After being rejected by his childhood best friend, Todd Dixon turns his back on love and all its false promises. Three years later, he's living in a new city, making a name for himself with his bar, record label, and one night stands.
Lily Spring knows nothing but the music that flows through her veins, but after one night of betrayal that ended in tragedy, her entire life falls from under her right along with her musical dreams. Now, she finds herself living in a new state with a sister she barely knows and a dream that she MUST fulfill.
He's everything she doesn't need. Stubborn as hell, sexy as sin, with a reputation as wicked as his body. To make things worse, he's her new boss and the ticket to what she's always wanted. When two fates collide and passions burn high, will the fire die or will it simmer into a slow burn becoming much more than either of them thought possible This isn't just a love story. This is a story of hope, repentance and second chances. Are you ready?
A.M. Johnson lives in Utah with her family where she works as a full-time nurse. If she’s not at the hockey rink with her kiddos, you’ll find her buried in a book or behind the keyboard. She loves romance and all things passionate. Amanda enjoys exploring all genres and bringing life to the human experience.
OK honetly when Todd first hit Elizabeth in still life I was so mad at him actually I was disgusted with him and shocked. Now after reading still water I still feel it was wrong of him but I understand his pain now so much more he was broken and had his heart ripped open and that shit can really destroy a person. Todd was such a broken man I felt him so hard my heart was litterly hurting for him. He's honestly such a good man and he does have a heart of gold. Lily she is also such broken girl losing someone you love especially a parent is not easy it rips you apart and that wound doesn't ever heal until you have someone to help slowly bring you back to life. A good person can do that. @am_johnson_author that letter women it ripped me apart and made me ball my eyes out. I wish I could give this book for than 5stars because it deserves so much more. This book was amazing doll I loved it makes you really feel and really hurt amazing job doll. This is definily a home run and so much more!! I loved Todd he definily a new book boyfriend man my list just keeps getting bigger and bigger lol. I can't wait for still surviving I know I'm going to fall hard for seth because what I've learned of him so far I need to know so much he seems like hot and mean hot mess that I can't wait to get inside his head.
Some books you just don't expect to fall so deep in love that you don't ever see yourself wanting to leave it.
Still Water done that to me, i didn't expect it. This book brought so many emotions out in me it was crazy. I fell so HARD for Todd, I didn't see anyone else, I didn't hear any one else. It was all him. I wanted to give every single ounce of love that I had to this beautiful broken man. You felt every beat of your heart break for him. I just wanted to hold him so tight and not let go. You see I have a thing for broken men and Todd ticked all the boxes, he was hurting and he needed a women that could love al of him down to his soul and he found that in Lily and it was beautiful to see.
Some may say he fall to quick but that is Todd, and I felt A.M Johnson wrote it to where you didn't feel like it was rushed, I loved them together, they were made for each other. And of course this man was so damn sexy he made you weak at the knees. He just had right amount of nasty. I did I mention I love?
Lily.. Well at times I wanted to shake the girl, but I did adore everything about her. I loved her fire, and her vulnerability, she made me smile, she was perfect for Todd she was made to love him and no one else. And when she handed that love over it was magic. Lily had her own hurt and when they were together they healed each other. I want more of them I could read about them forever.
I really feel A.M. Jonson has grown as a writer, her writing flows so beautifully. Everything happens at the right pace nothing feels rushed even there love. I'm so glad I was given a chance to read this book, it will stay in my heart forever. The only thing left to say is I can't wait for Seth's book.
He deserves to be someone's choice. She comes from a tough past. Both are full of insecurities, the ones that keep them living in the dark. But when their souls collide, the light goes through the dark, leaving them with the chance to heal each other. This is a story of two damaged souls who are given a second chance.
Still Water is book two in AM Johnson's Forever Still series.This book focuses on Todd Dixon, we met him in Still Life. When I read book one, I could not get Todd out of my head. I really liked Saywer but Todd, there was something about him that had me intrigued and I wanted more.
