Bárcsak

Splintered Hearts #2

by Lexi Ryan, Bótyik Bettina Zora (Translator)

Sohasem hittem volna, hogy látni fogom még, és ebbe bele is nyugodtam. Ám abban a pillanatban, hogy Cally Fisher újra megjelent New Hope-ban, tudtam: bármire képes vagyok érte. Ha elárulja, megbocsátom a legsötétebb titkát is, és többé nem engedem el.

Harcolni fogok érte.
Hét év telt el azóta, hogy összetörtem Will szívét, a magamét pedig jégre tettem. De hiába ámítom magam: még mindig őt szeretem. Soha többé nem akartam visszatérni, a húgaim érdekében azonban vállalom, hogy szembenézek a múltammal… és William Bailey-vel. Látom a szemében régi önmagamat, mocskos tetteimet és az elvesztett jövőt is.
Mennyivel egyszerűbb lenne, ha Will gyűlölne! De ő az életem része akar lenni, bármi legyen is az, amit rejtegetek előle. Hogy árulhatnám el neki, ha tudom, hogy belepusztul?

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Abuse, Audiobook, Erotica

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2013

About the author

Award-winning author Lexi Ryan is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of hot contemporary romance and sexy, action-packed YA fantasy. Her books have sold over a million copies. A former English professor, she considers herself lucky to have traded stacks of grading for emotionally charged storytelling. She is happiest when at home in Indiana with her husband and two children, where you can find her lifting weights, reading copiously, hanging out with her family, and thanking her lucky stars.

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Answered prayers here from the book angels !!! I need a happily ever after for my Will !!!! ❤️

[Erycka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plucked from the pages from UnBreak Me, William is granted his story. At first, I didn't think I'd like to hear from William, as I thought he was kind of a douche, in that, how do you go from one sister to the other, and back again?? But alas, my curiosity piqued and I delved in and took his journey. And I'm so glad I did!

Cally Fisher, the love of William's life (age 16), has to leave New Hope when her mother decides she's done being married and is off to Vegas to follow her heart...and a new man. The two of them promised one another it could work, it would work despite being so far from one another. William even purchased a cell phone for Cally so they'd always be able to communicate.

Cally and her family fell on hard times after her mother left the man that was housing them, feeding and clothing them. Because of her mother's choice, Cally was forced to make some choices of her own. Choices that would change the course of her and William's life forever.

After experiencing a devastating loss, Cally returns to New Hope with her two younger sisters. On her search for her father's house, she runs into William....

As the book continues, William and Cally's story unfolds. I enjoyed the dual POV's. It's like reading two books in one. Ms. Ryan did a very good job at blending the voices, thus resulting in a believable story. My opinion of William has CHANGED significantly! He is completely swoon worthy in Wish I May! I'm glad I gave him a chance because I think I'd be missing out if I hadn't!! If you haven't already, 1 click and get cozy!! You'll fall in love with William too. :o)

[Zakirrah BookBlogger · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 NEVER SAY GOODBYE STARS!!

Lets me start off by telling your that I haven't had a chance to read the first book so I didn't know much about what happened previously and about the other characters. Even with that I still think Will is the best character and I'm sure I would have loved him in book 1 too!

He is just such an awesome, loving character and damn so many times I was like Cally piss off move the hell back let me comfort him awww Will! And other times I was screaming at Cally about breaking his heart.Why do you have to hurt him huh?! He can be happy..with me ;)

"I want you to always believe you deserve whatever you can wish for, Cally. As long as you'll let me, I'll make your wishes come true."


William Bailey is an artist and professor and his love life hasn't ever gone as planned.Things have gotten that bad that he is even talking to someone his grandma has set him up with. But everything changes when someone from his past gets lost and somehow ends up outside his house.

Cally Fisher has had it rough since day one with a mother who is a druggy and a father who is absorbed with his spiritual journey the responsibility of bringing up her 2 sisters lands on her.But now her mother is dead and she is back to the place she loved to drop her sisters off with her dad. It all changes when the one person she hoped to avoid finds her lost.

"After seven years. After the lamest breakup in the history of breakups. After breaking his heart and dismissing my own, I'm still very much his."

Will and Cally loved each other they were always together until Cally had to leave due to her moms insistence. Moving away and looking after everyone with no help was a pain and Cally suffered an awful lot to keep food on the table, to look after her sisters. She was just a kid who had to grow up too fast, she stopped believing in shooting stars and wishes and dreams. It all ended for her the very same night she broke Will's heart and her own.I felt sorry for her and hated that she never let anyone in, she had so much bottled up, so much anger, frustrations, bitterness and much more. She should have let Will in, she shouldn't have broke his heart.But hey the past is the past..



Or is it? What happens when past and present collide and there is no place to run?

”Look at you. You’re all grown up.” He grins, and my knees go a little weak. How could I have forgotten the effect this man’s smile has on my knees?
“I could say the same for you.” I bite my lip. Hopefully no drool has escaped.
That knee-killing grin grows wider. I’m toast.

There were some parts I did not expect, this book kept my attention right until the end.I was glad that this was in both Will's and Cally's POV because it made you see a clearer picture of what was happening and how both main characters felt. It also made you feel conflicted because I felt hurt and annoyed on Will's part even knowing what was going on with Callie.She kept hurting him and he kept forgiving.She assumed that because he has money that things were simple for Will and the rest.
I loved the chemistry between the main characters and loved how supportive their friends were in all of this.

‘I push myself out the door before I can change my mind and I’m greeted by a night of glittering stars. The stars in New Hope are brighter and more plentiful than anywhere else I've ever been. When I was a little girl, I’d would look out my bedroom window each night and pick my favorite one and only then would I make a wish. My father taught me to believe in the magic of wishes and destiny, and I was such an adoring daughter that his words were my scripture and the starry night sky became my temple.’

Lexi Ryan takes you on a journey of forgiveness, mistake, pain, heartbreak and finding happiness, wishing and believing. This book is about how Cally and Will overcome everything and learn to love despite the past and everything bad.To keep believing everything happens for a reason and in the end it will all be alright.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~
**ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review**

Check out my blog for more reviews!
http://zakirrahsbookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

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[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

4 “Strawberry Wine” “Hello.” Kisses

You never forget your first love. The first person you give you heart to…the first person you share your dreams with…they will always hold a piece of your soul. That is what Wish I May made me remember. This book is e-freakin-motional to the 10th degree and I loved every agonizing second of it. After Unbreak Me , I was aching for Will to get his HEA and I’ll be damned if that boy didn’t earn it. Oh…and if you haven’t read Unbreak Me …I highly recommend it. Wish I May is the second book in the New Hope series, and a lot of the characters and story line might not make as much sense if you haven’t read Unbreak Me.

