⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The most brilliant thing about this
book is the consistency of characterisation of both the MCs and their
relationship. With the story straddling across a decade, from end of high
school through love, loss, split, careers and return, both the MCs grow while
retaining their core characteristics – much like it happens in real life.
Bridget Callahan and Alex Marlow are childhood
friends. As they grow up, they develop feelings towards each other and their
relationship deepens. But circumstances and individual personalities lead to
them parting ways. They split, though their love doesn’t dim. Five years later,
Bridget is a famous pop star based in New York and Alex is the owner of a café,
bar and brewery in their home town in Pennsylvania. Bridget returns home to see
if she can get back her first, and only love to find herself being stonewalled
by Alex at every turn.
In a first (for us), we didn’t like Alex at all, but
completely understood and empathised with her. It is unusual to dislike what a
character is doing and be totally against them while just ‘getting’ them. Alex is
an emotionally stunted person, whose reluctance to talk, share and express
makes her a difficult partner to be with despite her huge love.
Bridget is a dream. Throughout the book she is perfection.
Their relationship – the first time around and the effort to get back – is carried
solely by Bridget. But despite their different personalities, they just work.
There is chemistry between the two, but what is even more
overpowering is the love.
This book is so beautiful and so recommended.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
