What do you think?
Rate this book
Loved and Lost: Author's Edition
Blake Fortier and Rachel Kaplan are the perfect couple. Driven and successful in their own pursuits, they're fifteen years into a marriage that will seemingly last forever. When a tragic accident tears them apart, Blake is left with nothing but the harsh light of hindsight and the bitterness of regret.
But what if it could've been different?
Loved and Lost follows the redemption of Blake as she's given a chance to relive her life, right all of her wrongs, and absolve herself of her past mistakes. But even as she struggles to build a beautiful new life, Blake must keep a watchful eye on the future and hopefully change the course of fate.
But what if it could've been different?
Loved and Lost follows the redemption of Blake as she's given a chance to relive her life, right all of her wrongs, and absolve herself of her past mistakes. But even as she struggles to build a beautiful new life, Blake must keep a watchful eye on the future and hopefully change the course of fate.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2014
31 people are currently reading
1885 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie E. Kusiak
5 books146 followersStephanie Kusiak grew up in an idyllic neighborhood in Orange County, California. She spent her formative years watching after her brothers, rescuing stray animals and learning all she could about the supernatural from her grandmother over Sunday brunches. As a writer, she realistically captures the humanizing elements in life and focuses on the characters that live in her worlds. She is known on the internet for her steamy erotica and her poignant emotional twists. Her interests include, playing the piano, karaoke singing, online gaming and perusing local farmers’ markets. She currently works in the financial sector and resides in Aliso Viejo, California with her wife and their tortoiseshell cat, Sydney.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
December 14, 2018
There are some books that can be read over and over again and they still remain amazing. Then there are book that you read once and you never forget them. This is one of those books.
Confession time: Before I started reading this book, I read the blog post Stephanie Kusiak wrote about what inspired her to write this story. That along with this book has tugged relentlessly on my heartstrings over the past few days.
I won't recap this since there are several great reviews out there that already do a good job of that. This book managed to make me laugh, smile and cry until my eyes and heart wanted to file assault and battery charges.
Although I really liked this book I would have liked more dialogue between the characters because the book is told from Blake's POV and we're stuck in her head as she pines away for Rachel.
The final issue is the ending. If I knew beforehand that the book ended the way it did, I wouldn't have read it yet. This was released four and a half years ago and the sequel... who knows when or if that will ever appear.
Oh well, 4,25* rating for this amazing book that will knock your socks off if you're a hopeless romantic.
Confession time: Before I started reading this book, I read the blog post Stephanie Kusiak wrote about what inspired her to write this story. That along with this book has tugged relentlessly on my heartstrings over the past few days.
I won't recap this since there are several great reviews out there that already do a good job of that. This book managed to make me laugh, smile and cry until my eyes and heart wanted to file assault and battery charges.
Although I really liked this book I would have liked more dialogue between the characters because the book is told from Blake's POV and we're stuck in her head as she pines away for Rachel.
The final issue is the ending. If I knew beforehand that the book ended the way it did, I wouldn't have read it yet. This was released four and a half years ago and the sequel... who knows when or if that will ever appear.
Oh well, 4,25* rating for this amazing book that will knock your socks off if you're a hopeless romantic.
July 28, 2014
What would you do differently if you got a chance to live your life all over again? Blake, a woman who seems to have everything in life--successful career, wealth, recognition, happily married to the love of her life, Rachel--is given that chance, when she wakes up a teenager again but with her adult memory intact.
My first reaction to that premise was--all Blake needs is to do is remember when to buy the right stocks or bet on the right sports picks and she can spend the rest of her life wining and dining Rachel--and producing broadway plays for her. Problems solved! :D But of course, that only happens in real life,lol, so Blake tries to change only the things she felt went wrong with her old life. Af first, everything seems to work out much better for Blake and Rachel as she uses the power of hindsight to finesse her every move. But even doing your best and lavishing someone with love can have totally unintended and surprisingly negative consequences.
This book is quite the emotional roller coaster. Blake and Rachel don't do nice and easy. And our emotions are yanked along with them from one extreme to the other end. From the initial gut-wrenching (and somewhat detailed and graphic) accident, to the heartbreaking middle, to the tense race-against-the-clock ending to try and alter fate, there is sprinkled throughout some of the happiest and most joyful scenes of them together, as well as some really spicy (and there are plenty) erotic scenes.
There are shades of Glee, Twilight Zone and Final Destination (weird combination, I know, but it works for me :) ). The 'second-chance-at-life thing' is more supernatural than mechanical/scientific and I have no problem with it. However, I did think some of the characters' decisions were rather unbelievable. But this was later saved by the part where . I also really loved how These were some of the best parts of the book.
The book is long (400+ pages) because a lot of words were spent on the narrator pining away, worrying and generally being emo all-around -- which is good if you like this stuff. I must admit though that when things started to get hairy as the final countdown neared, I speed-read and skimmed some of it because the suspense was killing me! :) Awesome race to the end. And then... a I don't know what to make of the ending. Feels like its missing an epilogue. Maybe there's a sequel?
Still, this is an excellent choice for people who love emotional wringers.
4.5 stars
My first reaction to that premise was--all Blake needs is to do is remember when to buy the right stocks or bet on the right sports picks and she can spend the rest of her life wining and dining Rachel--and producing broadway plays for her. Problems solved! :D But of course, that only happens in real life,lol, so Blake tries to change only the things she felt went wrong with her old life. Af first, everything seems to work out much better for Blake and Rachel as she uses the power of hindsight to finesse her every move. But even doing your best and lavishing someone with love can have totally unintended and surprisingly negative consequences.
This book is quite the emotional roller coaster. Blake and Rachel don't do nice and easy. And our emotions are yanked along with them from one extreme to the other end. From the initial gut-wrenching (and somewhat detailed and graphic) accident, to the heartbreaking middle, to the tense race-against-the-clock ending to try and alter fate, there is sprinkled throughout some of the happiest and most joyful scenes of them together, as well as some really spicy (and there are plenty) erotic scenes.
There are shades of Glee, Twilight Zone and Final Destination (weird combination, I know, but it works for me :) ). The 'second-chance-at-life thing' is more supernatural than mechanical/scientific and I have no problem with it. However, I did think some of the characters' decisions were rather unbelievable. But this was later saved by the part where . I also really loved how These were some of the best parts of the book.
The book is long (400+ pages) because a lot of words were spent on the narrator pining away, worrying and generally being emo all-around -- which is good if you like this stuff. I must admit though that when things started to get hairy as the final countdown neared, I speed-read and skimmed some of it because the suspense was killing me! :) Awesome race to the end. And then... a I don't know what to make of the ending. Feels like its missing an epilogue. Maybe there's a sequel?
