This was a nice addition to the first novel Deeper. While it follows the same story, it had been a while since I read the first novel and they do a good job of explaining what happened previously so I think you could read this without reading the first one (but I recommend reading the first book). While I loved the first book, this was just okay for me. I enjoyed it and read it pretty quickly but it didn’t wow me in the same way I enjoyed the characters in the first book. I would give it a solid 3.5 stars.

This book was intense and a little darker than I expected. I think I was looking for something a little lighter but still enjoyed

THIS is the book that jumpstarted the New Adult genre into something worth talking about. Robin York did these characters OH so right and got the heart and the heat at a perfect mix.

A stunning love story that will put readers on an emotional roller coaster. A deep and hard test in the search for one’s self. Harder will shred your emotions. It is important to mention that this is not your everyday run-of- the-mill New Adult reading experience. It’s a unique journey. A number of very real and difficult topics are addressed in an open and informative manner. Robin York’s writing is witty and comical at times, even while our characters are surrounded by gut-wrenching circumstances. She writes believable characters with depth and creativity in achingly everyday life situations. This story took hold of my heart and didn’t release it until the very end. I wasn’t sure what to expect after Deeper. High expectations were a certainty and I certainly wasn’t disappointed where Robin York took us.

More than anything else, this is a story of hope. And throughout, this reader continually hoped that both West and Caroline would never look back with regret – but move forward with hope. Even though they don’t really know where they are going, there was hope that they wouldn’t leave each other behind or alone.

There are so many levels to this amazingly well-written story. Once you begin, you won’t be able to put it aside. When Deeper ended, I felt the pain and agony going through both West and Caroline. And as we pick up their story here, the lights are still dimmed and the mood isn’t giving us much hope. Back in his hometown of Silt, West is making things much harder than necessary and it’s causing pain and hurt to more than just him. He’s returned to some of his nasty habits and Caroline is devastated by his actions. Prepare yourself for Caroline and West to trample on your heart before the mending begins bit by bit.

A fresh new voice in the New Adult genre from a much adored and established contemporary romance writer . . . I loved this book! Such a superb read from start to finish.