A review by phidelia
Wherever You Are by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

 

I’ve merged Whatever It Takes and Wherever You Are into one review because it’s a duet and there really isn’t a dramatic cliff-hanger at the end of the first book as a lot of people seem to say. The second book is merely a seamless continuation of the story.

“I’m just a girl from Maine who wants a friend from Philadelphia. You’re my friend. I chose you as much as you chose me.” I put my glasses back on to see how reddened his eyes have become. “You’re the second friend I’ve ever had in my whole life, and I’m picky about my friendships. But I chose you.”

⭐ Garrison and Willow finally get their own book after being side characters in the Addicted series. I think you can definitely read this duet without having read the series because I have, and I did not dislike it. These two misfits, Garrison Abbey (a coder/video gamer) and Willow Hale (comic book geek), couldn't be more different, yet somehow they click together like puzzle pieces in a way that's just plain beautiful.

Garrison, the rich juvenile delinquent-slash-troublemaker with a troubled past, and Willow, the shy and socially awkward sister of Loren Hale, come together in a story that's both heart-warming and gut-wrenching. The depths of Garrison's turmoil and the delicate nuances of Willow's reclusive nature paint a canvas of emotions that resonate with authenticity and sincerity. Their connection is so honest and pure, free from all the usual drama you'd expect in a romance novel—no misunderstandings, no lack of communication, no trust issues. It might be a tad-bit unrealistic, but it's just two souls finding each other in the chaos of life.

“Lo says deeply, “One day at a time. Can you do that with me?”
My throat swells. Lights in the kitchen are harsh on my sensitive, swollen eyes. One day at time. I’d reject that fantasy under different stipulations. I’m not made to be by myself. Not wired that way.
And that’s okay, I think.
Because he’s not just saying one day at a time. It’s one day at a time with him.
With someone.
Not alone.
Okay.
Okay.”

💫 Now, some folks might gripe about the back-and-forth timeline in the story, but I gotta say, I think it's a cool supplement. Instead of making things confusing, it actually amps up the romance, giving their story a bit of extra depth.

💫 Sure, there's a touch of cliché in there, like in many romance tales, but in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't dull the shine of this heartfelt journey.

⭐One star ✯ completely goes for this: Marvel >>> DC