Still, this is an excellent choice for people who love emotional wringers.
4.5 stars
March 16, 2017
In Stephen King's novel 11/22/63, the author delves into the time travel debate. What if you were able to go back in time and change the course of history? What if you discovered some portal that let you go back and prevent the assassination of JFK? How would your actions affect the world we know today.
Blake Fortier is given the opportunity to go back in time, not to change the course of history but to get a second chance to be a better wife to Rachel. How she gets back there is not quite so clear cut as King’s book, but the angst filled opening chapters make that leap of faith and time an easy jump to make for the reader.
There are so many things to love about this novel.
Kosiak draws you into the world of Blake and Rachel, time travel and second chances. Her writing is elegant and sometimes profound. I found myself highlighting passage after passage in the first half of the book.
"My wife builds homes like this, rooted in love, and warmth, and passion. She splashes colors of raspberry, and blue, and green in my heart and home. She places large glowing baubles of light, dreamy orbs that float, between the weeping willows and lavish brickwork outside. She builds a secret garden for us to share a world of romance, with pools of flowing water that tickle my ears, bright pink rose bushes and daisies punctuated against ivy. It is a place where music pours from hidden speakers, and more than once she has made love to me on a blanket staring up at the blue sky." Loc - 1646-1649 ebook.
Sure, maybe there are a few too many commas thrown in here and there but as a reader I was swept away with her imagery. Lovely stuff.
I really enjoyed the premise of this love story. How many of us would, given the chance, be willing to relive our teenage years? Even more daunting, imagine reliving your own past while knowing what might happen in the future. Could you become a better person? Could you handle the jungle that is high school life with an adult brain all the while knowing that the choices you make will define who you are in the future and who your wife may be? There were so many avenues to explore here and I enjoyed suspending belief and just followed the tumultuous early lives of Rachel and Blake.
In 11/22/63 King describes the past as obdurate. It does not bend easily. All your good intentions to change the course of history are not as easy to accomplish as you would think. Blake’s past is much more mutable. Her decisions are not always met with the results she expects. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story.
As couples go, Blake and Rachel have entered Dar and Kerry territory for most memorable and favourite couples for this reader. Written in 1st person I found myself drawn to Blake. We know her so well. Of course we do. We are drawn into her life, improbable though it might be. We see how her actions affect Rachel. We want Blake to win Rachel’s love and hope for her HEA after all the angst.
"She feels like the sun and I’m captured in her gravity as I spin my own path. I may have gone in a circle chasing myself across the universe. However, I know it will always be to her, around her, with her." Loc – 4909-4910 ebook
I did have some issues with the book but for true romantics these may be an asset and not a distraction. I love a plot driven novel. After the clever beginning the multiple sex scenes and constant affirmations of love in the second half of the novel became (yawn) a bit repetitious for this old bird. I am sure this novel will appeal to that large crowd of Twilight and Glee fans who revel in love scenes and erotica but I found myself skimming scenes hoping some new developments would happen to advance the plot. What began as beautiful prose started to look like filler, a story without end.
I was also disappointed with the ending.
Four stars for a thought provoking, angst filled beautiful love story.
Blake Fortier is given the opportunity to go back in time, not to change the course of history but to get a second chance to be a better wife to Rachel. How she gets back there is not quite so clear cut as King’s book, but the angst filled opening chapters make that leap of faith and time an easy jump to make for the reader.
There are so many things to love about this novel.
Kosiak draws you into the world of Blake and Rachel, time travel and second chances. Her writing is elegant and sometimes profound. I found myself highlighting passage after passage in the first half of the book.
"My wife builds homes like this, rooted in love, and warmth, and passion. She splashes colors of raspberry, and blue, and green in my heart and home. She places large glowing baubles of light, dreamy orbs that float, between the weeping willows and lavish brickwork outside. She builds a secret garden for us to share a world of romance, with pools of flowing water that tickle my ears, bright pink rose bushes and daisies punctuated against ivy. It is a place where music pours from hidden speakers, and more than once she has made love to me on a blanket staring up at the blue sky." Loc - 1646-1649 ebook.
Sure, maybe there are a few too many commas thrown in here and there but as a reader I was swept away with her imagery. Lovely stuff.
I really enjoyed the premise of this love story. How many of us would, given the chance, be willing to relive our teenage years? Even more daunting, imagine reliving your own past while knowing what might happen in the future. Could you become a better person? Could you handle the jungle that is high school life with an adult brain all the while knowing that the choices you make will define who you are in the future and who your wife may be? There were so many avenues to explore here and I enjoyed suspending belief and just followed the tumultuous early lives of Rachel and Blake.
In 11/22/63 King describes the past as obdurate. It does not bend easily. All your good intentions to change the course of history are not as easy to accomplish as you would think. Blake’s past is much more mutable. Her decisions are not always met with the results she expects. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story.
As couples go, Blake and Rachel have entered Dar and Kerry territory for most memorable and favourite couples for this reader. Written in 1st person I found myself drawn to Blake. We know her so well. Of course we do. We are drawn into her life, improbable though it might be. We see how her actions affect Rachel. We want Blake to win Rachel’s love and hope for her HEA after all the angst.
"She feels like the sun and I’m captured in her gravity as I spin my own path. I may have gone in a circle chasing myself across the universe. However, I know it will always be to her, around her, with her." Loc – 4909-4910 ebook
I did have some issues with the book but for true romantics these may be an asset and not a distraction. I love a plot driven novel. After the clever beginning the multiple sex scenes and constant affirmations of love in the second half of the novel became (yawn) a bit repetitious for this old bird. I am sure this novel will appeal to that large crowd of Twilight and Glee fans who revel in love scenes and erotica but I found myself skimming scenes hoping some new developments would happen to advance the plot. What began as beautiful prose started to look like filler, a story without end.
I was also disappointed with the ending.
Four stars for a thought provoking, angst filled beautiful love story.
September 26, 2022
[2022]:- This story is just as beautiful as the first time I read it. My heart! 💔❤️🩹
[2021]:- I can't remember the last time a book has actually made me *feel* like this before.
Thank you, Stephanie Kusiak.
[2021]:- I can't remember the last time a book has actually made me *feel* like this before.
Thank you, Stephanie Kusiak.
January 20, 2021
Oh my...this book! This is NOT some piss-ant fluffy lesbian romance—oh no, this is epic. I'm still having a hard time wrapping my head around it all and predict a major book hangover in my immediate future.