Some may say Todd was a little immauture or mean in Still Life, I'm not going to say why because that would be spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it, so you have to read it, but I did not feel that way. As I said before, I was intrigued, he was this broken man suffering for an unrequited love, and even when I know some of his actions were not ok I could not judge him. All of us have done crazy thing for love so, who am I to judge him?.
Reading Still Water bring me so much happiness because I was capable to witness how Todd grown up as a character, how he found love and how he learned from his mistakes, again.
With her fire an vulnerability, Lily Spring was the light Todd needed to break the chains holding him in the dark. Lily had her own business, but since the moment they met and felt the chemistry between them, the deal was closed.
We used to focus on the girls feelings, but what about the guys? The ones who loves so passionately that are capable to give their souls in exchange of love. Todd Dixon was one of those guys, he is going to make you feel him, his love, his sadness, and you are going to love it.
AM Johnson not only gave us a heartbreaking story that is going to stay in your heart forever, she also showed us how much she has grown as a writer. The writing flows in a unique way, giving you all the feels you can imagine. You cry, you smile, and yes, you fall in love. The only thing left to say is.. are you ready?
Ok... I gave this book five stars only because I couldn't give it more!!!!! I loved Sawyer in Still Life and really didn't think Todd would to it for me. But DAMN was I wrong!!!! I loved Todd and I loved Still Water!!!!! I loved everything about this book... It made me feel so many emotions!!! I'm so happy and honored I got and ARC of this book. Ladies, when this book comes out, click it! It's one you won't want to miss!!!!!
In Forever Still, A.M. Johnson gives readers the highly anticipated story of Todd Dixon. Following a grown man make all the wrong decisions in his life, Still Water brings feelings of warmth and contentment as Todd slowly but surely, seems to find his way. Finally showing off the complexity of Todd, giving him depth and intensity, Still Water continues to capture readers into the world of Forever Still.
As Todd is still reeling from a broken heart, he is determined that he has already found and lost the girl of his dreams. Until Lily walks into his bar… As his senses over power his thoughts and the attraction becomes too hard to deny Todd makes his intentions known.
Starting fresh after a family tragedy, Lily just wants to be happy. Starting fresh and finding her place in this new town, Todd is like a breath of fresh air that leaves her unexpectedly giddy, excited and hopeful
Together they embark on this fast paced, whirlwind of a romance full of personal revelations, insecurities and hard truths. Baring their souls to one another both Todd and Lily, know this is more then just a fling. As their feelings for each other are more obvious, their relationship becomes stronger and with like any situation, strength gets tested.
As unexpected news rattles both Lily and Todd individually, together they deal with it poorly and jeopardize all chances of future happiness. As readers are anxiously waiting for a happy ever after, A. M Johnson is showing off her memorable secondary characters and allowing them, to carve little spots for themselves in the reader’s minds and hearts.
As the world tries to remind them why it is important to follow their heart, Lily and Todd must fight every long lasting insecurity to get their happy ever after.
Since Lily's dream went up in smoke she has one goal and that's to land a recording contract. She moves from Florida all the way to Utah to try to achieve that goal. Since his heart was shattered into a million pieces when the woman he loved married someone else, Todd is trying to mend that shattered heart. When he walks into work one night and sees a new bartender behind his bar there's an instant pull. Lily is gorgeous of course and her blush turns him on, but she hates his guts, or so he thinks.
"Still water runs deep, and deep down I was empty. Empty like an abyss."
I connected with these characters! They were each so tortured in their own way. Everyone has skeletons in their closet but Todd and Lily had so much pain buried. I loved seeing how they opened up to each other and helped each other mend. Lily is so sweet but I hated how in the beginning she pushed and pushed until Todd gave in, and of course the results weren't the best but they found their groove.
