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Young Love #2
The Path We Take
He’s alone
He’s tattooed
He’s badly burnt
He’s fighting for his lifeA knee injury turns my world upside down,
putting my gymnastics scholarship in doubt.
As I wait for surgery, I’m persuaded into volunteering
to help with my college applications.
The boy called Spider has no family nearby
and faces many months in hospital.
They think my visits will help with his recovery,
give him something to look forward to,
help him heal.
But they're wrong.
I don't help Spider.
He helps me.
The boy who has nothing to live for
Ends up giving me everything to live for.
He’s tattooed
He’s badly burnt
He’s fighting for his lifeA knee injury turns my world upside down,
putting my gymnastics scholarship in doubt.
As I wait for surgery, I’m persuaded into volunteering
to help with my college applications.
The boy called Spider has no family nearby
and faces many months in hospital.
They think my visits will help with his recovery,
give him something to look forward to,
help him heal.
But they're wrong.
I don't help Spider.
He helps me.
The boy who has nothing to live for
Ends up giving me everything to live for.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2019
68 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 20, 2019
So, here’s the thing. I DNFed this book, and I DNFed it pretty early — at page 43 of 240. That’s just 18%. Normally, in cases such as these, I wouldn’t post a rating or review. Sometimes, I’d even message the author saying “hey, this book isn’t my cup of tea, but I’m not going to prematurely review it since I DNFed so early.”
However, I feel like there are things that need to be said about this book.
I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m not sure if it’s common knowledge — I am physically disabled, in more ways than one. I have hydrocephalus, which is a neurological condition that is potentially life-threatening. I am legally blind in my left eye.
And I also have right-sided cerebral palsy, which means my right foot is paralyzed (I can move my right hand and fingers but I am Not right handed), and I walk with a permanent limp.
So imagine my surprise when I get about 40 pages into what I previously thought was going to be a pretty okay 3-star read... and find it suddenly littered with all sorts of ableistic language!
Our main character, Dominique, injures her leg at a party, and immediately thinks her gymnastics career is over. And, of course, because she is an able-bodied girl who has potentially given herself a PHYSICAL DISABILITY (which — her injury isn’t even that big of a deal, Jesus fucking Christ), she IMMEDIATELY starts boohooing over how much she “should be better than a cripple,” and “her life is over because she might (MIGHT) have an EXTREMELY MINOR disability.”
Don’t believe me? Well, let me introduce you to the Holy Trinity of Ableism. Mind you, these are DIRECT QUOTES that I copied down, word-for-word, before I DNFed. These quotes are 100% unedited.
“How many one-legged gymnasts do you know?” (Gee, I don’t know, but they probably work lightyears harder than an able-bodied girl with a perfectly healthy body).
‘I didn’t want to read insincere messages sympathizing about my stupid injury, my weak knee. I didn’t want a reminder that I was an invalid on crutches.” (An invalid, huh? Mighty fine usage of ableistic language you got there!)
“My spirits sunk. I could imagine all of them walking, running around, having fun and I’d be sitting there, leg raised or hobbling around like a cripple.” (A cripple, huh? Once again — LOVE the usage of ableist language 😍 Also, I love the implication that disabled people don’t go outside and have fun. Can confirm, I just lie around bedridden all day. My life is such a TRAVESTY.)
In conclusion — Miss Dominique views herself better than us “cripples,” and it REALLY shows! She is clearly such a model citizen, using slurs like invalid and cripple. They’re kind of like the N-slur and the F-slur — People of color and the LGBT community, respectively, can reclaim those words if they so desire, but it’s Really Shitty for anyone outside of those groups to use that language. Likewise, I, as a disabled person, can jokingly use words like cripple and invalid, but it’s a No Go for able-bodied people to use them. I’m about ready to dropkick this whiney, able-bodied chic into the stratosphere using just my crippled leg.
Ugh.
This went so downhill so fast and I’m so disappointed.
In conclusion.
Ableism and mockery of people with disabilities isn’t cool, kids!
However, I feel like there are things that need to be said about this book.
I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m not sure if it’s common knowledge — I am physically disabled, in more ways than one. I have hydrocephalus, which is a neurological condition that is potentially life-threatening. I am legally blind in my left eye.
And I also have right-sided cerebral palsy, which means my right foot is paralyzed (I can move my right hand and fingers but I am Not right handed), and I walk with a permanent limp.