I’ve been struggling to piece together a synopsis of this 450+ page story of two women’s idyllic life together that gets blown apart then resurrected. A story about a love so strong it bests the grim reaper (or God, or…WTH was that?). Finally, in a moment of rare clarity, I decided there’s no use in doing that. There’s no use because the details of the story, though elegantly written, are not what you’ll remember months from now. There’s no use because, even though the believability of a redo (re: second chance at life) is almost impossible to pull off, you’ll find yourself tucked in, immersed, with nary a doubt. There’s no use because, depending on your personal depth of human connection to empathize, belong, love, and suffer, this story might mean something very different to your best friend than it did to you. Finally, there’s no use because, even though the chemistry between Rachel and Blake is **off-the-charts**, you’ll soon realize that’s not what the book is about either.
What you WILL remember is how you felt turning the pages. You’ll remember Ms. Kusiak’s precise vision-filled passages saturating your senses and enveloping like a vivid dream blacking out whatever mundane tasks you had planned for the day. You’ll remember the perfect pitch and timing of the dialogue. You’ll remember the full circle of emotions that, at times, left you speechless. You’ll remember the lovely meditations on big ass ideals (destiny, forgiveness, altruism, and karma). You’ll also remember how the story gnawed at you. Made you think. Made you long for what Rachel and Blake had. Made you re-examine your own priorities.
Personally, I like a story like this... one that bares the bones. Any author that can drag all these feelings outta me through the power of her words alone is one to be cherished. Make no mistake though, this story is not for the uncommitted or those looking for a causal read. Nooooo. Be prepared to get sucked in completely and kept prisoner ‘til spit back out at the bitter end an emotional, hott mess. All I ask is that you proceed without caution. The sooner you surrender, the sooner the real fun begins. It might just tap into a place you didn’t know you had. Happy reading xo
I’ve been struggling to piece together a synopsis of this 450+ page story of two women’s idyllic life together that gets blown apart then resurrected. A story about a love so strong it bests the grim reaper (or God, or…WTH was that?). Finally, in a moment of rare clarity, I decided there’s no use in doing that. There’s no use because the details of the story, though elegantly written, are not what you’ll remember months from now. There’s no use because, even though the believability of a redo (re: second chance at life) is almost impossible to pull off, you’ll find yourself tucked in, immersed, with nary a doubt. There’s no use because, depending on your personal depth of human connection to empathize, belong, love, and suffer, this story might mean something very different to your best friend than it did to you. Finally, there’s no use because, even though the chemistry between Rachel and Blake is **off-the-charts**, you’ll soon realize that’s not what the book is about either.
What you WILL remember is how you felt turning the pages. You’ll remember Ms. Kusiak’s precise vision-filled passages saturating your senses and enveloping like a vivid dream blacking out whatever mundane tasks you had planned for the day. You’ll remember the perfect pitch and timing of the dialogue. You’ll remember the full circle of emotions that, at times, left you speechless. You’ll remember the lovely meditations on big ass ideals (destiny, forgiveness, altruism, and karma). You’ll also remember how the story gnawed at you. Made you think. Made you long for what Rachel and Blake had. Made you re-examine your own priorities.
Personally, I like a story like this... one that bares the bones. Any author that can drag all these feelings outta me through the power of her words alone is one to be cherished. Make no mistake though, this story is not for the uncommitted or those looking for a causal read. Nooooo. Be prepared to get sucked in completely and kept prisoner ‘til spit back out at the bitter end an emotional, hott mess. All I ask is that you proceed without caution. The sooner you surrender, the sooner the real fun begins. It might just tap into a place you didn’t know you had. Happy reading xo
January 14, 2019
I don't know how to feel about this book. It started out so depressing that I didn't think I could get through it. Then I was intrigued with where the story unexpectedly went. It began to drag a bit. I started speed reading until the last chapter. Those last pages gave me major anxiety. And then it was done.
I can't say a whole bunch because most of what I want to comment on would be a spoiler.
What I liked was that the story was unique. Not something you read every day. I loved the angst. It was the most emo book I have ever read. The writing was so deep and reflective that it resonated and made you feel things in a very visceral way. I loved the characters. They all felt like family and I cared about them. There were plenty of steamy scenes and while I'm generally a prude when it comes to reading explicit sex, I was on board for it here because none of it was gratuitous. More than anything, this book is about all encompassing love and that was ever present during those moments and added to the couple dynamic.
There were things that bothered me. Repetitiveness. Making love to someone's lips or mouth is a very unique way to describe kissing. So you notice it when it is used around 5 times. Although I love my angst, SOME of it in the beginning was a bit over the top. Could have cut out some of the misery and still drove the point home. The flashbacks were pertinent and added to the story, but there were too many and sometime not executed well. I got lost because flashbacks were both flashbacks of the past and the future. There were some editing issues but not too many to distract.
AND the end. I don't even know what to think. I loved the realization made by the swing in the last chapter. I hated what happened in the final paragraphs.
It felt like there could be another installment coming, which I would happily read. But since I am just noticing that this was published in 2014, I doubt that is going to happen. Unless it has and I just don't know?
OH, I wish I could give this 5 stars. It felt like it should be a 5 star. But I just can't. Needed shorter length, less angst (I can't believe I am saying that), and a different ending... or a another book to continue on.
But I recommend reading. It was a unique story and was an EXPERIENCE.
I can't say a whole bunch because most of what I want to comment on would be a spoiler.
What I liked was that the story was unique. Not something you read every day. I loved the angst. It was the most emo book I have ever read. The writing was so deep and reflective that it resonated and made you feel things in a very visceral way. I loved the characters. They all felt like family and I cared about them. There were plenty of steamy scenes and while I'm generally a prude when it comes to reading explicit sex, I was on board for it here because none of it was gratuitous. More than anything, this book is about all encompassing love and that was ever present during those moments and added to the couple dynamic.
There were things that bothered me. Repetitiveness. Making love to someone's lips or mouth is a very unique way to describe kissing. So you notice it when it is used around 5 times. Although I love my angst, SOME of it in the beginning was a bit over the top. Could have cut out some of the misery and still drove the point home. The flashbacks were pertinent and added to the story, but there were too many and sometime not executed well. I got lost because flashbacks were both flashbacks of the past and the future. There were some editing issues but not too many to distract.
AND the end. I don't even know what to think. I loved the realization made by the swing in the last chapter. I hated what happened in the final paragraphs.
It felt like there could be another installment coming, which I would happily read. But since I am just noticing that this was published in 2014, I doubt that is going to happen. Unless it has and I just don't know?
OH, I wish I could give this 5 stars. It felt like it should be a 5 star. But I just can't. Needed shorter length, less angst (I can't believe I am saying that), and a different ending... or a another book to continue on.
But I recommend reading. It was a unique story and was an EXPERIENCE.