I felt like I was hit with one surprise after another and I loved it! And the music aspect was fantastic. I always love when music has a part in any story and this one was filled to the max with that musical aspect. I enjoyed seeing all the characters interact because I honestly felt the love they had for each other. Family isn't always blood related but family all the same. I also liked how I felt the next book was being set up. I got just enough information on Seth to keep me intrigued. There was so must pain and agony that ended up with so much happiness and liberation. I loved how the story ended and very much look forward to reading Seth and Tiffany's story.
'I struggled to catch my breath as my feet brought me to where my heart belonged.'
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Todd was burned once and the scar will never heal. Losing the only person he loved on earth sliced him deep. He became Manwhore actually Manwhore is a mild term for this man, he really is cold and broken. He wouldn't easily allow another human being to acquire that kind of power against him again.
I knew it the minute my lips tasted her she was going to be my new addiction
Lily, having just lost someone very important in her life, decides she wants a fresh start in life. So she moves to another state and lives with her sister. Her love for music.
THAT FUCKING BLUSH WAS GOING TO destroy me.
Later part of the story Todd's world will be shaken when Lilly starts getting under his skin. She just wanted to be someone's priority, someone's choice. Todd tries to become a great father and a fabulous boyfriend. Lilly embraced little Molly immediately. Molly, what a sweet little girl! She stole my heart.
"You're my king, Todd. You rule this heart more than you'll ever know."
A.M. Johnson did a wonderful job capturing all the emotions that you only hope to feel when you read the perfect book! Thank you so much A.M. Johnson for giving us the incredible and heart warming love journey of Todd and Lily. I will never forget this experience.
"I love you, Lily. You are where I begin and end."
Todd Dixon is lost, the only woman he loved rejected him for another. On one hand he is happy she has found her bliss, on the other he is in a rutt with faceless hookups and an unsatisfied life. When he meets new bartender Lily Spring, he feels something a curiosity and a need to be a better man for her. Todd though is not sure he has it in him and after a rocky start it seems the hits keep on coming.
Lily has her own plans for her future, a music career. Her talent is unparalleled but Todd is an unexpected surprise. She is falling hard for Todd, but his past seems to always be hovering in the background. Can two lost souls find a happiness together or with life find a way of tearing them apart.
This was the first book of A.M. Johnson's I have read. I felt the author had a way of describing each and every feeling between the Lily and Todd. You are invested immediately into the story, I was swept away with Todd he is struggling and you want to reach out and just send a hug. Shed a few tears and several smiles, great read.
I have been looking forward to Todd's story ever since I finished Still Life. I wish there was a way for me to put all of the emotions I went through while reading this book. Todd is such a unique character in my eyes. He is so raw and beautifully damaged. I love how he mans up to his mistakes from leaving Liz and Sawyer behind, for his own selfish reasons of not wanting to be around them. From the second Todd sees Lily in the bar, I was hooked. There was such a chemistry between the 2 of them, and I instantly fell in love. There were so many points while reading that my heart skipped a beat, I couldn't breathe, or I simply just had to take a minute to collect myself. This was so beautifully written! I finished this a couple of weeks ago, and I can honestly say I am still suffering from a hangover. Todd gave me all the feels.. and I miss him. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster that you will not want to get off of!
Still Water is book two in AM Johnson's Forever Still series. It focuses on our king, Todd Dixon, and the ever growing struggles we were introduced to in book 1.
The one thing I really noticed when I first read this book (months ago for beta) was the voice that Johnson is developing. You can tell she learned a lot from publishing and re-working her first novel and it definitely shows in the pages of this story. The character development is stronger, the plot line is more in-depth and the dialogue is solid.
Todd and Lily's story is inspiring and heartbreaking. Both characters come from tough pasts and need to work on their insecurities to break through the chains holding them back from enjoying life. They will give you hope, make you cry, frustrating you beyond belief and most importantly believe in love.
When two fates collide and when passions burn high, will the fire die quickly or will it slow burn and become more than either knew possible. This is a story of hope, repentance and second chances.
Loved loved loved this book so much!!!! Such an awesome read!!! So much emotions and ups and downs !!!! Love Todd with all my heart!!!!!