So imagine my surprise when I get about 40 pages into what I previously thought was going to be a pretty okay 3-star read... and find it suddenly littered with all sorts of ableistic language!
Our main character, Dominique, injures her leg at a party, and immediately thinks her gymnastics career is over. And, of course, because she is an able-bodied girl who has potentially given herself a PHYSICAL DISABILITY (which — her injury isn’t even that big of a deal, Jesus fucking Christ), she IMMEDIATELY starts boohooing over how much she “should be better than a cripple,” and “her life is over because she might (MIGHT) have an EXTREMELY MINOR disability.”
Don’t believe me? Well, let me introduce you to the Holy Trinity of Ableism. Mind you, these are DIRECT QUOTES that I copied down, word-for-word, before I DNFed. These quotes are 100% unedited.
“How many one-legged gymnasts do you know?” (Gee, I don’t know, but they probably work lightyears harder than an able-bodied girl with a perfectly healthy body).
‘I didn’t want to read insincere messages sympathizing about my stupid injury, my weak knee. I didn’t want a reminder that I was an invalid on crutches.” (An invalid, huh? Mighty fine usage of ableistic language you got there!)
“My spirits sunk. I could imagine all of them walking, running around, having fun and I’d be sitting there, leg raised or hobbling around like a cripple.” (A cripple, huh? Once again — LOVE the usage of ableist language 😍 Also, I love the implication that disabled people don’t go outside and have fun. Can confirm, I just lie around bedridden all day. My life is such a TRAVESTY.)
In conclusion — Miss Dominique views herself better than us “cripples,” and it REALLY shows! She is clearly such a model citizen, using slurs like invalid and cripple. They’re kind of like the N-slur and the F-slur — People of color and the LGBT community, respectively, can reclaim those words if they so desire, but it’s Really Shitty for anyone outside of those groups to use that language. Likewise, I, as a disabled person, can jokingly use words like cripple and invalid, but it’s a No Go for able-bodied people to use them. I’m about ready to dropkick this whiney, able-bodied chic into the stratosphere using just my crippled leg.
Ugh.
This went so downhill so fast and I’m so disappointed.
In conclusion.
Ableism and mockery of people with disabilities isn’t cool, kids!
July 7, 2019
Oh this book tore at my heart strings! I was able to read this story pretty quickly even though the beginning started out a little slowly. I still definitely cried throughout this story. This can also be read as a standalone but you get Ella and Damon's story in the first novella.
I liked how this was written in regards to the first one so you learn how Domi got her knee injury and what started all this. I felt that the beginning was a little slow though because it took time to get to what happened to her knee and we had to go through her sort of awkward time with Taylor. I kinda felt that Taylor was a little unnecessary in this story and just caused more problems in Domi's life.
I really enjoyed a few of the characters in this story but I felt like the other girls had better character development closer to the end of the story with how they handled everything. At some points though I wondered why Domi was friends with the other girls besides Ella.
I'm glad Spider was able to make Domi see how she was acting and that some people have it worse than others. I wish she had been a little more straight with Spider instead of causing unnecessary heartache for herself but I still enjoyed reading this story. The ending was perfect for this band of friends and I'm glad things have gotten much better for Spider. I'm interested in seeing what happens in the next one!
I liked how this was written in regards to the first one so you learn how Domi got her knee injury and what started all this. I felt that the beginning was a little slow though because it took time to get to what happened to her knee and we had to go through her sort of awkward time with Taylor. I kinda felt that Taylor was a little unnecessary in this story and just caused more problems in Domi's life.
I really enjoyed a few of the characters in this story but I felt like the other girls had better character development closer to the end of the story with how they handled everything. At some points though I wondered why Domi was friends with the other girls besides Ella.
I'm glad Spider was able to make Domi see how she was acting and that some people have it worse than others. I wish she had been a little more straight with Spider instead of causing unnecessary heartache for herself but I still enjoyed reading this story. The ending was perfect for this band of friends and I'm glad things have gotten much better for Spider. I'm interested in seeing what happens in the next one!
July 9, 2019
This is book two of the Young Loves series and covers the story of Domi and Spider, or as we learn, prefers to be called Malachi. Domi has trained as a gymnast for years and has a good chance of going far. She has never been allowed to date, throughout high school, and practises for some twenty five hours a week. One of the high school heart throbs asks her parents of he can take her out for a date. Her first ever! They then go to party with all their school mates, where Domi’s new boyfriend is really drunk by the time she arrives a little late from a gymnastics practice.
