Review: The Last Post by Renee Carlino

THE LAST POST
Renée Carlino
Publication date: August 20, 2019
Series: No
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Format: eARC
Source: Atria and NetGalley



GOODREADS  *  AMAZON

S Y N O P S I S

“See you on the other side.”

Laya Marston’s husband, Cameron, a daredevil enthusiast, always said this before heading off on his next adventure. He was the complete opposite of her, ready and willing to dive off a cliff-face, or parachute across a canyon—and Laya loved him for it. But she was different: pragmatic, regimented, devoted to her career and to supporting Cameron from the sidelines of his death-defying feats.

But when Cameron dies suddenly and tragically, all the stages of grief go out the window. Laya becomes lost in denial, living in the delusion that Cameron will come back to her. She begins posting on his Facebook page, reminiscing about their life together, and imagining new adventures for the two of them.

Micah Evans, a young and handsome architect at Laya’s father’s firm, is also stuck––paralyzed by the banal details of his career, his friendships, and his love life. He doesn’t know what he’s looking for, only that there is someone out there who can bring energy and spirit to the humdrum of his life.

When Micah discovers Laya’s tragic and bizarre Facebook posts, he’s determined to show Laya her life is still worth living. Leaving her anonymous gifts and notes, trying to recreate the sense of adventure she once shared with her late husband, Micah finds a new passion watching Laya come out of the darkness. And Laya finds a new joy in the experiences Micah has created for her.

But for Laya, letting another man in still feels like a betrayal to her late husband. Even though Micah may be everything she could wish for, she wonders if she deserves to find happiness again.

M Y   T H O U G H T S

After a whirlwind first year of marriage, Laya is suddenly and tragically a widow. Retreating from work, family and friends, Laya is mired in grief and finds solace in leaving messages for Cameron, her deceased husband, on his phone and his Facebook page. Despite pleas from his family to stop the posts, which they consider hurtful, Laya can’t seem to stop.

Micah works for Laya’s father’s architectural firm and seems to be at a crossroads himself. He feels a disconnect with his friends and a sense of pointlessness to his work and his everyday life. When he meets Laya he’s immediately drawn to her. He knows she is a widow and, when he comes across her posts to her deceased husband, he feels compelled to somehow help her. Taking cues from her posts, he begins to slowly get to know Laya and a relationship (of sorts) forms.

I was excited to dive into The Last Post because I have loved several of Carlino’s books in the past. She has such a gift for emotional storytelling. Unfortunately, it was the emotion that was missing from this one for me. I didn’t feel a connection with either Laya or Micah, and at times I wasn’t even sure I felt a real connection between the two of them. In the beginning I wasn’t sure what to make of Micah or what his motivations were. It wasn’t clear to me whether he was altruistic or was trying to fulfill some need in himself.

Both Laya and Micah were living very small, insular lives – disconnected from the world and the people around them. I liked how together they both started to rejoin the world. Laya was finally able to start moving past her grief and Micah was coming out of… whatever it was he was going through. Honestly, I never did really understand what his issues were or what was troubling him. Laya struggled to come to terms with Cameron’s failings and recognize that neither he, nor their marriage, had been perfect. It was satisfying to see her come out of her shell and be willing to move forward.

While I didn’t feel emotionally invested in Laya and Micah’s story, and I missed that emotional punch that I’ve come to count on from Carlino, there’s no denying that she is a gifted storyteller. I love her writing style and I love her ability to tell a story about real people facing real challenges. Her stories always feel authentic and never gimmicky. If you enjoy stories that focus on overcoming loss, second chances and moving on, give The Last Post a chance.

3.5/5 STARS

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. This does not impact my opinion of the book or the content of this review. I received no compensation and my review is voluntary.

My Most Anticipated Releases | Summer 2019

I'm a little bit late with this, since we're already two weeks into June, but let's just go with it, shall we? Better late than never and all that. There are actually two that have already released this month that I've read, so I won't list them below but you can check out my reviews for Jennifer L. Armentrout's Storm and Fury and Jennifer Weiner's Mrs. Everything.

Now on to the summer releases that I'm most excited for...

June 18

Letters to Molly - Devney Perry

Molly Alcott didn’t expect to open her mailbox one summer morning and find an old letter stuffed between bills and a supermarket flyer. Penned in familiar handwriting, dated over fifteen years ago, the letter was written to Molly after her first date with the man she’ll never forget.

Week after week, new letters appear. Each marks an event in the history of their epic love affair. Each heals a wound. Each holds the confession of the man who still owns Molly’s heart.

The letters are full of promise, hope and love, but truth be told, Molly wishes she could unread them all.

