Review: More Luke and Reese!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 1, 2014
We saw Luke and Reese reconnect and  fall for each other and come face to face with their pasts in Raising Ryann. Luke was always there to protect Reese when she needed it, but now in order to protect her had to leave her with no real explanation.Months later she is still trying to cope with heartbreak and move on. He is doing what he has to do, but is in a dark place. But he can't let go completely and he keeps reeling her back in. But he has to keep so many secrets from her and they continue to just dance around the hidden issues keeping them apart."But the truth is, in the end, if I have to fight for you, I will, no matter which path you choose, because the way I see it, your're mine. You'll always be mine."It is hard to write a review for this without spoilers There are many layers to this story. There are twists, turns, secrets, lies, and people who aren't what they seem. This book had a different vibe from the first one (that I just re-read and enjoyed the second time). While the first one was more fun, playful, full of sexual tension with some tragic undertones, this one was more of a suspense story with two people in love trying to deal with the consequences of their pasts. It was not sweet or funny, but they still had a deep connection. It was nerve wracking, heart breaking, suspenseful, and painful.Luke...Easy going, funny Luke is gone and replaced by an angry, discouraged man who just wants to break free of his past and protect the girl he loves. But he feels so unworthy and guilty. She is all that keeps him going through some difficult situations."She means everything to me. She's my light in the darkness. That woman will be the death of me, I guarantee it.""Let's hope not."Reese is so confused and lost. She struggles with heart break, loss, and trust issues. Every time she would try to move on, something would happen to make her want to hang on. But she is kept in the dark for her own protection.I got so frustrated at times as the story was playing out. There were so many complications and so much drama going on behind the scenes. He has a big mess to deal with that seems never ending. There is a new guy trying to move in on her, and although he seems nice, he is no Luke. There are new characters who I did not trust not to have hidden agendas. There was lots of family drama and danger. I did like seeing more with their friends, Gia and Logan . They provided a little comic relief and support in the midst of chaos.It was told in both points of view showing us all of their confused feelings and despair. One thing I missed in this one was Reese and Luke actually being together in person. Their time was limited and I really missed that. Although I like that he respected her, I felt sad when he was not around to give her what she needed. So we did not see their sparring and feisty interactions like in the first book, and they were more somber, desperate, and unsure when they were together. But their connection was so intense that you could feel it.Both had reasons for doubt, mistrust, and being unsure of their position. They both had secrets and held back. And ultimately that was bound to cause damage as well as the distance. It went from one tense situation to another all the way til the end. Leaving me sitting there wanting it to continue when I read THE END. But I understand that there was a lot to cover in this story and it would have been too long for her to complete it all without their ending feeling rushed. So it is not quite over yet and will continue in Breaking Ryann.  I hate to have to wait, but am looking forward to more with them.I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.