Wow!! Amazing debut!!! Was no way expecting that ending!!!!
This novel was amazing! I never thought that I would become so emotionally distraught while turning the final few pages of the book. It just ripped my heart out and stomped all over it. It was so moving. It was beautiful and tender. A love so sweet and compassionate. True friends. True lovers. Stunningly driven. Heartbreakingly decided. I just couldn’t believe it ended that way... (tears still flowing). A day later, and I’m still shaking my head. In fact, when reviewing parts of the book while writing this review, I seem to be tearing up again. I never had that happen before. It’s like I knew the characters personally. They were my friends until the bitter end. Why? Why did their story get cut so short when they were meant to be together...forever? I guess I understand why the author wrote it the way she had, But, I was so not prepared for it. The thought never even crossed my mind. Now that’s a “love story”! A crushingly poignant “love story”!
“THE TERM ‘AWAY’ COMES IN many forms and phrases. Get away, stay away, far away, go away, and move away, but the term that best fits my situation...Run away.”
~ Cassandra (Chap. 1)
Oh, where to start...hmmmm. Well, Cassandra Pierce is running “away”. Away from everything that has ever been planned for her. Nothing has ever been her choice. From the college she goes to, to the major chosen for her, right down to the grades she got. Her parents had big plans for her, and she was expected to be the “perfect” daughter. But, she messed up badly. Everything was now in jeopardy, and she had no idea how to fix it. And, that’s why she was on her way to see best friend, Melanie, at Adams State University. Mel would listen and know what to do. As she’s on her trek to see her friend, and driving in the wrong direction I might add, she passes through a small town called Keaton. She, unfortunately, ends up getting in a car accident because of a blown tire, which puts her trip to Melanie on the back-burner for now. Happily for Cassandra, though, she’s rescued by a handsomely impressive guy. Jason Bradley is sweet and charming. He’s such an eyeful with his sparkling green eyes and wavy brown hair. He’s one special guy! He’s just so incredible. And, Cassandra feels things fluttering in her stomach that she’s never felt there before. He befriends her and allows her to stay at his parents’ home while her car is being fixed. He couldn’t have been nicer – even nicknaming her “Cassie”, which only shows her how endearing he really is. But, both individuals are harboring secrets that could have devastating repercussions. Cassie’s secret, though, is much more accepting and hopeful to work through, while Jason’s is unpredictable and could prove to be inevitably tragic. The truth with each person finally comes out, and they are painstakingly dealt with. But, when two medical emergencies arise at the same time, Cassie has to make a choice as to which one will receive her full attention. Jason, though, makes the choice for her – actually insisting for her to return home to conquer her demons. Unfortunately, though, what happens next rocks her world to no end. It brings everything that the couple planned for their future to a screeching halt with agony and despair. It was painful. Torturing. Traumatic. Tragic. How can it hurt this bad? Uncontrollably sobbing, how will she ever be able to go on?
Well, like I said, this is one sorrowful novel. Beautiful through and through despite the broken hearts. Containing a love so rare. A love so exquisite that one couldn’t help but be infatuated with the characters that author, B.A. Wolfe, created. Both main characters, Cassandra and Jason, had divine souls – loving each other compassionately and unconditionally no matter their faults or their imperfections. Cassie was such a “sweetheart”. Such a kind and caring young woman – always trying to live up to her parents’ standards until it just wasn’t possible to do so any more. They just really didn’t know their daughter or who she had become. And, when it came to her and Jason’s relationship, she just couldn’t believe how lucky she was to have found him. He was her other half. Her soulmate. Her now and her forever. And, Jason, wow! He was just so charming. Unbelievably cute! He melted Cassie’s heart with his mesmerizing gaze that spoke of nothing but devotion and intensity. With his country “sweetheart” endearment, his stylish cowboy hat and boots, and those, oh so, delicious tight blue jeans, he was a sight to feast one’s eyes on. He was funny and tender. And, just so remarkably brave! One couldn’t help but love him! He had a great family support system and true best friend in T.J. “Moose”. When everything was said and done, there would never be any doubt of just what a stellar individual he truly was! Truly unimagineable...
The word "Away" is so final, so definitive...
“The term ‘away’ comes in many forms and phrases. Get away, stay away, far away, go away, run away, move away, but the term that best fits this situation...Went away.”
~ Cassie (Chap. 35)...just so so sad
This was an outstanding novel! One that I would highly recommend. I was truly surprised that this was Ms. Wolfe’s first published work. She definitely has a promising future in the writing profession. A novel not to be missed! It will be an emotional rollercoaster, but worth every single solitary minute spent reading it...
Green light<3;)