Review: I never wanted to set the book down!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 14, 2013
*I received this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. All opinions are my own.*My Review:High school romances rarely work out long term and bad reputations can follow you for a long time. Both Lauren and Wes learned this independently of the other one. Unbeknownst to them, they developed feelings for each other but never acted on them, in part due to Wes' sister/Lauren's best friend Sherry. The story begins some fifteen years later but has life changed too much? Has Wes and Lauren's chance at love and happiness together passed?The Good: Well, I was glad to find out quickly that Lauren was a wonderful human being with a heart the size of Texas. Though her own personal tragedy had permanently changed her, she had done her best to go on living the best way she knew how by helping others. The fact that she was somewhat emotionally stunted and very lonely made her all the more real to me and I love characters that feel real. Wes was the same way. Reading about him, I felt as though I knew him and I am sure that he is someone I would both respect and like. The dynamics between he and Lauren were also very realistic - at times stilted and awkward and at others comfortable and safe. We got to watch their relationship develop before our very eyes and I loved every minute of it! Ms. Mills kept a comfortable yet animated pace and I never wanted to set the book down. I had to find out my proverbial "What Happens Next?" on page after page. She introduced just the right amount of action and intimacy to keep the story interesting and likeable and the back story and secondary characters added just the right amount of additional information.The Bad: I truly had no complaints with this book. It was masterfully written as an action-packed contemporary romance that I will read again and again. The sensitive subject of abuse is handled beautifully and I was reminded that it happens far too frequently and there are not enough shelters, policemen or laws to protect all who need it. <3The Snuggly: I mentioned in The Good: that the author interjected just the right amount of intimacy and she did. Wes was such a gentleman. He was kind, patient and knew what he wanted. Lauren knew she wanted Wes and when you put all of that together, it was almost combustible! Their behavior was exactly what you would expect new love to be - hot, heavy and way over-the-top! It was incredibly fun, hot and sexy to read. This is for readers 18 and up plus you better plan on at least a fan or two. ;)I loved readingFriends and Lovers. It was a real feel-good experience for me, just the way I like my romances to be. Now I am not going to tell you how Wes and Lauren end up because they do have some major hurdles to overcome and some misunderstandings to work through. You will have to read it for yourself to find out. ;) I will say that contemporary romance lovers will enjoy this book cover to cover - so what are you waiting for? Go get your copy today!5 Stars, 4 Flames!