Review: I almost NEVER 5 star a book anymore. This is a MUST READ!!!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 2, 2014
Jake and Olivia have been crazy about each other since they were kids but never really said or did anything about that. He's @ 3 years older than her and that type of age different matters when you're 13 & 16...not so much at 19 & 22. Jake joins the Army after HS. He's looking to find himself and make his own mark on the world without relying on the family's wealth. He has no interest in taking over any portion of the family's businesses. I cannot begin to tell you how much respect I have for a man like that - even if he's a fictional character here. Liv is 15 when he leaves, but they share a special moment then and her first kiss the night before he leaves. The book starts at his welcome home party, and he's not the same person he was when he left. He's been to war and has carried home a lot of baggage with no one to help carry the load. Jake is so happy when he sees Liv, but he's having so many issues dealing with everything that he's experienced. They fight and make up. They fight again, she goes back to school and he vanishes. Of course he turns up and they talk and become the couple in life that they always were in their hearts. However, we've barely begun the book here. Let me tell you - what you will read after that is emotional, will tear you up, make you question a lot of things and make you believe that HEA's are always possible in life. There are several war scenes described. They are not full of gore to make you cringe, but they are written in a way that makes your heart bleed for every soldier involved. It's a glimpse into their day to day lives that is never discussed and would never be in the mainstream media. I admire the way the story was told and how the scenes were writtten. I have friends and family that have served in all branches at varying levels from Vietnam to Afghanistan. Allie does them all proud with the way she wrote the trials and tribulations Jake went through not only while serving, but the aftermath that ensued upon his discharge. I am honored to have read this book. Everyone should read this book - ESPECIALLY if you have loved ones that are or have served.