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trudyd's review
4.0
This was just what I needed. The journey to HEA was dramatic, emotional, and heart wrenching. This was not an easy read. It was complicated but oh so amazing.
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review
4.0
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books
This was my first Ava Harrison book and I have to say, despite the gut-wrenching angst, I enjoyed this. The Aria, the heroine was a tough one, especially given the emotional upheaval she was in for most of the book. But by the time I got to the last page, I truly believed Aria has managed to turn her life around and found her happiness.
When we meet Aria, she was a hot mess. She lied to the man she loved, got a phone call that sent her on a downward spiral and she hops a plane to Europe. I was left wondering what kind of message she got in that phone call and how had this girl gotten through life clinging to her best friend Patrick. But as the story unfolds, we discover there is quite a bit about Aria that has made her the mess she is today. Her brother drowned while saving her, her mother is a verbally abusive alcoholic who likes to take her shots at Aria and her father ignores her. There are only 2 people in her life that actually give a damn about her: her brother's best friend, Parker, and her best friend, Shelly. Both may care about her, but it's Parker she holds onto. Parker who she loves and withstands his rejections. And ultimately Parker who is the catalyst for Aria's European getaway. We discover Aria is a runner and her trip across the pond isn't so much about doing something she and Parker wanted to do, but rather a convenient excuse for her to run away from what she doesn't want to accept back home. Her one saving grace on his trip, meeting fellow American Chase Porter.
Chase waxes poetic and often dispenses thoughtful advice to a somber Aria. She doesn't always believe what Chase says, but she finds herself wanting to believe. She wants to find her happy, she just doesn't know how to do it. She's lived her life for so long for other people, figuring out who she is and what she wants becomes important to her and to Chase. Chase helps her face her fears. To realize she can be her own person. And to finally understand what true love is. Nothing comes easy for Aria, mainly because of her own actions, but when she finally figures things out so goes to the one person that feels like home and writes her own adventure.
This was my first Ava Harrison book and I have to say, despite the gut-wrenching angst, I enjoyed this. The Aria, the heroine was a tough one, especially given the emotional upheaval she was in for most of the book. But by the time I got to the last page, I truly believed Aria has managed to turn her life around and found her happiness.
When we meet Aria, she was a hot mess. She lied to the man she loved, got a phone call that sent her on a downward spiral and she hops a plane to Europe. I was left wondering what kind of message she got in that phone call and how had this girl gotten through life clinging to her best friend Patrick. But as the story unfolds, we discover there is quite a bit about Aria that has made her the mess she is today. Her brother drowned while saving her, her mother is a verbally abusive alcoholic who likes to take her shots at Aria and her father ignores her. There are only 2 people in her life that actually give a damn about her: her brother's best friend, Parker, and her best friend, Shelly. Both may care about her, but it's Parker she holds onto. Parker who she loves and withstands his rejections. And ultimately Parker who is the catalyst for Aria's European getaway. We discover Aria is a runner and her trip across the pond isn't so much about doing something she and Parker wanted to do, but rather a convenient excuse for her to run away from what she doesn't want to accept back home. Her one saving grace on his trip, meeting fellow American Chase Porter.
Chase waxes poetic and often dispenses thoughtful advice to a somber Aria. She doesn't always believe what Chase says, but she finds herself wanting to believe. She wants to find her happy, she just doesn't know how to do it. She's lived her life for so long for other people, figuring out who she is and what she wants becomes important to her and to Chase. Chase helps her face her fears. To realize she can be her own person. And to finally understand what true love is. Nothing comes easy for Aria, mainly because of her own actions, but when she finally figures things out so goes to the one person that feels like home and writes her own adventure.
whatcha_listening_to's review
4.0
3.5 Through Her Eyes Stars
Ok, so going in I was blind like I like to do. I am going to say overall I enjoyed this story it takes you through a journey of emotions that’s for sure. Though I didn’t cry but it is pretty heavy.
I think I would have enjoyed the story more if Aria Bennett didn’t have soooo much bad happen to her. I kind of felt like wow this girl is hel - la strong for everything she has been dealt.
Don’t get me wrong I am all for a rise up through the ashes kind of story but it was too much for one character.
Chase is a character I very much liked but after reflecting on the story I wonder if we really know anything about him other than his love for travel and photography and Aria.
I loved the ending as I do because I am a romance-a-holic and HEA’s are my thing.
I very much enjoyed the narration, I loved her male voices. I did find her voice to been young sounding but it worked for the story. I will be listening for more by this narrator that’s for sure.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
Ok, so going in I was blind like I like to do. I am going to say overall I enjoyed this story it takes you through a journey of emotions that’s for sure. Though I didn’t cry but it is pretty heavy.