She hasn’t had time to get all dolled up and when she is asked to take part in a game of football (soccer in some countries), she agrees to play. This is one of the worst decisions of her life so far, second only to thinking going out with Tyler was a good idea! One wrong move by another leaves her with a serious knee injury and the possible loss of her gymnastics scholarship to college. Her life and all her years of dreams have been turned upside down. She has to get her knee investigated and it helps a little that her oldest brother Cassian, is a doctor.
Waiting for surgery, she has to go for therapy and her brother asks if she will come in as a volunteer for a young lad who has been seriously burnt and has no-one close. She brings in some various young kids books, featuring a character called Benji and even The Hairy Caterpillar. Only problems when she turns up, is finding that he is a couple of years older than her and has been burnt from head to toe and over at least half of his body. That’s not the worst of it – he has a huge spider’s web tattoo covering half of his face. This is something totally out of her comfort zone and life in a well off community. It brings questions about drugs and violence to mind.
Malachi begins to appreciate her visits and while it is hard for him to keep awake due to the pain, he likes her to just talk to him and Domi finds it helps her to think about her own life and what she thought was a life changing injury and berates herself in comparison to what Malachi has suffered. His injuries are truly life-changing and may still kill him or leave him totally disabled and unable to walk or do things for himself. The nurses on the burns unit tell her how well Malachi is doing because of her visits, but she thinks they are wrong. He has been helping her so much more!
As per most teenage love stories and ones of first love, emotions are very raw and new, so seeing something they don’t understand can make them think completely opposite to how they feel. Each has to learn how to manage their emotions and jealousy is a hidden danger many have no experience of at that age. It can have drastic repercussions. A love story told through injury, suffering, heartbreak and the possibility of love lost as the will to live dies. Great experiences of young love and the story brings in all the girls in Domi’s circle and little bits about each of them and their lives. A great follow on from The Songs We Sing, which was just a novella. This is a proper length novel and really explores the main characters and how their lives have been changed, by what has happened to them.
This is a much more emotional read than the first book. I found myself unable to continue reading, more than once, as I could no longer read through my tears. This is a clean, young love story, but with hard-hitting issues being involved. The manner in which the story is told and the bringing together of other characters is really well done and totally believable. You get to have chapters headed with a small blurb on one characters feelings that give a real and short, sharp look into their inner thoughts. I can’t wait to read more by this author and would recommend this to anyone that likes reading YA or clean romance for any age. I received an ARC copy of this book from Booksprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
She hasn’t had time to get all dolled up and when she is asked to take part in a game of football (soccer in some countries), she agrees to play. This is one of the worst decisions of her life so far, second only to thinking going out with Tyler was a good idea! One wrong move by another leaves her with a serious knee injury and the possible loss of her gymnastics scholarship to college. Her life and all her years of dreams have been turned upside down. She has to get her knee investigated and it helps a little that her oldest brother Cassian, is a doctor.
Waiting for surgery, she has to go for therapy and her brother asks if she will come in as a volunteer for a young lad who has been seriously burnt and has no-one close. She brings in some various young kids books, featuring a character called Benji and even The Hairy Caterpillar. Only problems when she turns up, is finding that he is a couple of years older than her and has been burnt from head to toe and over at least half of his body. That’s not the worst of it – he has a huge spider’s web tattoo covering half of his face. This is something totally out of her comfort zone and life in a well off community. It brings questions about drugs and violence to mind.
Malachi begins to appreciate her visits and while it is hard for him to keep awake due to the pain, he likes her to just talk to him and Domi finds it helps her to think about her own life and what she thought was a life changing injury and berates herself in comparison to what Malachi has suffered. His injuries are truly life-changing and may still kill him or leave him totally disabled and unable to walk or do things for himself. The nurses on the burns unit tell her how well Malachi is doing because of her visits, but she thinks they are wrong. He has been helping her so much more!