Still Water is Todd and Lily's story. After reading Still Life it was hard to see how you could fall for Todd. But A.M Johnson turned it around, so I fell for Todd, completely. He had a journey, they both did, but it was amazing to watch it unfold. I'm not going to give any of the story away, I just want to say that I recommend it to everyone.
Love, love, LOVED this book. I definitely need time to gather my thoughts. Todd is definitely my favorite and before this book, I wasn't a big fan of him because of something that happened in Still Life... OHHH did he make up for that!! I'll have more thoughts later.
Writing an honest review because I'm an honest person *wink wink* .
might contain spoilers of book one from the forever still series .
as we read in the first book (still life ) Todd has been in love with Elizabeth since day 1 , he always thought that as they grew up she'd come around and they'd eventually date and become more than just "best friends" , he had always been there , especially when she lost her parents in a very tragic way for a child to witness , the had all the firsts together , because they trusted each other and because they loved each other , in Todd's case , he was in love with her . then when Todd started to have hope that they might finally become an Item , Sawyer a very charming Ex Navy SEAL with a haunting past of his own came and stole Elizabeth's heart , Todd was left out as Elizabeth and Sawyer healed each other's wounds . Todd couldn't move on , nor let go of Elizabeth but he had to not be selfish and let her go for her own sake and happiness , after Sawyer and Elizabeth's wedding , he moved to another town with an acquaintance called Seth who soon became his roommate and best friend , three years later , Todd had a steady life , at least that's what he thought . he owned a bar and a record label with an old man called Frank , he played with Seth in a band in the bar , he had a different girl every night , his heart was still refusing to let go of Elizabeth although they weren't that close anymore. Lily Spring had a passion for music , an undying love , after a tragic night of loss , her entire life turns up side down and she loses control of it and her self , she moves in with a sister she barely knows in another state , thinking that's where she will be able to go on with her dream .
and let me tell you girl , when Lily and Todd cross paths , You wont be able to put that book DOWN .
pheww , that was some long a** intro
Hello , My name is Contessa and Im addicted to Todd Dixon. seriously , that introduction was not my style , but why not give it a try ? honestly , I loved Todd's story more than Elizabeth's , because comparing to still life , this one was less complicated and a whole lot clearer when it came to Todd and Lily. I liked how A.M made them seem like they were both in a steady relation ship , then added that One-night stand with emily as a cherry on top . adding Molly to their lives was probably the most intense thing to happen in their relationship , because as soon as Todd finally felt that he is wanted by someone , Molly entered their life and brought the "what if's" in to their lives , which caused a LOT of complications and satisfying drama. honestly this was an average story , with a little bit predictable scene , yet different and enjoyable , I thing it has something to do with how A.M. can make words give you butterflies and you end up falling in love with every character . Thanks A.M. for sending me this series , I can't wait to read Seth's book (still surviving) , I wonder what made him such a D*ck towards women ? hmmm.
*ARC given by the author in exchange for an honest review*
A. M. Johnson's poignant and gripping writing prose mixed with her marvelously complex plot is really something every romance reader should watch out for. Starting Still Water was like testing my toes in the water and ending up completely drowning in the authors' prowess. Magnificently written and driven.
"You're my king, Todd. You rule this heart more than you'll ever know."
Todd was burned once and the scar will never heal. Losing the only person he loved on earth sliced him deep and he wouldn't easily allow another human being to acquire that kind of power against him again. Todd is probably one of my most favorite hero. He had a tinge of broken but he was a good man. I loved how his character wasn't pretentious, fictional. His acts were honest, raw, real, as if an exact cut out of a man who has come close to brokenness. And he was one of my most favorite part of this book.
“I love you, Lily. You are where I begin and end."
Lily just wanted to be enough. She just wanted to be someone's priority, someone's choice. Lily was hope, dream, and passion personified. The complexity of her character was poignant, sweet, and badass at the same time. I loved her character so much! She held her own doubts and hopes but they never stopped her from going after the things she's passionate about. She was broken, too, but her beauty dwelled on the hope for happiness and contentment.
