Sometimes life leaves a mark…
Most days, Andrea doesn’t know whether she wants to kiss Tanner or punch him in the gut. He is seriously hot, with legit bedroom eyes and that firefighter body of his, but he’s a major player, and they can’t get along for more than a handful of minutes. Until now.
Tanner knows he and Andrea have had an epic love/hate relationship for as long as he can remember, but he wants more love than hate from her. He wants her. Now. Tomorrow. But the more he gets to know her, the more it becomes obvious that Andrea has a problem. She’s teetering on the edge and every time he tries to catch her, she slips through his fingers.
Andrea’s life is spiraling out of control, and it doesn’t matter that Tanner wants to save her, because when everything falls apart and she’s speeding toward rock bottom, only she can save herself.
Sometimes life makes you work for that happily ever after…
Review...
Anyone who knows me even a little, knows that this author is my favorite. She never disappoints me. I read my first book by her in 2011 and have read almost every one she has published. I have a couple to finish this summer but it will happen. So you won't be surprised that I loved this book too. But this one is different. This one was hard on me. Let me explain.
Something that I love about Jennifer, is her ability to create full and real characters. I think she does that by giving them real problems and complex situations to grow through. It was inevitable that she would hit upon some issues that were too real for me. I sometimes avoid books that I know have things in them that hit too close to home but I could never skip one of Jennifer's books. So while my plane was 8 hours delayed, I read this book in a hot and smelly airport. And the time flew by. I held myself tight trying to deal with the pain that Andrea was facing. Mostly I was crying for Tanner because I know what it feels like to watch someone you love deeply go through depression. You understand it's not their fault. (AND IT'S NOT THEIR FAULT). You know they are in pain. You want to do anything to help them. But while they need help, a lot of things have to come from them. And that is so hard to watch.
Whenever an author can make the characters so real to me that they make me hurt this bad, then I'm gonna love the book. I'm a very character driven reader and they usually make or break the book for me. I adore both Andrea and Tanner. But Tanner holds my heart the most. He's this great guy who has been happy with just hook-ups. He feels something more with Andrea and decides he wants to explore it. I loved that he took the risks because he saw she needed that. I loved that he came back to clear the air when things were said in anger. I loved that her pleasure was important to him. I loved his reactions to her pain. He was always trying to convince her she was beautiful. Mostly though, I loved how he chose to support her through her darkest hours. His respect for her space despite the pain it caused him was amazing. I can see vividly in my mind him sliding down the wall in a certain scene and I know this plain. I love him. I admire him. I want to hold him.
The story was powerful and emotional. The quiet thoughts that plagued Andrea are something every women has experienced in some degree. As a result, it's gonna grab onto your heart and squeeze. But the hope and help that her family, friends and Tanner gives her helps her find the strength to save herself. It's not love that cures her but it does give her strength. She does the hard work herself. I was proud of her. And I see her going on. This will never end for her but she will survive. Yes, she's that real to me.
The chemistry between these two is amazingly HOT. The pool scene is so fun. The alone time they get at the cabin is also very yummy. Lots of sticky notes in this book for me.
# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.
She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
I knew I wanted to read this one because it was a JLA book. Now after your review I am biting my nails waiting on the release day! Please please release early!
ReplyDeleteIt's incredibly good. I hope you get to read it soon.
DeleteI totally loved this book as well. Such a well written review. JLA has the ability to create some very complex but interesting characters.
ReplyDeleteGrace @ Books of Love
Great review, Val! I am drawn to books that really make me feel, too! Sounds like this one is not to be missed.
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so glad you loved this one, because I preordered it :) Tanner sounds amazing! The way he loves and cares for Andrea will surely melt my heart. I can tell how emotionally difficult this story was for you, and the way that you connected with these characters. Excellent Review Val!! You have me over the top excited to read this!!!
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape
I know this book is going to destroy me but I cannot wait to read it. It sounds so good and I always adore JLA books. Awesome review!
ReplyDeleteGreat review. JLA writes some amazing books. This a series I have yet to start. I'm waiting to finish The Dark Elements first.
ReplyDeleteOh wow Val! Sounds like JLA pulled off an amazingly emotional read! I think this is going to rock me when I get to it... soon I hope!
ReplyDeleteNaomi @ Naomi’s Reading Palace