In this first book of a 2 book series, and first book by A. Meredith Walters that I’ve read, Lead Me Not is one intense read. In it Ms. Walters tackles the subject of drug addiction and recovery therapy from the perspective of both the potential therapist and the addict deep in denial. It’s presented in an all too realistic fashion, in an atmosphere of a college campus and the lifestyle of young club goers, at a time in life when a lot of young adults first taste independence.The story focuses on Aubrey Duncan and Maxx Demelo.

Aubrey is estranged from her family, after the drug overdose related death of her younger sister. At first I found at a little hard to connect with Aubrey, but the writing storyline and writing sustained my interest. Aubrey has more than enough on her plate. Emotionally she is dealing with her roommate Renee and her depression, Brooks a past friend with benefits who may not really be past their history, and Maxx, a recovering addict in the group therapy she is co-facilitating and a man who is completely off limits.

Maxx has lived a life that left he and his brother orphans. Drugs become his way of forgetting the past and hurt, but they also become the way forward, a way to meet the monetary demands placed on him. The conflicting sides of his life soon takes over and contradicts everything that Aubrey stands for and against. But young love is foolish, and all too soon Aubrey’s developed her own addiction, Maxx. All signs are there, the excuse making, doing things against your better judgement and Aubrey risks her future for the attentions of one man. A Meredith Walters does a really wonderful job portraying the actions of an addict and the consequences associated with addiction. Lead Me Not is a great start to this 2 book series.

i was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars and recommendation.