Cally Fisher…every now and then I get hit with these agonizingly broken heroines that just make me want to scoop them up and save them. Because they need it. Badly. And Cally needs more than saving. She needs healing…she has spent her whole life not living for herself. Since she was 16 she hasn’t been able to make one choice for herself. She is possibly one of the most selfless heroines I have ever read and my heart broke for her for every decision she had to make. She is brave, she is strong and she is an amazing big sister. Every choice she has ever made was for Drew and Gabby, her little sisters, and what she could do to make their lives better, to save them from going through what she has had to. And even when she is finally given the opportunity to do what she wants…with the boy she has always loved…she still struggles.

‘”Look at you. You’re all grown up.” He grins, and my knees go a little weak. How could I have forgotten the effect this man’s smile has on my knees?
“I could say the same for you.” I bite my lip. Hopefully no drool has escaped.
That knee-killing grin grows wider. I’m toast.’

William Bailey…I fell in love with Will in Unbreak Me…so I was already swooning for him before he even said one word in Wish I May. My poor Will is just as broken as Cally, but in very different ways. He has never had a family and he wants so desperately to have one. He wants a life that he can share with someone, he wants a marriage and his forever...we saw that clearly with his actions in Unbreak Me. And now…against all logic, the girl that has always owned his heart comes back into his life. He shouldn’t want her, he shouldn’t still love her, she broke him seven years ago…everyone keeps telling him to move on. But you can’t fight fate and there is nothing about Cally and Will that doesn’t scream forever.

‘I never though I’d see her again. I didn’t think I wanted to.’

So Cally and Will have my kryptonite…history. They were each others first loves! GAH! I love that. Love Love Love! They have history…history so deep that even after seven years, countless secrets, unending heartbreak, they still cannot deny their feelings for each other. That’s another thing that is amazing to me about Will…even after Cally broke his heart, he is willing to see past all of that. Why? Because he cares more about keeping her in his life than holding that against her. She means more to him than that…because he can see it written all over her face that what they had years ago is still there. An oh boy is it.

‘I push myself out the door before I can change my mind and I’m greeted by a night of glittering stars. The stars in New Hope are brighter and more plentiful than anywhere else I’ve ever been. When I was a little girl, I’d would look out my bedroom window each night and pick my favorite one and only then would I make a wish. My father taught me to believe in the magic of wishes and destiny, and I was such an adoring daughter that his words were my scripture and the starry night sky became my temple.’

Cally and Will have some ah-freaking-mazing chemistry. Let’s just say I would kill to have Will take me out to dinner! ;-) Of course he is swoony, he was swoony in Unbreak Me with Maggie and they weren’t even together! Did you think I stood a chance in Wish I May? Nope…not even close. And it wasn’t just the stuff he would say, which trust me…was pretty fantabulous – but it was the little things. How receptive he was to her…the little looks, the small actions, he did anything and everything he could for her, even if he knew he shouldn’t. He is the quintessential nice guy – he went above and beyond to do whatever Cally might need and all because he loved her. Never stopped.

‘He lowers his head and glides his lips over my neck in a movement so sweet, so simple, my breath leaves me in a rush. “I’m supposed to be pissed at you,” he whispers. “You broke my heart.”
“Then why aren’t you?”
“When I saw you again, there was no room for my anger. I want you too much.”’

So my poor sweet Cally…so many ways I hurt for her. She comes back to New Hope to bring her sisters to live with their dad…and in doing that, she brings back all the history of her past. Or really…her mom’s past…a stigma that she is now plagued with and never wants to live up to. She is her own worst enemy in this book…which is partly due to the ghosts of her mother and also her past that haunts her and why she won’t allow herself to be free. Not only is she plagued with her decisions but she’s also hiding behind them. It was a little frustrating because up until the end of the book, you do not know the entire truth. You are fed bits and pieces but it was a good kind of frustrating…you want to pull your hair out, but you’re enjoying it the entire time.

‘He presses his mouth against mine as his hand returns between my legs. It’s not a gentle kiss. It’s hard— punishing and demanding— and I need it. I could lose myself here, in this kiss that is equal parts desire, anger, and regret. I could forget who I am, what I’ve done, and become the stroke of tongue against tongue, become the pleasure of his hand working between my legs as I moan into his mouth.
He breaks the kiss and leans his forehead against mine. “You feel so damn good.” His hand moves slowly, smoothly.
How can he affect me so much more than any other man I’ve ever been with? He’s always been the standard by which all other men have been measured and come up short.’

I felt bad for Cally though…she carries the weight of her entire family on her shoulders…and oh boy, her family. I already said it, but I cannot stress it enough, Cally is hands down the best big sister in the world. Her mother recently passed away from a drug over dose (and there is a huge twist with that – can’t spoil but I did not see that coming!), her dad hasn’t really been in their lives since they left New Hope…Cally has had to be the adult! Making sure her sisters ate and went to school, taking care of them, dropping out of high school to get a job – oh wait, make that two jobs. Worrying about everything that she shouldn’t have had to. See what I mean about the pressure?

“I don’t need my memories to be head over heels in love with you, Cally. All I have to do is know you.”

There was a lot that I didn’t see coming with this book…I was very pleasantly surprised. It was similar to Unbreak Me with the alternating POV’s, except this time we were only in Cally’s and Will’s. Every now and then we got a flashback to seven years ago…different points in time…like before she moved, their last night and strawberry wine and Will telling her hello instead of goodbye *sigh* (you have to read to understand)…or when Will’s heart was breaking because Cally was pulling away….or when Cally had to make some very hard decisions...I know I keep eluding to them, but like I said, some you don’t even find out the full weight of until the very end and I can’t spoil it.

“I want your heart. I have no interest in buying it or controlling it. I want you to give it to me freely. Because you already own mine. You always have. You always will.”

I am so into the New Hope series – which is another thing I loved about this book, it’s a series! Seeing Maggie (and a little bit of Asher), hearing about what’s going on with them and loving it. I have so many thoughts about who could be next…I am hoping it’s Hannah, but for some reason I think she might be last…maybe it’ll be Lizzy (they’re both Maggie’s sisters). I am also hoping that down the road we might get a Drew book (Cally’s sister)…Drew is a little spitfire! This series is beautiful combination of emotional writing, loveably heartbreaking characters, over coming secrets and the power of forgiveness and has quickly become one of the best series I’ve ever read.

