Review: 4.5 sweet stars
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 27, 2013
Do not read if you have not read Emerge as this review contains spoilers for the first book.(quote)Maybe your true self only thrives in the accompaniment of the one made to bring it out in you.This book begins right after the dramatic conclusion of Emerge. Evan is angry, lost and heartbroken since Laney chose Dane. He gave up his scholarship and life to move to win Laney back and lost.As Evan begins making friends, he and Laney have to try to get past the hurt to regain their friendship but it is not a quick or easy process. And along the way Even meets a girl who just seems to fit with him, even if she is an unlikely choice. I have to say I would have never guessed who he would develop a connection with. But their pasts have similarities and they surprisingly just kind of click."I don't want to be an underdog anymore, do you?...That settles it. We are now opposites of underdogs. We are--We're overcats!"I loved Evan in the first book and continued to do so throughout this one. Evan is a good guy who has been devastated. But he really just wants to love and be loved. He tries to date and move on. But he finds he is really attracted to one girl, but they have become friends, and he does not want to go down that road again. But she is supportive, fun, sweet, and always there for him. I was surprised how much I really liked her. They really did have a connection, an understanding of each other, and complimenting personalities. But Evan is unsure of what would be worse...not making a move or making one and being rejected again."Well, you bring out the best in me.""Right back atcha, pretty girl."Will he take a chance on love again or let her slip through his fingers?It is a story of moving on, second chances, and healing. It was heartbreaking, sweet, romantic, and inspiring. But this is not just Evan's story. We also get more with Laney and Dane's story as well. They still have some challenges to face together. I really do like them as a couple. Sawyer, in all his glory, is also a big part of this book. And Tate, Zach, Bennett, Avery, Kirby, and Parker  are all involved as well. I really love this crew of characters. The stories are about the couples, but also about their friendships. They are humorous, protective, and provide unwavering support. I cannot wait for Sawyer's story. He totally cracks me up, and he has a big heart even though he hides it under a foul-mouthed playboy exterior."One of these days some girl's gonna snag ya and knock ya on your a**. This way, you'll be ready.""You start drinking without me? No woman will ever tame me, or send me on f***ing errands or tampon runs and bulls***. That chick doesn't exist. It's different doing it for Gidge, she's my buddy."We get a little glimpse of his ongoing story at the end of this book and I am already intrigued.