**FULL REVIEW**
I should've written this a while ago since I had the honor of beta reading this amazing story. A story that resonated with me on a level I'm not sure the author intended but no matter, we don't all read the same story within the pages of the same book.
"Find a woman that's too good for you, then become a better man for her." I stood there for a second taking in his words. I was a little shocked by their wisdom. "Damn, man. That's deep." He shrugged. "Yeah, someone posted it on Facebook the other day." Chuckling, I shook my head. Figures."
Dillon and Sky's story is a classic friends-to-lovers. But the depth of their individual characters is so much more. The obstacles they overcome, the setbacks and losses...there are so many layers to this story--their story--than I could even explain (without giving everything away). But what hit me the hardest, was Sky's relationship with her mother.
That is what I took away from this book.
I loved how family was so well integrated, how Abel showed the struggles of not just trying to make it on their own, chasing seemingly impossible dreams, but how at the root of their very existence, who they are, were their mothers.
It hit me. Hard.
No one will ever love you like your mother. No matter the mistakes she's made or the judgement you pass on her, she will always be the person who loves you more than anyone else. And as Sky grows into her own, matures and see's her mom for who she truly is...well, lets just say I cried like a baby.
So, yes. This book carries a romantic storyline...but it's deeper. At the root of friendship, there's two mommas who watch, wait, and protect what's theirs. All while loving each other's kid as their own...and finding peace with the choices they make.
But at the same time, the growth of their children proves that they've done their jobs...and even if they don't feel it, they are always needed.
"My mom shook her head and closed her eyes as more tears fell. Standing up, I went over and wrapped my arms around her resting my cheek on the top of her head as we cried together. My mother had been through so much. Her parents had never supported her, she'd gone from one abusive relationship to the next, but somehow she'd found the strength to keep going. She's done everything she could to protect me and make sure I knew I was loved. I owed her so much. I owed her everything."
**5 For Love and Dreams, Stars**