We belonged to each other —Lily was my one true thing, and I was hers.
I reaaaalllly loved this book! From the start til the end, I was grasped and gripped by the words, the scenes, and the plot in general. A.M. Johnson is a superb author. Her prose is clear, raw, and soul-stealing. She writes with a voice that you'd like to drown in, like you can go on and on reading it and not feeling a bit tired. Her characters are rich, entertaining, and remarkable. The interesting mix of sweet, angst, sex, passion, and warmth made this book remarkable than the usual romances I've read. I'm sure the storyline has been done before but AM Johnson's unique and poignant prose lit it and made it roar. I can't wait for Seth's story!
I was honored to received an ARC of this book and again she don't disappoint me. Wow, no words can describe how much I love this book. Still Water is the second book of the #ForeverStillSeries and I LOVE IT!!!! I though my life was complete when Sawyer took my heart but Todd have a piece too. Like I said before this books are real, with all of the emotions you can ever have and situations of the reality. You know when you read a certain part of the book and you have to stop because of the emotional roller coaster that your heart is, well this book is one of them. This story brings every emotions out of you. We are so used to feel the feelings of the girls, but sometimes don't think about the handsome boys who leave the soul, life and heart to the girl of his dreams. Todd is one of them, his passion is strong and will drag with it and feel what he feels, you feel his love, his despair, his courage, but at the same time you dive in the deep of they real love story. I've always said and I repeat, you are one of my favorites and your writing is magical, unique and exceptional. 100% recommend this book to all of you. You all will love this extraordinary story. Great job and I want you to continue complying with each of your dreams and the more you write the more I will support you. Many kisses!! Always
I thought Sawyer from still life was it for me but Todd omg I loved him!!!After suffering a crushing rejection Todd turns his back on love for good.Three years have passed and Todd has started over in a new city working on his bar and his record label.He takes what he needs from one night stands.Lily has also suffered, after a tragedy she has moved to start over with her sister she made a promise to her dad about her music and she fully intends to keep that promise.Todd is Lilys new boss,as soon as she walks into the bar the attraction is there,the chemistry is instant.Todd and Lily cant deny their feelings and begin a relationship, as it grows and feelings deepen the past comes back to haunt the new couple and threatens to destroy what they have.Can Todd survive a possible broken heart again?will Lily leave Todd?Or will they stand beside each other a work it out? I love this book I was totally in love with sawyer from book one but todd is right up there with him I thought after the way he behaved in book one there was no redeeming himself but he did!!the story is amazing the emotions touching I loved how we got to catch up with lizzie and sawyer too and I hope the next book in this great series is seths story!!
Todd has stolen my heart. I really thought I was going to have a hard time for trying to forgive him for everything that happened with Elizabeth in the first book. Once you read Still Water you will get a whole completely different Todd. When he said he just wanted to be loved back he broke my heart. He is so broken and you just want to love and fix him. When Lily comes to town, she turns Todd's world upside down. He starts having all of these emotions/feelings for Lily when he only thought he had them for Elizabeth. Lily leaves her hometown to follow her dreams to become a singer. When she meets Todd, she wants to go ignore the attraction because she's noticed he is a manwhore. When Lilly and Todd give into each other and finally let themselves actually try out a relationship Todd's past comes crashing into his life. Will Todd just forget about Lily and move on to the next new or will he redeem himself and get the happy ever after. Todd's character was so beautifully written I could feel his pain. Everything that he was going through, I could feel it deep in my heart. After reading Still Water, Todd will always a special soft spot in my heart! I've already started Still Surviving and I'm already hooked!