[Scott Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book cover and story plot is very exquisite. I give this book 5 stars.

[Fanny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish I May es el segundo libro de la serie New Hope, escrito por la autora Lexi Ryan y narra la historia de William ( personaje secundario del libro anterior ) y Cally, un personaje nuevo.
La verdad es que empece este libro sin muchas ganas, puesto que aunque el primer libro me gusto, no se convirtio en una lectura inolvidable, aun asi desde mi punto de vista, este segundo libro es mejor que la historia de Maggie, ya que en este la autora desarrolla mas a los protagonistas, ademas cuando lei el primer libro, Maggie fue una protagonista que no pude llegar a entender del todo y por esa razon no me termino de convencer como personaje. En cambio Cally fue una protagonista con la que me resulto mas facil conectar.
Wish I May es un libro con un ritmo muy fluido, que no se hace tedioso en ningun momento y que te atrapa segun vas pasando los capitulos.

3.75 Estrellas!!

[The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - 4.5 Stars
"Unbreak Me" was an amazing book and I completely fell in love with the characters so when I heard William was getting his own book, I was beyond excited. "Wish I may" tells the story of William and Cally and can be read as a standalone although for me, it was nice to reconnect with Asher and Maggie and see where their lives had taken them but also, I wanted to see William finally get his HEA... but would he? I mean his track record with the ladies had so far been dire.

Cally had never had the best life but leaving New Hope at sixteen unfortunately resulted in it getting a whole lot worse. The sacrifices this girl made to ensure there was a roof over her sibblings heads and food in their belly were just horrific. She'd given up so much: her home, her friends, the love of her life and also her freedom and whilst her mother continued to fill herself with drugs, Cally was forced to grow up quickly, to toughen up. The girl that left New Hope at Sixteen was not the girl that returned seven years later. A lot had changed, she was a different person but one thing remained:

After seven years. After the lamest breakup in history of breakups. After breaking his heart, and dismissing my own, I'm still very much his.

As I was drip fed information from her time in Vegas, the knot in my stomach grew tighter. I just couldn't believe a mother would stand by and let her daughter go through hell. There was just no excuse and the more Cally revealed, the more my hatred for her mother grew. Even coming back to New Hope, all I kept thinking was, will someone just give this girl a break? Unfortunately small town people and their narrow mindedness just infuriated me further. Cally was so strong in character though, she truly was an inspiration. Never did I hear her moan or complain. She just got on with life as best she could, always putting the needs of others before her own. But she did have a vulnerable side which came out on a number of occasions, especially around William. She really didn't think she was worthy of William's love but I was going to continue flying the flag for their reconcilliation because this girl was so much more than she gave herself credit for.

So let's talk heroes. Well hello, sweet William!!! OMG!!!! Yes with capital letters because although I fell in love with William in "Unbreak Me," holy mother in heaven he brought out a whole new set of emotions I just wasn't prepared for. From the minute Cally bumped into him, I went all silly and stupid, my heart doing crazy things. See, the way she described him, sweet Jesus, this man was just ???? Ummmm well kinda muscly and sweaty from his run, abs to die for, blue eyes, crazy blond curls... trust me, my description does not even come close to doing him justice. You need to read those few pages where they first cross paths again, then tell me he's not the type of guy you wouldn't just drop your panties for!!!! lol

So anyway, back to the review. Yup William was still sweet but he was all manly and alpha and protective and caring and selfless and... perfect!!! Jeez I need to get a grip!!! Despite breaking his heart, William still wanted Cally back and he would do everything in his power to keep her in his life. He wanted that last chance at love with her:

"Be with me Cally. You're my compass. My north star."

The attraction was still there, the chemistry off the charts and the sex... well let's just they had to make up for lost time but it was never going to be easy. Hell no because Cally's past was hot on her heels. Yet again she would put others before herself and god my heart was crushed because of it. There were so many revelations and twists and honestly, I didn't know which way this story would go. Every time there was a glimmer of hope for some kind of happiness in Cally's life, just when things were starting to look brighter, something would happen to steal it all away again. I was a bag of nerves for most of the second half!!!

I wasn't prepared for my world's to collide- my world in Vegas creeping in to infect my New Hope world. I don't want it here.

Cally and William's story was beautifully written and despite being told from the past and present and from dual POV, the bridging was perfect giving me the information I needed to answer the questions that were swirling around in my head. The "Unsaid words" Lexi added to conversations had between the characters really melted me too because those words were heart felt but both William and Cally were just too afraid to say them in case they scared the other away.

Although this is book #2 in the "New Hope Series," it could be read as a standalone as Lexi Ryan gives the reader just enough background information to make the necessary connections between "Unbreak Me" and "Wish I May" without feeling like they've been reading two separate books or that they're missing vital parts of the puzzle.
I have rated "Wish I May" 4 - 4.5 Hearts. (4 hearts for the first half and 4.5 for the second half).
I cannot wait for more in this series.

[Bozica · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been quite a few years since I read the first book in the series, and whilst I could on,y recall bits and pieces it in no way stopped me from enjoying the book.

Back in my early days of reading romance this would have no doubt been a 5 stars for me.
It was angsty and had a great hero in William and the story line whilst a little predictable was still a great read that had me invested.

[Chris- Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Amazing Stars!!!! If you thought Asher was great wait till you meet William, and we get a little more Asher and Maggie in this one too!!!!


Review to come during Blog tour



OMG OMG OMG Just got my ARC !!!!!

[Irina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Definitely the last book by this author I'll ever read. Bad story development, annoying characters, ridiculous drama and bad translation. Wasted time.

[Maja · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ 3.5 ⭐

"A choice made out of fear is no choice at all!"💔

I need one Will in my life!❣️ Please God... 🙏😊
Hero, with beautiful soul and strong character!❣️

[Cristina Buzoianu · Rating 5 out of 5]

On my Blog, Bibliophile Mystery: http://bibliophilemystery.blogspot.ro/

4.5*

Wish I May is the first Lexi Ryan book I read, although it’s the second book in the series. I did find some references to the first book, but there were no major spoilers and nothing to prevent me from reading it as a stand-alone. And I really loved it! I’m actually wondering why didn’t I read Unbreak Me until now?

