Review: An emotionally charged story
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 19, 2014
Before I begin my review, I do feel the need to say that while Stolen Course can technically be read as a stand-alone, I HIGHLY recommend reading Changing Course first. There is a lot of back story and character development that happens in the first novel that really adds to what will transpire here. Trust me; you’ll be thanking me later.Caleb Jones is bitter and full of anger. He was in love once with a beautiful woman that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, but all of that was stolen from him the moment that his best friend’s wife, Sarah, got behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated. It’s hard enough having to deal with Sarah after everything that had transpired, but he never expected to feel a connection to her sister, Emma, either.Emma Erickson wasn't there for her sister much after the crash, but she’s looking to change all of that now. She knew that uprooting her life to take care of her sister wouldn't be easy, but she never counted on falling for the one man that hates Sarah more than anyone.Will Caleb and Emma be able to push through the hurdles that surround them and find a way to be together despite everything? Or will the hatred that’s been brewing inside of Caleb prove to be too much, especially when long hidden secrets are finally revealed?Let me start off my saying that this was amazing! Aly managed to one-up herself with this continuation and I am so beyond happy with the results. While it was nice seeing Brett and Jesse again, and I do love Jesse, it was Caleb and Emma who stole the show!Caleb had been my favorite character in the first book and I loved him even more here. He’s a broken shell of the person that he used to be, but you slowly get to see him come to life once more as the story progresses. He’s hurt and angry and it’s very easy to side with him. You can see where he’s coming from and his course of actions are understandable.Emma was a pleasant surprise, and I absolutely adored her character. She’s funny, sarcastic, spunky, and strong willed. She loves her sister and wants to be there for her, and she doesn't condemn Caleb for his thoughts and feelings. She only asks that he not express them to her. I can’t imagine being in her position and I thought she handled everything with grace.And crap. Crappity crap crap!! Let’s just say that Caleb wasn't the only one left with his head spinning. Aly managed to make me feel guilty for some of the thoughts that I had once some things came to pass. And I rarely feel guilty when reading.I give this book 5 gut wrenching stars. Stolen Course is a heartbreakingly beautiful story that is sure to stay with you long after you've read it.*This book was given to me for an honest review. The fact that it was given to me in no way reflects the rating that I provide.*