Gahh, these books are fantastic! I loved Still Life with a passion and Still Water, just stepped up to a whole new level! A. M. Johnson, has become one of my all time favorite authors! Each book just keeps getting better and better. Todd Dixon is an emotional wreck. He goes from girl to girl just to try and feel something. To get over the numb feeling Liz has left him with. Todd doesn't think the feeling will ever go away, that is until he meets the girl with "wildfire hair" and she turns his world upside down. Lily, having just lost someone very important in her life, decides she wants a fresh start in life. So she moves to another state and lives with her sister. All she has ever known is music, it flows through her veins and motivates her from day to day. It's the only thing she's sure about in life, until Todd Dixon weaves his way into her life. They soon discover they don't know how to not think about each other, or kiss each other, or keep their hands off one another. Their passion for each other burns bright but can the flame withstand what is about to come their way. Everything about Still Water is beautiful and I can't recommend this series enough! I am highly looking forward to diving into Seth's and Tiffany's story!
Read and reviewed for Rambelings from Beneath the Sheets Blog!
This is book 2 in the still series and while it is easy to follow without reading book 1 I recommend book 1 so you can already have that emotional connection. Plus Still Life (book 1) was amazing!
Book 2 takes place about 3 years after book 1. Todd wakes up to find a girl in his bed which is nothing new but this girl happened to have blue eyes. He never hookes up with blue eyes because those are her eyes. Todd has went his whole life believing that there was only one girl for him so when he finds his self as the best man at her wedding he needs a change.
Its been 3 years and now he is running a bar and he co owns a recored label. Things are looking good for him except the fact that he has not been home to see his family because of Liz.
Enter Lily. Lily has recently started working at Todd's bar. The tension is high but so are the feelings. When an accident back home brings Todd back home he comes face to face with his choices on Lizze's wedding night.
I give the book 4 fantastic stars and look forward to reading book 3!!
I was given an ARC of this book and I literally dropped everything I was doing to read it the second I had it in my hot little hand.
Still Life, The first book in the Forever Still series was one of my absolute favorite books this year. I did not think this book would be as good as it was.
I was left with negative feelings towards Todd at the end of Still Life and to be honest I did not think he could be redeemed.
Boy, was I wrong.
This book broke my heart. Todd's story is so beautiful. He is so broken and raw.
Lily is living through her own problems.
I adore their chemistry and the way their story came together.
Sawyer and Liz from the first book also make an appearance and there are a whole bunch of twist that had my heart in my throat.
I absolutely adore A.M. Johnsons writing and I highly recommend this book.
This series is truly one of my favorites this year. One of my favorites ever if I'm being honest.
This is very much a story of being wanted - both Lily and Todd have struggled with that in the past so to find each other, and stay was a little bit of a journey.
Their were a few twists and turns but mostly - and story of love and fighting for what you need, and want.
If You Love Still Life You will Love Still Water even more ... The Words, The Feels , The Todd !!!! This Book is one you start and don't want to stop its all consuming
I-really-want-to-hug-this-author-so-tight-right-now kind of amazed I was when I started reading it.
Hook, line, and freaking sinker!
Todd Dixon, the hot tattooed guy who runs a bar and a record label and the golden voice behind The Lakeside Prophets, was very heartbroken. And I can’t blame him. Whose heart won’t be shattered if the only love of your life marries another person… that is your best friend? But it’s not like what you’re thinking. No cheating happened. (Thank God.) From the beginning, my heart went out for Todd because he was really miserable. It was like Elizabeth (the love of his life) was a compass in Todd’s life and suddenly the compass was gone. So he was lost, very lost. To the point that he felt like he wasn’t himself anymore, that he started building walls for people to prevent from hurting/getting close to him.
But not until he met Lily Spring. In the bar he’s managing. As a bartender. I honestly loved how they met because Todd wasn’t expecting a beautiful girl besides Tiffany (Todd’s co-worker in the bar) to be behind the bar counter, dancing like no one’s watching. I love Lily. She’s kind-hearted, goal-driven and has a beautiful voice, too. Yeah, she sings and signs well. Take it from all the circumstances life has thrown her way and she got that intense feels whenever she’s on stage singing her heart out.
And when those two collided? It was so fierce that I felt every extreme emotion they had for each other; it was crazy. Their chemistry, their fears, their strengths were very real I wondered if I was still reading fiction.
