Review: Really liked it
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 7, 2013
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.Sink or Swim by Jamie Canosa is one of those beautifully painful but hopeful angsty novellas. Perfectly done with an outcome that was completely and utterly satisfying.Abuse in any form is awful but when it comes at the hands of an individual who is supposed to be protecting you in this life, it is especially horrid. When Allie runs away to get away from her abusive father, she leaves behind her mom and her long time boyfriend/best friend, Dean. After being gone for six months she finds out that her mom is terminally ill. When she comes back to take care of her mom, things explode.Upon Allie’s return it is quite clear that Dean still has serious feelings for her. But he doesn’t have all of the facts about what is happening to her or even why she disappeared without a trace. As he stays in the dark, we, as the reader, know what is happening and it is horrible. As things come to light, it starts to escalate getting very intense rushing us forward to a satisfying resolution.Her father is really quite despicable and I really, really, strongly HATED the man. There was nothing, and I mean nothing, redeemable about him - at all.Throughout the story I had conflicting feelings about Allie. In some ways I really admired her strength and her tenacity to survive but it went hand in hand with pure annoyance that she was choosing to stay. I understand her reasoning for her choices but at the same time I don’t. Like I said I am very conflicted about her.  But I will say this, she is likeable and you can’t help but root for her.I did not have conflicting feelings about Dean. Nope, I kinda freaking adore him, like Allie better watch her back cuz’ I just might go steal him from her ;) Love him. The man of his house after the death of his father, he helps provide and take care of his mom and sisters. Which by the by he has one of the greatest book families ever. Love them too. In all seriousness though, I loved how he stuck by Allie, fought for her, and loved her. They have such a great relationship filled with so much delicious angst you can practically feel it.Overall, I really liked Sink or Swim and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for their next YA/NA read.Originally posted on Me, Myself & Books Blog