Review: 4.5 stars.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 22, 2013
"Everyone's messed up...In their very own f***ed up way, a lot of people just won't admit it aloud and then try to change it."We met Lila and Ethan in The Secret of Ella and Micha. She is Ella's former college room mate and friend and he is Micha's long time best friend. They seemed so opposite: The perfect spoiled rich girl and the blue collar bad boy. But we saw them become friendly as they helped their friends with their issues.Now we see deep into their family dynamics, troubled pasts, confusion, guilt, loss, and hopelessness. They are both lost, broken, and are each other's friendly anchor. But Ethan has a no touching, no relationships rule...and he has it for a reason. They are kind of coasting through life, coping poorly, and unable to come to terms with their past, present, or future plans.But these two have had a connection since they first met. They have continued to be friends and tried to avoid complications. But it is about to get really complicated.(Quote)It's kind of our thing; we share out stories and never judge each other, despite how bad and ugly the stories are. He knows things about me that no one does...and I know things about him, too...Their pasts are slowly revealed throughout the book adding mystery. In the other books, I knew there were hidden secrets with these two, but never would have imagined what they were. I really loved Ethan and getting to see deeper into his past and layers. He suffered a loss and troubled upbringing that shaped his choices. He was not proud of his past, was plagued by guilt and loss, and had trouble letting go. He had made poor choices in the past, but really was a good guy and was trying to be a good friend. Although I have to admit that his continued resistance, though honorable, got a little frustrating at times."God, half the time you drive me crazy. You challenge my patience. Piss me off. Make me feel things....That's the thing, Lila. You make me feel things for you, even when I'm fighting it. No one has ever done that to me."Lila had been through a horrible experience and never really felt love or good enough for her parents. She coped in unhealthy ways, but put on the facade of being happy and perfect to the world. I enjoyed seeing the changes in Lila as she started to work on her life with Ethan's support. Together they had a witty rapport, deep bond, and feelings that were not easily resolved. Their sexual tension was off the charts. But it was grounded by a bond of friendship that came first. So there was some back and forth, hiding, confused feelings, and misunderstandings."I'm f***ed up, Ethan. I never feel loved, yet I always keep looking for it, hoping that somehow it really exists."As Lila's life crashes around her will Ethan always be there to save her? And can Ethan let go of his own past and move on?This couple was much more complex than I expected after meeting them in the other books. There was a lot of damage lurking under the surface. I am so glad we got to see both of their points of view since they had so many feelings that were difficult for them to express. It is a story of two people struggling to find their way and learning what a real true connection can be like. But it is difficult, frightening, and stressful...but also emotional, tender, and passionate. It is about knowing when to let go and when to hold on. And about trying to become a person that feels comfortable in their own skin and learn to find meaning in life.We got to seem more of Ella and Micha and the ending transitions us right into their next book The Ever After of Ella and Micha. I liked getting to see how their story continues to progress.