Will and Callie’s love story is sad and very beautiful. They were high school sweethearts, shared many beautiful moments together and believed their love would last forever. And even now, after seven years apart, they share the same teenage love and even more passion.

For Callie nothing is simple any more. She has sacrificed everything back then to take care of her two little sisters, and now she will do anything to keep them from going through the things she did. But being back in New Hope and so close to Will, who reminds her of her childhood, she can’t help but indulge in what-ifs and might-have-beens: What if her Mom had never left her Dad and never made them move? What if she had taken that plane home for Will’s senior prom? What if she had never done the things she had to do in order to survive? What if there was another way? What if there still is?

Lexi’s writing style is simple and beautiful. It creates a perfect story that you can’t stop reading, and strong characters you can easily relate to. I loved them all and can’t wait to read other love stories from this nice little town. I’m starting Unbreak Me right now. I hope I won’t find it strange to learn about Will before he re-encountered Callie. I've heard that Asher is hotter than him, though I don't think it could possibly be!

Happy reading!

[CeCe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had things that I just love in a book.
#1 – A kind, selfless heroine.
#2 – An awesome, hot hero.
#3 – High school sweet hearts that separated, but still secretly in love with each other.
#4 – Steam
#5 – A vindictive (and I mean an absolute b***h) of an ex-girlfriend, if you even want to call her an ex.
#6 – A past that one is trying to run away from.

I think this is one series that I am glad that I did not read the first book. I think I would have felt differently about Will and not liked him as much especially since my understanding is that he wanted someone else in Unbreak Me. I would have thought he was just looking for love in all the wrong places and it would make me feel as if he was just hoping for love anywhere. So I was glad that his one true love was someone he never got over when he was in high school. I will admit, it made me leery of Will’s feelings for Cally hearing about his previous love interests. However, you can not help but fall in love with Will.

I was worried for both Will and Cally. How everything was going to work out for them, Cally did not have it easy when her mother moved her sisters and her to Vegas when she was a teenager and it coming back to her hometown just brought more challenges. Mostly people not minding their own business.

The story had a lot of revelations about Cally and Will so it had my interest throughout.
It was a nice romance about second chances.

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Wish I may more than I expected. Will is Mr Commitment and Cally has some serious problems. It took me more than usual to get into the book but once I did I can say that I enjoyed the ride. Mr Commitment has 2 broken engagements and some other serious relationship on his record. He wants a family but he was looking at the wrong places. I don't think that he could be 100% without Cally. Cally on the other hand has a family. But her mother is dead and had a bad reputation, her father lives in his own world and her sister Drew seems not to like her. Cally has been through hell and it's hard not to feel sympathy for her.

Will is a great guy. I don't think that you can dislike him. Even after what Cally did to him he tries to help her in every way he can. Cally is more complicated than Will. She has done many things in her life that if you don't know all the story you are going to judge her incorrectly. I don't want to spoil but there is no way that you won't feel sorry for her.

I liked the pace of the story. Not too slow, not too fast. The flashbacks were the best way to show us what happened and led Will and Cally to a break up. Hannah and Lizz were great supporting characters and I would love to read their stories.

[PATRICIA GARZA · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pues este libro me decepcionó mucho.
Tenía muchas expectativas de saber cómo la autora iba a manejar a un William enamoradísimo de una Maggie en el primer libro, obsesionado con ella diciendo que era una droga para él y ahora con una nueva protagonista... pobre chico, me decepcionó mucho su personaje a pesar de haberme gustado mucho en el primer libro. No le compré la historia de su amor de "juventud" con Cally, más bien siento que es alguien que no podía estar solo y que solo trataba de rescatar a cuanta damisela en apuros se le atravesara en su camino. En el primer libro te ponen la historia de él y Maggie como si fueran super compatibles, con todos los planes que tenían juntos y las cosas en común, comprometidos y a días de casarse PERO después te lanza la autora que estuvieron juntos en una relación solo 1 mes "EN SERIO?".... en fin, odié a Maggie en este segundo libro por perra, a la hermana de Cally, y la verdad no pude encariñarme con ningún personaje. La historia tampoco me gustó por lo mismo que yo creo que no pude conectarme con los personajes.

[Ricky Penley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was something else. There was more heartache and pain that I have read in any book before. I hope that this don’t scare you away because this book is good. The story has you wanting to continue to read and see where it goes. The love that is showed in this book is outstanding. I mean if you could overlook someone’s past, and I mean overlook, and love the way that this guy does then that is one hell of love. I bet if you ever find love like this then you would be crazy in love also. I didn’t get a chance to read the first book in this series but this book could be a standalone. I love where the author went with this book. The characters are such a wide variety that they all seem to go good together. This is a book that I would recommend to all my friends. But I can’t go to much into this book cause it would give to much away. I rate this book at four stars. I received this book for a honest review

[Ailene♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!
Review to come.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Vani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comparado al anterior *del cual me acuerdo poco* éste me gustó menos.
Es una muy linda historia para pasar el rato, pero no mucho más :3.

[Jade☕️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5🌟

Mais j’ai adoré ? C’est quoi ce retournement de situation ?🤯
Après le fiasco total qu’avait été ma lecture du premier tome, et mon grand désintérêt pour le tome intermédiaire, j’ai été si surprise d’autant aimer celui-ci !
Contrairement aux deux autres, j’ai direct accroché. Je suis de suite entrée dans l’histoire, je me suis attachée aux personnages. Et pourtant, j’avais même carrément oublié que William, le protagoniste, était l’ex de Maggie, l’héroïne du premier tome. Mais alors, TOTALEMENT oublié.

« Si seulement … » est un drame psychologique intense. J’ai souffert pour Cally, j’ai pleuré et crié avec elle. Sa vie a été plus que merdique, et jamais on ne lui a témoigné ne serait-ce qu’une once de reconnaissance. Je voue d’ailleurs une haine profonde envers Drew, sa sœur cadette.

Après la mort de leur mère, Cally retourne dans sa ville d’enfance, afin d’y déposer ses deux petites sœurs auprès de leur (bon à rien de) père. Elle y retrouve William — son amour d’enfance, son grand Amour —, qu’elle avait quitté 7 ans plus tôt, pour le protéger.
Entre eux, c’est une évidence. Malgré ce qu’a traversé William, et même s’il a aimé d’autres femmes entre temps, jamais il n’a aimé comme il a aimé Cally. C’est le Destin. Il le dit lui-même. Ses autres amours étaient bien pâles face à celui qu’il éprouve pour Cally. Il n’a jamais cessé de l’aimer. Et son amour à elle, ne s’est jamais éteint non plus.

