Review: Dark themes, but most definitely NOT a dark read.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 28, 2014
I really enjoyed the first bookThe Year We Fell Down (The Ivy Years)so I knew some of Bridger's background (NOT a spoiler - but Bridger has a drug addict mom and an 8 year old sister he struggles to take care of) and knew his story wasn't going to be an easy one.  Honestly, as much as I enjoyed the first book, I didn't know if I would read Bridger's book because I'm not a fan of dark reads.  I read for entertainment, for fun - I'm not a fan of angst or massive drama because I read to relax.  However - despite some dark themes that ran through the story line - this is most definitely NOT a dark read.  That's not to say there aren't struggles or conflicts - but overall, this was a very well balanced novel that evened out the dark elements with humor, romance, love and just plain snappy dialogue.** spoiler warning ***(though this is revealed in the first chapter)for those with triggers: Scarlet's deep dark secret alluded to in the description is that her father has been indicted for multiple counts of child molestation.  Because of this, she became a pariah in her hometown and lost out on college scholarships and admissions despite having been a top hockey prospect.  She was ignorant of her father's crimes and the book doesn't go into details - but I wanted to give a head's up for those who would be traumatized by this.*** end spoiler ***The conflict in this novel is mostly external.  You see Bridger and Scarlet move slowly from classmates to friends to lovers - the fact that they both have secrets and struggles bonds them closer together.  I was pleasantly surprised that there was no big play on the big misunderstanding (I HATE the Big Mis device in books - especially when it drags) and Bridger and Scarlet learn of each other's secrets and strive to help each other through their problems.  THIS Bridger is also a very different Bridger from book one.  THAT Bridger was a party animal and massive player - but circumstances in his life have forced him to mature and deepen quickly.  He's sweet, responsible, loving, and supportive - you can't help but love him as the reader.  I liked Scarlet as well - and I cheered for her when she finally stood up to her crazy family and refused to let them bully her or control her.  Their romance and love story is a sweet, sweet journey and I liked their HEA.  While there's external drama that surrounds them, the two of them are solid and there's really not much drama within the relationship.  I also liked the way their problems were resolved - they empowered themselves and took charge of their situations instead of letting it beat them down.Verdict?  Loved it.  The characters are likable and well drawn, it's very well written, their problems and struggles (and their resolutions) are realistic and don't overwhelm the love story or the reader.  We got small glimpses of Corey and Hartley from the first book and Bridger's sister Lucy is adorable.  This is a good solid NA novel with a good solid HEA.  It's not one of those typical player meets good girl books, it's much better and much deeper than that.