Where You Are (Between the Lines, #2)

by Tammara Webber

[Jo]

Originally posted on Once Upon a Bookcase.

I was such a huge fan of Easy and then of Between the Lines, I knew I had to carry on with the series. And Where You Are is just as amazing as the first book in the series!

Despite the distance between them, Emma and Graham have decided that they can't be without each other, and to give a long distance relationship a go. It's hard, but not necessarily for long. and they feel too much to let it fail. Brooke has other plans though. She's been in love with Graham for longer than she can remember, and she's not going to lose him now. She convinces Reid to join her in orchestrating a break up between Emma and Graham, so Brooke can finally get her guy, and Reid can attempt to get Emma into bed again. Is Emma and Graham's love strong enough to survive the obstacles thrown in their path by Brooke and Reid?

I loved this book! Tammara Webber is an incredible writer, and is just brilliant at creating distinct, individual voices. She reminds me of Rachel Caine in that respect, with characters who's personalities are so fully formed, they feel real. Where You Are, is not only from the point of views of Emma and Reid as Between the Lines, but also Graham and Brooke. Although we met them both in Between the Lines, we get to know both characters so much better by being inside their heads.

What struck me was just how different Reid and Graham are. Obviously, they're very different, I knew this already, but for some reason, I was surprised at how differently they think and feel. Reid is the same ol' Reid we came to love to hate in Between the Lines (though I actually really liked him, despite his bad boy behaviour). Graham is so much more responsible and respectful, and he's such a sweet guy! When he feels something for someone, he feels it strongly. Getting to know him, and his past, was just awesome! By understanding him and his past, we understand the relationship dynamics he has with various people. He's not had an easy life, and because of his daughter, Cara, he's very careful. Being with Emma is a risk, not just for him.

Brooke is a manipulative cow. We - or at least, I - assumed she was aloof and diva-ish from how she behaved when we first met her in Between the Lines, but by the end, I was thinking she's pretty awesome. A tough cookie who has had her own issues, who, in the end, seemed to help Emma. But in Where You Are, we see her for what she really is. And yet... I couldn't hate her. Yes she schemes, lies and does all she can to split up Emma and Graham, but it comes from a vulnerable place. She loves Graham, he is the only guy she can be completely herself around, who knows and understands what she's been through, and has been there for her. He didn't take advantage of her. Graham knows the girl, doesn't just see the actress. And, as I've already said, she loves him. The idea of not ever being with him is just unbearable to her, so she tries to make it happen. I could completely empathise with her and understand where she was coming from, but she just goes about it in the wrong way. I felt so sad for her, and just wanted to give her the biggest hug; it's so hard for her to see Graham with Emma, when all she wants is him to look at her like that. It doesn't occur to her that she could lose his friendship, the most important relationship she has; the one time it flutters through her mind what she's risking, she pushes it aside as she is so sure that she will succeed. She can't contemplate any other outcome. Brooke behaves appallingly, but I couldn't hate her. I could only feel pity and empathy.

I can't really say much more without spoiling the story,  but it's an absolutely fantastic book! I am such a huge fan of Webber, and I'm so looking forward to continuing the series with Good For You and Here Without You! I'll definitely read whatever Webber writes from now on, she's just awesome! Amazing story!