Waiting on Wednesday (#35)

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is:

Title: Beat of the Heart (Runaway Train #2)

Author: Katie Ashley

Expected Publication: October 17, 2013

Synopsis:

After years of bad relationships and a cheating ex-fiancé, twenty-eight-year-old Mia Martinelli prefers healing her patients’ hearts on the Cardiac Care floor rather than risking having her heart broken again. But that all comes to a screeching halt when caring for the head roadie for Runaway Train puts her into the orbit of drummer and Latin Lover, AJ Resendiz. After a scorching weekend of steamy passion, Mia’s intention of getting out with her heart unscathed is challenged by the stud with the wicked sense of humor, especially when he wants to continue seeing her. But when the harsh reality of AJ’s hoard of female admirers sends her insecurities into overdrive, Mia bails, leaving him handcuffed to his bathroom shower. 

AJ never imagined that after two weeks of the best sex and female companionship he’d ever experienced, he would need rescued by his band mates from his shower prison. Although he tries to forget the sensual brunette whose curves made his mouth water, AJ can’t get her out of his mind…or his heart. Months later when he finally seeks Mia for answers as to why she left, nothing could prepare him for their life-altering reunion. 

Can AJ prove to Mia that regardless of the women after his body, his heart belongs only to her?

Thoughts:

I really like AJ in the first book so I can't wait to read his story!

How about you? What's your Waiting on Wednesday? Link me.

BOOK REVIEW: Avow by Chelsea Fine (The Archers of Avalon #3)

Publication Date: December 11, 2012

Synopsis:

Scarlet remembers. Everything. Her past lives, Tristan, Gabriel, Nate: she remembers it all--including how to get to the Fountain of Youth. But time is running out. 

Heather and Gabriel have been kidnapped by Raven, while the curse that has plagued Scarlet and Tristan for centuries has shifted, putting the star-crossed lovers in more danger than ever before. Water from the Fountain of Youth is the only thing that can save Scarlet and her loved ones. But the water comes at a price.

With lives--and hearts--at stake, Scarlet leads her friends on a dangerous journey to the Fountain of Youth. Where eternal life is possible, but death is certain.

______________________________

Review:

Avow is the last installment of the series. The second book ended with Scarlet regaining her memories and learning that Raven is still much alive. Scarlet’s friend, Heather and Gabriel were both held captive by Raven.

Having her memories back, Scarlet realizes where the fountain of youth is. She remembers how to end the madness, cure herself and Tristan. But another thing happens between them. Their roles exchange. Scarlet now feels Tristan and having Scarlet too close to Tristan may be the reason for him to die.

The book answered all the questions I had in the first two books. There were flashbacks from the past from the time Scarlet died and how she turned up alive over and over. The book showed how Tristan struggled because of Scarlet’s death and how he changed throughout the years of heartache.

His twin brother, Gabriel, was cursed to never love any other girl other than Scarlet. With that, girls never loved him and he never felt alive. That changes everytime Scarlet comes to life.

Nate is another important character of this series. He is Raven’s cousin but they aren’t alike. He’s such a good friend to the brothers and Scarlet. He helped his friends go through the phase of having Scarlet back and watching her die. He dedicated his life to find the cure and the fountain of youth.

Heather is also one of the supporting characters. I like her quirkiness. It’s fun having a not so serious character which made me like this book more.

This book particularly had shown a lot of heartache. It has gotten me emotional and I really felt Tristan and Scarlet’s feelings. I’m glad it ended well. Great series!

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“I’d really love to explain myself, but honestly, you came up out of nowhere and I haven’t had time to put together a good lie.” 

“Is it okay if I love you forever? Even if forever is only for a lifetime?” 

Waiting on Wednesday (#34)

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is:

Title: Gabriel's Redemption (Gabriel's Inferno #3)

Author: Sylvain Reynard

Expected Publication: December 3, 2013

Synopsis:

Professor Gabriel Emerson has left his position at the University of Toronto to embark on a new life with his beloved Julianne. Together, he’s confident that they can face any challenge. And he’s eager to become a father.

But Julianne’s graduate program threatens Gabriel’s plans, as the pressures of being a student become all consuming. When she is given the honor of presenting an academic lecture at Oxford, Gabriel is forced to confront her about the subject of her presentation – research that conflicts with his own. And in Oxford, several individuals from their past appear, including an old nemesis intent on humiliating Julia and exposing one of Gabriel’s darkest secrets.

In an effort to confront his remaining demons, Gabriel begins a quest to discover more about his biological parents, beginning a chain of events that has startling repercussions for himself, Julianne, and his hope of having a family.

