Review: One of my favourite books for 2013!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 16, 2013
4 1/2 stars.Just as well you aren’t physically sitting next to me, because I can guarantee you that I’d talk your ears off about this book. You wouldn’t even have to read ‘The Way Back To Me’! But that would be so sad, as I couldn’t do it justice. You would most definitely have to read it yourself. Oh yes. What a book! Seriously, the first page had me hooked, f-bombs and all! As I continued reading, I was excited to a point where I honestly thought that having to make supper in the evenings was pure torture, as I’d then have to put this book down. Life intervenes as it does, so I read whenever and wherever I could. Trust me. As I’m not one to specifically go out and buy books that are tagged as ‘erotica’, I’m quite surprised I’ve now read a few along these lines. I do think though that there is a difference between books purely intended to be erotic, and books that encompass eroticism. I classify this one in the latter. It’s a kind of self re-invention with sisterly help to begin with, and one that involves not only Lexi’s physical appearance but one that has her doing a complete mind-shift.Thirty-nine-year old, gracefully ageing, Lexi Reynolds is in a rut. She’s not happy with anything about her life (except her three adorable children), her divorce (the cold blooded murder of her marriage), to her non-existent sex life and much like most of us in the thirty-five to over forty age bracket – her appearance – feeling (we believe) frumpy, is not pleasant. Urgh! And here she’d teased her mom about her ‘turkey’ neck. As Lexi says: “I guess Karma really is a bitch”. It will come back and haunt you. Lexi is preparing to go spend a week with her equally hilarious sister, Layla. She loves her sister to bits. Layla practically raised her. However, Lexi also hates her (I don’t believe it’s hate, but more of a frustration) because Layla is always trying to fix Lexi or her life. Infuriating. Prior to leaving she speaks to Layla on the phone where she’s told in a no-nonsense manner that there are a couple of books Lexi must read on her flight. Did Layla really say they were sweet? From what I gather, this alludes to particular BDSM books everyone talked about last year… I’m sure you all know which I mean. Anyway. Lexi drops the kids off at her ex, Benjamin. The reason for their divorce is that he took up with someone way, way younger which always seems to be the case. She meets an oldish lady, Mildred Cameron, on her flight who chats the whole way. She’s apparently returning to Dallas from visiting her son. This lady will eventually play a big part in Lexi’s life.After arriving and being shocked practically out of her skin at the way her sister is dressed, the week that follows is nothing short of hilarious and well, hot. Lexi is put on a diet by the ever bossy Layla, has to start running once again and meets two men who become important in her life. I’ll interject here because there is one scene when they are running that OMW had me gagging and laughing hysterically at the same time! Really? A scooch moment? I’d never even heard of this term, but it’s now permanently ingrained in my brain. I won’t elaborate, you’re on your own with this one, suffice it to say I’m laughing all over again. I have previously mentioned that I am the proud owner of a warped sense of humour. Back to the two men. The first one she meets was quite lovely or so I thought, but he then eventually gave me a cramp. Yeah, he too has issues but seriously, commitment phobics just grate on my nerves. So, I’ll mention the second one, Sebastian, because I really, really liked him even though sometimes he came across as too forceful, but hey I’m sure you’ve guessed by now what he’s really into. Mind you, it’s nothing like those previous books I mentioned, so don’t even go thinking that it’s all whips/chains/feathers and whatever else BDSM entails. He’s a plastic surgeon, and quite honestly as far as I’m concerned and although he makes no bones about ever committing and having children, deep down he’s so completely the opposite. Sigh. Lexi at first is torn between the two, but eventually realises that with Patrick Dane (a former sport star), there is no future. With Sebastian, it seems pretty much the same until Lexi is involved in a horrific accident. Sebastian who protested too much about ‘relationships’ and ‘kids’, proved exactly what he’s made of. Again, sigh. Beyond wonderful.Although this book, which is meant for adults, had loads of swearing and sex (it has its place and it works!), it is by no means the be-all and end-all of what it’s about. It’s about friendships, sisters, a sense of family, loss, accomplishment, coming to terms with hurt and of course, love. I always believe that good things not only come to those who wait, but to those who deserve it. Lexi (I just love her) deserved it. Layla? Oh my word – I love her too. These two girls remind me so much of my sister and I (not that we get up to more than half the things these two manage to conjure!).I loved this book. It made my days that much more cheerful, put a spring in my step and ‘The Way Back To Me’ had me smiling more than usual. I see now that the chemistry between these two really awesome authors (sisters) when they write, is superb. They did a phenomenal job with their debut. Regardless of what may come your way ladies, know that you have satisfied one very happy reader.There is going to be a sequel, which will be Layla’s book and I simply cannot wait to read it. If it’s anything to go by after reading what she’s putting Eric and herself through on this one, it’s going to be so good! It’s fair to say I’m a fan. Ms. Conlon and Ms. Waesch, could you please hurry up? Thank you.Get out of your comfort zone, kick back, pour yourself something decadent and read this book. You won’t regret it. Before I forget, I must mention that as far as I'm concerned I loved this book over all three FSOG's put together. Not only is it more entertaining, but it's better written. I’ve given this book 4  stars, and the other  I kept for personal reasons. However, 'The Way Back To Me' has now become my second favourite book for 2013! Fabulosity.I had to add this moment between Layla and Lexi, when Layla hands her a gift. Beautiful.“Why”“Because you need to be reminded of who you are and how I see you. I used to be so jealous of you. You used to be so carefree and exuded confidence. Did you date losers? Sure you did. But you always picked yourself up, dusted yourself off and never gave up on believing in yourself or your dreams. I won’t say that I settled for Eric, but I don’t deny wondering what I missed out on because I got hooked up with him so early in my 20’s. But you always got out there looking, never settling. I love you, but I want my sister back. I think your girls deserve to see who she is, don’t you?” –Layla to Lexi