February 19, 2019
Damn this book is so heavy. I absolutely LOVED it. There is so much angst but at the same so much romance. This book left me aching. It definitely needs a sequel. I will have to read it again soon though, there are some parts where I would get a bit confused.
5 beautiful stars
5 beautiful stars
November 7, 2015
So apparently I've been reading Faberry fanfic for these last couple of days.
Let's see, shall we.
First, we have the main character, Blake aka Quinn Fabray from Glee. Blake is her middle name, you see. Her first name is Sarah, but she goes by Blake. Quinn's first name is Lucy but she goes by her middle name. Both are blonde, cheerleader, good Christian, HBIC etc.
Then we have Rachel. I mean, the author didn't even bother to change her name. Which, let me tell you, we see a couple of familiar names from Glee. For example, we still have Hiram as Rachel's Dad and there's still Beth.
Anyway, Rachel is a diva, future Broadway star, who is being bullied in high school by Quinn – sorry, I mean Blake – and her two bff's Malina, the angry Latina and Lindsey, the bubbly blonde. Oh wait, you mean Santana and Brittany. And then some magic happens and boom, Blake and Rachel get from enemies to lovers.
It's exactly the same story we've seen in so many Fabbery fanfictions. Well, I mean not exactly the same story but you know what I mean.
Don't get me wrong, I don't usually mind fanfics becoming books – hell, I loved Second Chances, which is Faberry fanfic as well – but I do have a big problem with this one. It's just... why didn't she at least try and change some stuff? And I don't mean having Rachel have Mom and Dad instead of two Dads. Her Dad's name was still Hiram, so that doesn't count.
I was really excited to read this book. According to all these reviews it had to be amazing. But it wasn't. Not for me. The dialogues were cheesy, I mean, do real people talk like that? All these hearfelt words. It actually annoys me in most ff romances. All the unrealistic dialogues, but I guess that's just my pet peeve.
The story itself was good. I don't have complains. It wasn't very original, because I've read Faberry fanfictions about time traveling. So yeah... but it was different, I guess. We are watching the story through Blake's eyes and maybe it wasn't the best idea. I'm not really a fan of first POV in general, and Blake's thoughts and feelings were sometimes too much. We've had full pages of only her thoughts and nothing happening and that's probably the reason the book was so long. Okay, so I guess I've had complaints after all.
But overall it's a good book for those who didn't watch Glee. Probably it's even good for Faberry fans. Maybe I'm just disappointed because I expected too much.
And what the hell was the ending? There should be a sequel and I hope it's going to be better than this one.
Let's see, shall we.
First, we have the main character, Blake aka Quinn Fabray from Glee. Blake is her middle name, you see. Her first name is Sarah, but she goes by Blake. Quinn's first name is Lucy but she goes by her middle name. Both are blonde, cheerleader, good Christian, HBIC etc.
Then we have Rachel. I mean, the author didn't even bother to change her name. Which, let me tell you, we see a couple of familiar names from Glee. For example, we still have Hiram as Rachel's Dad and there's still Beth.
Anyway, Rachel is a diva, future Broadway star, who is being bullied in high school by Quinn – sorry, I mean Blake – and her two bff's Malina, the angry Latina and Lindsey, the bubbly blonde. Oh wait, you mean Santana and Brittany. And then some magic happens and boom, Blake and Rachel get from enemies to lovers.
It's exactly the same story we've seen in so many Fabbery fanfictions. Well, I mean not exactly the same story but you know what I mean.
Don't get me wrong, I don't usually mind fanfics becoming books – hell, I loved Second Chances, which is Faberry fanfic as well – but I do have a big problem with this one. It's just... why didn't she at least try and change some stuff? And I don't mean having Rachel have Mom and Dad instead of two Dads. Her Dad's name was still Hiram, so that doesn't count.
I was really excited to read this book. According to all these reviews it had to be amazing. But it wasn't. Not for me. The dialogues were cheesy, I mean, do real people talk like that? All these hearfelt words. It actually annoys me in most ff romances. All the unrealistic dialogues, but I guess that's just my pet peeve.
The story itself was good. I don't have complains. It wasn't very original, because I've read Faberry fanfictions about time traveling. So yeah... but it was different, I guess. We are watching the story through Blake's eyes and maybe it wasn't the best idea. I'm not really a fan of first POV in general, and Blake's thoughts and feelings were sometimes too much. We've had full pages of only her thoughts and nothing happening and that's probably the reason the book was so long. Okay, so I guess I've had complaints after all.
But overall it's a good book for those who didn't watch Glee. Probably it's even good for Faberry fans. Maybe I'm just disappointed because I expected too much.
And what the hell was the ending? There should be a sequel and I hope it's going to be better than this one.
July 2, 2019
The answer to your question is YES, you should definitely read the author’s edition of this beloved novel. If you decide not to, how could you possibly have an informed decision otherwise? That being said, I will do my best to avoid spoilers. The story revolves around Blake getting a second chance to live her life and fix the regrets she comes to realize after her wife, Rachel dies in a tragic accident. If you have read the first edition, prepare for some changes, but I assure you the core of the story is preserved, and in retrospect this second edition seems even more authentic and raw in it’s emotion and introspection. Some of the changes did throw me for a loop, but perhaps they were purposeful because the sequel is promised and there is even a teaser for you to sample and keep your interest piqued. Blake and Rachel are truly a love affair for the ages and some incredibly talented writing has brought it lovingly to life in black in white. Don’t miss out.
July 17, 2019
How do you summarize a book that took your breath away? If only I could write like Kusiak then perhaps you'll want to read the book based on my review but alas, my words pale in comparison to what this book is and how it has affected me.
Loved and Lost is a second chance love story of Rachel and Blake. It's a story that begins in tragedy when Rachel dies in an accident but follows the redemption of Blake as she's given a chance to go back in time to relive her life, right all her wrongs, and love Rachel like she's never loved before.
Anyone who has experienced the pain of loss will understand the multitudes of emotions and thoughts that flood us with sadness, despair, regrets, whatifs, and perhaps, frail hope that we might be able to see our loved one again one day. These are moments of our human existence that compel us to pause and ponder how it's possible that a beating heart that is purely of a biological mechanism in which we have little control of--strong at times, yet fragile at the crushing of metals or squeezing of valves--is capable of either depriving or filling the universe with vast meaning and purpose.
