Incredible second chance story! -Spoilers!
I dove into this book and couldn't put it down! There were some spins on the typical second-chance story. First, instead of living in the "now" and getting the past via flashback, you'll spend about the first half of the book in their young love story, seeing it unfold. Then, you'll walk with them through their reconciliation and redemption in the second half.
The MCs are both likeable, and it's really a tragic tale how they end up separating. Yes, they were young and maybe Bowe didn't make the best decision, but as you work through the story you feel the goodness from him. I liked Laney as an FMC, and learning her history with her family, you can understand why she so quickly believed the lie.
I would have loved to see a bit more of their life and experiences from the time they split to the time they began to reconcile, but it probably would have made the book too long. They touch on it, her school and his career and the challenges, but would have loved to seen more. I'm one of those people that don't mind a 500+ page book, though! For most romance readers, it was probably the right length.
I loved how the author tied bits and pieces of the story to songs by a particular artist (Warren Zeiders) As a fan of his music, I loved those little Easter eggs found throughout. She does note them, so if you don't know his music, you'll at least know it's an "inside joke." There were a couple of the links that felt a little forced, but it was still a cool idea and not something I've seen often.
If you enjoy second-chance stories with a few spicy scenes, lots of angst, and letting your heart be broken before you patch it back together- this book is for you!