Because the man who wrote these letters is not the one sending them.

I've been wanting to read something by Devney Perry for quite a while. The synopsis of this upcoming release definitely grabs me so this might be the one I start with.

June 25

Superfan - Sarina Bowen

Three years ago I met the most amazing girl in the world. We were both down on our luck. Then I got that call—the one that tells you to get your buns on a plane to go meet your destiny.

But the girl was left behind. I didn’t have her phone number, and she didn’t know my real name.

While I became a professional hockey player, she became a superstar, with platinum records and legions of fans. And a slick, music producer boyfriend who treated her badly.

But fate wasn’t done with us yet. When Delilah turns up at a hockey game, I can’t resist making contact. The internet swoons when I ask her out on a date.

She might not remember me. But her jerkface ex does. He’ll do anything to keep us apart.

Good thing athletes never give up. This time I’m playing for keeps.

I mean, it's Sarina Bowen. Need I say more?

June 25

Call It What You Want - Brigid Kemmerer

When his dad is caught embezzling funds from half the town, Rob goes from popular lacrosse player to social pariah. Even worse, his father’s failed suicide attempt leaves Rob and his mother responsible for his care.

Everyone thinks of Maegan as a typical overachiever, but she has a secret of her own after the pressure got to her last year. And when her sister comes home from college pregnant, keeping it from her parents might be more than she can handle.

When Rob and Maegan are paired together for a calculus project, they’re both reluctant to let anyone through the walls they’ve built. But when Maegan learns of Rob’s plan to fix the damage caused by his father, it could ruin more than their fragile new friendship...

This captivating, heartfelt novel asks the question: Is it okay to do something wrong for the right reasons?

My reading of YA has waned to almost nil but I make an exception for Brigid Kemmerer. I love her contemporary YA novels and I've read some excellent early reviews for this one.

July 9

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill - Abbi Waxman

Meet Nina Hill: A young woman supremely confident in her own...shell.
The only child of a single mother, Nina has her life just as she wants it: a job in a bookstore, a kick-butt trivia team, a world-class planner and a cat named Phil. If she sometimes suspects there might be more to life than reading, she just shrugs and picks up a new book.

When the father Nina never knew existed suddenly dies, leaving behind innumerable sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews, Nina is horrified. They all live close by! They're all--or mostly all--excited to meet her! She'll have to Speak. To. Strangers. It's a disaster! And as if that wasn't enough, Tom, her trivia nemesis, has turned out to be cute, funny, and deeply interested in getting to know her. Doesn't he realize what a terrible idea that is?

Nina considers her options.
1. Completely change her name and appearance. (Too drastic, plus she likes her hair.)
2. Flee to a deserted island. (Hard pass, see: coffee).
3. Hide in a corner of her apartment and rock back and forth. (Already doing it.)

It's time for Nina to come out of her comfortable shell, but she isn't convinced real life could ever live up to fiction. It's going to take a brand-new family, a persistent suitor, and the combined effects of ice cream and trivia to make her turn her own fresh page.

I've yet to read anything from Abbi Waxman, but I'm intrigued by this one and think it might be an excellent read.

August 6

Say You Still Love Me - K.A. Tucker

Life is a mixed bag for Piper Calloway.

On the one hand, she’s a twenty-nine-year-old VP at her dad’s multibillion-dollar real estate development firm, and living the high single life with her two best friends in a swanky downtown penthouse. On the other hand, she’s considered a pair of sexy legs in a male-dominated world and constantly has to prove her worth. Plus, she’s stuck seeing her narcissistic ex-fiancé—a fellow VP—on the other side of her glass office wall every day.

Things get exponentially more complicated for Piper when she runs into Kyle Miller—the handsome new security guard at Calloway Group Industries, and coincidentally the first love of her life.

The guy she hasn’t seen or heard from since they were summer camp counsellors together. The guy from the wrong side of the tracks. The guy who apparently doesn’t even remember her name.

Piper may be a high-powered businesswoman now, but she soon realizes that her schoolgirl crush is not only alive but stronger than ever, and crippling her concentration. What’s more, despite Kyle’s distant attitude, she’s convinced their reunion isn’t at all coincidental, and that his feelings for her still run deep. And she’s determined to make him admit to them, no matter the consequences.

K.A. Tucker is basically an auto-buy author for me. I've loved almost everything she's written and this one sounds right up my alley.

August 8

The Family Upstairs - Lisa Jewell

You thought they were just staying for the weekend. They looked harmless enough – with only two suitcases and a cat in a wicker box.

But soon things turn very, very dark. It happens slowly, yet so extraordinarily quickly.

Now you and your sister must find a way to survive.