As per most teenage love stories and ones of first love, emotions are very raw and new, so seeing something they don’t understand can make them think completely opposite to how they feel. Each has to learn how to manage their emotions and jealousy is a hidden danger many have no experience of at that age. It can have drastic repercussions. A love story told through injury, suffering, heartbreak and the possibility of love lost as the will to live dies. Great experiences of young love and the story brings in all the girls in Domi’s circle and little bits about each of them and their lives. A great follow on from The Songs We Sing, which was just a novella. This is a proper length novel and really explores the main characters and how their lives have been changed, by what has happened to them.
This is a much more emotional read than the first book. I found myself unable to continue reading, more than once, as I could no longer read through my tears. This is a clean, young love story, but with hard-hitting issues being involved. The manner in which the story is told and the bringing together of other characters is really well done and totally believable. You get to have chapters headed with a small blurb on one characters feelings that give a real and short, sharp look into their inner thoughts. I can’t wait to read more by this author and would recommend this to anyone that likes reading YA or clean romance for any age. I received an ARC copy of this book from Booksprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
June 25, 2019
‘A boy who had nothing, had shown me I still had everything.’
-‘But I wasn't that girl anymore.
I'd changed.
Malachi had changed me.’-
Hmmm... First time reading this author’s work. I nearly gave up after the first couple of chapters. I felt it was immature and I was instantly bored. I stuck with it, though, and I’m pleased that I did. My impressions of the girl in the story, Dominique, did not change throughout the book. I felt she was immature and spent a good part of the book crying. She was spoiled and life came easily for her and she didn’t appreciate what she had. She did come to realize that life isn’t all about appearances and wealth or athletics and she did come to appreciate what she had but I still found her young and immature, along with her friends. I really think that mid-teen is the intended target age for this book and above that age will find it a bit immature in its writing style. I was intrigued about the storyline and felt it was good. It also seemed to gain some level of maturity as the plot went on. However, for me it was still lacking. I debated rating it between a 3-3.5 but finally decided on a 4 star review because, in the end, it did bring me some enjoyment. I recommend this book for teens. It’s a clean read with no swearing and no sex. It can also be read as a stand-alone.
-‘But I wasn't that girl anymore.
I'd changed.
Malachi had changed me.’-
Hmmm... First time reading this author’s work. I nearly gave up after the first couple of chapters. I felt it was immature and I was instantly bored. I stuck with it, though, and I’m pleased that I did. My impressions of the girl in the story, Dominique, did not change throughout the book. I felt she was immature and spent a good part of the book crying. She was spoiled and life came easily for her and she didn’t appreciate what she had. She did come to realize that life isn’t all about appearances and wealth or athletics and she did come to appreciate what she had but I still found her young and immature, along with her friends. I really think that mid-teen is the intended target age for this book and above that age will find it a bit immature in its writing style. I was intrigued about the storyline and felt it was good. It also seemed to gain some level of maturity as the plot went on. However, for me it was still lacking. I debated rating it between a 3-3.5 but finally decided on a 4 star review because, in the end, it did bring me some enjoyment. I recommend this book for teens. It’s a clean read with no swearing and no sex. It can also be read as a stand-alone.
July 28, 2019
This is a story that will stick with me for my whole life. I absolutely loved it!! Its a book that makes you think about your own life and appreciate what you do have.
I really enjoyed following Dominique and seeing her blossom into a wonderful person.
Malachi..sigh, swoon, etc. I LOVED him. I couldn't wait to get to follow Domi when she would get to see him again. The author nails this character and makes you have so many emotions for him. I cried several times as we get hit with more parts of his life. He is such an amazing guy!
I am sad this book is over because I could follow them forever! I would love to see how things end up later on for them!
Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster that is packed full with a beauty all its own. Tissues will be needed but in the end you will have a huge smile on your face!
I really enjoyed following Dominique and seeing her blossom into a wonderful person.
Malachi..sigh, swoon, etc. I LOVED him. I couldn't wait to get to follow Domi when she would get to see him again. The author nails this character and makes you have so many emotions for him. I cried several times as we get hit with more parts of his life. He is such an amazing guy!
I am sad this book is over because I could follow them forever! I would love to see how things end up later on for them!
Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster that is packed full with a beauty all its own. Tissues will be needed but in the end you will have a huge smile on your face!
June 23, 2019
We met Dominique in the first book The Songs we Sing. Her story started with her injuring her knee, which put her gymnastics plans up in the air. She's asked to do some volunteer work at the hospital and meets a boy who is a burn survivor. What happens next is unexpected. The boy is tattooed, has gang connections and has lead a life totally different to the comfortable world Dominique has been brought up in. But they connect and their story will give you all the feels and make you shed a tear. And you'll fall in love with both of them!
