4.5 STARS
Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse Nuttall
My first impression was the style of writing the author has used. In present tense, first person and told from both protagonists' points of view most definitely impressed me. Apart from these details which I value highly, was the incredible dialogue shared by all the characters. I also really appreciated the author's foreword explaining why she had used the lingo she had. As an avid reader, I often find this issue frustrating. In Rome do as the Romans do but up to a certain point. There is nothing worse than a Brit speaking with American jargon and vice versa; in this case Australian, her preference being American English with some gem expressions from Down Under were more than I could have asked for. Ms McCarthy outdid herself in this respect, and there wasn't one moment when her vocabulary strategy irritated me. Far from it! Its usage is rich in a story that flows faster than fast. My second impression was a foreboding feeling I had which was uncannily camouflaged in exceptional banter and one-liners that not only creased me up, but also left me in awe of this author and her leading personas. I was for a while, quite mistaken regarding what I thought was a foreseeable development of the story; never in a million years was I ready for an omnishambles on such a force ten scale either.
Quote ~ Jordan: “You need to trust that I'm doing the right thing.”
Even though I would have gladly jumped into my Kindle and given Brody a bunch of fives at one crucial moment in the story, I'd already fallen head of heels for him. Yeah, he's irresistible! I really thought he was big-headed, but my unfounded opinion of him was blown to the wind when I learnt of his handicap, the bullying he had to endure, his learning capabilities which were holding him back, and the broken and insecure man he was. Brody is the best at what he does. Playing football, American football, is his life, his love. On the field, his technique and enthusiasm reflects on all the team. He plays well, his team mates do too. He plays badly, the team lose. His responsibility weighs heavily on him, more so because he has never had anyone, not even his family, to back him up or give him encouragement. In a nutshell, this guy broke my damn heart. I cried, sobbed and couldn't believe that folk so close to him were able to do so much damage, be so cruel.
Quote ~ Brody's father: "Is that what you want? For me to smack some manners into your sorry ass? We've given you everything. Everything!"
There is light in this story in the name of Jordan Elliott. This Australian beauty is so unpretentious that you can't help but adore her. Quick witted, feisty and doesn't have the time or inclination for fooling around but in the same instance, gives someone dear to her the benefit of the doubt...until she cracks. Yes, I found her personality a tad contrasting; nevertheless, by reading the story, you will understand why she is like she is. Intelligent and hard-working, she has earned her place in a federated soccer team in a uni in Austin, Texas through pure and utter determination.
Quote ~ Jordan: “I'm not a social butterfly. I'm a reluctant caterpillar in the corner. It's awkward.”
Circumstances determine that two contrasting young people who should never have rubbed shoulders, do. Giving a helping hand to an alumni who is having trouble with his grades was the last thing Jordan needed with an agenda bursting at the seams. Despite all the hurdles, some of which are damaging to both their health and spirit, she tries her best, she tries to give this person confidence, and she becomes a fountain of undeniable love. I truly thought that it would be shattered to smithereens but it just goes to show one that love can move mountains!
Quote ~ Brody: “You can be anywhere, Jordan. Home will follow you if you follow your heart.”
Now let's get down to what makes a good read exceptional. To my way of thinking, a plus was the hardly expected arousing scenes one wouldn't expect in a read of this calibre. The sexual desire between Jordan and Brody was off limits; beautiful, tender and aggressively painted when asked for. I salute the author for this as they were written in an extremely tasteful manner. The secondary characters are just as well developed as the leading ones, and I have no doubt that if you do one-click which I highly recommend, one or two of them will bring your claws out. Who merits a mention is Jordan's room-soccer-mate, Leah. She's got Jordan's back throughout one turmoil after another and I loved her. There is a moral to this story though. The pressure professional sportsmen and women have to endure has been well-explained and puts everything into perspective. Do you want a happy ending? Read to find out whether or not these two gorgeous, young and ambitiously driven folk find it. Bravo to you Ms McCarthy!
The below just knocked me backwards.
I fight to win
To conquer
I will persevere
and use my fear
And with the grace of God
I will triumph
over failure
Rise
Beneath defeat
And I will
fly
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- Kelly O'connorReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 10, 2015
An awesome read !
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