Not much of a synopsis is it? But Lisa Jewell writes the kind of mystery/thrillers that I love so I don't need to be sold on it. I already have grabby hands.

August 20

The Last Post - Renee Carlino

See you on the other side.

Laya Marston’s husband, Cameron, a daredevil enthusiast, always said this before heading off on his next adventure. He was the complete opposite of her, ready and willing to dive off a cliff-face, or parachute across a canyon—and Laya loved him for it. But she was different: pragmatic, regimented, devoted to her career and to supporting Cameron from the sidelines of his death-defying feats.

Opposites attract, right?

But when Cameron dies suddenly and tragically, all the stages of grief go out the window. Laya becomes lost in denial, living in the delusion that Cameron will come back to her. She begins posting on his Facebook page, reminiscing about their life together, and imagining new adventures for the two of them.

Micah Evans, a young and handsome architect at Laya’s father’s firm, is also stuck––paralyzed by the banal details of his career, his friendships, and his love life. He doesn’t know what he’s looking for, only that there is someone out there who can bring energy and spirit to the humdrum of his life.

When Micah discovers Laya’s tragic and bizarre Facebook posts, he’s determined to show Laya her life is still worth living. Leaving her anonymous gifts and notes, trying to recreate the sense of adventure she once shared with her late husband, Micah finds a new passion watching Laya come out of the darkness. And Laya finds a new joy in the experiences Micah has created for her.

But for Laya, letting another man in still feels like a betrayal to her late husband. Even though Micah may be everything she could wish for, she wonders if she deserves to find happiness again.

I love Renee Carlino and a few of her novels have become real favorites. The advance reviews for The Last Post are a bit... underwhelming (an average GoodReads rating of 3.23 as of this writing - yikes) but I still have high hopes.

August 20

The Reckless Oath We Made - Bryn Greenwood

A provocative love story between a tough Kansas woman on a crooked path to redemption and the unlikeliest of champions, from the New York Times bestselling author of All the Ugly and Wonderful Things.

Zee is nobody's fairy tale princess. Almost six-foot, with a redhead's temper and a shattered hip, she has a long list of worries: never-ending bills, her beautiful, gullible sister, her five-year-old nephew, her housebound mother, and her drug-dealing boss.

Zee may not be a princess, but Gentry is an actual knight, complete with sword, armor, and a code of honor. Two years ago the voices he hears called him to be Zee's champion. Both shy and autistic, he's barely spoken to her since, but he has kept watch, ready to come to her aid.

When an abduction tears Zee's family apart, she turns to the last person she ever imagined--Gentry--and sets in motion a chain of events that will not only change both of their lives, but bind them to one another forever.

Greenwood's All the Ugly and Wonderful Things, caused quite a stir and was certainly divisive, but I thought it was brilliant and moving and it instantly became an all-time favorite. I am so excited for her first release since 2016.

Are you looking forward to any of these upcoming releases? What summer release are you most excited for?

Top Ten Tuesday: Great Books, Few Ratings (aka Hidden Gems)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic: 

Great Books, Few Ratings

Big thumbs up to this week's prompt. Giving some love to hidden gems. Those books that are so good and deserve a lot more attention that they get (in this case, books with fewer than 2,000 ratings on GoodReads). 

The Summer I Found You

Jolene Perry
# of GoodReads ratings: 1,991

Synopsis: All they have in common is that they're less than perfect. And all they're looking for is the perfect distraction.

Kate's dream boyfriend has just broken up with her and she's still reeling from her diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Aidan planned on being a lifer in the army and went to Afghanistan straight out of high school. Now he's a disabled young veteran struggling to embrace his new life. When Kate and Aidan find each other neither one wants to get attached. But could they be right for each other after all?

Granted, I have a complicated relationship with Jolene Perry. I've read others by her that I outright disliked. But that doesn't change the fact that I seriously love this one. The two main characters felt so genuine - just two regular people dealing with real-life situations and their story made a big impact on me.

Goodnight, Nic

Marley Jacobs
# of GoodReads ratings: 72

Synopsis: Twenty-four-year-old Nicole Fletcher is having a rough summer. The woman who raised her is dying and there’s nothing she can do about it. Nothing but find solace in the forbidden fantasies starring her best friend’s younger brother. Nic knows there are some lines you can never cross – but when it comes to “little” Landon Pike, she kind of already has. She tries to stay away but when your world is falling apart, you can’t help but fall right along with it. Good thing Landon refuses to let her fall alone.

This is new adult with depth. Yes, there's a romance, but it also deals with family and grief. Filled with wonderful characters (both main characters and secondary), great humor and banter, and a lot of heart, this one deserves so much more attention.

