Lovin' los libros

 

 

I am always eager to read another Tiffany King book, so when I heard about this series, I knew I had to read it. Tiffany does emotional so well and as difficult as this book was to read on my poor heart, it was such a beautiful story at the same time. This is a very character driven novel with a sweet romance that completely captured my heart.

 

"This was the curse of surviving. You're left to pick up the pieces of your broken, shattered, decimated life. I couldn't remember what it felt like to be whole."

 

Mac's character has gone through a traumatic event that no person should ever have to endure in their lifetime. Having been involved in a fatal accident on graduation night, Mac has not been the same ever since. She is a shell of a girl, merely existing at college. She is not personable and she shuts the world out, hiding behind her grief, anger, and shame. It was truly heartbreaking to see her living this way and it was hard to like her at first because of the wall she has erected. However, as Bentley reemerges into her life, things start looking up for her. In him, she finds a friend who cares enough to work past her surly attitude and dismissive nature. That's not to say Bentley 'cures' her by any means. It's a battle for her to start seeing herself as he does, an incredibly strong girl who has been dealt a tragic hand and still has her pride, despite her disability.

 

I loved Bentley. He was such a great guy and truly the person Mac needed to help bring her out of her self-imposed prison. Saving people is not only his job, but it's in his nature. There are times when he forgets about Mac's limitations and feels bad, but Mac likes that he doesn't treat her as this breakable, fragile girl. She has come to terms with her disability and she tries not to let her affect her. Bentley is still new at their relationship and his protective nature makes him want to throttle people for being so heartless when it comes to pushing her along, etc. Mac doesn't particularly care for that, as she is used to it.  It takes a bit to find the balance in their relationship, but once they do, it really works.

 

I really liked these two's chemistry. It's a slower burn for sure, as Mac blows him off for a good bit in the beginning. However, the attraction is definitely there and I really enjoyed seeing them form an actual romantic relationship. Being a New Adult read, King does not overdo their sexy times together, but the ones she does include are so well placed and delivered.

 

Mac not only opens up with Bentley, but she also starts to let others into her life as well. I loved seeing her relationship with her parents reinforced, as well as her open up to her roommate Trina. Mac has felt guilty for too long and she shouldn't be afraid to make new friends and let herself be happy again. It's a part of her healing process and while it's not easy, it's a step in the right direction.

 

This is a part of a series and I definitely do not want to spoil anything, but I will say I am looking forward to seeing where King will take these books next. It's going to be an emotional journey for sure, but it's one I'm happy to take with her. Her characters are so real and engaging, that I couldn't help but fall in love with them. This book will really tug at your heartstrings, but it will also fill you with hope, especially after seeing Mac's journey.