Review: Don't get involved. Keep things simple. Take care of yourself!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 25, 2013
Though a novella, the emotions, story line, and characterizations were well rounded and complete. You completely understood what was going on from the start. I am giving 4 stars only because it is a novella and I wanted the story to continue! I loved how the author was able to transcend the story through 15 yrs, not an easy feat for a novella but done very smoothly, believably, and with a good level of prose. This is also the "adult" version of the story. And yes, there were adult situations, but not enough that I would label the story erotic or naughty. I would also say this was more a New Adult genre. The adult scenes balanced well and made sense, they enhanced the story, without defining it. *There is also YA version of the story for the younger readers.Now for the good stuff.I loved Ethan and Emily. I found them adorable and completely engaging. Even with all the hurt, loss, and heat break they both suffered so early on in their lives. What would have broken so many only made these two stronger in their resolve for a better life. And once they came together, they strive to be better for each other, to build a happy life together. Not an easy thing considering both their backgrounds, and not without bumps in the road, insecurities, and misunderstandings.Don't get involved. Keep things simple. Take care of yourself!Ethan's mantra he continuously says to himself through the first few chapters...until Emily enters his life.Basically, Ethan has been on his own since his father died at 15. A product of the state system, he survived by keeping himself closed off and constantly reciting his mantra...Don't get involved. Keep things simple. Take care of yourself!Once on his own, he secures a job in a local grocery store and a small rundown apartment. He is content but alone, choosing to stay to himself and not make any friends.Emily stumbles in to his life one day and she is also alone, though her circumstances are very different. She and her mother are homeless. Tragically, her mother dies and Emily is left completely on her own. Refusing to enter the system, she runs away and squats in the apartment next to Ethan's. This is where their meeting takes place and the story takes off from.I really enjoyed their growing relationship. I found them so endearing and realistic in the wants and dreams, especially their growing love for one another.And then there is Margie, Ethan's boss at the grocery store. What a great secondary character. And though there were only glimpses of her here and there, her contribution to the story just made the flow that much smoother. She was a wonderful addition of a parental figure without being a parent.Really just a good easy read and an author to keep an eye on for future works.