This is a difficult book for me to rate. At times, I was utterly charmed, but at others, I was furious or the story brought me to tears. One thing I will say is that I haven't stopped thinking about this friends to lovers romance by Piper Lennox.
Blake and Melanie became best friends after Blake got lost in a shopping mall at the age of 4, when he approached Mel's family in tears. Blake's mother passed away from cancer while he was still young, leaving him with a father who never wanted a child. Mel's parents were strict, but loving, and Blake found a home away from home with them. All throughout their school years, Blake and "his Mellie" remained close- even to the detriment of several of their other relationships. Blake hid his secret crush on Mel (which he'd had from age 12 on.) Shortly before their 18th birthdays, these two virgins become lovers during a game of truth or dare. Melanie reacts poorly, terrified of the changes, and balks at a real relationship. Blake is terribly hurt by this, throws Mel out, and they part ways.
Flash forward three years, (age 21) and Blake is dealing with his absentee father's death. He breaks things off with his current girlfriend, who he realizes is simply annoying him. Mel goes to the estate sale, and they reconnect and once again become lovers. Blake is no longer the gentle, affectionate friend he once was. He is hard and demanding. He is determined to keep anyone from ever getting so close to him again. His ex gives him some rather unexpected (and unwelcome) news, and it causes Blake to turn to alcohol to numb all his pain, as he refuses to grieve or to deal with this new little development.
The book continues at intervals of ages 22, 25, and 30. There are several conflicts between Blake and Mel, and their relationship comes and goes. There are some tragic events that occur that were foreshadowed during the earlier parts of the book, but somehow, I still wasn't ready for them. It's not often that a book makes me cry, but this one did.
I wanted to reach into the book at times and give both Blake and Mel a good shake, but especially Blake. Then, at the end... I almost forgave him. Perhaps if the author had spent a bit more time developing the ending, I would have gotten all the way there. Even though the couple eventually gets their HEA, I was still left with an overall feeling of: why?? Too many should haves and could haves. Most times, life doesn't give us our HEA all wrapped up in a pretty little bow, so I just felt irritated at the couple for all the years worth of wasted time. The ending scenes were sweet and full-circle, just a bit rushed.
Overall, though, the story was very well written and it sure packs one heck of a punch.
I received an ARC of this book, and I voluntarily chose to write an honest review.
Blake and Melanie became best friends after Blake got lost in a shopping mall at the age of 4, when he approached Mel's family in tears. Blake's mother passed away from cancer while he was still young, leaving him with a father who never wanted a child. Mel's parents were strict, but loving, and Blake found a home away from home with them. All throughout their school years, Blake and "his Mellie" remained close- even to the detriment of several of their other relationships. Blake hid his secret crush on Mel (which he'd had from age 12 on.) Shortly before their 18th birthdays, these two virgins become lovers during a game of truth or dare. Melanie reacts poorly, terrified of the changes, and balks at a real relationship. Blake is terribly hurt by this, throws Mel out, and they part ways.
Flash forward three years, (age 21) and Blake is dealing with his absentee father's death. He breaks things off with his current girlfriend, who he realizes is simply annoying him. Mel goes to the estate sale, and they reconnect and once again become lovers. Blake is no longer the gentle, affectionate friend he once was. He is hard and demanding. He is determined to keep anyone from ever getting so close to him again. His ex gives him some rather unexpected (and unwelcome) news, and it causes Blake to turn to alcohol to numb all his pain, as he refuses to grieve or to deal with this new little development.
The book continues at intervals of ages 22, 25, and 30. There are several conflicts between Blake and Mel, and their relationship comes and goes. There are some tragic events that occur that were foreshadowed during the earlier parts of the book, but somehow, I still wasn't ready for them. It's not often that a book makes me cry, but this one did.
I wanted to reach into the book at times and give both Blake and Mel a good shake, but especially Blake. Then, at the end... I almost forgave him. Perhaps if the author had spent a bit more time developing the ending, I would have gotten all the way there. Even though the couple eventually gets their HEA, I was still left with an overall feeling of: why?? Too many should haves and could haves. Most times, life doesn't give us our HEA all wrapped up in a pretty little bow, so I just felt irritated at the couple for all the years worth of wasted time. The ending scenes were sweet and full-circle, just a bit rushed.
Overall, though, the story was very well written and it sure packs one heck of a punch.
I received an ARC of this book, and I voluntarily chose to write an honest review.