Thoughts:

I've read the first two books and so far I liked both books. The author used a unique way of showing how love can flourish with both characters having difficult pasts. 

How about you? What's your Waiting on Wednesday? Link me.

BOOK REVIEW: Firelight by Sophie Jordan (Firelight #1)

Publication Date: September 7, 2010

Synopsis:

A hidden truth. 

Mortal enemies. 

Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki, a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away;if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

______________________________

Review:

This is the first time that I read anything about dragons. This book has been in my TBR list for quite some time now and I didn’t even know that it’s about dragons.

I didn’t know what to expect from this so I was so eager to read it. I love its unique story and how I became so into it.

I really felt for Jacinda’s family. I understand her, her sister Tamra and her mother. I understand where all of them are coming from. Jacinda’s mom is very protective of her family. Since her husband died, she became strong for her two daughters. She will do anything just to protect them, even if it’s from their Pride.

Tamra, Jacinda’s sister hasn’t manifested or shifted into a drakir and because of that, she was neglected by their Pride. She was abandoned like she was sick of something contagious. She was left hurt of how she was treated.

Unlike Tamra, Jacinda has manifested into a kind of drakir that has never happened in thousands of years. She’s a fire drakir. Because of that, she was looked up to and was well treated. But not all good things come out of it. Her destiny has already been written for her. A lot was expected from her and one of them is to be with Cassian, the Prince of the Pride and who will soon be the ruler.

Jacinda is expected to behave in a way acceptable. So when she ignores the rules, she finds herself in a very bad situation. So her mom decided that all of them should leave the Pride.

If there are drakirs, there are also hunters. And Will is one of them. This part of the story, I expected. Jacinda and Will are drawn to each other. The thing happened between them was like love at first sight. They can’t help themselves but be in each other’s arms. So when secrets unveiled, both have accepted their fate. A hunter falls in love with his prey and vice versa.

I love the unique plot and the action brought by the book. The characters and supporting characters are lovely although not all of them. We have these infuriating characters that I wish Jacinda would blow fire in their faces. Sorry, I’ve gotten too emotional in there. The thing I somewhat don’t like is how the scene shifts from one to another. Other than that, I liked everything about the book.

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“Why do you care? I've ignored you for days."

His smile fades. He looks serious, mockingly so. "Yeah. You got to stop that.” 

“What good is safety if you're dead inside?” 

Waiting on Wednesday (#33)

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is:

Title: Wild Cards (Wild Cards #1)

Author: Simone Elkeles

Expected Publication: October 1, 2013

Synopsis:
After getting kicked out of boarding school, bad boy Derek Fitzpatrick has no choice but to live with his ditzy stepmother while his military dad is deployed. Things quickly go from bad to worse when he finds out she plans to move them back to her childhood home in Illinois. Derek’s counting the days before he can be on his own, and the last thing he needs is to get involved with someone else’s family drama.

Ashtyn Parker knows one thing for certain--people you care about leave without a backward glance. A football scholarship would finally give her the chance to leave. So she pours everything into winning a state championship, until her boyfriend and star quarterback betrays them all by joining their rival team. Ashtyn needs a new game plan, but it requires trusting Derek—someone she barely knows, someone born to break the rules. Is she willing to put her heart on the line to try and win it all?

Thoughts:

The only book I've read of Simone Elkeles is Perfect Chemistry and I loved it! Hopefully this one's good too!

How about you? What's your Waiting on Wednesday? Link me.

BOOK REVIEW: Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker

Publication Date: February 12, 2013
Synopsis:

Four years after losing her parents, best friend, and boyfriend in a drunk driving accident, twenty-year-old Kacey Cleary runs away to begin a new life in Miami. Hardened by the tragedy, she's determined to keep everyone at a distance—until she meets an irresistible and mysterious neighbor who is determined to melt the ice over her heart.

______________________________

Review:

This is a book about a broken soul named Kasey who experienced a tragic accident involving his parents, bestfriend and boyfriend. It’s been four years since the accident but she’s still suffering every night because of her nightmares. She travels with her sister to Miami to start anew. There, they meet Storm, their neighbor who’s a bartender with her cute daughter Mia. She also meets another neighbor who makes her heart flutter. Trent.

I know that I’m a sucker for this kind of story. I like to torture myself in reading books with characters that have painful pasts. And everytime, I can’t help but empathize with them. I liked that this is a fast- paced, easy to read book. And I love all of the characters.

Kasey is such a stubborn gal. I can understand her tough persona because of her shattered past. But with the tough shell she has, inside, she can be soft and loving. She’s protective of her sister and she thinks more for her sister rather than herself.

