Strangers
“4.5 ★'s
So, we have a book that starts off with two people trying to commit suicide by drowning, that is, until they literally crash into each other...well, that doesn't like much of a romance novel does it? But...wait, just pull your big girl panties up and hang on because this...”
“4.5 ★'s
So, we have a book that starts off with two people trying to commit suicide by drowning, that is, until they literally crash into each other...well, that doesn't like much of a romance novel does it? But...wait, just pull your big girl panties up and hang on because this book is one wild rollercoaster ride of emotions that will leave you wanting more! And make sure you have the day free because you will get pulled under the spell of ♥ Hippo & Mermaid ♥.
If you are like me and an emotional book junkie, this book is perfect for you...even though I must admit some parts are a bit over the top and dramatic. But...it is a story and for the most part, it will make you hurt sooo good. The angst is almost overwhelming but I didn't want it to stop. The problem was I couldn't quit reading and before I knew it, It. Was. Over. :(
Kate has some problems but she's spent most of her life keeping them bottled up inside. No one really knows the real her but she feels a strong connection with Charlie from the beginning. We slowly get to find out bits and pieces of what has happened to her and what a train wreck her life has been. How can one person go through so much and still function? I felt much worse for her than Charlie. But somehow she endeared herself to me and I especially loved her bed (and the reasonings behind it) and how she made such cute bras and panties!
Charlie is someone who has gotten everything he has ever wanted...and more, so he lives in excess. Excessive drugs, excessive alcohol and excessive women...and whatever else he fancies and everyone wants him or at least a piece of him. And just like Kate, we slowly find out about him and what's happened in his life and what's been missing.
Once Kate realizes who Charlie is she knows this will not last so she decides to take life by the reigns and do what she wants. Enter the "love fest"....it's almost as if Charlie has given up all his other addiction for his addiction to Kate and having sex with her. There are some hot scenes....and some interesting scenes, some scenes that push the comfort zone and I have to admit I was a bit surprise by Kate but totally supportive! ;)
Then enters real life...Charlie has to go to work and that includes social functions. Problem #1 - that bothered me is that he wasn't exactly forthcoming about what he was doing and it was hard reading about Kate finding out from the papers and then not hearing from Charlie. Geez...the anxiety! Next, he actually has her met him at a club where he basically ignores her until he can't stand his jealousy over other guys talking and being with her. Again, that didn't pertain to him having his arm around another woman in front of Kate. But...the whole celebrity thing made sense especially with all the paparazzi.
Luckily, Kate has some good friends...she just doesn't really realize that they are there for her even when they kind of get caught up with the celebrity thing too. But it was great seeing Kate's walls come down and how she let herself enjoy life and what it has to offer.
Of course, there are some oh so not nice people. Problem #2 - was with one particular person...how could Charlie not notice this was going on and that things weren't adding up? Especially when they 'both' noticed the undergarments! This person caused so many problems, it wasn't even funny!
Problem #3 - was with Charlie himself and seeing his ugly side. The first part was after they left his parent's house and were at the car park...that was a bit surprising from him and sort of surprising that Kate would be so accepting especially after what she had been through. The next part was after the article came out...I get that he was hurt and worried but he said some horrible things and the way he acted. Ughhh...my heart went out to Kate. Then, of course, was the hotel...luckily, things could have been much worse.
Don't get me wrong...even though I have these concerns, I loved all the emotional drama. And with all the lows comes all the highs...the sweet, romantic, lovable parts are just oh sooo good and they definitely make up for any problems. (LOVED the posted notes and the star necklace...and the song!)
I loved that there was an epilogue, I only wish that we had a bit more between the last chapter and the epilogue! More of that part that I can't tell you about! ;) But the epilogue was fantastic and I loved where it ended....with "HELLO".
Good news...this book is a standalone and if you love The Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred or God Shaped Hole by Tiffanie DeBartolo, this has a very similar feel. And it does bear mentioning that the author is British so there is a lot of British terminology. It's not too hard to figure out most things.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “If you’re my reward for all the bad things that have happened to me, then what am I for you?” Kate asked.
“My angel.”
♥ “I want you so much I’m scared,” he whispered.
“I’m scared I want you so much,” Kate whispered back.
♥ “And although I love f*cking you, it’s far more than that. I love you because I can be honest with you. I trust you. I love you because you’ve made me see I’m more than I thought. I love you because you’ve made me real. I’m trying to ignore the fact that my dick gets excited when I even think your name.” He kissed the end of her nose and then pulled back. “Do you love me?”
“Yes, I love you.” She ran a finger along his lips. “You’re my other path, Charlie. Of course I love you.”
♥ “I need you so much,” he whispered. “You’re the beat of my heart, the air in my lungs. You make me feel safe. I don’t want to live without you. I want to spend my life making you happy. I want us to grow old together and when we die, I want us to die in each other’s arms, because I can’t live in a world without you by my side.””
(read full review)