Et pourtant, même en se retrouvant des années après, nos deux amants ne sont pas au bout de leur peine. Trop de secrets, trop de non-dits, pèsent entre eux. La peur et l’embarras, la colère et la haine, la possibilité effrayante de l’échec, les guident. Cally ne peut se permettre d’aimer lorsqu’elle doit à tout prix protéger ses sœurs (dont cette sale petite ingrate de Drew😒), au péril de son propre bonheur. William, lui, n’a plus rien à perdre. Retrouver Cally des années après, c’est une seconde chance qu’il n’aurait jamais cru trouver. Alors il se donne à fond pour la garder près de lui, et lui offrir la vie qu’elle mérite.

Tous deux m’ont brisé le cœur, l’ont écrabouillé et piétiné. Cally est une protagoniste si forte et courageuse, bordel, j’ai tellement souffert pour elle.
Heureusement, tout est bien qui finit bien. Après avoir été bousillée par la vie, Cally a enfin gagné son happy end. Et elle va le garder, cette fois🧡

Le roman est plein de TW, vraiment durs et choquants, tout comme le premier tome. J’invite ceux voulant lire le roman — ou la saga — à se renseigner.

[Doodle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers:

2.5 stars

I really wanted to not be frustrated with the FMC because of her past circumstances but she kept making one wrong decision after another as an adult. I don't blame her for the decisions she made as a desperate teenager who didn't know what to do or how to face her boyfriend BUT the FMC in the present in this story is a capable, grown woman who needed to put her big girl pants on. I can understand hesitating some before telling the MMC the truth, but her and the MMC were seeing each other regularly, having an intimate relationship. I couldn't feel sorry for her when she was worried someone would tell him before she could about the past because she had countless chances to tell him herself. Not only did she have chances, but the MMC implored her to open up to him and made it clear he wanted to be with her.

It rubbed me the wrong way that the FMC was willing to let him go forever instead of facing the past and telling him the truth. The whole, "he wouldn't want me if he knew", doesn't matter if you are leaving anyway. If you REALLY love him and want him, you be vulnerable, tell him the truth and try to work it out. If he can't handle the truth, then you know you did what you could. Her willingness to just walk away didn't make me very confident in her feelings for him.

Also, as the story progressed, it became obvious that the MMC didn't know the FMC anymore. It wasn't the past secrets that were the issue; it was the decisions the FMC kept making as an adult that the MMC was unaware of. At one point, when the FMC was thinking the MMC didn't know her because of the past, I couldn't help but think that she was right that he didn't know her, but it wasn't just because of her past. She kept him in the dark about everything. He was in love with her teenage self and had the wrong idea of who she was as an adult. She was even MARRIED and didn't tell him. The circumstances didn't matter; he had a right to know. Especially since the FMC thought the MMC was in danger because of her husband.

Overall, this was a well-written story, but I didn't buy into the love story. The FMC didn't have good reasons to keep the MMC in the dark and it didn't make sense why she would be willing to let him go if she loved him so much. "Loving him enough to let him go" didn't make sense in this story, in my opinion. 2.5 stars.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

"I want you to always believe you deserve whatever you can wish for, Cally. As long as you'll let me, I'll make your wishes come true."

We begin as two high school kids are madly in love. William is the wealthy, popular boy and Cally is the girl from the poor family that no one thinks is good enough for him. But they are being ripped apart by circumstances. No amount of wishing is going to stop it. She is moving away with her mother and sisters ...they vow to stay in touch long distance....

Seven years later, we see where their lives have taken them. William has not been lucky in love. On top of losing Cally, he now has two failed engagements...to sisters, no less. He is still a good guy, but just keeps searching for the right woman. He is handsome, a successful business owner, and has good friends in New Hope. He is still right where she left him.

Cally's life took an even darker turn after moving to Vegas with her mother. Her mother was unreliable and a poor caregiver, leaving Cally to support her two younger sisters. And in order to do that, she had to resort to things that she was ashamed of. And therefore, had to let her love for Will go. But now she is back in New Hope, bringing her sisters home to their father. And of course, the first person she runs into is the one she is afraid to look in the eye....Will...

I look up at the stars. When did I lose sight of mine? My father raised me to believe in magic, in wishes, in beautiful destiny. And then life went to shit and destiny played second fiddle to just getting by.~Cally

I look up at the moon and stars we once wished on together. They make me feel lonelier than ever. Because she may no longer be the girl I once loved, but she's the woman I want.~Will

Will has always been chasing the the elusive idea of family since he was raised by his grandmother. Cally is running from part of her past she is not proud of. But they still have a connection that is hard to deny.

"Forget abut the past. Forget about the future. You're here now, and what's happening between us is inevitable. You're mine."

They have so many opposing forces against them. So many lies and omissions between them. So much guilt. So much pain. So much history. So much left unsaid. But also so much passion, need, and unresolved feelings. But when her past comes back for her, will it ruin her chances at starting over again in New Hope?

Cally was put in a horrible situation that she had no control of. She was then, and is now, just trying to do what she has to do to keep her loved ones safe, even though she sacrifices herself. My heart literally broke for Cally and all she suffered. And for Will too. Because he never really got over the loss of Cally. I really felt their longing, their need, their deep feelings, and connection. They really did seem like soul mates that were thrown terribly off course by circumstances. And they both suffered considerably. And every time it seemed like they might find a chance for happiness, something would happen to throw a roadblock in their path. It had me tense and anxious and just hoping that somehow they could find a way to make it all work out.

"I need you to believe again. I need you to be brave. You hold on to me, and I'll hold on to you."

We see characters that we met in Unbreak Me. Maggie and Asher are in this book too so we get to catch up with them. Maggie's twin sisters Hanna and Lizzy are friends with Cally so they are a big part in this book. We meet Will's friends, Sam and Max. And I can already see more stories brewing with those characters. Cally's younger sisters Drew, an outspoken, semi spoiled fifteen year old and Gabby, a sweet, troubled ten year old really tugged at my heart. I could see Drew possibly getting a story of her own.

Lexi Ryan creates such flawed, emotional, beautiful characters. Their backgrounds have such depth and their experiences significantly affect them. And she does not pull any punches with the trauma the characters have dealt with. I thought Cally had such an inner strength about her. She was smart, determined, loving, and really wanted to make things better for herself and those she loved. Will was such a strong, caring man with a big capacity for forgiveness and love. And their chemistry and passion were seriously hot and intense.

