Review: 5 Phenomenal Stars
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 4, 2014
I was stunned and enchanted by Aly Martinez's debut novel Changing Course so when it came to reading the follow up, Stolen Course, although I had faith in this talented author's ability, I couldn't help but wonder if all the magic that culminated in the first book could really be cultivated a second time.  After all, Brett and Jesse were irresistible characters that I fell in love with almost instantaneously.  Could I fall even half as hard for Caleb who has a gruff exterior and seems to be ruled by hatred, or even Emma who we know next to nothing about and has been absent from her injured sister's life for years?  I can say that the premise of Stolen Course captured my attention immediately and left no question as to whether I would read this one or not, but the completely unique storyline of Changing Course was utterly captivating and intriguing, so could this story even compare?  There was one unforeseen turn of events after the other in the first book which really shook things up and left you reeling, but as far as Stolen Course, I figure we know all there is to know about the events leading up to Caleb's story, so how could this book possibly be as absorbing or thrilling as that one?Not only was Stolen Course a phenomenal book in its own right, but it surpassed all expectations and comparisons to its predecessor and, although it pains me to admit it, I actually enjoyed it even more than the first.One of my favorite things about Changing Course was how magnetic the characters were and Caleb and Emma are no different. Caleb is moody, opinionated, stubborn, and tells it like it is. He is also smoking hot.  I definitely like my boys dirty, and Caleb is dirty and sexy and alpha to the core. Most of all he is intensely passionate about the things that are important to him, good or bad.  Emma is smart, sassy and spunky.  She doesn't take anything from anyone and the way she stood up to Caleb their first meeting won me over instantly becoming not just my favorite character of the series, but actually one of my favorite characters period.Just as I adored and appreciated the realism of Brett and Jesse's story, the love between Caleb and Emmy was not overdone or over the top at all.  These two don't just have minor disagreements, they fight, they say hurtful things to each other in the heat of the moment, and Caleb ends up missing out on some extremely important moments with Emma because he is pig-headed and sometimes because he is just being an ass, but don't we all have those moments in our relationships?  No matter how powerful and consuming a romance, how passionate and idyllic, love is not always easy and never perfect which is what makes this story completely relatable and exceptionally emotional.  What's really wonderful is that these things allow them to truly understand and treasure what they have together and recognize the things that are truly important in life.As far as surprises, there were a few delightful twists and turns one of which was a completely shocking revelation that changes absolutely everything, setting in motion a chain of events that would change all of their lives.  I love a good surprise and I was positively giddy to have been blown away by something as unexpected and consequential as this.Stolen Course is a spellbinding story that surpassed any and all reservations and expectations.  I am beside myself with adoration of this author and I will be one of the first in line to experience whatever she has planned for us next.