Item: The Year We Hid Away
Rating: 5.00
Author: kozbisa

by Sarina Bowen

Could you give up the love of your life to save the child who depends on you?

I used to be like the other Harkness Hockey players, worrying only about the next game or the next party. But that all changed the day I became my little sister’s protector. Only by keeping Lucy hidden and acing my course load will we survive the year.

But then I meet Scarlet, who sees me as more than just a star athlete or a party boy. I fall hard for her. But darkness follows Scarlet, too. When her past comes to light, so does a horrible truth: I can’t save everyone. But I’ll never stop trying.

Let me tell you, this book is the stuff of Lifetime movies! There is so much drama in both Scarlet and Bridger's lives, it's a wonder they have any shred of sanity left. "The Year We Hid Away" is a very appropriate title for their story. Both Scarlet and Bridger are trying to hide and escape from something in their lives. The root of all their anguish seems to be anchored in their family entanglements. Scarlet's family is dealing with a huge public scandal, while Bridger's mother's problems begin to overwhelm his life. But together, they get some peace, for a short time each week.

Again, Bowen gives us compelling characters, who have depth. Her characters are interesting and I care about them. She has built this lovely community of friends at Harkness, and I swear, I had a total "It's a Wonderful Life" moment at one point int he book. We got more Bridger in this book and we get to see how he deals with stressful life situations that could make or break a person. It was great to see him growing and evolving. And of course, at the heart of it, we had a great love story.

The Year We Hid Away (Ivy Years, #2)

by Sarina Bowen

Reviewed by Sam@WLABB on Dec 26, 2014

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