I love most of the citizens in the town of New Hope (but of course there are a few you have to dislike) and how they stand behind each other in difficult times. It is such a tight knit community and even when they disagree, it is obvious they are doing it to protect those they care about it. But they are not afraid to admit when they are wrong either. This book was raw, heartbreaking, tense, sweet, suspenseful, and poignant. It makes you believe that there is a destiny and that soul mates do exist. And that no matter how off course or how broken people may be that they will find their way back to their true place in life.

Thanks to Lexi Ryan for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted at Reviews by Tammy and Kim.

[Three Chicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars by Jen Skewes

We first met William Bailey in Unbreak Me. And while I loved him in the first book I didn't love him with the main character. So of course when I found out that Lexi Ryan was writing his story I was so excited. I couldn't wait to see Will get his happily ever after. Wish I May is an amazing story about love, forgiveness and second chances.

When Cally was only 16 years old her mother decided to move her and her sisters to a new state, leaving her father and William Bailey behind. Cally and William were in love and were planning their future together. They were going to make their relationship work and not let the distance get in the way of their love. But unfortunately life's plans don't always work out the way you want them too. Cally slowly watched as her life started on a downward spiral. she gave up all her dreams to be able to save herself and her sisters. She suddenly had to become the one responsible for her sisters, the rent and the bills. She did things that she wasn't proud of but needed to do to survive. Her new life didn't include William Bailey and she knew that she had to move on from him and the life that they planned, even if it meant breaking his heart.

It's seven years later and after the death of her mother Cally is temporarily returning home to get her sisters settled in with their father. She has no plans of staying and the last thing that she wants while she is there is to run into William Bailey. Cally finds herself lost and in need of directions. This is where you could say that fate steps in and leads her right back to the man that she once loved, the man she is hoping to avoid.

William Bailey was in love with Cally and always wondered what happened to them. They had it all planned out and while he waited that night for her to show up for the prom he realized that she wasn't coming and he just lost the girl that he loved. The lat 7 years have not been kind to William when it comes to love. He has tried to fill the hole in his heart that was left there by Cally. But things just didn't go the way he had planned. He has been engaged twice once to a woman who he loved and wanted to save and the other whom he also loved but not the way a husband should love his wife. Now it's 7 years later and he is face to face with the woman who broke his heart all those years ago. He knows that he should walk away, that he should hate her but he can't. Especially when all the feelings that he had for her 7 years ago come rushing back. He lost her once and is not about to lose her again. He knows she has no plans of staying but Will vows to change those plans. He is not going to let her get away for a second time.

"Be with me Cally. You're my compass. My north star."

At some point Cally does decide to stay and her and Will start becoming closer. As much as Cally still loves Will and wants to be with him, she is scared. She is afraid of the secrets that she stills holds from her past. Afraid of how he will look at her once he knows the truth. There are people in their lives and secrets from her past that could tear them apart, ruining any chance that they have at a happy ending. When the truth comes out can Will forgive her and look beyond what really happened over the last 7 years?

After seven years. After the lamest breakup in history of breakups. After breaking his heart, and dismissing my own, I'm still very much his.

I loved both Cally and Will. My heart broke for Callu and all that she has gone through in her life. She was so young when she felt like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders. So young when she made the decision to give up her dreams and a little but more to take care of her sisters. If anyone deserves a happily ever after with the only man she has ever loved it is definitely Cally. Will was so amazing, sweet, caring and so forgiving. Cally hurt him all those years ago but it didn't matter to hi. He knew she still held his heart and he didn't want to let her go. He wanted to love her, take care of her and protect her. He wanted to break down the walls and find out what it is from her past that has been haunting her. And no matter what he wouldn't give up, which is one of the many reasons why I loved him!

"I want you to always believe you deserve whatever you can wish for, Cally. As long as you'll let me, I'll make your wishes come true."

I am a big fan of Lexi Ryan's and have read just about all of her books. And I absolutely love this series. I love the chemistry and connection between Cally and Will. Wish I May is about forgiveness and a second chance at love. Cally is broken and Will just wants to love her and make her his again. We see this story being told from both point of views which I love. There was drama, there was angst and Ms. Ryan managed to keep you guessing when it came to Cally's past. There were moments when I thought I had it all figured out until you keep reading and find out that there were moments that I did not see coming. The ending will leave you with a smile and was the perfect end to their journey. Another fantastic job by Lexi Ryan. I cannot wait for the next one in the series.

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 (True Love is Never Lost) Stars

Let me start by saying this book can definitely be read as a stand-alone. Why is this important? Well William, our male lead in Wish I May is also a character in the previous book and knowing the basic plot-line for that I don’t think I could have seen him in a relationship with anyone other than our heroine Cally. Wish I May is a story about loss, the loss of one’s innocence and having to grow up far too soon. This is also a story about reconnecting with your soul-mate, even after years apart the heart cannot deny what it wants and in Cally and Williams case, it never will.

In high school Cally and William were a couple in love. Even with their differences in their home lives, Cally being poor and William well-off, they would fight for their love and let nothing stand in their way. All is good and well in their world until Cally’s mother decides to move and Cally has no choice but to leave with her and her two younger sisters. Unfortunately for Cally, leaving William is only the beginning on the road of pain she’s headed toward. With her mother’s addictions and foreclosure’s looming, Cally has to grow up and support her family.

Having read some of the reviews for this book I noticed many people aren’t fans of Cally. I can’t lie and say I didn’t want to smack her around a few times, especially near the end, but I also realized that in her shoes, sometimes doing the right thing isn’t always an option. Cally is stuck in a box, one she was too young to get herself out of and now that she is an adult all the walls seem to be closing in on her. Then again a lot changes when she returns home to New Hope after her mother’s death and runs straight into her long lost love William. I really admired Cally because the choices she made were some no child should ever be faced with. She did the best with what she knew and even though most of us would have done differently she was noble as a knight standing up for her sisters and taking on the harsh realities of life all so they would be safe.

Their journey is no easy one. William is left in the dark as to the cause of the distance between them we she left. Some secrets lay in the balance waiting to weigh everything down. And let me not forget to mention the cloud that follows Cally around like a black spot. Working as a masseuse in a town like New Hope is anything but easy, especially when everyone assumes she’s performing fellatio and hand job’s like her mom used to do for extra cash.

