Wow! I have to catch my breath after reading this one. I'm pretty sure my heart was ripped out, thrown across the floor, and placed back in my chest a multitude of times throughout this read. Needless to say I loved every torturous moment! 
 "I had to go to hell to find the person that I am today. And in the end the road through hell led me straight to him." 
 Talia. Talia's story tore me to pieces. She is broken. Her life has been nothing but fear, pain, and betrayal and she is done. The numbness that she usually feels isn't enough anymore. "I will be the one to set myself free. It will be my choice." Just as she thinks she has everything mapped out, Alexei swoops in and takes control of her life. 
 "He's my savior. My unwilling hero. And the thing that is most dangerous of all. My hope." 
 Alexie is just as damaged as Talia. He is a recluse. Dangerous and brutal. Living his life thinking he isn't good enough for anyone. He hides a secret that could potentially end the respect he has build throughout his life. He sees Talia and knows that he has to save her, has to have her. He never judges her for who she is and will do anything to make her happy, anything but give her his heart. 
 "I may not be able to love you...But I can want you. And let there be no doubt, Solnyshko, I am keeping you." 
 Alexie and Talia's relationship is definitely not healthy. And in all honesty it is not romantic is the slightest. They are both so damaged. Neither knowing how to properly function in a relationship. They do however give each other what the other needs. They both give each other acceptance, feeding each others darkness. Two broken people coming together to make a whole. 
 "He is my solace, I am his sun."