readingwithemmett's review
1.0
I really wanted to love this book. After reading the description, I thought it was going to be a really good book. I also really like the cover. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
The story started with Ariana finding out she had breast cancer. Both her mother and sister had died of breast cancer, so she decided to get a double mastectomy. Her and her husband Jeremy where having problems, however, she thought that they could overcome those problems. That was until she met Blaine, a tattoo artist.
Blaine saw Ariana on a park bench slowing rocking back and forth. He didn't see her face, or hear her voice, but he instantly could not get her out of his mind. He saw her one more time without talking to her, and knew he was in love with her from the start, however, once he knew who she was (he saw her picture on the side of a bus) he realized that she was married. Then one day, she walked into his tattoo studio, however, she was embarrassed by what she came there for, so she ran out and couldn't find her car, so she went to a nearby coffee shop. Of course, he ran out after her. After about a 30-40 minute conversation, she fell for him. But after she told him about her upcoming mastectomy, his reaction wasn't that great, so she ran out on him again.
I had a lot of issues with the characters falling in love without even knowing each other, and in Blaine's case, without seeing Ariana's face. I also thought it was odd that all of the characters were rich, and owned their own successful businesses. Ariana and her husband owned a reality company, Blaine owned a tattoo studio, Jodi owned a fitness studio, Blaine's dad owned a shipping company, and Jackie (Ariana's grandmother) was just rich.
I didn't really like the way this was written. It was in third person, but altered between Blaine and Ariana, however, it would give some insight into what the other characters were thinking about, not just Blaine and Ariana. Also, I would notice that every once in a while, there would be a random sentence in first person, so that bugged me. I feel like the backdrop information was there, however, I just didn't like the writing style and how things seemed to be executed fairly quickly.
One thing I thought was strange was how Blaine's father, Ham, was never really in Blaine's life because he was always at work, so they had this strained relationship. But, when Blaine went to visit, all he had to do was call Ham "Dad," and Ham had to call Blaine "son," and all their problems were solved. I feel like this was kind of randomly thrown into the story, and didn't really have much of a purpose.
I really liked the idea of
I didn't really like Ariana. I understand that both her mother and sister died of breast cancer, but she seemed a little too glad that she was diagnosed. To me, it seemed like she was looking forward to getting breast cancer. Also Jeremy didn't even care that his wife had breast cancer, and instead of going to the doctor appointment with Ariana, he was Overall, the characters seemed unrealistic.
Ultimately, I really disliked this story. I probably would have stopped halfway through if it wasn't so short. I thought it was going to be about a character overcoming a difficult time in her life and her loved ones helping her get through that difficult time, but it was more about Ariana and Blaine falling in love without knowing each other. Almost the whole story seemed laughable to me because it seemed so unrealistic. I think the idea behind the story had potential, however, it was executed very poorly. I would not recommend this book, unless you like an unrealistic story about two people falling in love before they know each other.
The story started with Ariana finding out she had breast cancer. Both her mother and sister had died of breast cancer, so she decided to get a double mastectomy. Her and her husband Jeremy where having problems, however, she thought that they could overcome those problems. That was until she met Blaine, a tattoo artist.
Blaine saw Ariana on a park bench slowing rocking back and forth. He didn't see her face, or hear her voice, but he instantly could not get her out of his mind. He saw her one more time without talking to her, and knew he was in love with her from the start, however, once he knew who she was (he saw her picture on the side of a bus) he realized that she was married. Then one day, she walked into his tattoo studio, however, she was embarrassed by what she came there for, so she ran out and couldn't find her car, so she went to a nearby coffee shop. Of course, he ran out after her. After about a 30-40 minute conversation, she fell for him. But after she told him about her upcoming mastectomy, his reaction wasn't that great, so she ran out on him again.
I had a lot of issues with the characters falling in love without even knowing each other, and in Blaine's case, without seeing Ariana's face. I also thought it was odd that all of the characters were rich, and owned their own successful businesses. Ariana and her husband owned a reality company, Blaine owned a tattoo studio, Jodi owned a fitness studio, Blaine's dad owned a shipping company, and Jackie (Ariana's grandmother) was just rich.
I didn't really like the way this was written. It was in third person, but altered between Blaine and Ariana, however, it would give some insight into what the other characters were thinking about, not just Blaine and Ariana. Also, I would notice that every once in a while, there would be a random sentence in first person, so that bugged me. I feel like the backdrop information was there, however, I just didn't like the writing style and how things seemed to be executed fairly quickly.
One thing I thought was strange was how Blaine's father, Ham, was never really in Blaine's life because he was always at work, so they had this strained relationship. But, when Blaine went to visit, all he had to do was call Ham "Dad," and Ham had to call Blaine "son," and all their problems were solved. I feel like this was kind of randomly thrown into the story, and didn't really have much of a purpose.
I really liked the idea of
Spoiler
Erin's House, however, I feel like it came too easily because everyone contributed money, which is probably why everyone in the story had a lot of money.I didn't really like Ariana. I understand that both her mother and sister died of breast cancer, but she seemed a little too glad that she was diagnosed. To me, it seemed like she was looking forward to getting breast cancer. Also Jeremy didn't even care that his wife had breast cancer, and instead of going to the doctor appointment with Ariana, he was
Spoiler
kissing some other girl.Ultimately, I really disliked this story. I probably would have stopped halfway through if it wasn't so short. I thought it was going to be about a character overcoming a difficult time in her life and her loved ones helping her get through that difficult time, but it was more about Ariana and Blaine falling in love without knowing each other. Almost the whole story seemed laughable to me because it seemed so unrealistic. I think the idea behind the story had potential, however, it was executed very poorly. I would not recommend this book, unless you like an unrealistic story about two people falling in love before they know each other.
mistysbookspace's review
3.5
This book had a lot packed into it. You have a marriage on the brink of disaster. The main character finds out she has breast cancer. There's cheating plus so much more that I can't remember at the moment. Ariana excepts everything very calmly which I found pretty unbelievable. I'm sorry if you find out you have cancer and your marriage is already on the rocks only to find out your husband is cheating on you you don't just walk away all calmly. There is an actual romance in here as well but it was very rushed. I mean Blaine couldn't stop thinking of her after seeing the back of her head and fell in love with her after the second time he met her. I mean there was a lot wrong with this book but the overall story was pretty good it just needed to be a little more fleshed out.
ginaardito's review
5.0
Ms Ingram never disappoints! In this lovely introduction to a new series, Ariana Logan is a woman who seems to have it all on the outside: a successful career, a beautiful home, and a handsome husband. But on the inside, everything's falling apart. It all comes to a head when she's diagnosed with breast cancer. Facing her own mortality, Ariana is devastated but determined to make the changes that she hopes will make her stronger.
Blaine Bennett happens upon her at her most vulnerable moment and is struck with the need to know this stranger who haunts him. What follows is a touching tale of love at first sight, finding strength through facing adversity, and creating your own happily ever after. A winner!
Blaine Bennett happens upon her at her most vulnerable moment and is struck with the need to know this stranger who haunts him. What follows is a touching tale of love at first sight, finding strength through facing adversity, and creating your own happily ever after. A winner!
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