William… Oh, he’s such a sweetie. When he first sees Cally again it’s as if his heart starts beating again. Even when he knows he should feel anything but lust or even joy he can’t deny it. I thought William was a wonderful dreamy man. He never pressured Cally for more than she was willing to give and always made sure she knew where he stood. The way he stepped in to help was beautiful and he never wanted anything in return. I felt a strong connection with him and it was easy rooting him on. William was not your average book boyfriend either. He loves photography and being a honest to goodness good guy but don’t let that chocolate exterior fool you ladies. William can be a demanding and possessive lover when the time calls, which pretty much happens whenever Cally is in sight.

Overall this was a great read. Some of the topics are a bit heavier but the underlying themes really make this a powerful read. I read this in a few hours and though I could have done without the ever present meddling (other) woman, I really enjoyed Wish I May. Having both POV’s really helped understand both characters and I though the brief flashbacks really helped focalize the important moments in their pasts. The side characters were an added bonus even though many were unlikable they still didn’t slow anything down for which I was grateful. I only hope that the cynic’s realize their mistakes and grow up, along with Cally’s sister Drew and her father. Both of them need a reality check and I would happily deliver. I would definitely recommend this book as it’s different and a beautifully romantic reconnecting of lost sweethearts.

[Janna ♥ I'm A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review will post at www.mysecretromancebookreviews.com

I grew up wishing on stars.

My father taught me to believe…in destiny, in magic, in happily ever after. Dreams were my scripture and the starry night sky was my temple. Then Mom stopped believing, left him, and took us with her. At the age of sixteen, I cashed in my dreams to pay the rent, pawned my destiny to keep my sisters together.

Now, seven years later, I’m returning home, grieving the death of my mother, and settling my sisters back into the life Mom threw away. I never intended to stay. I don’t want to deal with my father, who is so invested in the spiritual world he forgets the physical. I don’t want to face William Bailey, whose eyes remind me of the girl I was, the things I’ve done, and the future I lost.

This would all be easier if Will hated me. As it is, I have to hold my secrets close so they won’t hurt him more than they’ve already hurt me. But he wants to be in my life. He wants what I can’t bring myself to confess I sold. He wants me.

I find myself looking to my stars again...wondering if I dare one more wish.

Cally has not had an easy life. She has had to do things to help her mom and sisters survive. After her mom’s death she moves her sisters back to their home town to live with their dad. She runs into Will, her first love, the boy whose heart she broke when she stopped talking to him when she moved away. Cally has a past that she doesn’t want Will to know about and tries her hardest not to let the lingering attraction she feels for him blind her. She has a plan and she has to stick with it. Too bad her plans get derailed and she has to stay to help out with her sisters long than planned, just enough time for her and Will to pick up where they left off all those years ago.

Will’s heart continues to be broken. In Unbreak Me, we learned about his past with Maggie and feel the pain and heartbreak he went through. Will was in love with Cally, she was his high school girlfriend and when she was forced to move away with her mother he planned on making the relationship work and when all of a sudden Cally ended their relationship with no reason why. Will wants to try again and convince her to start over again with him and stay in town. He goes above and beyond for her and her sisters, but is it enough?

I will be honest, in this book I absolutely loved Will more than I loved Cally. Maybe it is because he is such a giving guy who just wants to heal and help fix those who he loves, or maybe it is because even though his heart has been broken numerous times he hasn’t fully given up on love. Cally had issues, understandable issues but instead of being upfront with Will about why she let him go in the past she tried to avoid him finding out. The connection with Will and Cally I believe was stronger than anything Will ever had with Maggie, it was more pure in a way because they were each other’s first loves. I loved that Will didn’t back down, he was going to fight for Cally even if she didn’t want him too.

Overall I really liked Wish I May, and I am falling in love with this series. I love how each book so far has shown there is hope even in situations that seem hopeless at the time. Lexi Ryan has not disappointed with Wish I May and I for one an anxiously awaiting to see whose book will be next in this series. While this book is technically can be read as a stand alone, I would recommend reading Unbreak Me first so you can truly understand some of Will’s heartbreak in the past.

[Jesey ~ Schmexy GIrl~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish I May by Lexi Ryan is book #2 in her New Hope series. It follows William Bailey, schmexy art gallery owner. The story takes place after Unbreak Me (New Hope #1). I highly recommend reading Unbreak Me first so that you have a background on some of the characters.

William and Cally were high school sweethearts and they vowed to stay together, even as Cally (along with her mother and younger sisters) were moving away. They begin to grow apart, phone calls and texts are few and far between and then Cally breaks William’s heart. The two are forced to go on without one another.

We find ourselves back in New Hope seven years later. Do you believe in fate? Well I do! William and Cally were fated to bump into each other when Cally and her sisters return home after being struck by tragedy.

Cally is practically drooling over the sweaty, muscular, more mature version of the William that she left behind. He materializes out of now where when she is lost in her home town. William tries to act casual but I got the feeling that he was a bit nervous around Cally. He thought that he hated her but now that she is right there within his reach he seems unsure of how he really feels.

“Because she may no longer be the girl I once loves, but she’s the woman I want.”

As with any good book these two characters have their secrets from their past. Cally is haunted by hers and the things that she has done. I admired how at such a young age she sacrificed so much for her mother and her little sisters. We know (if you read Unbreak Me) what cards William has been dealt over the years, he has had his unfair share of ups and downs as well.

Cally has no plans to stay in New Hope once she gets her sisters settled in with their dad. She will leave in a few days and go back to her old life, hopefully avoiding an old flame (?) who has come back around.

William tries to do everything in his power to get Cally to stay. He invites her and the girls to stay with him while their house is fixed up, he helps Cally set up a massage area in his gallery (once she decides to stay), and he takes Cally out to dinner….and let me tell you, I want a dinner like that!! Holy schmexiness under the table cloth…OMG it was H-O-T!!

William also has the ability to be sweet…

“Be with me, Cally. You’re my compass. My north star.”

…as well as strong and demanding…

“I don’t give two fucks if that sounds too caveman or possessive for you, because when it comes to you, I am.”

Cally is torn as her new life collides with her old. She has to make a decision, one that could change the lives of the people that she cares the most about. William is just as torn…he wants Cally but wants her to make her own choice, he realizes that he cannot force her hand.

Which path will Cally choose, who will she end up with? I’m not going to tell ;) Be sure to read Wish I May ASAP!

[LecturesdeJenn ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://lecturesdejenn.wordpress.com/...