Livie, Kasey’s sister whose five years younger is the kinder and more mature one. She likes taking care of people and she’s smart.

Trent is a mystery to me since he came out. I like the mysterious vibe his character reflects. His relationship with Kasey has been awkward since the first time they had a conversation. It was fun to read how their relationship turned out.

This book also has its twist but I honestly figured it all out even before it was revealed. Anyway, I still like the effort to make this book more interesting.

All in all, I had fun with it so give this a try! 

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

"Isn't it exhausting?"
"What?"
"Keeping people out." 

“Out past isn't who we are. I'm me and you're you and that's who we need to be.”

“No human can bury their past indefinitely. It’s only a matter of time before you crack.”

Waiting on Wednesday (#32)

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is:

Title: The Longest Ride

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Expected Publication: September 24, 2013

Synopsis:
Ira Levinson is in trouble. At ninety-one years old, in poor health and alone in the world, he finds himself stranded on an isolated embankment after a car crash. Suffering multiple injuries, he struggles to retain consciousness until a blurry image materializes and comes into focus beside him: his beloved wife Ruth, who passed away nine years ago. Urging him to hang on, she forces him to remain alert by recounting the stories of their lifetime together – how they met, the precious paintings they collected together, the dark days of WWII and its effect on them and their families. Ira knows that Ruth can’t possibly be in the car with him, but he clings to her words and his memories, reliving the sorrows and everyday joys that defined their marriage.

A few miles away, at a local rodeo, a Wake Forest College senior’s life is about to change. Recovering from a recent break-up, Sophia Danko meets a young cowboy named Luke, who bears little resemblance to the privileged frat boys she has encountered at school. Through Luke, Sophia is introduced to a world in which the stakes of survival and success, ruin and reward -- even life and death – loom large in everyday life. As she and Luke fall in love, Sophia finds herself imagining a future far removed from her plans -- a future that Luke has the power to rewrite . . . if the secret he’s keeping doesn’t destroy it first.

Ira and Ruth. Sophia and Luke. Two couples who have little in common, and who are separated by years and experience. Yet their lives will converge with unexpected poignancy, reminding us all that even the most difficult decisions can yield extraordinary journeys: beyond despair, beyond death, to the farthest reaches of the human heart.

Thoughts:

I'm a big fan of Nicholas Sparks through my sister's influence. I read almost all of his books and I loved them all. Although I admit there are similar concept of sadness and tragedy, I still liked how every story was told. So I can't wait to read this book!

How about you? What's your Waiting on Wednesday? Link me.

BOOK REVIEW: Frigid by J. Lynn

Publication Date: July 15, 2013

Synopsis:

For twenty-one-year-old Sydney, being in love with Kyler isn't anything new. They'd been best friends ever since he pushed her down on the playground and she made him eat a mud pie. Somewhere over the years, she fell for him and fell hard. The big problem with that? Kyler puts the 'man' in man-whore. He's never stayed with a girl longer than a few nights, and with it being their last year in college, Syd doesn't want to risk their friendship by declaring her love. 

Kyler has always put Syd on a pedestal that was too high for him to reach. To him, she's perfect and she's everything. But the feelings he has for her, he's always hidden away or focused on any other female. After all, Kyler will always be the poor boy from the wrong side of tracks, and Syd will always be the one girl he can never have. 

But when they're stranded together at a posh ski resort due to a massive Nor'easter, there's nothing stopping their red-hot feelings for each other from coming to the surface. Can their friendship survive the attraction? Better yet, can they survive at all? Because as the snow falls, someone is stalking them, and this ski trip may be a life-changer in more ways than one.

______________________________

Review:

Syd is in love with her bestfriend, Kyler.

Kyler is in love with his bestfriend, Syd.

In short, they love each other, not in a sibling or friend kind of way but romantically. And here’s something new, they don’t know that they’re in love with each other. LOL.

I think 90% or more of the book is just the 2 of them. They were stranded in a ski resort because of a snow storm. They don’t have a choice but be in each other’s skin. Literally. There were unusual things that have happened which makes the unpredictability of the book. I love that there’s some suspense added to the goodness or yumminess of the book.

The book is narrated in two PVs, Syd and Kyler’s. I love that we can hear both sides which will give us ideas on their internal struggle to contain their feelings.

The characters are loveable. Syd may be uptight but for me, there’s nothing wrong with it. She’s just being herself. Although she has insecurities, she’s very likeable. I also love, love Kyler! I love how he can be protective of Syd. He’s into screwing girls but with Syd, he can be such a gentleman and he’s always there for her. He’s gorgeous and confident with himself but in regards with his feelings with Syd, he sees so little of himself and thinks Syd deserves better than him.

