. having the right pace of voice throughout the book and even through the more intimate parts of the plot line made it less cringy. A perfect match

4.25 stars for story graph . 4 stars for Goodreads/Amazon/Netgalley

First met me say thank you to NetGalley and NetGalley Co-Op Victory Editing for this Audio ARC.
This book is Packed with characters and Jessie Elwyn did a fabulous job giving each and every one of them their moment to shine. This book gives off pure 90s grunge vibes, with kids to music and home phone lines. There was a lot of triggers in this book and made it a bit tough to get thru certain parts. I would suggest this book to my fellow book reader friends.

This is a story about young love that is definitely forbidden because the girl is under age. Laney has had a rough life and at 14 the basically raises her little brother since her Mother is out doing whatever and her older Brother comes and goes as he pleases. Laney’s little brother meets Shane and bring him home since Shane doesn’t have any place to stay. He and Laney have sparks from the start but he tells her they can’t be anything because of her age. Everyone around them can see they aren’t just friends and like each other though it’s just the wrong time. This goes through the first few years they are together and all the crazy of their lives, can they last?

I feel like this was written so well and pulled at my heart strings in so many ways.

uhm OKAY this caught me by surprise! a slow burner, forbidden love with a murder mystery?! count me in.

i randomly came across this as i was looking for audiobooks on netgalley and i’m so glad i did. i had to pause this audiobook multiple times so i could gather my thoughts and emotions to redial in. the tension and mystery was 🤌🏻. i loved the multiple pov’s and quick chapters because it drew you in and gave you a well rounded vision of the characters. the tidbits thrown in surrounding the murder gave everything a dark edge and left you stressed wondering who it was!

the setting needs to be talked about. it gives nostalgia. 90’s grunge and teenage angst. i wanted to be transported there.

huge kudos to this narrator for reading some spicy scenes and never once making me feel awkward! one of my biggest icks about audiobooks is thinking of the narrator reading scenes out loud that only belong in my head and she crushed it. i saw a few reviews that people were uncomfy with the FMC’s age (which is valid, it’s not for everyone) but i hardly batted an eyelash lol. i thought about it for a bit but let’s be honest, what she went through and was doing is not unusual for that age.

a little detail that i looooved - the buffy mention. they watched on christmas just like me!! one of my favorite christmas memories is finding buffy the vampire slayer marathon late at night with my mom in the upstairs attic after christmas dinner. it was my first time watching and i became OBSESSED after that night.

thank you to netgalley for this audiobook! a. atkins, the next book better be coming out soon!

This book was something! It really takes it to a raw and gritty place.

There are way too many POV for me and no one got a HEA at all. It centers around Laney, Dustin and Shane. Shane, a tennager couch surfing and hungry comes across Dustin, 10 years old who gives him food. he lives with his 14 year old sister Laney in a home their brother owns from selling drugs and rarely an adult to take care of them.

Shane ends up moving in and taking care of the siblings while trying to fight his feelings for Laney. Nothing happens while she is under age and there really is a lot of an age gap 14/17 but it still didn't sit really well with me. She could easily have been 16 when they met and it would have packed the same punch without making it weird.

Its really well written and the narration was good.

4 stars

A definite must read! A dark romance that is filled with suspense. Told in multiple POVs helps immerse yourself into the narrative.

Just wow! This was my first A. Atkins book but definitely not my last. The characters were fantastic and kept me flipping pages long past my bedtime. This book was every bit as tough as it was tender. The power of the human spirit abounds! Packed with tension, secrets and lies. Totally enjoyed the storytelling and narration. Highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley , A Atkins and Anne at Victory Editing for the opportunity to read and review this cracker of a book. .

I wish the characters were just a smidge older. I struggled through some of the dialogue as the main female character was overly sexualized . Overall, I enjoyed the story and I think that was my only gripe. We can't talk about how young a girl is and then follow it up with very graphic passages about said girl. Was it coming of age? I'm not sure... are most 14 year olds acting like this? I hope not. I did enjoyed the narration and how the author switched between characters. I think the part that had me the most hooked was the pans the police viewpoint... that kept me coming back because I really wanted to know what happened. I acknowledge that there are hundreds of kids that live a grittier childhood than myself but this book kind of just made me sad that some kids in fact go through life with this type of reality. The book spanned several years and did leave off on a cliff hanger and I hope their future is fraught with less trauma.,

This was so good, but I'm so annoyed at the ending!! Whyyy :(

The audiobook was beautifully narrated, I was so engrossed in it- I didn't want to stop, ever. I had to finish it, to know how it ended.

I loved our main characters, and the age gap didn't irk me (they meet when they're 14-17; and are together when they're 16-19). I guess, because I remember being that age and don't think she did anything before she was ready for it. I wasn't uncomfortable because I could see how he trully cared for her, and kept holding her back from doing anything he didn't think she was ready for.

I was, of course, rooting for them. Especially because almost all the men in Laney's life are creeps who find a 14 year-old hot and wanted her, including her brother-ew. And Shane, at least, protected her from unwanted attention. But that's a big thing about this book, most characters suck. Except Shane, Laney, Dustin, and the men who takes them in. That's it. Don't get me wrong, they still did stupid things that annoyed me, but they're very loveable.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity of immersing myself in this story in exchange for an honest review; and thank you to the author and editor as well! I can't wait to read a sequel to this, and they better end up together or my heart won't make it<33