The Impossibility of Us

Katy Upperman
# of GoodReads ratings: 378

Synopsis: The last thing Elise wants is to start over in a new town. But after her brother’s death in Afghanistan, she and her mother move to a sleepy coastal village to be closer to Elise’s sister-in-law and niece.

When Elise meets Mati during a beachside walk, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Mati is new to town, too. Over the course of the summer, their relationship begins to blossom, and what starts out as a friendship becomes so much more.

But as Elise and Mati grow closer, her family becomes more and more uncomfortable with their relationship, and their concerns all center on one fact—Mati is Afghan.

Beautifully written, utterly compelling, and ultimately hopeful, The Impossibility of Us asks—how brave can you be when your relationship is questioned by everyone you love?

There were several instances where I was floored by the low number of ratings for certain books, and this is one of them. How can this book - this amazingly well-written, heartfelt gem of a book - have just 378 ratings? I don't know how this one (apparently) stayed under the radar, but that's a travesty because it is filled with emotion and tackles a timely issue so well. One of my favorites of 2018.

Blind Kiss

Renee Carlino
# of GoodReads ratings: 1,685

Synopsis: A powerful story of two people who spend years denying their scientifically-proven chemistry.

Penny spends her afternoons sitting outside a sandwich shop, surrounded by ghosts. Fourteen years ago, this shop was her childhood dance studio... Now she’s a suburban housewife, dreading the moment her son departs for MIT, leaving her with an impeccably decorated McMansion and a failing marriage. She had her chance at wild, stars-in-her-eyes happiness, but that was a lifetime ago. After The Kiss. Before The Decision.

The Kiss was soulful. Magical. Earth-shattering, And it was all for a free gift card. Asked to participate in a psych study that posed the question, “Can you have sexual chemistry without knowing what the other person looks like?” Penny agreed to be blindfolded, make polite conversation with a total stranger, and kiss him. She never expected The Kiss to change her life forever and introduce her to Gavin: tattooed, gorgeous, and spontaneous enough to ask her out seconds after the blindfolds came off.

For a year, they danced between friendship and romance—until Penny made The Decision that forced them to settle for friendship. Now, fourteen years later, both of their lives are about to radically change—and it’s his turn to decide what will become of their once-in-a-lifetime connection.

While this isn't necessarily my favorite by Carlino, this is still a solid read that had me 100% invested so I'm surprised it falls into the 'fewer than 2,000 ratings' range. Penny sometimes had me wanting to shake her but even so I pulled hard for her and Gavin both. Filled with bad timing, bad decisions and just bad circumstances, their friendship was so enduring and they traveled a long road together.

We Now Return to Regular Life

Martin Wilson
# of GoodReads ratings: 693

Synopsis: Sam Walsh had been missing for three years. His older sister, Beth, thought he was dead. His childhood friend Josh thought it was all his fault. They were the last two people to see him alive.

Until now. Because Sam has been found, and he’s coming home. Beth desperately wants to understand what happened to her brother, but her family refuses to talk about it—even though Sam is clearly still affected by the abuse he faced at the hands of his captor.

And as Sam starts to confide in Josh about his past, Josh can’t admit the truths he’s hidden deep within himself: that he’s gay, and developing feelings for Sam. And, even bigger: that he never told the police everything he saw the day Sam disappeared. 

As Beth and Josh struggle with their own issues, their friends and neighbors slowly turn on Sam, until one night when everything explodes. Beth can’t live in silence. Josh can’t live with his secrets. And Sam can’t continue on until the whole truth of what happened to him is out in the open.

This is one of those sleeper books that didn't seem to make much of a splash when it was released (in 2017). But it was a gut-wrenching read that has stayed with me. My heart broke again and again for Sam, and while this book also had a strong focus on the impact his kidnapping had on family and friends, it was Sam's own story and aftermath that had me trying to choke back the tears.

Everything Under the Sun

Jessica Redmerski
# of GoodReads ratings: 533

Synopsis: Thais Fenwick was eleven-years-old when civilization fell, devastated by a virus that killed off the majority of the world’s population. For seven years, Thais and her family lived in a community of survivors deep in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. But when her town is attacked by raiders, she and her blind sister are taken away to the East-Central Territory where she is destined to live the cruel and unjust kind of life her late mother warned her about. 

Atticus Hunt is a troubled soldier in Lexington City who has spent the past seven years trying to conform to the vicious nature of men in a post-apocalyptic society. He knows that in order to survive, he must abandon his morals and his conscience and become like those he is surrounded by. But when he meets Thais, morals and conscience win out over conformity, and he risks his rank and his life to help her. They escape the city and set out together on a long and perilous journey to find safety in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

Struggling to survive in a world without electricity, food, shelter, and clean water, Atticus and Thais shed their fear of growing too close, and they fall hopelessly in love. But can love survive in such dark times, or is it fated to die with them?.

