Review: An Unshakable Romance!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 2, 2014
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*"You're in my head every goddamn second of the day. I…I can't shake you, baby girl. And I sure as hell can't forget how damn good we are together." … "We are pretty freaking amazing, aren't we?" -Josh & CarissaCan't Shake You is a fun, steamy, and heart pounding read that will catch your attention from page one. What happens when the one person you can't stop thinking about is your ex's best friend? or is your best friend's ex? Carissa's and Josh's relationship is the definition of complicated. Two people who due to misunderstandings and some decisions made, make it hard for them to be together. Add in small town gossip, mysterious accidents in construction sites, perceptive friends, and a sizzling attraction, things are bound to get a little crazy. In order for these two to be together, they must first learn to forgive and find the courage to, for once, go after something they want with everything they have despite the consequences. Will they risk everything for love?"Carissa had been unlike any other woman he'd ever met. So sweet and fun, so sincere and beautiful. From the moment he'd stepped into the pub and their eyes had locked, he knew she was someone special. Someone unforgettable…" -JoshCARISSA: Being hurt by someone very close to her caused Carissa to put her guard up and love became something she could do without. After the death of her mother, she had to step up and live for two by taking care of her grieving father. For all of 6 years the roles were reversed and she became the parent while her father lived recklessly. Until one visit to a friend in River Bend changed everything. One day there helped her realize that it's never to late to go after the life you've always wanted even if it means you'll have to walk away from a life you've always known. And so begins her new life in River Bend, a second chance to follow her dreams. A place where she'll meet new people who'll become loyal friends and a man who will make her want to believe in love again. Her first encounter with him leaves her feeling something she hasn't let herself feel in a while and leads her to make an impulse decision that will cause them both grief. But sometimes in the game of love fate steps in and takes charge. Soon she'll have another chance to be with him again, this time for more than one night."Being with him filled the void she'd lived with so long and while a small part of that realization scared her, an even bigger part of it made her feel more alive than ever." -CarissaJOSH: Josh is the kind of person who always puts others before himself. He's there to lend a hand when anyone needs help, there to listen when anyone needs to talk, basically whenever someone is in need, he's always there. Always the rescuer, never the saved. It doesn't come as a surprise that at the young age of 18 he decided to fight for his country. A decision that wasn't supported by all, namely his father. The one person who always made him feel like second best. But despite this, he did what felt right to him and for several years, he served his country overseas. Due to past decisions, he has two rules. Two rules that because of one girl, he will soon break. A girl who he let get away by not letting her know how he felt about her but never forgot. One night with her is all it took to ruin all others for him. A missed opportunity turns in to an awkward one once he returns from deployment and finds his best friend dating her. Once that relationship is over, it becomes even harder for him to stifle his feelings for her. With the help of a construction job, advice from an unexpected person, and a bit of courage, he might just make the one person he's ever wanted his forever."I'm done running when the going gets tough. You know why? Because love is worth the heartache. I might've been too scared to follow my heart, but I'm not that wounded girl anymore. This time, Josh, I will wait for you. As long as it takes." -CarissaOverall, Can't Shake You is an enjoyable read filled with characters that will grab your attention from the beginning. I'm glad this is a series because I'd love to read more about the supporting characters and hopefully also get to see what the future holds for Carissa and Josh. Definitely looking forward to reading Tony's story in Can't Get Enough!Other Favorite Quotes:"This is about you and me, Josh. No one else." -Carissa"… I can give you a safe place to fall." -Carissa"The truth was, a piece of her had gone to Afghanistan with Josh. And for so long she'd tried to pretend that hadn't been the case. It wasn't until she and Reed had went their separate ways that she let herself acknowledge seeing that little part of herself reflected back at her whenever Josh was around." -Carissa"Everything you've taken, I gave willingly. I haven't been blind. And even if you do break my heart, loving you for a little while will be worth it. You're a risk I'm wiling to take." -Carrissa