One decision can change everything. It did for Zachary "Zee" Kennedy. He lost his brother. He lost his dreams. He buried a secret and his life was never the same. Seven years later, he is the drummer for his brother's former band, Sunder, and they are a huge success. He is loyal and protective of those he cares about. But his personal happiness is gauged by their happiness. He has been living his lives for others, but not himself. He has been the responsible one that keeps everyone together and stays out of trouble. But once again his life will take a turn when dealing with a situation from his past, he comes to the rescue of a beautiful woman. 

Alexis Kensington is determined to save her twin sister from drugs and the streets, but she fights her at every turn. And she puts Alexis in danger. Thankfully Zee was there that night. And they developed some kind of bond that they can't seem to forget or deny. Zee's protective instincts grow again to include his need to protect this brave, impulsive girl. But his life is already in danger of blowing up as his carefully organized pieces are not staying in place. Worrying about Alexis just adds more stress, confusion, and feelings. But he can't seem to stop worrying, caring, or stay away.

There is an awareness, chemistry, and soul deep understanding between them that keeps pulling them closer. She's open, honest, transparent. He's mysterious, closed off, and anxious. She looks toward a better future. He is ruled by past mistakes and loyalty. She chooses to embrace life and hope. His hope and faith disintegrated years ago and he no longer believes in the power of wishes.  She is light to his darkness, hope to his destruction, life to his fear. She is reckless, selfless, and bold. He is broken, hopeless, self sacrificing, and fearful. She sees the good in people, while he is focused on the bad. Together they are lost and found.  They are unyielding, volatile, and intense.

He is also unable to continue to fight his needs and resist moments, scattered sunshine, and the bit of life he feels around her. But he knows anything good for him is temporary and he truly believes he does not deserve more. He holds back and is clear that there is no future. But he cannot deny that she is bringing back music and breathing life to his very core.  Alexis is tenacious, determined, and has her own stubborn mind. She is a selfless giver, and just wants a chance to ease the broken boy's soul and find real happiness together. But in giving her all, she has no self preservation.

Their lives are messy and complicated. His secrets and past are unraveling. Her sister keeps drawing her in to a dark and dangerous world and therefore Zee along with her. Zee is determined to protect those he cares about, but the stress of the secrets and threats is testing Zee's strength in all areas. He is a man conflicted and torn. He lives with regret, guilt, and remorse. He is fearful of taking a risk and making another terrible mistake. But it will come to a point where he has to take a stand one way or another...for himself, and the ones he cares about.

Zee literally broke me. He had such a big, caring heart, but he had beat himself up so much that he really did not believe in his own self worth. He could not see how much his longtime sacrifice and loyalty had already compensated for his past mistakes.

Like the other books in this series, the mysteries and secrets are gradually revealed throughout the story in dual points of view and in flash backs. So you feel all of the tension and feelings, but are left wondering what had really happened in the past and trying to figure out how it all fits together. The story is intricately layered and woven together with twists and surprises. This was intriguing, emotional, passionate, and so intense, but also had the humor and sense of family coming from this close knit group.

I am bittersweet about this being the last book in this incredible series. A.L. Jackson has created these complicated, dynamic characters that have come alive. They have been broken and been rebuilt. They have survived and persevered. They have bonded together. This brings the whole series home. All of the couples are back and we see where they are in their lives. We have watched this group go through so many horrible tragedies, events, and challenges. But they are finally reaping the benefits of not only hard work and musical success, but also of personal happiness, love, and family. This book encompasses all of Sunder...bleeding stars, scarred souls, shattered dreams, needy hearts, answered wishes, unconditional love and loyalty. It pulls you in, holds you captive, and dares you to hope and believe. One decision can change everything. It can be a catalyst for destruction or for redemption. It just depends on how you stand.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Zachary “Zee” Kennedy lives in the background. Since stepping in as Sunder’s drummer after his brother’s death, Zee has watched over and taken care of his bandmates. He always remained on the outskirts of the group, never letting the guys in, keeping his own secrets. But the grief and guilt he feels keeps him grounded and focused on what’s important: keeping his brother’s legacy going.

Alexis Kensington just wants to help her sister, but her sister keeps falling deeper and deeper into dangerous situations. Alexis runs each time her sister calls, and one night things take a physically dangerous turn for Alexis, as her sister leaves her alone knowing the danger. Luckily, Zee is in the right place at the right time to save Alexis.

From that moment, a bond forms between them. Zee has a protective instinct to keep Alexis safe from the unknown threat and from her sister’s troubles. His need to keep her same has him taking chances he hasn’t taken since his brother died, making changes that his friends notice.

This story ripped me to pieces. In some ways I was expecting certain events and situations, but others completely tore me apart. Zee is such a tortured soul. His wounds are deep and emotionally cutting. Alexis just wanted to keep her twin safe, and the pain she felt when confronted with her sister’s problems was palpable.

Though Zee and Alexis were a bit opposite, their differences made them a good balance for each other. Zee’s aloof tendencies were tempered by Alexis’s warmth. Alexis’s impulsive actions towards her sister were offset by Zee’s need to keep Alexis protected. Each action had an opposite that made them a great match.

Zee’s secrets were a surprise to the band and Alexis, though by the time the band learns of them, readers have a pretty good grasp on what has been going on. But the twists that continue throughout this story make Zee and Stand one of my favorites from this series.

I’m a little sad that this is the last Bleeding Stars book, but at the same time, this is the perfect story to end with. I imagine the series was constructed this way on purpose, but the series title finally makes sense to me in a way I hadn’t expected. I loved watching each of these broken men patch themselves up and shift their priorities towards something other than fame, even as they found ways to keep the fame of the band in perspective.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.