Release

SpoilersWow that beginning. For a kid that age, they didn’t get to experience it because of both their parents. They basically saved each other the day they met & has been inseparable since until Ramsey went away. Ngl I had previously read the some reviews/spoilers so I was aware of the plot twist but I definitely didn’t think it would end up that way, I had a whole different vision in my head. I loved loved the flashbacks we got when they were kids/teenagers. Although I do wish, we got more insight to their future a bit. Buttt, this was still a very good read. The story flowed very easily so it was really quick to finish.

This is the first book in a two book series that features the brother, Ramsey, and his childhood bff and sweetheart, Thea. The second is about Ramsey’s sister, Nora, which I plan on starting next.* There are multiple scenes, and / or references, to subject matter that may be difficult for sensitive readers. High-level topics are listed at the bottom of my post. *** If you have not read this story, the following may contain spoilers. I try not to provide them, but sometimes it is unavoidable when describing something I love or think needs clarification / refinement. **Ramsey’s and Thea’s story is a very emotional tale that is told utilizing dual POVs, which I very much enjoy. It just brings the story to life, plus I hate to feel like I am missing something 😁. This is definitely for adults only and focuses on when Ramsey is released from prison for killing the man who assaulted Thea when he was seventeen.It encompasses their entire timeline from childhood forward. Their story begins with heartbreak, although it takes a while before they both realize it. They meet when Thea runs away to a tree in a field to get away from home after her mother dies. Unbeknownst to her, Ramsey is sitting in the tree watching and waiting on her to leave. When it becomes apparent that is not going to happen, he speaks and their unlikely love story begins.Everything can hidden behind a smile … It can be a weapon or a shield. There is a lot of angst, heartbreak, love, anger, lost, smiles, tears, grief, rage, frustration, miscommunication, lies, hate, sorrow, guilt, etc., most of it in the name of love. It is an emotional roller coaster that I am glad I was able to take with Ramsey and his sparrow.There are a couple of grammatical issues, but nothing difficult to interpret, such as incorrect word tense and punctuation. There is also a chapter that wasn’t real clear as to whom Ramsey was speaking. I made highlights and nights because I thought the incorrect pronouns had been used (he/she, his/her). It wasn’t until I went back and re-read the first few pages of the chapter did I realize that it a conversation between Ramsey and Thea’s father. I mention these issues for readers such as myself that visualize the story as it is read, because errors interrupt the flow and stop the “movie” in my mind.⛔️ Contains references to, or scenes detailing, subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some, including, but not limited to: adult language; derogatory terms; mental health challenges; steamy adult intimate scenes; violence such as murder, torture, assault, fighting, betrayal, coercion / grooming, blackmail / threats, (serial) rape, domestic violence, child neglect, etc.

My heart breaks for the girls in this book. Thea, Nora, Tiffany and others we don’t even know. Going through what that animal, Josh, did to them. Now, am not a violent person, but good riddance to bad rubbish him.I was enthralled reading this story. The epilogue is my favorite though. Seeing Ramsey, Thea and their offspring. Ecstatic…

This was one of those free books offers that you get in your social media. I know the author and the blurb was intriguing so I grabbed it. And I’m so very glad I did because it was angsty, just how I love books!Thea and Ramsey met on the day that Thea’s mother died. She went to sit under a tree to escape from the sadness in her house, Ramsey was sitting way above on the tree. He fell and broke her leg, and from that day she started yelling at him and he stuck close to her using his weapon, the Ramsey Stewart special edition smile. Their days after were funny because she was angry at him, she snarled and he always smiled. She needed him to help her, carry her book bag as she walked with crutches. They were eleven and so cute!Their story had nuances of family neglect, Thea’s father checked out after he lost his beloved wife, Ramsey’s father turned abusive after his mother left them. They needed each other and this cemented an unbreakable bond between them.Love flourished between them until one day, a horrific act caused another horrific act and Ramsey ends in jail. Then the story of devotion and loyalty continues with the aftermath as Ramsey leaves jail.The story is told in dual POV and it’s also narrated in present time with flashes back in time. There is a lot of sadness and despair in these young children and it doesn’t lessen when they’re older. They grew up with disadvantages by growing up without a mother and a father who is mostly checked out. But these three, Thea, Ramsey and Nora are a family, close knit and dependent on each other, and they forge on. After Ramsey left jail, things were dicey for a while and it was hard on all three. And Thea’s father who had checked out, had checked in and was a source of support and wisdom. There are many moments of angst in this book, a plot twist that took me by surprise, and at all times, I was riveted by the story and these characters that were so engaging and complex. I loved the story and plan to continue with Nora’s story.

