Review: Plot 'twists' were no surprise, but still an enjoyable book
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 09 14, 2013
Brooklyn suffered a massive trama when she was 6/7 years old - her mother was murdered in front of her eyes.Fast forward 14 years - she is a college student who is disconnected from the rest of the world. She has a BFF that seems shallow (but Lexi is a good person, she knows not to push Brooklyn...), but is a wonderful friend that puts up with Brooklyn's inability to talk about her past and her feelings.Brooklyn meets the campus 'hottie', Finn. When they meet, Brooklyn is immediately attracted to his looks, but not his personality.Eventually the romance blooms between the two, but it is very rocky due to Brooklyn being 'broken' and also due to the fact that she someone is trying to hurt her.There is quite a bit going on in this book.Flashbacks to Brooklyn's childhood, attempts on Brooklyn's life and problems that Brooklyn is facing getting beyond her trauma.There were moments where I wanted to shake Brooklyn because she seemed like she was stuck on 'I am broken and I don't trust anyone because I'll only get hurt' mind monologue. It was a bit annoying at times, but not super frustrating as some books can get.Finn brings it fast and furious. His attraction to Brooklyn on both a physical and emotional level is big. He isn't afraid to show it. He is a slice of heaven.Intertwined with her 'angst-y' discussions in her head, Brooklyn is sassy and funny. I like the interaction between herself and Finn when she is in a good mood. But suddenly she starts the "I hate you" (in a partially non-serious way) that gets old quickly. Here is a guy that has only proven himself to be loyal, kind and loving, and she throws out these suspicions and walls that most guys would give up on someone like that.The steam level is pretty high (not a youth book) - that make their connection and passion very real.Most of the time, I felt as Finn was way more committed to the relationship than Brooklyn. I kept waiting for her feelings to be more in-depth - but it didn't happen.Overall, this a good book to read. I gave it 3 stars because it was so very predictable and I felt that it had a ton of potential, but didn't hit the mark.Brooklyn (written as a young girl) felt very vulnerable and it was heart-rending to read about the murder.Brooklyn as an adult, seemed more stuck than broken. I think 14 years (even with the absentee-dad that she grew up with) after the loss of her mother, should would be able to find friends or outlets that would have healed her more than she was. Yes her dad ignored her, but she had financial freedom and the opportunity to talk with therapists, etc.Again, this is a good book to read, but go into it knowing that it is a 'light' read from the perspective of the depth of characters and plot level. But the dialogue flowed well and the characters were all likeable.It had a HEA and no cliffhanger. Also had an epilogue that I enjoyed reading. (I love those!)Enjoy!