J’avais quelques aprioris concernant ce tome, car je n’avais pas vraiment apprécié le personnage de William, et le tome 1 étant un coup de cœur, j’avais peur d’être déçu par celui-ci. Mais en réalité, j’ai relativement bien apprécié ma lecture, qui peut être lue indépendamment du premier tome. Un roman haletant, dans lequel l’auteure a su mélanger suspense et amour avec ce côté « passé sombre » avec brio.

C’est un livre fort, l’histoire entre ces deux personnages est intrigante et complexe, comme le personnage principal féminin : Cally Fisher. C’est ce qui a rendu ce roman si authentique. La jeune Cally retourne à New Hope, ville qu’elle a quittée lorsqu’elle avait seize ans, pour permettre à ses deux sœurs, Drew et Gabby, d’emménager avec leur père. Les débuts sont difficiles et les retrouvailles entre Cally et William n’arrangent en rien la situation, déjà tendue. Cependant, elle n’est plus la jeune fille de seize ans qui a quitté New Hope, dans l’espoir de subvenir aux besoins de sa famille. Elle a 23 ans, et porte un lourd passé, compliqué à gérer dont elle a du mal à fuir. Les ombres du passé finissent toujours par vous retrouver.
J’ai vraiment beaucoup aimé le personnage de Cally, ce côté mystérieux et intrigant, qui n’acceptera jamais l’aide de personne pour l’aider, forte et têtu à la fois, au passé sombre qui ne la quitte pas, la suivant jusqu’à New Hope, faisant tout ce qui est en son pouvoir, quitte à se sacrifier, pour protéger ses sœurs, de ses erreurs. Et William, personnage qui m’avais agacé dans le tome 1, est vraiment décrit et perçu différemment dans ce tome. Lui, vouant un amour sans faille à son premier amour, se rend compte qu’elle n’est plus la même.

Ce que j’ai apprécié dans ce tome, ce sont les bonds dans le temps que fait l’auteure, jonglant entre passé et présent, nous permettant de comprendre comment et pourquoi les personnages en sont arrivés là, ce qu’ils ont traversés/vécus durant les sept dernières années, ce qu’ils ont éprouvé lorsqu’ils se sont séparés. L’auteure met en avant deux êtres passionnés et touchants. Mais leur amour existe-t-il toujours ? Cally pourra-t-elle révéler l’histoire de son passé à William ? Pour le découvrir, vous devez livre ce roman fabuleux.
Attention, cette trilogie possède un ordre de lecture. Il faut d’abord lire de tome 1 (indépendant des deux autres), puis le tome 3, qui raconte comment les personnages sont tombés amoureux quand ils étaient au lycée, et enfin le tome 2, qui se déroule sept ans après le tome 3. Ou vous pouvez aussi les lire en partant du 1 pour finir par le 3 si cela ne vous derange pas de vous faire spoiler la fin.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Wish I May was a beautiful story about love. Taught from a young age by her father to wish on the stars and believe in destiny Cally Fisher has her world turned upside down by the harsh realities of a drug addicted mother, two younger sisters to care for and no money. Forced to make choices that she truly didn't understand the consequences of Cally separates herself completely from her past and her boyfriend William Bailey. It is not until she must return to her home town of New Hope that she realises sometimes physical distance means nothing to the heart and sometimes, even the unforgiveable can be forgiven.

I really liked Cally. She was so incredibly strong and so responsible - despite not having had the best of role models in either of her parents. She was selfless and did everything she could to care for her sisters ... and the price she paid was enormous. It was wonderful to watch her character blossom a little and see others rally around and support her, rather than judging her on the actions of her mother.

William is wonderful. Heartbroken when Cally was forced to leave town with her mother he never fully understood why Cally broke off all contact with him. When faced with her seven years later he is once again captivated by her and fights hard to have the chance to be with her again. The chemistry between the two is fabulous - nothing moves too quickly and they each battle with their conscience as they start to explore what might be possible.

Cally's past choices bring a number of darker elements into her life and these are not as absent as she would truly like, even as she tries to move towards a brighter future. She is torn between disclosing everything to the man she has come to love again and risk losing him or just walking away, to spare him any further pain. There are some other minor twists thrown in that mean the final outcome is not entirely predictable, although the romantic in me was always hoping that Cally and William would get their happily ever after.

Ryan has a gorgeous writing style that is so easy to get lost in. Wish I May is book 2 in the New Hope series but can be read as a stand alone. I haven't read the first book and didn't feel that I was missing anything while reading Wish I May. Of course now I'm inspired to pick up book 1 - Unbreak Me to learn a little more about some of the characters I met in this beautiful story.

[Crystal _ Reading Between the Wines Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Cally, family is everything. She will lie, steal, and cheat for her two younger sisters. But when her mom passes away and she is forced to return to her home town, and to their spiritual and idealistic father, she comes face to face with one of the lies she regrets the most. William Bailey. They promised each other everything, but when her mother took her and her sisters away, she lost more then just the love of her life. Now she is back and Will wants what they had before. But Cally can't give him that. What they had is gone. Taken. Sold. Will won't give up though, not until he possesses every part of Cally, even her secrets.

Wish I May is the sequel to Unbreak Me, in Lexi Ryan's new adult romance series, New Hope. We first meet Will in Unbreak me. He comes across, or at least for me he did, as an indecisive man with a fickle heart. But in Wish I May, we come to find out that Will is just looking for the love he lost all those years ago and someone to start a family with. When Cally returns to town he thinks that this is finally his chance but what he doesn't know is that Cally is no longer the same girl he knew. She's broken. But Will doesn't care, he is done trying to fix people (Unbreak Me), he wants Cally just as she is and will get her, piece by piece.

If you have followed the series then you will see the growth of Will's character, even though Wish I May mainly follows Cally and her family. Told from both Will's and Cally's perspective with slices of the past sprinkled in you get a broader view of these two characters. Why they've done what they've done and do what they do. Cally's been to Hell and back and as a reader it is easy to empathize with her. And despite my initial feelings about Will, I couldn't help but love him. He is so sweet, and caring, and understanding. But don't mistake him for a push-over because he is anything but. Together these two take you on a journey of learning, heartbreak, forgiveness, and finding that little bit of magic in life that make you believe in Happily Ever Afters.

The story moved at a steady pace, with fantastic characters that easily tug on your heart strings in a believable plot that anyone you know could be living. Cally's secret's also kept me intrigued throughout the story. All that being said, I think Wish I May would make an okay stand-alone but you'll get a bigger picture of the characters and story if you read Unbreak Me first.