July 4, 2019
This book started out very slow; however, the more I read the more I enjoyed it. I read The songs we sing before I read this one and loved it very much.
The ending of this book was so special to these characters. They made me laugh and cry at times. I recommend this book to anyone that loves a great love story.
This author is new to me and I hope to read more of her books in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The ending of this book was so special to these characters. They made me laugh and cry at times. I recommend this book to anyone that loves a great love story.
This author is new to me and I hope to read more of her books in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2020
Author's review - I loved writing this story, Dominique and Malachi tore at my heart; the characters had lived in my head for a long time! I was so happy to share their story with you.
May 31, 2020
'The Path We Take' by Kylie Key shows how the choices we make and the things we think we want are not necessarily what make us happy in the end. Dominique is crushing hard on a boy in her school, and when things seem to be going her way with him, her whole world seems right. Until it doesn't. She learns pretty quickly that anticipation and general longing are not necessarily equal to the end outcome.
When her whole life turns around after an accident that puts her gymnastics career in jeopardy, her older brother tries to find a way to bring renewed joy to her life. A doctor at the hospital, he sets her up with one of his burn victims, a young man slightly older than Domi whose story makes hers seem not so terrible in comparison. Meeting Malachi, who sometimes is called by his nickname, Spider, brings a new perspective to her situation, making her wonder if everything she is upset about is truly worth it.
Malachi is kind and sensitive, and Domi begins to fall for him. As her interest in him grows, she worries about how he isn't the kind of person whom her parents or her friends would expect her to be with, casting a pall on their relationship. Even though she loves talking to him, she doesn't know that their relationship can truly go anywhere, and she's afraid to express her true feelings to anyone – sometimes even Malachi himself.
With some issues that muddy up the predictability of the story, Kylie Key has crafted a warm, lingering look into the trouble that pain – of all sorts – can cause, and how sometimes you find your path where you least expect it.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Welcome to Chanu-Con!,' a Children's Picture Book, and Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
When her whole life turns around after an accident that puts her gymnastics career in jeopardy, her older brother tries to find a way to bring renewed joy to her life. A doctor at the hospital, he sets her up with one of his burn victims, a young man slightly older than Domi whose story makes hers seem not so terrible in comparison. Meeting Malachi, who sometimes is called by his nickname, Spider, brings a new perspective to her situation, making her wonder if everything she is upset about is truly worth it.
Malachi is kind and sensitive, and Domi begins to fall for him. As her interest in him grows, she worries about how he isn't the kind of person whom her parents or her friends would expect her to be with, casting a pall on their relationship. Even though she loves talking to him, she doesn't know that their relationship can truly go anywhere, and she's afraid to express her true feelings to anyone – sometimes even Malachi himself.
With some issues that muddy up the predictability of the story, Kylie Key has crafted a warm, lingering look into the trouble that pain – of all sorts – can cause, and how sometimes you find your path where you least expect it.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Welcome to Chanu-Con!,' a Children's Picture Book, and Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
January 4, 2021
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This was an amazing one. It was filled with emotion and love. The characters were exceptional. They had so much life in them. All of the events led up to the ending. The characters grew throughout the story. They were the best versions of themselves with each other. The heroine learned so much and understood how to love. I loved seeing the characters from the first book. I liked having some of my questions from the first book answered. It was amazing.
This book follows Dominique and a little bit of Malachi. Dominique is a gymnast and is depending on that fact to get her a scholarship. Then she tears it along with having a really bad relationship with her long-time crush. She believes her life she over because he is spreading rumours about her and she doesn’t have a future in mind. Her older brother, Cassian, requests her o maybe volunteer at the hospital and talk to a burns patient. She does it because the plus side is it would look good on her scholarship. She meets Spider or, real name Malachi, there. He helps her discover a purpose to live and teaching her that there could be a lot worse. She helps him keep hope.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
This was an amazing one. It was filled with emotion and love. The characters were exceptional. They had so much life in them. All of the events led up to the ending. The characters grew throughout the story. They were the best versions of themselves with each other. The heroine learned so much and understood how to love. I loved seeing the characters from the first book. I liked having some of my questions from the first book answered. It was amazing.
