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Review

4.5 stars and all the feels!

Wow, what a read! A stunningly written, heartachingly emotional story of friendship and young love torn apart by circumstance, and of hope and the strength of true love in a second-chance-romance that overcomes the darkest of situations. Dalton and Greer’s story is so beautiful with ALL the feels, and I was captivated from the first page through to the end. It’s a surprisingly quick read, but it definitely packs an emotional punch, and I loved it!

And when I say that this book is stunningly written, I mean it! The emotion of the writing sucked me right in, making me feel everything and I literally highlighted pages of text, so prepare for the quote-fest that is this review.

This is listed as book #2 in the Chosen Paths series. Book #1 is Into the Light (previously titled The Resurrection of Aubrey Miller), which I read when it was released, and loved, but this book seems to be a complete standalone. It’s been a really long time since I read the first book, but I couldn’t recall any tie-in. If it’s there, it’s minor, and you can easily dive into this one and appreciate it as a brand new story.

Dalton and Spencer met as twelve year olds. Dalton had survived a revolving door of hellish foster families, leaving him angry and withdrawn, but everything shifted for him when he met the spunky young girl.

The day he showed up on our porch, something happened while we watched that first sunset together. I don’t know how or why or if I can even put it into words, but we became forever connected. My hidden pain cried out for his, and his fiery rage searched for mine. It was as though the most deprived parts within each of us sense the other’s, then reached out and grabbed hold, essentially melding us together and making us whole.
I know it because I felt it.
I felt him.

And now, five years later, their friendship has not only survived, but it has become something vital to them both.

Spencer Locke is the only bit of humanity I permit myself to indulge in. She’s the one thing, the one person whose mere presence provides some sense of relief from the constant sense of asphyxiation I feel.
She is my reprieve.
My air.
Spencer Locke is the one slice of happy I have.

While Spencer lives with a loving and supportive mother, Dalton had no support and nobody to turn to and was forced into a life of crime with only a criminal overlord to guide him. And now, as an 18 year old, he is in an impossible situation, knowing that he is trapped in a bad place and purposely keeping those he cares about at arm’s length to protect them. But Spencer is the one person he can’t keep away from, and when years of wanting and pent-up longing are finally unleashed, their friendship irrevocably shifts into first, intense, all-consuming, life-changing love.

“I have always belonged to you. I will always belong to you. Regardless of what you’ve done, what you do, even what you will do, I will forever be yours. And that’s my choice to make, whether you choose me or not.”

“You think I don’t want you? Goddamn it, Spencer,” he bites. “I want you so much I can’t fucking breathe when I’m without you.”

The beauty of this love story blew me away. Dalton has fears of not being good enough for his sweet Spencer, but she quickly squashes that notion, showing him how she feels openly and unreservedly, and it was so beautiful to watch Dalton experience that kind of emotion for the first time in his life, and effortlessly return it

The constant ache in my chest dwindles as it’s replaced with the fervor of renewed hope. Of the promise of love and acceptance with absolutely no expectation other than receiving mine in return.

I open myself completely and give her all that I have – all that I am – and pray that it’s enough.

Oh, so beautiful! This is more than a love story. It’s a story of connection and true soulmates. The bond between Dalton and Spencer is incredibly written and their love for each other literally drips of the page.

“I was broken too, Dalton. Shattered. Unsalvageable.”
My gaze falls to her lips, watching as they curl upward into a timid smile. “Until the day I met you, that is. The day that every single one of my fractured pieces permanently fused with yours, rebuilding me with renewed strength so I could stand strong and fight for you.” She shakes her head. “I won’t give up on you. I will never stop believing in you. And I will continue to fight for you until the day I die because without you here” – she brings my palm to her chest – “I do not exist.”

But when Dalton’s terrifying reality is revealed, he needs to make a choice. And to protect the ones he loves, he is forced to do the unthinkable.

I would give anything, sacrifice everything, for even the smallest of chances to experience the love that only Spencer can provide.
I would die for it.
I would die for her.

Feels, feels, feels. I felt it all! My heart broke right alongside Dalton and Spencer at all they endure, but it paves the way for the awesome to come as the strength of their love is put to the test again, and the power of their connection shines through, and I was gripped to my kindle as it all played out.

“A second chance is a gift that many, many people long to receive, yet sadly, few are given. Never forget that.”

The ending did feel a bit rushed, and I would have loved a detailed epilogue to finish the story off, but I’m assuming we’ll get to see more of these two characters in the next book of the series, Out of Focus, which features Spencer’s fabulous best friend, Cassie.

Spanning five years, this book has many ups and downs, surprising twists, rapturous highs and the lowest of lows, and through it all, I couldn’t help but cheer for these two characters. Their strengths are remarkable, and their pain and vulnerability made my heart ache. Their story isn’t always easy, but it’s so well written, emotional and achingly beautiful, and I loved it.

4.5 stars.

 

Chosen Paths