I had exactly two 5-star reads in 2018 and this was one of them. So how is it possible that it has barely 500 ratings? This book just swallowed me whole and I felt as if I were living it all right along with Thais and Atticus. Why are more people not reading this book? Gah!

Somewhere In Between

Samatha Harris
# of GoodReads ratings: 262

Synopsis: Alexandra McCabe​​ is disconnected from the world, grieving the loss of her parents...

Content with studying and keeping to herself, Alex has no interest in the campus playboy, Drew Collins, trying to get close to her. But even dousing him with beer doesn't deter the easy-going charmer, and against her better judgment, the pair fall into a reluctant friendship.

Drew is bored with college life, and Alex's romantic rejection intrigues him...

Their friendship is good for both of them, but Drew is used to getting what he wants, and he's tired of shallow sorority girls. He's much more interested in the feisty redhead, but despite his growing feeling, Alex keeps him firmly in the friend zone.

Old heartaches and new tragedies deepen a complicated relationship... (Abridged because this has the longest synopsis I've ever seen on GoodReads - just go ahead and tell the whole story why don't you? Sheesh.)

All three books in this trilogy are enjoyable but it's this first one that made the biggest impression on me. I can't say that this one is super unique or brings something new and different to the new adult/contemporary romance genre, but it still had me hooked. The blend of Samatha's writing that made every conversation ring true and two main characters who were so incredibly likable made for a real winner that deserves a lot more attention from fans of contemporary romance.

Love Scene, Take Two

Alex Evansley
# of GoodReads ratings: 424

Synopsis: Teddy Sharpe is kind of famous. He might actually be on his way to being really famous, especially if he'd nailed an audition for the lead role in the movie adaption of the newest bestselling young adult book series. There's just one problem: He totally blew the audition. And he's stuck in a tiny North Carolina airport. And his maybe-ex-girlfriend kind of just broke up with him.
The weekend isn't exactly looking good until Bennett Caldwell, author of the very book series he just auditioned for, takes pity on him and invites him to her family's lake house. Away from the glitz and glam of Hollywood for a few days, Teddy starts to relax . . . and somehow he and Bennett just click. But dating is hard enough when you aren't the subject of several dozen fanblogs, and the Internet is full of juicy gossip about Teddy and Bennett . . . gossip that Bennett might not be prepared to handle.

Almost a year after reading this one and I still can't decide if it's YA or new adult. It seems to be marketed as YA but Bennett turns 18 during the course of the novel and Teddy is 20, so...  Regardless of the target audience, if you're looking for a total feel-good experience this is the one. Super likable characters and fantastic banter and humor that gave me serious Becky Albertalli vibes made this one a total treat. So why only 424 ratings? No reason I can think of because I already want more from Evansley.

Off the Ice/Breaking the Ice
Juniper Falls series
Julie Cross
# of GoodReads ratings: 595/327

Synopsis: Claire O’Connor is back in Juniper Falls, but that doesn’t mean she wants to be. One semester off, that’s what she promised herself. Just long enough to take care of her father and keep the family business—a hockey bar beside the ice rink—afloat. After that, she’s getting the hell out. Again.

Enter Tate Tanley. What happened between them the night before she left town resurfaces the second they lay eyes on each other. But the guy she remembers has been replaced by a total hottie. When Tate is unexpectedly called in to take over for the hockey team’s star goalie, suddenly he’s in the spotlight and on his way to becoming just another egotistical varsity hockey player. And Claire’s sworn off Juniper Falls hockey players for good.

It’s the absolute worst time to fall in love. (Synopsis is for Off the Ice. Click link above for Breaking the Ice synopsis.)

This is a contemporary YA series that deserves so much more attention. Cross has written some solid new adults titles and she excels just as well at YA. I love these characters (that carry over from book to book), I love the small town setting, I love the hockey, the story lines... I love it all. (Note: the third book in this series releases next week and my review can be found here.)

  

The Edge of Juniper/Juniper Limits/Juniper Skies
The Juniper series
Lora Richardson
# of GoodReads ratings: 215/35/21

Synopsis: Fay Whitaker, sixteen years old and yearning for adventure, is excited to spend the summer with her fearless cousin Celia in small-town Juniper, Indiana.