You will witness some misunderstanding and insecurities coming from both characters which will frustrate you. But as we know, in the end there will be a happy ending. You just won’t know how it happens.

I had fun with it so I guarantee, so will you! 

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“Guys are totally stupid when it comes to unrequited love. We females pine away and keep our thighs closed for the most part when we love someone we can’t have. Guys swing their shit around at anything that has a hole, trying to forget the one they want.”

“I will never regret being with you, Syd. Never. And I wish I could go back and relive those hours. I wish I could go back in time, and instead of hooking up with some chick, I’d man up and tell you how I really felt for you, how I’ve always felt for you.”

“Sometimes words weren’t enough— they couldn’t cover the feeling. This was one of those times. So I closed the distance and kissed her, putting everything I felt for her, every promise I made her, into that one kiss.” 

Waiting on Wednesday (#31)

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is:

Title: Evertrue (Everneath #1)

Author: Brodi Ashton

Expected Publication: January 21, 2014

Synopsis:
Now that Nikki has rescued Jack, all she wants is to be with him and graduate high school. But Cole tricked Nikki into feeding off him, and she’s begun the process of turning into an Everliving herself... which means she must feed on a Forfeit soon — or die.

Terrified for her survival, Nikki and Jack begin a desperate attempt to reverse the process using any means possible. Even Cole, who they expected to fight them at every turn, has become an unlikely ally — but how long can it last? Nikki needs to feed on Cole to survive, Cole needs Nikki to gain the throne in the Everneath, Jack needs Nikki because she is everything to him — and together, they must travel back to the Underworld to undo Nikki’s fate and make her mortal once more. But Cole isn’t the only one with plans for Nikki: the Queen has not forgotten Nikki’s treachery, and she wants her destroyed for good. Will Nikki be forced to spend eternity in the Underworld, or does she have what it takes to bring down the Everneath once and for all?

Thoughts:

For this series, I also just read the first book, which I totally loved!I don't have a copy of the second book yet because I'm waiting for a paperback to come out. The covers for this series are lovely and I especially love this one! 

How about you? What's your Waiting on Wednesday? Link me.

BOOK REVIEW: Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover (Hopeless #2)

Publication Date: July 8, 2013

Synopsis:
Still haunted by the little girl he let walk away, Holder has spent his entire life searching for her in an attempt to finally rid himself of the crushing guilt he has felt for years. But he could not have anticipated that the moment they reconnect, even greater remorse would overwhelm him…

Sometimes in life, if we wish to move forward, we must first dig deep into our past and make amends. In Losing Hope, bestselling author Colleen Hoover reveals what was going on inside Holder’s head during all those hopeless moments—and whether he can gain the peace he desperately needs.

______________________________

Review:

Losing hope brought me to Holder’s side of the story. In hopeless, I have witnessed how Sky struggled when she remembered her past life. I may have focused more on Sky’s pain rather than Holder’s. But after I read this book, I realized how Holder experienced the same pain as Sky’s or even more.

When he lost Hope, he blamed himself for not staying with her when she needed him. And this burden stayed in him for years. Then sometime after, another important person in his life killed herself. She’s his sister and bestfriend, Leslie. He felt like he let them down because he wasn’t able to save them.

“What are the chances that the only two girls in my life I’ve ever loved… I’ve lost? It’s killing me piece by piece every single day.”

The book made me appreciate Holder more. There were a lot of actions he made in the first book that I really didn’t understand. But with this book, it helped me understand where he’s coming from. I just want to hug him and say sorry for what he’s gone through.

The first chapters of the book were before his meeting with Sky so a lot had happened. This book isn’t just about knowing Holder’s POV since he met Sky but how he coped with Hope’s absence, being there for Les, his parent’s divorce, his struggles to let go of the past, live in the now and be hopeful of the future. I also learned more about his best friend Daniel. I really like him. He’s a very dependable friend to Holder. Since Les took her own life, people in school were talking all about it and that just sucks for Holder. It’s great to have a friend like Daniel to make some scenes and confront people about it.

If you haven’t read Hopeless yet, what are you waiting for? Read Hopeless then read this! Definitely worth reading!

Rating:

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

Memorable Quotes:

“In order to miss someone, that means you were privileged enough to have them in your life to begin with.” 

“I used to think the best part of me died with Les, but the best part of me is standing right here in front of me.” 

“You would think a person could only die once. You would think you would only find you sister's lifeless body once. You would think you would only have to watch your mother's reaction once after finding out her only daughter is dead.

