Because we all need a soft boy love story in our lives.
Song Vibe Check
"Shade of Yellow" By: Griff
"Love Song" By: Lana Del Rey
"Somebody to love" By: Queen
I have always loved a good love story.
It's always a rewarding feeling when you read about how people fall in love, all the highs and the lows and the obstacles to get a happy ending... or a tragic downfall if we're more of the tragic romantic fans. I had a huge phase back in high school where most of what I would read was fun rom-coms with fake dating schemes, friends to lovers or enemies to lovers all in high school settings where the drama and the gossip is what keeps you going, but afterwards, I sort of just stopped reading them.
Did my heart shrivel up over the years? No. But, they became an occasional trip I make, and while I still love for the books I read to have some sort of love story for however big or small it may be, I don't dabble in the romance genre that often. As a present from my best friend though, this is the one book she always recommends in our bookstore trips.
And I can never say no to a book recommended by my best friend.
So, let's dive in, shall we?
Short Summary? A runaway college girl with a tragic past flees to a small town where she bumps into (and falls in love with!) the resident hermit who is the center of the small town's secrets and betrayals.
Longer Summary: Bree Prescott is done with Ohio. She needs a break and an escape-- and the small town of Pelion where she went as a child is the current answer. In an attempt to find some peace with herself and running away from the past she left behind, she sets out to settle in to the small town with new acquaintances (and possibly friends!) and all seems to be going okay...
Until her groceries fall to the floor and she meets Archer Hale.
A name that gets whispered throughout town that tells only parts of a tragic story, some pity him, but most ignore him. When she attempts to talk to him, she discovers why he never got to tell his story: He can't talk.
But, because Bree's dad was deaf, she knows sign language and as she sets out to learn more about him, Archer's initial apprehension becomes curiosity to see what exactly she may have in store for him and perhaps... this might be the first time he can tell his story and for Bree, he might be the person she needs to find peace in her life.
Alright, this book pulled me in since page one and as I learned more about Archer and Bree, I just wanted to hug them both and tell them things would get better. Archer's initial apprehension towards Bree was understandable and while I went through second hand embarrassment of the things she would do to try to get closer to him, I grew attached to this couple that told a slow burn story as they learned to trust each other, fall in love and deal with their shared tragic pasts.
When I tell you I wasn't expecting this book to get the spiciness going or that in one moment I would be grinning and in another moment with tears in my eyes, I mean it. While this made haircuts a lot more interesting (If you know, you know!) This story was an emotional roller-coaster but it had SUCH A FULFILLING ENDING. The twists in this story definitely did catch me by surprise and it was a really good book that I enjoyed and will treasure.
We definitely need more guys out there that can say "It will only ever be you."
And then I can melt into a puddle.
Overall: 5/5 stars