Review: MORE than (Once) Again, please!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 17, 2014
4.5 Stars(Once) Again is my first book by Theresa Paolo. It is the second book in a series, preceded by (Never) Again. While it is not necessary to have read the first book to enjoy this one, I plan to go back and read it. It would have added dimension to the story to have had knowledge of Liz and Zach’s history.I am a sucker for second chance romance, and this one did not disappoint. It was not the typical story-line. The plot centered on the aftermath of a school shooting – how it affected a survivor and his family. Josh Wagner is one of seventeen survivors of a school shooting at Springfield College. Six of his classmates died – one of them in his arms. He is suffering from a bad case of PTSD and is trying to deal with it himself. The story is told from his point of view. I don’t know why, but I always enjoy a story from the male POV. Kat Singleton is the girl he left behind when he went to college. When she shows up as his home health aide he is reminded that he really never got over her. There is an instant heat that can’t be denied. Now he realizes what that “empty” feeling has been with the numerous girls he’s been with since he left. Kat is nice, but definitely “stand-offish.” It is obvious that she still has feelings for Josh, but does not plan to act on them - only be hurt again. The story of this book is their road to recovery. What a story it is! They have been apart for two years. A lot has happened to both of them. It is a poignant and beautiful story of healing and forgiveness. The dialogue between the characters is fresh and fun. The story of Josh and his Kit-Kat made me laugh and made me cry. They are both broken. They need each other to be whole again, but can they acknowledge that need?I couldn’t put this book down after I started it, so set aside some time to spend with Josh and Kat. I look forward to reading more from Theresa Paolo – starting with the first book in the series. I can’t wait for the third!ARC received from NetGalley.