I am so pleased to be taking part in the Blog Tour for Taylor Lavati's latest release, For the Love of Ash. This is a contemporary romance with such heart. I hope you'll pick this one up and enjoy Maggie and Luke's story as much as I did. And be sure to enter the giveaway below for a chance to win an ebook of For the Love of Ash, a swag pack, or even a signed paperback!
SYNOPSIS
Luke Wilson has done everything his parents have ever asked of him. A new teacher, Luke constantly questions where his life is headed.
When Luke and Maggie meet, neither is in the market for a relationship. But sometimes life has other plans. Both navigate new waters as they try to decide where their priorities should lie, while also seizing what they want.
In this heartbreakingly real tale of love, Maggie and Luke discover what being a family truly means.
*This book is a standalone and NOT part of a series. This book contains mature content.
MY REVIEW
At 23, Maggie is raising her 9 year old brother, Asher, working at a restaurant, and attending college. Life changed dramatically when her parents died unexpectedly and the young woman who previously partied her way through college is now faced with staggering responsibilities. The sacrifices are worth it, though, because Maggie loves Ash fiercely and is determined to give him all the love and care they didn’t get from their parents.
Luke was born into privilege but that didn’t equate to a happy home. Life with a tyrannical and abusive father has forced him into the role of protector of his siblings. His own aspirations have been put on hold while he stays close to watch over his brother and sisters. He feels guilty for dreaming of so much more.
Luke was born into privilege but that didn’t equate to a happy home. Life with a tyrannical and abusive father has forced him into the role of protector of his siblings. His own aspirations have been put on hold while he stays close to watch over his brother and sisters. He feels guilty for dreaming of so much more.
This was a truly enjoyable story of not just two people falling in love, but of two people finding their way despite past and present obstacles. Maggie is independent and determined and often stubborn to a fault. The possibility of a relationship with Luke had her both excited and cautious, since she was always conscious of her responsibility to Ash. Maggie could be a frustrating character at times. She ran hot and cold with Luke early in the story; one day completely open to a new relationship, the next shutting him out completely. But their relationship seemed to move at a totally believable pace and it was refreshing to see them navigate this new connection slowly (no insta-love!). And Asher. I admit I’m not usually a fan of novels where young children play a large role, but it was impossible not to love this kid. He was sweet and loving and I enjoyed every scene with Ash.
I really loved the alternating first person perspectives and it made for a fuller to story to understand both Maggie and Luke’s points of view. There were some descriptions and wording that seemed a bit clunky and ill-fitting, but otherwise the narrative flowed well and it was easy to be pulled into the story. I really loved the secondary characters. Luke’s siblings, Maggie’s friends June and Janet - they all added so much to the story.
For the Love of Ash is a contemporary new adult romance that tackles so much more than *just* the romance. The love of family portrayed here is heartwarming and makes for such a rich story. I recommend this one to those who are looking for a contemporary romance with less fluff and more depth.
GET YOUR COPY HERE
AUTHOR BIO
You can find Taylor here:
Website: www.taylorlavati.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/taylorlavati
Twitter: www.twitter.com/taylorjlavati
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