These are thoughts that have led me to this book in the first place. One day, I asked if someone could recommend a love story, of soulmates not bound by time, and I ended up with a secondhand copy of Loved and Lost (first edition) a week later. This book kept me up late at night until my eyes could no longer stay open while images of Rachel and Blake darted in and out of my subconscious/dreams and left me gasping for air before dawn as Kusiak's words--beautiful, lyrical, poetic, riveting, heartwrenching--penetrated every fiber of my being. This is a story that takes us from the depth of despair to the height of triumph. All that in between can only be told in Kusiak's own words so I end this review with, I'm ruined to find another book like Loved and Lost. This is a love story I compare all other love stories to. This is a story I will be reading again and again until my dying days. And I will come back in another life to write the sequel if Kusiak doesn't write one.
Note: The author's edition made some changes which added more to the story and the characters that were lacking in the first edition.
Loved and Lost is a second chance love story of Rachel and Blake. It's a story that begins in tragedy when Rachel dies in an accident but follows the redemption of Blake as she's given a chance to go back in time to relive her life, right all her wrongs, and love Rachel like she's never loved before.
Anyone who has experienced the pain of loss will understand the multitudes of emotions and thoughts that flood us with sadness, despair, regrets, whatifs, and perhaps, frail hope that we might be able to see our loved one again one day. These are moments of our human existence that compel us to pause and ponder how it's possible that a beating heart that is purely of a biological mechanism in which we have little control of--strong at times, yet fragile at the crushing of metals or squeezing of valves--is capable of either depriving or filling the universe with vast meaning and purpose.
These are thoughts that have led me to this book in the first place. One day, I asked if someone could recommend a love story, of soulmates not bound by time, and I ended up with a secondhand copy of Loved and Lost (first edition) a week later. This book kept me up late at night until my eyes could no longer stay open while images of Rachel and Blake darted in and out of my subconscious/dreams and left me gasping for air before dawn as Kusiak's words--beautiful, lyrical, poetic, riveting, heartwrenching--penetrated every fiber of my being. This is a story that takes us from the depth of despair to the height of triumph. All that in between can only be told in Kusiak's own words so I end this review with, I'm ruined to find another book like Loved and Lost. This is a love story I compare all other love stories to. This is a story I will be reading again and again until my dying days. And I will come back in another life to write the sequel if Kusiak doesn't write one.
Note: The author's edition made some changes which added more to the story and the characters that were lacking in the first edition.
January 9, 2015
It has been some time that I found a book that is difficult to let go, literally and figuratively. Kusiak writes beautifully. Is there a sequel? I can't wait!
November 15, 2023
➬➱➫➩➪【5 Stars】
Why, oh, why did I reread this book? It was fantastic, but it is clear there was meant to be a sequel as you are left wondering at the end what happens. I also cried twice about this book on my first read. It is very emotional and there is a lot of angst. This was my first read from Stephanie Kusiak and was fantastic. This book is one of my top favorites, and that’s saying something considering I have read over 350 lesbian books.
I have nothing but positive reviews about this. It was hot and emotional and nuanced with the tag being Time Travel. I was unsure what would be going on after looking at the blurb, but you follow Rachel and Blake through their up and down relationship. It was beautifully detailed and descriptive about even the smallest of things. It is quite lengthy and probably a bit repetitive, but I flew through this book and it didn’t even feel like 450 pages. This book is amazing and beyond unique. I wish there were more lesbian time travel novels.
CW: M/F sex scene (not too explicit, but it is on-page)
TW: Bullying
If you can deal with an ambiguous ending, tearjerkers, and enjoy erotica, this book is right up your alley. I recommend it to anyone.
P.S. I wish there was an AudioBook for this novel!
➢Happy reading!
Why, oh, why did I reread this book? It was fantastic, but it is clear there was meant to be a sequel as you are left wondering at the end what happens. I also cried twice about this book on my first read. It is very emotional and there is a lot of angst. This was my first read from Stephanie Kusiak and was fantastic. This book is one of my top favorites, and that’s saying something considering I have read over 350 lesbian books.
I have nothing but positive reviews about this. It was hot and emotional and nuanced with the tag being Time Travel. I was unsure what would be going on after looking at the blurb, but you follow Rachel and Blake through their up and down relationship. It was beautifully detailed and descriptive about even the smallest of things. It is quite lengthy and probably a bit repetitive, but I flew through this book and it didn’t even feel like 450 pages. This book is amazing and beyond unique. I wish there were more lesbian time travel novels.
CW: M/F sex scene (not too explicit, but it is on-page)
TW: Bullying
If you can deal with an ambiguous ending, tearjerkers, and enjoy erotica, this book is right up your alley. I recommend it to anyone.
P.S. I wish there was an AudioBook for this novel!
➢Happy reading!
December 29, 2019
Wow. That was a really interesting story. I would happily trade a kidney for turning back in time and right my wrongs.
June 18, 2017
Just wow.
It's not even fair to put into words what this book did to me. What it is. And I do not write reviews with spoilers, I never will, I'll try to explain it other way.
This book is everything, it's an emotional master piece for woman who like woman. It's all the life motivational quotes you hear from all the wise people, it's more then a lifetime of real struggles and decisions you have to make. It's all the emotions you could have but could never tell if you would ever want them, because they happen and you can't challenge a fate. Even if you don't believe in fate, there's something that's building our lives and we have to accept it. It's all the love you wish you were that strong to have and that lucky to ever wish for. Because love isn't only paradise, it's hell at the same time and this book was nowhere near to describe it as "time travel romance book". NO, don't be fooled.
It's about the love you're supposed to have, but you can never know if the other person feels the same way. Here you do, but love is so much more complicated then that. And as a young girl of 20, this book gave me so much. I'll be honest, I hated when I read it that I gave it so much emotions and a book never made me cry so much. But in the end, it's thing that makes it perfect, because you realize that the tears were absolutely worth it and I'll in my lifetime go through it again, because a masterpiece is supposed to be cherished, loved for the love it gives.
Some might say they were disappointed with the ending, but I think it's because they thought it was another normal romance book. You are not supposed to control the book, you never were and if you ever thought that the book will end the way you want to, Stephanie will prove you wrong. It's her who controls it and as I was reading the book she reminded me this many times. It's a book where you shouldn't be thinking ahead because it is possible that you will be very wrong.
Thank you, Stephanie Kusiak, for this amazing book, I'll recommend this book anytime someone asks me or speaks about books because this is THE BOOK for me.
And for all the people that ask the author of this book who is her favorite character or who she likes more - Rachel or Blake? How dare you? A book a writer gives us is his perfection, It's their gift to us because they believe that it's worth to give it to us, you know how hard that is? Sometimes we fail the writer because we read his work he believed were nothing, Franz Kafka never wanted to publish his work because he didn't believe they were worthy and didn't want to give up part his soul. But everyone knew it was a masterpiece once his friend broke his promise and published it.We all should be thankful, I am.
