Review: Thought-Provoking Premise
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 01 13, 2014
As a disabled person I was drawn to this story the moment I read the synopsis.  From start to finish the author managed to balance a thought-provoking topic with an intense burgeoning relationship depicted in a realistic way.  While that depiction sometimes went over-the-top in relation to the secondary characters, I still applaud the author in tackling such a heavy topic in a well-meaning and responsible way.Told from only the heroine's POV gives us insight into her fears and dilemma in choosing between two handsome men.  Maggie's a rather naive girl when it comes to romance and life in general as she's always remained close to home.  She's always felt like a nerd and is confused by all the attention she's suddenly getting from the other sex.  She's given two dramatically different men to choose from and is attracted to both which does frustrate the reader at times as she spends time with each, which feels like a betrayal to fans of each man.  Though I was sometimes annoyed by her wishy-washy nature I admired her honesty and straight-forward questions/comments in regards to Sawyer's disability.  Her questions and concerns were ones the reader wondered about too.The two men in this story couldn't be more different.  Jude and Sawyer were both friends and playboys popular with the women until a paralyzingly accident changed Sawyer's life forever.  Relationships for him are more complicated now with concerns that are realistically addressed.  He wants to be loved for himself and never wants to tie someone to him out of pity.  Jude is charming with a carefree nature that belies an arrogant and creep attitude that doesn't like to hear the word no.  The battle he wages with Sawyer for Maggie is the ultimate male smack-down with an immensely satisfying conclusion as to who the better man is.While there was much to enjoy about this story, I was also left flabbergasted by the reactions of Maggie's mother and Jude himself regarding being disabled.  They treated it as a death sentence and were very discriminatory towards Sawyer in his striving for more in life.  It sadden me to see it depicted this way, though I'm sure some see it that way in the real world.  I also wish the story had been told from other perspectives to get a better understanding of disabilities and a more fleshed-out story overall.  There was a rather one-sided feel to this story that left me frustrated with wanting to know more.  Overall though this was a compelling read with a few quibbles to keep it from being great.  I applaud the author's daring and wish she had delved deeper but I look forward to what she creates next.