There is so much angst, love, pride, joy, sorrow and more. A great story, start to finish. Love is a wonderful thing but it is also a game changer. Thank you for a book that has absolutely everything in it for me.

Another brilliant read from the great Aly Martinez. What a beautiful book - made me cry right through. Ramsey was suuuuuch a sweet boy and such a great man. Thea was a really good heroine and I enjoyed Nora as well - hoping she gets her book too. There was a lot of angst and emotion in this book and everyone should read it since it’s crafted so well! Now onto things that I wish could have been touched upon further - 1. Aly still doesn’t seem to be able to write children with the innocence that comes from children. This doesn’t ruin the book in anyway - but I can’t believe as a reader that I’m listening to a 10 or 11 yo. I wish there was a little more focus brought into how she writes children. 2. I wish it wasn’t a 12 yr gap - seems a bit cruel - if it was around 4-5 yrs it would have still have been bad for Ramsey but atleast not ruining nearly half his life. 3. The reunion part week 2 onwards was a bit rushed - I wish this was a bit more drawn out - after all he’s been away from her nearly 13 yrs and pushing her away - seeing him change that entire stance in week 2 was a bit disappointing- instead he could have tried to appear to be dating other women or tiff and that would have increased the angst! 4. I felt really bad for the way they seem to be abandoning Nora towards the end - she was also a broken child who has emotional issues as an adult and is living with her best friend and looking forward to staying with her brother - but it sounds like Thea and Ramsey up and left the town without her.

This book could have been about 30% shorter and that would have been better as it got boring in places.I hate a prologue that gives away what happens halfway through a book, but i was lucky as i skipped it after the first sentence and then went back when i got to that point.The hero is weak, i just don't understand the pushing someone away when you want to be with them thing.I was hoping book two would be the sister ending up with the cop brother, that would have been epic!!!! But it's not (i read the synopsis) so i won't bother reading that one now.Lots of back and forth and inner monologues that could have been done without. Overall an ok read.

** spoiler alert ** I will start by saying I like alot of this author's work, she can pack a real emotional punch in her books.For me this one was okay.I think second chance is always tricky, this one has the perfect excuse as he went to prison.From the blurb it's not difficult to see that the Hero will be pushing the heroine away, for her own good, eye roll....As it's second chance we have a portion of the book dealing with them meeting as kids and the events that led up to him going to prison.During the initial events of their meeting I found some of the conversation between them childish and this is to expected as I think the heroine is 10 years of age.When she is an adult I felt the heroine tried to make her have a snarky side but to me it still felt childish.It lacked emotional punch that I thought I'd get.There is more to the story that them simply recovering from returning from prison.HEA.Epilogue. I didn't read the epilogue I didn't care enough

A delightful tear jerking story with some very dark content. Drama, prison life, murder, gross sexual abuse , lies, mistrust, and yet a supremely tender romantic novel. Ramsay, a noble kid with a very big heart, befriends Thea, a ten year old that has recently lost her mother . The two fall for each other, and the story keeps moving forward to present day and then back to the past, but each time the distant getting closure. We have other interesting characters such as Nora, Ramsay’s Younger sister, Who has a lot in common with Thea. Joe who is Thea’s father who at first is so wrapped up in himself he almost forgets his daughter, and we have Mindy who’s cookery skills may be to die for. There is humour abounding, but on the flip side, such tradegy and despair that tears form occasionally. There are two souls, whom fate will not release, but take over 12 years to reunite due to entrapment. In all a fantastic novel by a tremendous author. Never disappoints. Well written, and edited. Very descriptive and flows well. A great experience.

I absolutely loved this book and reading the dual pov of Thea and Ramsey as they grew up and fell in love but things changed and it wasn't as smooth as they hoped it would be. I was really rooting for Thea and Ramsey to have a HEA and for Ramsey to get his heart out of his a as and realise he needed Thea as much as she needed him. I would totally recommend this book and hope to read Nora' s story.