It's not even fair to put into words what this book did to me. What it is. And I do not write reviews with spoilers, I never will, I'll try to explain it other way.
This book is everything, it's an emotional master piece for woman who like woman. It's all the life motivational quotes you hear from all the wise people, it's more then a lifetime of real struggles and decisions you have to make. It's all the emotions you could have but could never tell if you would ever want them, because they happen and you can't challenge a fate. Even if you don't believe in fate, there's something that's building our lives and we have to accept it. It's all the love you wish you were that strong to have and that lucky to ever wish for. Because love isn't only paradise, it's hell at the same time and this book was nowhere near to describe it as "time travel romance book". NO, don't be fooled.
It's about the love you're supposed to have, but you can never know if the other person feels the same way. Here you do, but love is so much more complicated then that. And as a young girl of 20, this book gave me so much. I'll be honest, I hated when I read it that I gave it so much emotions and a book never made me cry so much. But in the end, it's thing that makes it perfect, because you realize that the tears were absolutely worth it and I'll in my lifetime go through it again, because a masterpiece is supposed to be cherished, loved for the love it gives.
Some might say they were disappointed with the ending, but I think it's because they thought it was another normal romance book. You are not supposed to control the book, you never were and if you ever thought that the book will end the way you want to, Stephanie will prove you wrong. It's her who controls it and as I was reading the book she reminded me this many times. It's a book where you shouldn't be thinking ahead because it is possible that you will be very wrong.
Thank you, Stephanie Kusiak, for this amazing book, I'll recommend this book anytime someone asks me or speaks about books because this is THE BOOK for me.
And for all the people that ask the author of this book who is her favorite character or who she likes more - Rachel or Blake? How dare you? A book a writer gives us is his perfection, It's their gift to us because they believe that it's worth to give it to us, you know how hard that is? Sometimes we fail the writer because we read his work he believed were nothing, Franz Kafka never wanted to publish his work because he didn't believe they were worthy and didn't want to give up part his soul. But everyone knew it was a masterpiece once his friend broke his promise and published it.We all should be thankful, I am.
March 15, 2017
I don't know if it is possible but I think I love this book even more the second time around than I did the first. Knowing how the book ends and reading it with that knowledge makes the book so much more...I still teared up and sat smiling like a fool but it was like I was reading an entirely new story just because the context in which I was reading it had changed.
This is definitely not a read once type of book.
I need there to be a follow-up book!
This is definitely not a read once type of book.
I need there to be a follow-up book!
January 28, 2019
Lost a piece of me somewhere in that ending. I screamed a tragic "nooo..." out loud. So loud. This book was an emotional rollercoaster. It felt like reliving a breakup, then a redo and subsequently learning to let go of the past and "could've been's".
I always feel a little spirited away when it's not a "happy ever after" ending kinda book. Just goes to show how emotionally engaged I got into this book. I live in hope for a sequel but the ending is bittersweet in its way.
I always feel a little spirited away when it's not a "happy ever after" ending kinda book. Just goes to show how emotionally engaged I got into this book. I live in hope for a sequel but the ending is bittersweet in its way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2014
Oh my gosh this book is amazing…more than 400 pages and all it took is start to read it, because after you start you surely can't stop…and I talk like that because it is exactly what append to me, I was so into the story that I have read this fantastic book well after my bedtime, and the day after as soon as I was able I have take it and lost myself into it again till the very end.
For a debut novel Stephanie Kusiak shows that she know exactly what she is doing, it's excellently written and this could be enough to deserve my 5 stars already but there is so much more: every phrases, sentences or dialogue make sense; every twist in the plot make you want to read what come next; every feelings that Blake share is powerful and deep and so easily shared by the reader…if I could I will give more than 5 stars to this book, and they would be honestly earned!
Blake is a hard worker doctor with the perfect life, a lovely wife and a baby girl on the way, but everything end in the worst way and she isn't able to go on with her life... so yes it's better to keep handkerchiefs handy….and here the opportunity to live a new life begin, one where she hope that let her right all the things that she have done wrong the first time, and one that make the reader understand that her first perfect life wasn't so perfect in reality.
I have really loved this book that have made me cry and laugh and feel..,And I will wait impatiently for her next novel.
p.s.: I hope that Mrs. Kusiak will gift us with a sequel to this story because I need to read more about this love story journey between Blake and Rachel.
For a debut novel Stephanie Kusiak shows that she know exactly what she is doing, it's excellently written and this could be enough to deserve my 5 stars already but there is so much more: every phrases, sentences or dialogue make sense; every twist in the plot make you want to read what come next; every feelings that Blake share is powerful and deep and so easily shared by the reader…if I could I will give more than 5 stars to this book, and they would be honestly earned!
Blake is a hard worker doctor with the perfect life, a lovely wife and a baby girl on the way, but everything end in the worst way and she isn't able to go on with her life... so yes it's better to keep handkerchiefs handy….and here the opportunity to live a new life begin, one where she hope that let her right all the things that she have done wrong the first time, and one that make the reader understand that her first perfect life wasn't so perfect in reality.
I have really loved this book that have made me cry and laugh and feel..,And I will wait impatiently for her next novel.
p.s.: I hope that Mrs. Kusiak will gift us with a sequel to this story because I need to read more about this love story journey between Blake and Rachel.
January 21, 2015
Beautiful love story full of incredible emotion. Really incredible writing! I'm looking forward to more from this author!
September 5, 2022
This is not an easy story to read through. It is about losing love. The twist in it is losing it multiple times with the same person and having a gift in between to have it back.
The uneasy part is the wrenching of the heart that this shares with a reader. I got teary eyed on multiple occasions.
On the downside, there were sections that i felt were wordy, too detailed and on such occasions i perceived them unnecessary. However, with this much emotions generated, i couldn't find it in me to not give it five stars.
The uneasy part is the wrenching of the heart that this shares with a reader. I got teary eyed on multiple occasions.
On the downside, there were sections that i felt were wordy, too detailed and on such occasions i perceived them unnecessary. However, with this much emotions generated, i couldn't find it in me to not give it five stars.
January 28, 2015
This is the story of a woman that loses the love of her life but gets the chance to do things all over again to try and make a better life for both of them. You get some glimpses into their former life while Blake is experiencing this new life for the bulk of the story. It is emotionally charged from the onset, with lots of angst throughout, if you're in the mood for that. I really did get pulled into the narrative of this and the writing is really really well done, but there are some problems I had with it that never stopped nagging me.
There are so many time (and life) jumps that it was difficult to tell throughout when (or in what life) these things were happening. Is this a high school flash back? A new life flash forward? A former life flash forward/backward? There were a lot of times I had to read quite a bit of the italics sections before I could tell. And a couple sections that I honestly couldn't tell if they were supposed to be in italics at all!
