I feel like I say this a lot, but I mean it: I really wanted to like this book! I love romances that are complicated and perhaps a bit (or more than a bit) dark; I love heroines (and heroes!) who have been abused as children and yet somehow manage to create a relationship that is healthy, supportive, and strong. So I went into this book fully prepared to at least like it a lot, especially with all of the stellar reviews.

And I didn't.

This book is literally full of cliches; as soon as one was introduced, another one was lined up and ready to go. There's the ever popular instalove, fueled by interest by another party (and the other party is a slimeball, but only the hero is aware of this), for example. Dylan has always been sort of protective of Payton, but he's never showed any interest beyond brotherly before Todd (who is the aforementioned slimeball) comes into the picture. Then Dylan is all over Payton, who has loved him for years and years, and their relationship snowballs at an incredible pace. They're engaged within a couple of months of becoming a couple, which is just so unrealistic and ridiculous, especially when they're both still college students.

And then there's the absentee mother who comes back into her life, who claims that even though she was horrifically abused by Payton's father, she never thought that John would ever dare raise a hand to Payton. *MASSIVE EYEROLL* Maybe this story hit a little too close to home for my tastes, but I automatically do not believe anyone who tries to say that they had no idea that an abuser would abuse. Give me a fucking break. Even better, there's a secret brother, AND Payton's mom is dying of cancer, so she needs Payton, who is still in college and can barely take care of herself, to raise the kid. Jesus. See what I mean about the ridiculous pile of cliches packed into this book?

The sex wasn't good, the romance is rushed and not believable, and I never identified with ANY of the characters in the book. Throw in a psycho!dad who kidnaps Payton, and we can play bingo with all of the cliches in this book!

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This is the first time I have read a book by C.A. Harms. I have been looking forward to it for ages, well, as soon as I saw her books, as they all sound so excellent. I jumped on the chance to read this book, as soon as I saw the blurb. I knew I would connect with it and everything about it made me think 5 * read. I wasn't disappointed.

Our leading lady has had the childhood from hell. With abuse running rampant and nowhere for her to go, she feels beaten down and starts to wonder how or if she can save herself. Then, as she starts to look toward the future only, things change and she is given the chance to make a new life. I really connected with her. I had similar starting experiences to her and really latched on to her character. I felt her pain. I cried and I was overjoyed when she moved forward, leaving that life behind, without a second glance. She is strong, smart and passionate about life. Harms couldn't have created a better character.

It was brilliant getting to know her, as her life changed. she grew and learned what life could really be. As she started to realise that she could learn to love and move forward. However, things aren't as easy as falling in love and running away. Harms gives us something to wish for, to fight for and we want nothing more than to see our main character happy and well. The story along the way is gorgeous, fun and exciting.

Overall, this was a lovely read. Though it starts dark, it has a mixture of pain, tears, sadness and happiness, love and friendship. It is told brilliantly and really keeps you completely latched onto it, until the last page. I highly recommend checking it out.

**I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. ( )