To the Stars

Thatch #2

by Molly McAdams

In the second book in New York Times  and USA Today  bestselling author Molly McAdams’ Thatch series, Knox Alexander must convince his long-time love Harlow Evans that they’re meant to be together.

He promised to wait for her.
She told him he was wasting his time.
Not waiting for him ended up being the biggest mistake of her life.

When they were younger, Knox Alexander swore to Harlow Evans that he would wait for her to turn eighteen so they could be together. But that was three and a half years away, and Harlow couldn’t ask him to give up all the fun and thrills of going away to college for her. As the years passed, Knox remained a constant in her life—whether she liked it or not—but when her eighteenth birthday came around, Harlow’s heart belonged to someone else.

Every day for the last four years, Harlow has been haunted by that fateful choice. And though he may appear unaffected by what happened in their past, Knox has always tried to fill the void Harlow left. But when he comes stumbling back into her life and refuses to leave, will Harlow finally let him into her heart…?

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Abuse, Contemporary Romance, Adult, Chick Lit

384 pages, ebook

First published February 9, 2016

About the author

Molly grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with her husband, daughter, and fur baby. When she's not diving into the world of her characters, some of her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and long walks on the beach … which roughly translates to being a homebody with her hubby and dishing out movie quotes. She has a weakness for crude-humored movies and loves curling up in a fluffy comforter during a thunderstorm ... or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren't really happening.

Reviews

[Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}



Have you ever looked at someone…just one look, and you knew that was it? There would never be anyone else who would compare? That was Harlow for me. Every time.





I haven’t read a book by Molly McAdams in years. I don’t know why because although most people were not fond of Taking Chances and From Ashes, I actually really loved those two books. What I know from having read two of her works is that Molly’s stories never give off the rainbows & unicorns feelings. You have to be prepared for some seriously gut-wrenching angst and possibly even the death of a character you will have become fond of. I’m happy to report that the latter doesn’t happen in this one!!



It started off beautifully for me. Harlow Evans is a fifteen-year-old teenager who is really like an old soul. She hangs out with her older sister and her friends, and they all welcome her into their circle because she just fits in with them. One night at a concert Harlow meets a devastatingly gorgeous guy named Knox Alexander. Sparks fly between them right from the start and I openly admit to having those butterflies in my stomach right along with Harlow. But there’s a little problem that puts a damper on this budding romance, Knox is eighteen. To me, this wasn’t a big deal. They were close enough in age and it’s not like Knox was in his twenties. But this turns out to be a bigger dilemma than it needed to be in my opinion.




Even with the constant warnings from his friends to forget about Harlow, Knox continues to keep in close contact with her. The two remain friends and never dive into a serious relationship. They date other people, but there’s always the promise that on Harlow’s eighteenth birthday Knox will be coming for her to start their lives together. I swear that my heart was racing and that I swooned every time these two were able to spend some time together and I really rooted for them to make it to Harlow’s eighteenth birthday even though the prologue prepares you for the fact that things don’t work out the way they had hoped.



”Why would anyone waste their time only loving someone to the moon when they could love them to the stars?”



You will understand why just short of her eighteenth birthday, Harlow gets involved with a gorgeous Senior at her college and he completely sweeps her off her feet when she is feeling at her most vulnerable. As a reader, you just know that there is something off about this guy and want to jump into the pages of this book to warn Harlow away from him. But then I guess the story would have been a super short novella and we need this to be gut-wrenchingly painful. So the heroine has to go and make the biggest mistake of her young life by choosing the absolute WRONG MAN over her one and only true soul mate.



You will HATE Collin!! The things that he does to poor Harlow are just too despicable and I was often times screaming and pulling my hair because I wanted her to get far away from him. Have you seen the movie, Sleeping With The Enemy, with Julia Roberts? Well, this guy was a hundred times worse than the psychotic husband in that movie. If only Harlow could see that there’s always a way out, but she felt hopeless and alone.






She is described as looking really frail. As if she were 30 pounds underweight! This was one of my issues with the story. I couldn’t fathom how her own family didn’t see her transformation. I mean come on, Knox noticed right away when the two run into each other by accident after having not seen each other for over four and a half years!! Later on, in the story, it is addressed and that helped to bring me back around as well.



Knox always had my heart from the very second he walks into the pages of this book and so when he doesn’t do or react the way I wanted him to during the latter half of the story, I was a bit disappointed. I swear this was going to be an epic five star read for me up until we got to the 60% mark and usually I don’t like a book in the beginning but warm up to it by the end. So this was a new experience for me. I do have to say that by the time the story was nearing the end the author was able to bring back the Knox that I fell in love with and I did feel like the story ended perfectly for Harlow and Knox.

[Read with Sandee ・❥・ · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC COPY PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW

It's impossible to find the other half of your soul and not recognize it for what it is. So how do you explain to someone that the other half of your soul is pulling away? How do I explain it to myself?

I don't know what to feel after finishing this book. For the most part, I really enjoyed reading this book despite some very disturbing truths that I encountered within its pages.

 

A part of me was angry when I finished this. I wasn't angry because I didn't like the book. I'm angry because the things that happened here most possibly happen to someone else in real life.

 

To The Stars is not just a fluffy romance novel. It was something more. Yes, there are sweet moments that would make you wish you were in their shoes. But like 60% of the time, you see a woman who was fighting for her life, for her family, for her happiness.

 

Just thinking about that guy... it makes me so angry.

I guess in a way i was able to connect with Harlow. What I experienced is not even a fraction of what he has gone through, but there were moment I swore I felt I was Harlow. It was like I saw what I would have been if I had been weak. If I had been scared of leaving.

