Review: Brilliant and emotional
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 20, 2014
I don't even know where to begin in explaining all that went into this book to make it so damn brilliant. It radiates with emotion and drama and angst but at the same time it is so profoundly moving in dealing with the very real and devastating effects of PTSD in soldiers and the repercussions of that disorder and the fall out effect it has on those around them.Jake is the solider in this story and Livie is his shining beacon of hope in a world filled with darkness and pain. Their love story was nothing short of beautiful to read unfolding through each page and over each and every hurdle and there are som doozy's. Jake is magnificent in this story, your heart literally aches for him, all you want to do is take his demons away for him, heal him- much like our heroine Livie wants and attempts to do. She too was a terrific character- stunning, strong, unyielding in her life-long love for Jake no matter how dark it or he got and simply just a beautiful person inside and out. Even the secondary characters add something to True North, Jules, Nate, the North brood and Livie's alcoholic dad and absentee mother. There is so much love and emotion here as well as added spice and a great chemistry between the two main protagonists. (Loved the drinking game at the homecoming party! Hawwwwt.)I really don't want to ruin the entire story for you but at one point when I thought one thing, something completely different and gobsmacking happened and I don't know if I was the only one who didn't see it coming, but holy hell! You'll know what I'm talking about once you read the italics and don't blame me if your Max Factor waterproof mascara becomes a black Max Factor waterfall down your cheeks, I forewarned you! If you're looking for a beautiful romance that packs an unbelievable wallop of angst, epic love and emotion, buy True North.Allie Juliette Mousseau's writing is wonderful. She knows how to bring fun and laughter to a situation (A certain concert scene 'Now it's a party') but she can bring the seriousness just as well, and manages it all with such aplomb and understanding of the topic that you take a minute at the end of the book and think 'S***, this is real-life. This happens every day.' That makes True North all the more poignant...Definite Book Hangover material right here. Jake has just been added to my top ten book heroes of all time, and that's a damn selective list to be on. Great story, great writing, great characters...need I say more?