But Fay soon discovers that her summer home is not what she expected. She is alarmed by her uncle’s temper, and learns of the grudge he holds against the Dearing family. Celia handles the tension at home by escaping with her boyfriend, leaving Fay with time on her hands—time that leads her straight to Malcolm Dearing, off-limits because of his last name. Fay is captivated by Malcolm’s warmth and intensity. She finds that trying to stay away from him only makes her think of him more.

Fay and Celia are launched on a journey, and each must attempt to navigate the thrilling and unpredictable world of love. Everything Fay thinks she knows about love is put to the test, as relationships unfold and reveal themselves in ways she never before dreamed. Synopsis is for The Edge of Juniper. Links to others are above.) 

I swear, everyone must be tired of me touting this series but I can't help it. This is the kind of YA I love. And more people need to be reading these books. I always say that Katie McGarry is my #1 when is comes to YA - and she is. But while her books tackle serious social issues, often in a near life or death manner, Richardson's books take a somewhat softer approach. The issues are no less important, and the emotions are no less real, and yet there is a sweetness and an innocence woven throughout that just does something for me. I adore the characters, I am invested in their lives, and I finish every one with a smile on my face and a full heart. I won't stop recommending this series... or anything else Richardson writes.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

  

    

Have you read any of these books?
What is your favorite underrated read?

Review: Blind Kiss by Renee Carlino

     

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Renee Carlino's BLIND KISS! I get excited for every new release from Renee, but when I read the synopsis of this one I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Once again, she has delivered a truly emotional tale of two characters come to life and pull me right into their story. Check out my review and grab your own copy of Blind Kiss using the links below. Happy reading!

BLIND KISS

by RENEE CARLINO

Available August 14, 2018

From the national bestselling author of Before We Were Strangers, Swear on this Life, and Wish You Were Here comes a powerful story of two people who spend years denying their scientifically-proven chemistry. 

Penny spends her afternoons sitting outside a sandwich shop, surrounded by ghosts. Fourteen years ago, this shop was her childhood dance studio—and she was a dancer on the rise. Now she’s a suburban housewife, dreading the moment her son departs for MIT, leaving her with an impeccably-decorated McMansion and a failing marriage. She had her chance at wild, stars-in-her-eyes happiness, but that was a lifetime ago. After The Kiss. Before The Decision.

The Kiss was soulful. Magical. Earth-shattering, And it was all for a free gift card. Asked to participate in a psych study that posed the question, “Can you have sexual chemistry without knowing what the other person looks like?” Penny agreed to be blindfolded, make polite conversation with a total stranger, and kiss him. She never expected The Kiss to change her life forever and introduce her to Gavin: tattooed, gorgeous, and spontaneous enough to ask her out seconds after the blindfolds came off.

For a year, they danced between friendship and romance—until Penny made The Decision that forced them to settle for friendship. Now, fourteen years later, both of their lives are about to radically change—and it’s his turn to decide what will become of their once-in-a-lifetime connection. 

AVAILABLE NOW

AMAZON | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Renée Carlino is one of my favorite authors. With her ability to write realistic characters immersed in emotional situations, I never fail to fall into her stories knowing my tender heart is about to be battered and bruised. But when I picked up Blind Kiss – oh, my friends, I had no idea of the angst I was about to encounter. Some might find it overkill, some might revel in it, and I must be a glutton for emotional punishment because I dove right in and wallowed all in it.

Fourteen years ago Penny met Gavin while participating in a college psychology study. The purpose? To determine whether physical attraction can be felt without sight. That blindfolded kiss changed everything and set into motion a relationship that ebbed and flowed for years to come. Penny and Gavin were both multi-layered characters that I (almost always) loved. Their chemistry is off the charts and it seems obvious that they’re destined to embark on the love affair to end all affairs. But, not so fast. Because Penny puts on the brakes faster than you can say friend-zone. Convinced that getting romantic will ruin the friendship she cherishes, Penny tries (often unsuccessfully) to set aside her feelings for Gavin. So Penny starts to date Lance, the earnest microbiology student, and Gavin starts to date… many others. And so it goes.

The ensuing years bring changes to both their lives but their intense friendship is always a constant. And that off the charts chemistry I mentioned? Yeah, that’s still there – aplenty. Gavin is more upfront with his feelings for Penny but even so there’s always something – some obstacle that prevents these two from taking that next step. Whether it’s bad timing, or other relationships, or misunderstandings, they just… can’t… get… there. And therein lies the angst. This constant, low simmer of longing and wishing and pining that goes unfulfilled.

Penny and I still had a spark that couldn't be snuffed out. All the plans I'd drawn for the life I thought we'd have together were playing out in some parallel universe. Even if I was stuck in this stupid version of us, where she was encouraging me to go out with other women, I knew there was a Penny and Gavin living as a couple out there, right along beside us.