Once is so far from accurate.

It happens repeatedly.

Every single time I close my eyes I see Les's eyes. Every time my mother looks at me, she's watching me tell her that her daughter is dead for the second time. For the third time. For the thousandth time. Every time I take a breath or blink or speak, I experience her death all over again. I don't sit here and wonder if the fact that she's dead will ever sink in. I sit here and wonder when I'll stop having to watch her die.” 

“It seems easier for her to just close the doors and not think about the stillness of the rooms behind them.” 

BOOK REVIEW: School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins (School Spirits #1)

Publication Date: May 14, 2013

Synopsis:

Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters. For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures. But when Izzy’s older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy's mom decides they need to take a break.

Izzy and her mom move to a new town, but they soon discover it’s not as normal as it appears. A series of hauntings has been plaguing the local high school, and Izzy is determined to prove her worth and investigate. But assuming the guise of an average teenager is easier said than done. For a tough girl who's always been on her own, it’s strange to suddenly make friends and maybe even have a crush.

Can Izzy trust her new friends to help find the secret behind the hauntings before more people get hurt? 

______________________________

Review:

I loved Rachel Hawkin's Hex Hall series so I was expecting that this book will have the same action and romance that Hex Hall has.

With the first few chapters, I was a bit surprised on how the story progressed. It was a bit slow and I honestly got bored. But when some supernatural things started to happen, it really caught my attention until the end of the book.

This book ranges from middle grade to young-adult. The author used some acronym like BS just to have a lighter feel on the book.

I learned to love the characters of the book but not like how I loved those in Hex Hall. Izzy felt that she should be more matured than her age so she acts tough. Then some friends start to come into the picture. Generally, I liked all of them. I especially love Dex because he's fun and witty! The romance part is expected and I loved how they gotten to know each other before that happened.

Oh, I almost failed to mention Torin, the witch who's trapped in a mirror for hundreds of years. I want to know what's his real role in the life of the Brannicks.

Hopefully this series will continue because I still want to know the answers.

This book is a light read and I had fun reading it. I recommend that you should give this a try.

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“You knocked out Ben McCrary?' he asked, eyes wide.

'It was an accident,' I said again. 'I threw the ball harder than I meant to.'

Dex burst into laughter. 'Oh my God, that is the greatest thing I've heard all week. You are my new hero.'

Squinting at me, he leaned in and said, 'Serious, I might actually be in love with you now. Would it be awkward if we made out?” 

“When you don’t have much family left, you’ll do anything to protect what you have.” 

*I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks NetGalley!*

Waiting on Wednesday (#30)

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is:

Title: Allegiant (Divergent #3)

Author: Veronica Roth

Expected Publication: October 22, 2013

Synopsis:
One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Thoughts:

Although I haven't read the second book yet, I'm already excited for the final installment of this book! I loved Divergent! Hopefully the series will end well. I'm excited for the movie too!

How about you? What's your Waiting on Wednesday? Link me.

BOOK REVIEW: Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

Publication Date: June 19,2012

Synopsis:
When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero.

______________________________

Review:

I think this is the best shortest book I’ve ever read.

Travis is a 19-year old marine who came home from a one year duty in Afghanistan. He has a very supporting mom and a not-so-supporting dad and a brother who hooked up with his girlfriend.

I think it’s a typical story of a guy who went to serve his country and comes back a bit shattered and in a deeper perspective in life. You may think it’s like Dear John, which was mentioned several times in the book but it’s totally different.

Travis has experienced a lot of encounters in Afghanistan and one of them is the unlikely death of his friend, Charlie. He became a changed man since the incident and a more mature one. Coming back means being with his family-mom, dad and brother. But a lot has changed since then. I love his mom. She’s so supportive of him in all of his choices unlike his dad. I can’t help but feel for her, for all her sacrifices, not just for her son but for her family.

Then there’s Harper, a girl she knew in middle school who isn’t charmed by him, maybe, just in the beginning. Eventhough she hates Travis, their relationship gotten so much better and she became his salvation to pass through the trauma he’s experienced.

I only have two complaints. One is that the story was too short. Or maybe I just felt I need more! I even thought I have an incomplete copy when I saw the number of pages the book has. Second, I felt that there’s a need for closure between Travis and his dad, also his brother. So there!

Recommended? YES!

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“He was the person all of us should be, but most of us aren't. And if I could have taken his place to buy him a little more time in the world, I'd have done it. I'm sorry I couldn't.” 

“Maybe someday we'll see each other again, Charlie. For real I mean. Until then, save me a seat, okay?

_____________________________

Tenth book for