This book follows Dominique and a little bit of Malachi. Dominique is a gymnast and is depending on that fact to get her a scholarship. Then she tears it along with having a really bad relationship with her long-time crush. She believes her life she over because he is spreading rumours about her and she doesn’t have a future in mind. Her older brother, Cassian, requests her o maybe volunteer at the hospital and talk to a burns patient. She does it because the plus side is it would look good on her scholarship. She meets Spider or, real name Malachi, there. He helps her discover a purpose to live and teaching her that there could be a lot worse. She helps him keep hope.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
November 2, 2020
Dominique and Malachi, the main characters, are from two different worlds; she is a protected and loved teenager, he is dirt poor and alone. They meet when they are at their (supposed) worst. Dominique then realizes how great her life actually is, that she has everything that is important: a loving and supportive family, great friends, and though her knee is injured, she is healthy. Opposed to Malachi who has burns on 60% of his body and fighting for his life on a daily basis, not knowing when he will be out of the hospital or if he will ever be able to walk again. Two people, two worlds, one love…
I particularly enjoyed Dominique’s character, when she matures from a somewhat spoilt teenager into a young woman who is grateful for the life her parents offered her. It is a beautiful story about how one’s perspective changes when faced with true problems and pain.
I particularly enjoyed Dominique’s character, when she matures from a somewhat spoilt teenager into a young woman who is grateful for the life her parents offered her. It is a beautiful story about how one’s perspective changes when faced with true problems and pain.
August 26, 2020
Second novella in the series which really pulled at my heart strings . This time we have Dominique's story. Dominique is a budding gymnast, hoping for a college scholarship. A disastrous game of soccer at a party leaves Dominique with a serious injury that puts her dreams in jeopardy. Her doctor half brother suggests volunteering in his hospital while she's recovering. Here she meets Spider who has suffered severe burns in a car crash. Despite being from completely different walks of life they fall in love.
A really beautiful story, again giving you something to reflect on. Look beyond appearances and common beliefs.
Can't wait for the next installment especially as we get to catch up on the previous stories as well.
A really beautiful story, again giving you something to reflect on. Look beyond appearances and common beliefs.
Can't wait for the next installment especially as we get to catch up on the previous stories as well.
June 24, 2020
.
At first I wasn’t really feeling it, I felt like we weren’t getting to see the true sides of the characters. For example we were shown her friends and how they acted in the beginning. We were given the beginning thread to their true natures. But later on it was actually not true, it was like a slap to the face. But I pushed on and got attached, it was so sweet and I couldn’t stop reading. I’m super happy that I indeed finished this book, I was not disappointed with the turnout!
At first I wasn’t really feeling it, I felt like we weren’t getting to see the true sides of the characters. For example we were shown her friends and how they acted in the beginning. We were given the beginning thread to their true natures. But later on it was actually not true, it was like a slap to the face. But I pushed on and got attached, it was so sweet and I couldn’t stop reading. I’m super happy that I indeed finished this book, I was not disappointed with the turnout!
June 25, 2020
Warning: Tears are a strong possibility
There is a lot of character development and growth in Dominique. As she comes to know Malachi better she sees the experiences of her life from a new perspective and she changes and grows.
I would have liked to have had more from Malachi's perspective. Very enjoyable book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is a lot of character development and growth in Dominique. As she comes to know Malachi better she sees the experiences of her life from a new perspective and she changes and grows.
I would have liked to have had more from Malachi's perspective. Very enjoyable book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2021
OH MY GOD!!! This book...for the love of god had me bawling. It's another sweet story that hooked me, not as quickly mind you. It took a bit to get there and I was skeptical at first but once it started to roll I couldn't put the damn book down. I LOVED THE MAIN MALE Character!!! I just wanted to hug him soooo bad. This is very well written a little on the boring side in the beginning but when you see where it's headed...it will knock you for a loop. Can't wait to read the next one.
September 18, 2021
It took me two nights and a lot of patience to finish this book. It helped that i was skipping pages the good half of the story or i might not have survived the boredom. The storyline was great and the characters are sweet but too much blabbering nonsense which runs 3 pages long is a buzzkill for any reader. I only gave this book a three because the ending gave me tears but thats just about how generous i can get.
August 20, 2021
The angst and despair of a teenager when life feels like it’s ending. This book captures it perfectly. I was brought to the brink of tears more than once.