The emotions in this story really are key to the enjoyment. However, there are a lot of relationships from the former life that just disappear completely in the second half of the story. These are relationships that are described as being important friendships, and although you would expect things to change with what Blake's doing in THIS life, it makes no sense that these friends are never mentioned again. Additionally, there is a big reveal between Blake and Rachel that is hyped up quite a bit (I kept waiting for it to happen then assumed it never would) but it was glossed over to the extent of being anti-climactic. I believe it would have made the narrative (and ending) much more effective if this had been handled with more finesse. The second half overall really dragged for me. I feel like the narrative was unbalanced with so much focus on their loving relationship, that it took away a lot of what was good about the first half (the tension, the what-ifs).
I also have a difficult time when I can tell a story is fanfic. Don't get me wrong, I totally read fanfic. However, when a book is so obviously set in a world that already exists, it makes me feel a little bit cheated. The characters have already been created, the circumstances don't change much, and the high school is the same as in a tv show. Which is completely fine for casual reading, but it sticks in my brain when I can picture Rachel Barry so clearly and aren't given the chance to create a world in my own mind.
So, overall, I'm glad I read it. It was emotional and tugged my heart strings, but it was frustrating because I really do think it could have been an amazing book.
There are so many time (and life) jumps that it was difficult to tell throughout when (or in what life) these things were happening. Is this a high school flash back? A new life flash forward? A former life flash forward/backward? There were a lot of times I had to read quite a bit of the italics sections before I could tell. And a couple sections that I honestly couldn't tell if they were supposed to be in italics at all!
The emotions in this story really are key to the enjoyment. However, there are a lot of relationships from the former life that just disappear completely in the second half of the story. These are relationships that are described as being important friendships, and although you would expect things to change with what Blake's doing in THIS life, it makes no sense that these friends are never mentioned again. Additionally, there is a big reveal between Blake and Rachel that is hyped up quite a bit (I kept waiting for it to happen then assumed it never would) but it was glossed over to the extent of being anti-climactic. I believe it would have made the narrative (and ending) much more effective if this had been handled with more finesse. The second half overall really dragged for me. I feel like the narrative was unbalanced with so much focus on their loving relationship, that it took away a lot of what was good about the first half (the tension, the what-ifs).
I also have a difficult time when I can tell a story is fanfic. Don't get me wrong, I totally read fanfic. However, when a book is so obviously set in a world that already exists, it makes me feel a little bit cheated. The characters have already been created, the circumstances don't change much, and the high school is the same as in a tv show. Which is completely fine for casual reading, but it sticks in my brain when I can picture Rachel Barry so clearly and aren't given the chance to create a world in my own mind.
So, overall, I'm glad I read it. It was emotional and tugged my heart strings, but it was frustrating because I really do think it could have been an amazing book.
August 1, 2014
Blake Fortnier and her wife Rachel Kaplan are a ‘together forever’ couple. Soul mates, madly and deeply in love. They have been together for fifteen glorious, love filled years, until tragedy tears Rachel from Blake forever. Or is it?
Blake is numb, shocked beyond reason, insane with grief, until one day a miracle occurs. Blake is given the opportunity to relive her life.
But can Blake live her life differently and alter the course of her destiny and in turn Rachel’s? She is certainly going to try her hardest, come what may.
This is Stephanie Kusiak’s debut novel. But, it most certainly doesn’t read like one. In fact, it is far better than some books I’ve read by well established authors. It’s well written, well edited and the storyline is written in a true master storyteller style. Wonderful.
I have to say, I enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would. I don’t usually enjoy books unless they have the standard ‘happy ever after’. But this story is simply superb.
The whole book is written from the first person point of view. So, it is very easy to follow the storyline. The book is too long to read in one sitting, but is a page turner from start to finish. So, I was kept up a couple of nights because I couldn’t put it down.
Both Blake and Rachel’s characters are multidimensional, loveable and very easy to get to know. Their love radiates in waves from the pages. The roller coaster ride of emotional grief stemming from Rachel’s death was like a tidal wave washing over me. Absolutely heart breaking.
The fact that Blake got the chance to re-live her life, travel through time and so maybe alter the consequences and outcome of Rachel’s death had me turning the pages at break neck speed to find out what happened.
I’m not going to add any spoilers into this review, suffice it to say, this is a must re-read for me and a sequel would be most welcome. In fact, I’m looking forward to anything else Stephanie writes in the future.
Blake is numb, shocked beyond reason, insane with grief, until one day a miracle occurs. Blake is given the opportunity to relive her life.
But can Blake live her life differently and alter the course of her destiny and in turn Rachel’s? She is certainly going to try her hardest, come what may.
This is Stephanie Kusiak’s debut novel. But, it most certainly doesn’t read like one. In fact, it is far better than some books I’ve read by well established authors. It’s well written, well edited and the storyline is written in a true master storyteller style. Wonderful.
I have to say, I enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would. I don’t usually enjoy books unless they have the standard ‘happy ever after’. But this story is simply superb.
The whole book is written from the first person point of view. So, it is very easy to follow the storyline. The book is too long to read in one sitting, but is a page turner from start to finish. So, I was kept up a couple of nights because I couldn’t put it down.
Both Blake and Rachel’s characters are multidimensional, loveable and very easy to get to know. Their love radiates in waves from the pages. The roller coaster ride of emotional grief stemming from Rachel’s death was like a tidal wave washing over me. Absolutely heart breaking.
The fact that Blake got the chance to re-live her life, travel through time and so maybe alter the consequences and outcome of Rachel’s death had me turning the pages at break neck speed to find out what happened.
I’m not going to add any spoilers into this review, suffice it to say, this is a must re-read for me and a sequel would be most welcome. In fact, I’m looking forward to anything else Stephanie writes in the future.
January 31, 2020
So much emotions in this book. I' m so overwhelmed by this story it makes you stop and think on life. Can't wait to read the sequel.
August 31, 2019
I went crazy over this book. I believe it has now become a part of me, of the kind of love I want to experience, of the kind of love I want to earn and have. This book in its entirety is an emotional roller coaster. Blake and Rachel live in my heart now. They are no longer just characters of a story. I will always, ALWAYS, recommend others who are into lesfic genre to read it.
And I can't wait for the sequel, tentatively entitled, "Parity."
--------------------
Three years after first reading this book, it still remains on the top spot of my list of favorites. I reread it now with the intention of comparing the changes made to Loved and Lost: Author's Edition, which I will read as soon as I get my hands on a copy.
