Tell me emotions might leak out of my eyes though, and you'll have my ass running in the opposite direction! I realized quickly that this was going to be one of those books I typically react to like a vampire in the sun, but alas, I already agreed to read it. I'm nothing if not a woman of my word, so I put on my steel-plated armor and went into this book determined to protect my heart from sadness and pain.
I steeled myself to numb the emotions as best as I could, and you know what? None of that shit worked! This author sliced through my emotional chain mail like a hot knife through butter. I couldn't help being affected by this story and these characters. Hallie Burns and Ezekiel Rhodes are two characters I won't soon forget. Their story is one my heart will remember forever.
J Rose is a new to me author, and though I want to curse her out right now, I'll pick up her work from now on without a second thought. This woman can write, y'all! She pulled me into this story immediately and forced me to become invested in the lives of Hallie and Zeke.
I tried my best not to get too emotionally attached, but resistance was futile! I loved both characters despite their faults. I wanted so badly to make everything better for them.
I understood Hallie's optimism. I fell as hard for Zeke as she did, and when she helped him when he didn't deserve it, I got it. I wanted to slap her upside the head, but I don't know that I could have resisted if it had been me. Seeing someone you care for in pain isn't for the faint of heart.
Zeke is obviously broken and struggling from the moment we meet him, and his battle roars on until the bitter end. His struggle is as heartbreaking to witness as it is frustrating. I wanted to strangle him so many times, but only because I wanted him to get his happily ever after.
I wanted him to stop hurting himself and Hallie and see that he was worthy of love and forgiveness. I needed him to stop running and to think things out a little more, but you know what? I'm okay with the fact that he didn't.
Forever Ago is gritty, raw, real, and so incredibly and beautifully fucking human. The author doesn't give us a fantasy from beginning to end. Sure, we get to enjoy ourselves and indulge in happiness along the way, but this book gives it to us straight.
Sometimes, people don't do what you want them to do. Sometimes, they don't react in the best way. Sometimes, they are self-destructive. Sometimes, they don't take the help they could so easily receive. Sometimes, they don't believe they deserve redemption. I could go on all day!
In the real world, we react without thinking. We punish ourselves. We say things we shouldn't. We do things we shouldn't. We're human beings, and we're fallible as fuck.
J. Rose showcased that perfectly from start to finish. She didn't try to create perfect, cookie cutter characters. Hallie and Zeke are layered, complex, and three dimensional. They felt like real people to me. My heart sure as hell couldn't tell the difference.
The imperfection of us all. The inevitablity of life. The journey to find our way. The battle wounds and scars that are left to show us that it was all worth it no matter the outcome. It's all there. The author did a phenomenal job with Hallie and Zeke's story, and I would argue anyone that says otherwise.
*Triggers for a lot of things. Check out the book and other reviews. I suck at identifying those.*
Such an amazingly written review, Jess! 💜
ReplyDeleteThose gifs.. the feels... I love when a new-to-me author blows me away :)
Thank you so much, Natalie!!!❤ I spent forever finding the perfect gifs, so I appreciate your comment more than you know! 💋 I love it, too!
DeleteThose gifs.. the feels... I love when a new-to-me author blows me away :)
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