I’ve really loved the lyrics in this series.
I like the overlap with the first book and I loved glimpses of our fav couple from the first book. I liked how this one ended later in time than the first book.
I’ve really loved the lyrics in this series.
I like the overlap with the first book and I loved glimpses of our fav couple from the first book. I liked how this one ended later in time than the first book.
May 1, 2022
Wonderful!
I loved this story! It was sweet and heart warming! A combination I love to read! I also love the message of there is always someone who has it worse than you so you should be thankful and if you can help some one who needs to smile again. You never know what blessing will come from it.
I loved this story! It was sweet and heart warming! A combination I love to read! I also love the message of there is always someone who has it worse than you so you should be thankful and if you can help some one who needs to smile again. You never know what blessing will come from it.
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June 21, 2021Worth the read
This book was completely unexpected. I loved Dominique's growth and the snippets of Malachi. I fell in love right along with them. I was also glad to see Damon and Ella in this book it gave the continuation I needed to their story.
This book was completely unexpected. I loved Dominique's growth and the snippets of Malachi. I fell in love right along with them. I was also glad to see Damon and Ella in this book it gave the continuation I needed to their story.
November 14, 2021
Love this book!
What a sweet and touching love story. And what a reminder about what is really important in life and to remember how blessed we really are, even when things don’t go the way we want them to.
What a sweet and touching love story. And what a reminder about what is really important in life and to remember how blessed we really are, even when things don’t go the way we want them to.
February 14, 2022
AHHHHMAZING!!!
I read this book in a number of hours, I couldn't put it down! The story of "Spider" broke my heart over and over again in
the best and worst ways. I recommend this book to everyone, it will make you rethink your priorities and fall in love with life.
I read this book in a number of hours, I couldn't put it down! The story of "Spider" broke my heart over and over again in
the best and worst ways. I recommend this book to everyone, it will make you rethink your priorities and fall in love with life.
September 20, 2022
People judge others. This guy, didn’t have a chance. But others believed and took a chance with him. He showed them, he was worth the risk. What he had in him shined out When he needed a friend, God provided. He was so worthy.
April 22, 2021
The Path We Take
An emotional sweet story of love, second chances and discovering how precious life is. I really enjoyed the story and loved the characters.
An emotional sweet story of love, second chances and discovering how precious life is. I really enjoyed the story and loved the characters.
April 24, 2021
Awesome book
This book pulled at my heart strings. Poor M he’s had a real horrible upbringing and yet he’s a real awesome, sweet good guy. I’m glad he has Dom and her tribe.
This book pulled at my heart strings. Poor M he’s had a real horrible upbringing and yet he’s a real awesome, sweet good guy. I’m glad he has Dom and her tribe.
March 12, 2023
Sweet story
I have enjoyed this sweet heartfelt adventure of two young people that had bad thing happen to them but they meet in the hospital and change their lives.
I have enjoyed this sweet heartfelt adventure of two young people that had bad thing happen to them but they meet in the hospital and change their lives.
May 14, 2023
4.5
WHAT AN UNDERRATED BOOK 😭😭
WHAT AN UNDERRATED BOOK 😭😭
September 5, 2024
Wow. I have loved all of Ms. Key's books, but this one really got to me. It was emotional, and beautiful, and I LOVED it.
June 4, 2020
This was the first work I’ve read by this author and loved the premise of the story. Though it centers around teens and young adults the story is one that makes people of any age submit to a bit of introspection. How do we regard ourselves in the light of how we view others?
This book was an easy read but had heart-wrenching depth to it. The protagonists each had some reflection and growing to do and I ached for both of them. As the story progressed each one began to change.
Domi has a great life. With a stable, loving family her biggest worry is whether or not she will win a gymnastics scholarship. But, life has a way of turning us upside down when we least expect it. After an unexpected injury her plans may be altered and she must focus on getting things back on track. That suddenly changes when her brother asks her to volunteer by visiting a young patient in the burn ward.
Spider is a burn victim, with a dysfunctional family situation he lays in the hospital broken, hopeless and alone. Tattooed as a child and burned over sixty percent of his body he has nothing to look forward to until Domi comes into his life. He knows he isn’t worthy of her time or attention but she’s like a breath of fresh air to him. His lonely life suddenly revolves around this girl who makes him forget his pain.