This is the only book that I have read of Kusiak's so far. But trust me, it's enough to recognize the remarkable talent she has, not only for writing well, but also for bringing to life emotions you'd never think of feeling over reading a book.
The story is harrowing, poignant, beautiful, and evocative. It's a second chance love story written like nothing I have read before.
I'm sure a lot of us who loved this book are still waiting for the sequel after being teased about it for YEARS. Because yes, this book is so good that I still find myself looking forward to know how Blake and Rachel's story will continue... or should I say reset?
And I can't wait for the sequel, tentatively entitled, "Parity."
--------------------
Three years after first reading this book, it still remains on the top spot of my list of favorites. I reread it now with the intention of comparing the changes made to Loved and Lost: Author's Edition, which I will read as soon as I get my hands on a copy.
This is the only book that I have read of Kusiak's so far. But trust me, it's enough to recognize the remarkable talent she has, not only for writing well, but also for bringing to life emotions you'd never think of feeling over reading a book.
The story is harrowing, poignant, beautiful, and evocative. It's a second chance love story written like nothing I have read before.
I'm sure a lot of us who loved this book are still waiting for the sequel after being teased about it for YEARS. Because yes, this book is so good that I still find myself looking forward to know how Blake and Rachel's story will continue... or should I say reset?
December 14, 2018
This is such a roller coster emtional heart-wracking sweet and love story book.
I seriously dont know how to describe this book. This book is incredible, so good. I cried my eyes out. I love this kind of book but it also the kind of book that i dont want to read either. I feel like my emotion is breaking down along with the characters.
Mannnn, i seriously cant wait for the sequal! And i just listened to the interview of The author said that Rachel will be the one who is going back this time. So maybe, probably, it’s going to be her POV i guess, not sure. 😱 i really love Rachel. I cant wait for the sequal to finish and publish. And see how the story goes with both of them 😱
Re-read!!
Why did i come back for this book again? No matter how many times i read this book it still wreck my heart, cry my eyes out. I’m such a masochist 🙄 sigh. This book is just so good. I really love how Rachel and Blake’s relationship develop, the love between them, the sacrificed they made for each other. I feel like they just so pure, so real, so love and so true for each other. I have no word to describe it. I hope the ending of the sequal is going to be different, that they will find their way to fix everything, to make everything right.
-25th Dec 2017 - shit i just realised this is actually christmas. Why did i made myself cry on christmas? >_>
I seriously dont know how to describe this book. This book is incredible, so good. I cried my eyes out. I love this kind of book but it also the kind of book that i dont want to read either. I feel like my emotion is breaking down along with the characters.
Mannnn, i seriously cant wait for the sequal! And i just listened to the interview of The author said that Rachel will be the one who is going back this time. So maybe, probably, it’s going to be her POV i guess, not sure. 😱 i really love Rachel. I cant wait for the sequal to finish and publish. And see how the story goes with both of them 😱
Re-read!!
Why did i come back for this book again? No matter how many times i read this book it still wreck my heart, cry my eyes out. I’m such a masochist 🙄 sigh. This book is just so good. I really love how Rachel and Blake’s relationship develop, the love between them, the sacrificed they made for each other. I feel like they just so pure, so real, so love and so true for each other. I have no word to describe it. I hope the ending of the sequal is going to be different, that they will find their way to fix everything, to make everything right.
-25th Dec 2017 - shit i just realised this is actually christmas. Why did i made myself cry on christmas? >_>
September 20, 2015
I've originally given this book a pass after reading the short synopsis, I'm glad to have read the other reviews or else I would have missed out a great book.
This book is definitely one hell of an emotional roller coaster, from the very initial devastation Blake went through in losing Rachel; to later in the story where she tried everything in her to make things right at her second chance; and to the final moment which she is trying to defy fate. You can feel all the emotional intensity, and how deeply Blake and Rachel loves each other. Their chemistry is just off the roof, and their love scenes are super erotic.
Although I was complaining a little about the ending, especially it sort of left at a cliff-hanger, but knowing that there will be a sequel coming out, I'm feeling a bit better though I wish the next one will be published a lot earlier than next year!
Highly recommending the book and make sure you have a box of tissue with you.
This book is definitely one hell of an emotional roller coaster, from the very initial devastation Blake went through in losing Rachel; to later in the story where she tried everything in her to make things right at her second chance; and to the final moment which she is trying to defy fate. You can feel all the emotional intensity, and how deeply Blake and Rachel loves each other. Their chemistry is just off the roof, and their love scenes are super erotic.
Although I was complaining a little about the ending, especially it sort of left at a cliff-hanger, but knowing that there will be a sequel coming out, I'm feeling a bit better though I wish the next one will be published a lot earlier than next year!
Highly recommending the book and make sure you have a box of tissue with you.
July 11, 2014
This story is everything I love about reading. A captivating romance filled with real and raw emotions. One of my all time favorite books.
March 22, 2022
I know I already read the original story, twice, and I thought this time, with this Author’s Edition, I am mentally prepared for it. I never been so wrong. It still tear-jerking me like the first time I read the original book. Also, reading this book is like a countdown ticking bomb waiting to explode; with all the date and time had been set, your can only just wait until that moment for the thing that is going to happen happens.
There were some changed, but not much The main story is still intact, i guess. And tbh i’m kind of glad that “party bit” from the original had taken out. I dont like that part, it hurt my heart. -__-
I love this book so much, both the original and Author’s Edition. They are the same but not really the same. I love the love between Rachel and Blake, i love how Blake called Rachel “Angel” and Rachel called Blake “baby” and i love the sacrifice they made and willing to do for each other.
And thank you for the “Excerpt from the sequel to loved and lost” it makes thing for real, the sequel is coming this year 😱 Can’t wait!!
Edited- i still dont see the sequel T_T 22.03.22
There were some changed, but not much The main story is still intact, i guess. And tbh i’m kind of glad that “party bit” from the original had taken out. I dont like that part, it hurt my heart. -__-
I love this book so much, both the original and Author’s Edition. They are the same but not really the same. I love the love between Rachel and Blake, i love how Blake called Rachel “Angel” and Rachel called Blake “baby” and i love the sacrifice they made and willing to do for each other.
And thank you for the “Excerpt from the sequel to loved and lost” it makes thing for real, the sequel is coming this year 😱 Can’t wait!!
Edited- i still dont see the sequel T_T 22.03.22
October 8, 2014
Wow! I think I stopped breathing while I read the last chapter
September 5, 2014
This book made me cry. A lot. Hence 4 stars. I was hoping for a different ending though. I felt myself emotionally getting drained. Whew!
September 9, 2017
I don't understand. Did Blake committed suicide? doesn't make sense to me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews