Sam@WLABB
Written on Jan 30, 2016
I would like to thank K Ryan for the eArc and the opportunity to read the rest of Iz and Caleb's story
At the end of book 1, things looked good for Caleb and Iz. Iz was learning the ropes of being an "old lady", and Caleb was ensuring his place in the Horsemen, but that was just the quiet before the storm. Carry You Home picks up shortly after the end of book 1 - Iz in art school, and Caleb doing a "run". Their relationship has advanced to a higher level, and all seems right in the world. Then, it all falls apart. Every good thing disappears.
I experienced a LOT more emotions during this book. I mean, these two really lose everything, and some of those things are just so painful to be a part of. I cried. Real tears. This book also spans many years, and through the years we get to know a lot more about Caleb and Isabelle as people, individuals. Their story began when they were 21, but it ends when they are about 33. They both experience a great deal of personal growth, however, Caleb's transformation is actually the most impressive, because he was very immature at the beginning of the duology.
What I liked:
I felt that Ryan did a good job of tying up loose ends. We find out the fate of almost all the major players (Dom, Sam, Skylar, Marcus, etc), and we also got an epilogue, which is something I often crave and need for closure.
I loved Caleb's letters.
This idea of second chances and mending relationship always gets me in the feels, and there is a lot of that in this book.
Believe it or not, I sort of liked that the resolution to many of the issues was not easy, because that is realistic. You have to work for things, and Caleb worked A LOT in this book for the things he wanted, and for the things that mattered to him.
What I didn't like
Not that much. I thought some parts were a little too drawn out, but not enough to make me stop reading. At that point, I was connected to the characters, and too invested in the fate of Iz and Caleb.
This is a story of love, loss, redemption, choices, consequences, healing, and so many other things. I cried tears, happy and sad, but the ending was all worth it.