I’ll readily admit there were times I wanted to shake Penny. She was stubborn, she could be unreasonable, and more than once I was annoyed with the expectations she had of Gavin and the way she lashed out at him when he disappointed her. (Not cool, Penny!) But despite that, I always, always pulled for Gavin and Penny – both separately and together. I hurt when they hurt, I laughed at their jokes, and my heart melted when they were at their most vulnerable with each other.

Blind Kiss is told from both Penny and Gavin’s points of view and from both the past and the present. It’s a story of soulmates, a story of timing (usually bad timing), and a story of two people so meant to be that they were determined to stay in one another’s lives even when it hurt to do so. Their connection was amazing and their friendship was so true and enduring. Penny and Gavin’s journey isn’t an easy one but I loved it. And if you love a story than can equally enthrall you, frustrate you and make you fall in love even while your feelings are being trampled, then I think you’ll love this one, too.

4/5 STARS

Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and bestselling author of contemporary women's novels and new adult fiction. Her books have been featured in national publications, including USA TODAY, Huffington Post, Latina magazine, and Publisher's Weekly. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she's not at the beach with her boys or working on her next project, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate. Learn more at www.reneecarlino.com   FACEBOOK WEBSITE

Best In Books | August 2017

Best in Books is a monthly feature created by BookTuber Hope Ortego. 

A playlist of her Best In Books videos can be found HERE.

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Welcome to my Best In Books for August! 

Best in Books was created by my friend Hope and she was kind enough to let me join in on her feature (because she's awesome that way). Her BookTube channel is linked above and I hope you'll check her out. Now on to all the best bookishness in August...

Jill from Kissing Max Holden
I was so impressed with Jill. She was a girl with such a good head on her shoulders. She was going through a lot of changes in her life (dad and stepmom fighting, a new step sibling on the way, her dream of culinary school suddenly in jeopardy) but she never wallowed in self-pity or threw a tantrum. She was usually level headed and determined to make the best of what she was dealt. No drama, no angst. I loved that about her.

Luke from Ready to Run

I had so much respect for Luke. And, truthfully, I think I liked him even better than Jordan, the female main character. Being labeled a "runaway groom" after three weddings that didn't happen, Luke was the subject of a lot of gossip. I loved that he never shared details, refused to 'kiss and tell' about the hows and whys, and instead took all responsibility and allowed people to think what they wanted. He was such a stand-up guy - self-sacrificing and dignified - and that made him an easy choice for my favorite male character of the month.

Rome by Jay Crownover

Rome on how to raise a child:

"What do you mean? We have it, we raise it, we send it to school, keep it from getting eaten by wolves or becoming a stripper, and we're good."

Nash by Jay Crownover

"I think on the journey to finding the love we crave, the love we truly deserve, the first stop has to be the love we have for ourselves. That's a love that can never be lost and can only grow and get stronger the more it is fostered and developed. Appreciate who you are. Love what makes you different."

it rode in on

Wish You Were Here by Renee Carlino

I'm starting to think that Carlino is one of those always spot-on authors for me. As in, she just always seems to get it right. Wish You Were Here was the third book I'd read from Carlino and it was another hit. She has a way of introducing characters that feel so real that I can imagine them being my real-life friends. She also has a way of making me completely invested in their lives - so much so that I feel like I'm experiencing their every sadness and joy. She pulled out all the emotional stops with this one. I laughed and swooned and cried (and then cried some more) and was left feeling so hopeful. Wish You Were Here was an easy choice for my best book of the month.

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Now it's your turn: 
What was the best book you read in August? 

Wish You Were Here by Renée Carlino: Review + Excerpt

Charlotte has spent her twenties adrift, searching for a spark to jump-start her life and give her a sense of purpose. She’s had as many jobs as she’s had bad relationships, and now she’s feeling especially lost in her less-than-glamorous gig at a pie-and-fry joint in Los Angeles, where the uniforms are bad and the tips are even worse.

Then she collides—literally—with Adam, an intriguing, handsome, and mysterious painter. Their serendipitous meeting on the street turns into a whirlwind one-night stand that has Charlotte feeling enchanted by Adam’s spontaneity and joy for life. There’s promise in both his words and actions, but in the harsh light of morning, Adam’s tune changes, leaving Charlotte to wonder if her notorious bad luck with men is really just her own bad judgment.

Months later, a new relationship with Seth, a charming baseball player, is turning into something more meaningful, but Charlotte’s still having trouble moving past her one enthralling night with Adam. Why? When she searches for answers, she finds the situation with Adam is far more complicated than she ever imagined. Faced with the decision to write a new story with Seth or finish the one started with Adam, Charlotte embarks on a life-altering journey, one that takes her across the world and back again, bringing a lifetime’s worth of pain, joy, and wisdom.  

