Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
I was so skeptical about jumping into this story. Mostly because I just finished reading an emotional rollercoaster and I told myself, “You know Abby is going to put you through it, right?” And then I was like, “Yeah, but what’s another emotional torment going to do to me?” Well, I’ll tell you what it did: I didn’t sleep well, cried multiple times throughout the story, laughed out loud in so many instances, and was even angry in some parts. Abby wrecked me and I loved every second of it.
In this book, we follow the story of Emma and Justin, and boy let me tell you, they’re going through it. I can’t tell much because I don’t want to spoil it since we don’t technically find out about it a few chapters into the book–but there’s a lot of stuff that they both have to sort through.
Emma is a travel nurse who meets Justin online through a very funny situation and they click immediately. For her next city, she decides to visit Justin’s hometown to give them a chance and they kick it off. However, Justin’s world was turned upside down by something that happened in his family and although he wants Emma to be part of it, he is not sure she wants to. With a mile-long list of why they can’t be together, Emma and Justin fight their way through their inner demons to be with each other. But the real question is, can they beat them or will they let the demons take over?
Emma is very charismatic and has so much empathy. I loved her best friend, Maddy, she reminds me a lot of myself. Emma has so much baggage from dealing with her mom abandoning her when she was young, so she’s trying to work through that with Maddy by her side. I have read many friendships throughout my life and Maddy is ride or die for Emma. Maddy is the kind of friend I want by my side whenever I’m going through it and for the good times too. I was cracking up with her throughout the story. She is hilarious. I liked her so much, I wish she had her own book. But moving on, I respect Emma taking some time for herself to go to therapy and see pro through her issues because Justin and her were great together.
It takes a strong person to admit you need help and do something about it. I admire that about Emma. She was willing to help everyone around her and when she needed help the most, she sought it. So good for her.
Furthermore, I also admired Justin. He took every punch life threw at him and made it work. Besides his life being turned upside down he still found new ways how to love Emma. He stuck by her side from the beginning and offered his support when she needed it most.
I know this review sounds mostly vague, but I promise you it’s for a good reason. This book taught me so much. And it’s not so much Trauma Porn as it is a romance book—trust me, you’re not reading a Colleen Hoover book—but Abby will put you through it. There are a little bit of spicy scenes but more like one to two peppers.
I highly recommend this book if you are into books by Ashley Poston, Hannah Grace, Talia Hilbert, Christina Lauren, etc. Anyone above the age of 18 can read this book. There is a trigger warning page before you start reading the book if needed. Thank y’all for reading my review. Until the next one!
Denia Books & Baubles®. 