As they get to know each other they each find that love can break down any barrier. Whether it’s preconceived ideas of themselves or worry over their future, they find that love can change their dreams. And maybe it might just be perfect.
This book was an easy read but had heart-wrenching depth to it. The protagonists each had some reflection and growing to do and I ached for both of them. As the story progressed each one began to change.
Domi has a great life. With a stable, loving family her biggest worry is whether or not she will win a gymnastics scholarship. But, life has a way of turning us upside down when we least expect it. After an unexpected injury her plans may be altered and she must focus on getting things back on track. That suddenly changes when her brother asks her to volunteer by visiting a young patient in the burn ward.
Spider is a burn victim, with a dysfunctional family situation he lays in the hospital broken, hopeless and alone. Tattooed as a child and burned over sixty percent of his body he has nothing to look forward to until Domi comes into his life. He knows he isn’t worthy of her time or attention but she’s like a breath of fresh air to him. His lonely life suddenly revolves around this girl who makes him forget his pain.
As they get to know each other they each find that love can break down any barrier. Whether it’s preconceived ideas of themselves or worry over their future, they find that love can change their dreams. And maybe it might just be perfect.
June 19, 2019
A heart-warmer for sure…
If you prefer a quick read and enjoy a heartwarming love story, The Paths We Take will be perfect for you.
Dominique’s life revolved around gymnastics until a knee injury puts her dreams on ice. While attending rehab at her local hospital, she’s introduced to Spider, a young man who has been badly burned in a car accident. What starts as volunteering to bolster her college applications turns into a very sweet love story as Dominique discovers the angelic boy hidden beneath a tattooed and badly burned body.
I identified with Dominique’s character as she dealt with the stereotypical and two-dimensional "hometown jock” at the beginning of the story, but the tale really started for me when she meets Spider in hospital, a guy who turns out to be the antithesis of what he looks to be at first measure.
I always enjoy cross-over characters from other stories, and this had them. Dominique has a complicated but really great family. Her brother, Damon, and best friend, Ella, I'd met before in Book 1 of the series.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
If you prefer a quick read and enjoy a heartwarming love story, The Paths We Take will be perfect for you.
Dominique’s life revolved around gymnastics until a knee injury puts her dreams on ice. While attending rehab at her local hospital, she’s introduced to Spider, a young man who has been badly burned in a car accident. What starts as volunteering to bolster her college applications turns into a very sweet love story as Dominique discovers the angelic boy hidden beneath a tattooed and badly burned body.
I identified with Dominique’s character as she dealt with the stereotypical and two-dimensional "hometown jock” at the beginning of the story, but the tale really started for me when she meets Spider in hospital, a guy who turns out to be the antithesis of what he looks to be at first measure.
I always enjoy cross-over characters from other stories, and this had them. Dominique has a complicated but really great family. Her brother, Damon, and best friend, Ella, I'd met before in Book 1 of the series.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
June 22, 2019
🎶 Feelings. So deep in my feelings. 🎶
What a beautiful story! There are so many junky books out there in the YA world but The Path We Take is a real breath of fresh air. There’s so much to learn from it but Key pulls it off without feeling preachy or like an after school special. The characters are true teenagers. They aren’t all Duggaresque, catch me at Friday night bible study nor are they where are your parents, wasted on a Wednesday wrecks. They’re kids that date and go to parties but also do homework and have curfews. I admit, I’m pretty far out of the YA demographic myself but the Mom in me appreciates that this book is one I could hand off to my daughter without hesitation yet not some boring, Brady Bunch story that would earn me all the eye rolls. And did I mention the feelings? Seriously y’all. This is a treasure.
What a beautiful story! There are so many junky books out there in the YA world but The Path We Take is a real breath of fresh air. There’s so much to learn from it but Key pulls it off without feeling preachy or like an after school special. The characters are true teenagers. They aren’t all Duggaresque, catch me at Friday night bible study nor are they where are your parents, wasted on a Wednesday wrecks. They’re kids that date and go to parties but also do homework and have curfews. I admit, I’m pretty far out of the YA demographic myself but the Mom in me appreciates that this book is one I could hand off to my daughter without hesitation yet not some boring, Brady Bunch story that would earn me all the eye rolls. And did I mention the feelings? Seriously y’all. This is a treasure.
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