Gracie described her relationship with Noah as an addiction and she was dead on. Most addictions give you temporary pleasure, but long term, cause damage. I have to say, Brownlow did a great job painting her characters, because I hated Noah, loved Jake and alternately wanted to smack and hug Gracie. I understand "that girl", I was "that girl". That girl who tried to save a failing relationship. That girl who was afraid to leave, because she thought he might change. That girl who lost parts of herself, while trying to please another person. I would gasp and shake my head almost every time Gracie and Noah shared a page. He was a master manipulator and could play head games with the best of them. I mean, he would be a 5-star general in psychological warfare. In my heart, I was begging and pleading with Gracie to stick to her guns and get out with her sanity. I felt her struggle and her shame.
And then there was Jake -- swoon. Every girl needs a Jake. Thank goodness we had Jake. We needed a positive male character, who did the right things, said the right things and could help Gracie heal and find her way back to herself. Although Gracie had a very supportive circle of friends, he was the one who did not judge her harshly and continually offered her emotional support.
This is a book chuck full of drama, deceit, romance, friendship, and "oh no he didn't" moments. It brought about an emotional response from me. So, if that's your thing, I recommend this book.