Ahhh my heart can’t take all the feelings this book forced me to feel. But I’m so glad it did because it was truly captivating, it sucked me whole and didn’t let me go until the very end. It was like I was in Mariana Trench and I loved that it’s pulling me in swallowing me whole? (But of course, not in that way really because I’d be dead by then.) But I hope you get the point! And if all the stories I read were like this one? They are free to eat me up alive any damn time. Haha! Sure it was a bit funny but more than that it was really exceptional. Their journey together was rough but it was very beautiful. I am so glad Amanda didn’t go for the usual plot and put in her unique magic to make their story… interesting (and a bit heartbreaking in my part). The way Amanda also individualized Todd and Lily as human beings was also flawless! To be honest, I still find myself re-reading a few times more because I can’t seem to let them go yet. And perfection. Definitely one of my top reads this year! And one of the fictional couples I’d keep coming back to. Amanda has perfected the way to keep me 100% focused in reading her book. And I blame her excellent writing for that.
You know what they say about having a taste and then you get addicted? That’s pretty much my case now that I’ve tested to read an AM Johnson book. Now you know I’m counting the days until Still Surviving, Seth and Tiffany’s story, because I floved those two in this book! Is it winter yet?!
A gorgeous soulful and heartfelt story that had me so emotional, and that's saying something since I couldn't keep my emotions in check when reading Still Life.
Now, we get Todd's story.
The guy from Still Life that many might hate, especially with his view on who he takes to bed every week, but I actually kinda had a soft spot for him. In book one we get to see the beginnings of how he's story might be like.. And with STILL WATER? Jesus. Bloody. Hell. That is such a weird mush up of words but honestly, they explain my sanity as of this moment. I only finished STILL WATER a couple of minutes ago and I already want to re-read it. I just need more Todd damn it!!
Heartbreak.
Rough.
Raw.
Emotional.
Dark.
Steamy.
Hot.
Deep.
Romantic.
Truthful.
In STILL WATER we get a love story that breaks almost every rule when it comes to ruining your heart and basically making you look like an idiot as you grin but cry at the same time (uhmm let's not mention or look at those tubs of Ben&Jerries over there.. yeah). BUT it also follows every step in making sure that we inhale and exhale at the same time that the characters do so themselves. The development is so strong!! I got lost in the story..
I got lost in the sad and depressing back story of Lily and the tears that followed, were somehow wiped off by Todd and his drool worthy sexiness. I don't know how to explain it but with what Lily went through and what she is afraid to face now, trust being one of them, Todd was there to act as a shield for keeping her from "drowning" in her own darkness?
Let's not forget all of what Todd has been through and how much I wishes I could have for just one moment, gone inside the book and given him a hug.. Just a "hug" I promise.. *random coughing fit*..
I didn't know how A.M. Johnson would have carried out Todd's side of the story, and the way STILL WATER turned out? I literally felt chills near the end of the story. THAT'S how powerful this book was!
I don't sugar coat reviews so I can proudly say that if you pick up a copy of A.M. Johnson's books (Still Life + STILL WATER), you will wish you had a box of tissues, a couple tubs of ice cream and a shoulder to cry on.. preferably not a hot one since you might turn on the opposite side of PG rated "crying on said shoulder"..
It wasn't easy to read this story, not at all. That's not saying that it wasn't addictive or that the writing wasn't like second nature to breathing, because it was. I just felt that those darker aspects, in both the authors books but specifically STILL WATER, made me questions how my sanity is still intact consider how much, not I could relate but I just knew the feeling that those characters were going through.. On the other side though, their unconditional, truthful and sexy as bloody hell love for one another left me with a bigger heart and an ever larger grin. I couldn't get enough of their chemistry!!
Thank you A.M. Johnson for the ARC!!! Despite all the tears, the permanent heartache and a tainted soul, I couldn't have picked a more breathtaking story to get me through the day. Just beautiful!