I think I would have enjoyed the story more if Aria Bennett didn’t have soooo much bad happen to her. I kind of felt like wow this girl is hel - la strong for everything she has been dealt.
Don’t get me wrong I am all for a rise up through the ashes kind of story but it was too much for one character.
Chase is a character I very much liked but after reflecting on the story I wonder if we really know anything about him other than his love for travel and photography and Aria.
I loved the ending as I do because I am a romance-a-holic and HEA’s are my thing.
I very much enjoyed the narration, I loved her male voices. I did find her voice to been young sounding but it worked for the story. I will be listening for more by this narrator that’s for sure.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
talonvictoria's review
2.0
Cool cover. That’s about it if I’m being honest
Four weeks. It took these people four weeks to fall madly in love with each other. Like, “I’ll die without you love”. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that. I’m not one to judge. But the author didn’t even make it believable. There was nothing that connected me to the characters and made their “love” believable to me.
My biggest peeve about this book was the dialogue. The characters spoke immaturely and very boringly to each other. Childish, that’s the word that I am looking for.
The characters weren’t my favorite, to say the least. I didn’t like Chase at all. Point blank. He spoke in philosophical quotes that you can find on google or inspirational posters. It was very original and boring. He also really frustrated me when it came to Parker. His lack of compassion and sympathy was a huge turn off from the get go. Aria was dull and complained literally the entire time. Every single page. So, now I’m 0/2 on characters that I don’t like. Uh oh...
The book was just dull, nothing exciting happens. It was also very predictable. It could not have been over with soon enough.
Four weeks. It took these people four weeks to fall madly in love with each other. Like, “I’ll die without you love”. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that. I’m not one to judge. But the author didn’t even make it believable. There was nothing that connected me to the characters and made their “love” believable to me.
My biggest peeve about this book was the dialogue. The characters spoke immaturely and very boringly to each other. Childish, that’s the word that I am looking for.
The characters weren’t my favorite, to say the least. I didn’t like Chase at all. Point blank. He spoke in philosophical quotes that you can find on google or inspirational posters. It was very original and boring. He also really frustrated me when it came to Parker. His lack of compassion and sympathy was a huge turn off from the get go. Aria was dull and complained literally the entire time. Every single page. So, now I’m 0/2 on characters that I don’t like. Uh oh...
The book was just dull, nothing exciting happens. It was also very predictable. It could not have been over with soon enough.
kmcgann1126's review
5.0
I won this book and it is my first by Ava Harrison. ❤️ I loved it! Inhale. Breathe. Exhale. It pulls you in with great characters who are trying to find themselves, and the life they were meant to live. I am now a fan and am looking forward to reading more of her books!!!
emilyhei's review
4.0
Aria is lost, she wants to be found. She has had two people in her life that believed in her, but circumstances tore them apart. After another jolt leaves her to a journey of self-exploration, Aria finds herself heading on a trip that will change her life forever.
Aria meets Chase Porter, a photographer who has Aria seeing life on a different level. Guilt eats at Aria, but she also sees her time with Chase as taking a much needed step into her future. However both have secrets that could ultimately tear them apart. Can Aria be strong enough to fight for what she wants?
This was an unusual story as with Aria you do not have all the facts. Like bread crumbs you follow Aria through her past and present. You are rooting for Aria, she has so much to fight for but first she has to believe in herself. I loved Chase, he had swagger, mystery, and a way of phrasing things that really made you think. Excellent read.
Aria meets Chase Porter, a photographer who has Aria seeing life on a different level. Guilt eats at Aria, but she also sees her time with Chase as taking a much needed step into her future. However both have secrets that could ultimately tear them apart. Can Aria be strong enough to fight for what she wants?
This was an unusual story as with Aria you do not have all the facts. Like bread crumbs you follow Aria through her past and present. You are rooting for Aria, she has so much to fight for but first she has to believe in herself. I loved Chase, he had swagger, mystery, and a way of phrasing things that really made you think. Excellent read.
mells_view's review
5.0
This was a great story! A little bit of love, a little bit of heartbreak, a little bit of finding yourself and a splash of adventure!
There were a couple of twists 3/4 of the way through. You knew they were coming, but I was not 100% sure what they were. Well one I was pretty sure of, but the other... Wow!
This story will make you swoon and tear up, and even laugh a bit. A great read.
There were a couple of twists 3/4 of the way through. You knew they were coming, but I was not 100% sure what they were. Well one I was pretty sure of, but the other... Wow!
This story will make you swoon and tear up, and even laugh a bit. A great read.
linathebookaddict's review
3.0
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review to come at a later date...