AMAZON | B&N | iBooks

M Y    T H O U G H T S

Renée Carlino has become one of those rare authors that I know I'm going to read whatever she writes - and be emotionally impacted by it. She has a gift for writing stories that I slip into seamlessly and become fully immersed in the lives of characters that feel like they could be my friends, my sisters, my family. Wish You Were Here was no exception.

You know when you're looking at someone and you can't help but smile at how oblivious they are to their own charm? That's what was happening to me, and it was making me feel... happy. Euphoric. Something indescribable. It was like we already knew each other, like we hed met in a previous life. Memories that didn't exist began exploding in my mind like fireworks.

Charlotte is coasting through life with a series of failed careers and failed relationships behind her. A chance meeting with Adam leads to a one-night stand and an intense connection. However, the morning after brings another side of Adam and Charlotte is left questioning how all they shared the previous night could have vanished so quickly. Six months later Charlotte is still shaken by her encounter with Adam and even a tentative new relationship with a seemingly great guy cannot shake her conviction that her story with Adam is still unfinished.

When I opened the door, he was standing on the other side with his shoulders slumped. He looked dejected. He raised his gaze from the floor to my eyes. "Hi," he said, his voice low.

"What's wrong? You were excited about donuts thirty seconds ago."

"I'm still excited about donuts. I just got sad thinking that this night will eventually have to end." 

There's little I can say plot-wise without giving away much of the story and it's best to experience Wish You Were Here without too much information - just let the story unfold. So instead let's talk characters. Carlino did her usual magic and created a main character so flawed and so human and it was impossible not to feel her uncertainty and lack of direction. Admittedly, the two main male characters at times fell into the too-good-to-be-true category but I loved them both so much that I couldn't hold it against them (or Carlino). Every interaction was filled with such heart and emotion and humor, often making me smile through tears. There were times when I was frustrated with Charlotte, wondering if she was being deliberately obtuse, but watching as she changed and truly came into her own made it all worthwhile. Yes, it could be argued that there is insta-love (or at least an insta-connection), but it was impossible not to fall under the romantic spell that Carlino cast. I was swept away by the sparks that were flying, by the grand gestures, by the quiet moments. Somehow, Carlino took the trope, added her signature mixture of realism and emotion, and made it work.

As long as there is love in this world, we will be a part of it.

Wish You Were Here puts a spotlight on not only romantic relationships but those with friends and family as well. As the story progresses, it was satisfying to see Charlotte's relationships with her best friend, her parents and her brother change and evolve as she herself changed.  Her relationship with her brother was a real highlight and their banter rang so true. Anyone with a sibling will understand and appreciate the love-hate relationship, the rivalry, the inside jokes, and the way the relationship (hopefully) evolves into something even stronger and deeper in adulthood.

Love is a wordless secret; it's an inside joke. Only the two of you have to understand it.

Wish You Were Here is about having the courage to choose love no matter what the cost. It's about soul mates and second chances. It's about growing up, finding direction, and living in the moment. Ultimately, Wish You Were Here is the perfect novel for those who are in love with love. 

“You’re making love sound tragic,” I said.

“No”—he shook his head—“I wouldn’t want it any other way. Tell me about us. What do we like to do?”

“Paint and sail and eat and drink. Just simple things.”

“Don’t forget about sex,” he said.

“Yeah, lots of sex. Before the children were born we were practically naked every second of the day.”

“I like that.”

“When they got older, we’d sneak away for weekends and leave them at my mom’s.”

“What are they like? Our children.”

“Happy. That’s all we wished for. We put our love first and it just spilled over into them and now they’re happy.”

Tears sprang from my eyes and ran down my cheeks. Isn’t that what we all hope for when it comes to our children?

His tone suddenly changed. “That’s beautiful, Charlotte.” It was like he was waking up from the dream. I didn’t want to go back to reality yet, but I knew these fantasies were just to help Adam get his mind off things. “I can imagine a long life with you,” he said.

“I can imagine what a great wife you’d be."

I pulled my hand out of his. “The story is about you and me.” He didn’t say anything; he just nodded and then continued to stare out the window. I bent and kissed the top of his head again, and whispered, “It’s about us. Don’t take that away from me.”

    

Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and bestselling author of contemporary women's novels and new adult fiction. Her books have been featured in national publications, including USA TODAY, Huffington Post, Latina magazine, and Publisher's Weekly. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she's not at the beach with her boys or working on her next project, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate. Learn more at www.reneecarlino.com
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