Review: Derailed (Clayton Falls #1) by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Devastated after her fiance's sudden suicide, Molly makes a life-changing decision. She drops out of Law School, and moves back to the house she grew up in. Clayton Falls, North Carolina is your typical all American small town, where everyone knows everyone else. And unfortunately for Molly, everyone remembers her, and her high school sweetheart Ben is still there. Ben is a part of her past that Molly was looking to leave behind, if only that was as easy done as it is said.

Instead of finding the escape she thought she wanted, Molly instead finds herself remembering the girl she was - and realizing that sometimes, all you need is to go home.

My Review: 4 out of 5 Stars

Derailed is a book about finding love after loss, and regaining hope in the face of unspeakable tragedy. It reminds the reader that you can find love again, no matter what bad things have happened in your past.

Derailed is considered a "New Adult" contemporary novel, so while there is sex mentioned it always "fades away" before any of the more graphic "sexual elements" can take place. Because of this fact, I believe this book will appeal to both people who do not like strong sexual scenes in the "everyday romance" novel, as well as those that appreciate a good old fashioned love scene.

All of the characters featured in Derailed are new and unique to the story (while still retaining their small town appeal), which in my opinion, makes them more believable  While reading, you want the "good guy" to persevere regardless of the mistakes they may have made in their past. In fact, the chemistry between Molly & Ben is undeniable, and their love (both past and future) is the foundation for a this love story. Whereas some authors would have fallen short, I believe Ms. Ivy found a way write her characters so that they will continue to live on, both in future stories, and in our imaginations.

The ending of Derailed could not have been any more perfect. All of the loose ends were wrapped up in a way that left the reader feeling satisfied. In my opinion , Ms. Ivy could have left this as a one-shot deal the book would have been just as perfect. However, because she didn't, the story is left wide open for the next installment to pick up where this one left off.

I absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of the books in the Clayton Falls series (however many that may be)!
                   Derailed  is available for purchase from Amazon.com by clicking HERE.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of Derailed for free in exchange for my honest review. This does NOT reflect upon my review in ANY way.