This book greatly reminded me of INTO THE DARKEST CORNER which was also about abuse but dealt mostly about the after effects of the abuse. This book however was dealing more on the now. Anyways, let's get to the story.

 

At first glance, you'd think Harlow was a happily married woman.
She wasn't.

 

We'd been at a dinner party the first time I'd caught a glimpse of my monster - and it also should have been the last night I ever saw Collin. But I was in love, we'd just gotten engaged, and I kept making excuses for him in my head.

 

She was abused. At this point, I don't want to discuss about this yet... but I have to tell you they were very hard to read about
She married the monster, instead of the guy who waited years for her.

 

I should have known I was choosing the wrong man. He would have understood my mistake. He would have been waiting for me, like he had been for two and a half years.

 

If only she waited for Knox.
Before she met her monster husband, he met a guy named Knox. He was a bit older than she was which was an issue at the time they first met. He was turning eighteen and she was fifteen. They liked each other, but they couldn't jump into any relationship as Knox might go to jail if they do.

 

"Don't do this; we can't risk anything."

"The I'll wait for you, Harlow," he promised, and the sincerity in the words stunned me for long second. "I'll wait until your eighteen."

 

The thing is, both of them made a mistake. And it didn't end up well for them, especially for Harlow.

 

 

The Overall Story

 

I really liked the overall story. Like I said, there were things about this book that I did not really care a lot about, but the story overall was engaging and interesting. I really needed to find out what happened to Harlow. Did she end up leaving this guy? Would Knox find out? What happened in the past which led Harlow and Knox to go separate ways? Did THE A**HOLE DIE??? those type of questions. This book kept me reading.

 

The Writing Style

 

It was written in a dual POV that alternates timelines. You get to see Present and Past Knox and Harlow. For stories like this, I feel that this is the best way to tell the story because we get to see all sides of the story. 

 

Realistic Portrayal of Abuse

 

Abuse is not an easy topic to talk about, or even read about. There are books that talk about it, but always mellow down the things that are happening which I think is wrong. These type of things need to be portrayed as it is, no matter how disturbing or horrible the events that are unfolding is to make people aware of what these abused people experience and also the aftermath of being in such a relationship.

 

Luckily, this book did not shy away from the real effects of abuse. This book had some terrible, terrible scenes that involved Harlow and her husband. It was so fucked up, I often flinched whenever there was a scene that involved Harlow being hurt. It was so fucking hard to read about.

 

I'm not sure if Molly McAdams did research, but everything she wrote about Harlow's experience with "THE MONSTER" was on point to me. Her reasoning and how she thinks things could change and then makes excuses for the a**hole. I got out of a toxic relationship a few years back where I got hurt not only emotionally and mentally, but also physically. The things that Harlow was thinking about, were the same things I had in my head. I kept making excuses and feeding myself lies about how things would get better and he would grow out of it. I'm just lucky I got out of that relationship before it escalated further.

 

The Antagonist

 

Collin... Oh boy. I want to kill him. He really got into my nerves which is what an antagonist should. They are there to antagonize the main character which is what this guy was able to successfully do.  I do feel that his backstory was a bit lacking though.

 



 

INSTA-LOVEY!!!

 

If you you've been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I hate insta-fucking-love! You probably get attracted to a person. You might think they're cute, or pretty, or hot. But you don't pledge your loyalty to a person the first time you met them. I mean come on... Nope. Nope. Nope.

 

Harlow and Knox relationship started out very insta-lovey. I kid you not! I was like... okay... definitely a no-no. BUT!! There is a big but here. But once the insta -love stage passes, you get to really like Harlow and Knox' relationship. They develop this sort of best-friend/lovers relationship when they aren't really in a relationship. It's cute. So if you're okay with a little bit of insta-lovey, then you should be fine.

 

ROMANCE

 

Now don't get me wrong, I did love Knox and Harlow's relationship. They had the best sort of relationship in the past that could have continued in the future. But there were times, that it was so good to be true. There were times I was wondering whether, there was really going be someone like Knox in real life.  Probably not.

 

KNOX'S FRIENDS

 

I hated them as much as I hated Collin. Seriously. I mean they get better towards the end, but they were a**holes to Harlow... It was annoying.

 

THE CONCLUSION

 

The conclusion was a bit weak for me. It felt a bit rushed. It was like everything was wrapped up in a big bow and everything is okay which I don't feel that it should be. A lot has happened in the book and felt that there should be some repercussions to those actions that weren't really mentioned in the book or if it was, just mentioned in passing, and like I said, it was rushed.

 



 

By the way, I failed to mention that this is book two in the Thatch series. When I requested this, I didn't realize it was part of a series. Haha. Good thing you can read this as a standalone. You don't have to read the first book to enjoy this. Someone of the main characters from the first book were also here. So think Stephanie Perkins and Ana and the French Kiss trilogy.

 

If you're into romance and not the type to nitpick on small stuff, then I would definitely recommend this to you. I was honestly glued to my seat the entire time (not literally haha) because I seriously want to know what happens to these characters and if they get to be together. Did one of them die? Did the author do a GRRM and kill a bunch of main characters (LOL)?


THAT IS IT FOR THIS REVIEW. IF YOU'VE READ THIS BOOK, WHAT DID YOU THINK OF IT?HAVE YOU READ ANY OF MOLLY MCADAM'S OTHER BOOKS??
 



 

 

 

 

 

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlow & Knox have been in love since she was 15. Know was 18 back then. They made a pact to wait until she turns 18 to finally be together. Knox waited for her. Harlow didn't wait.
She fell in love with Collin. She married him.

Now, at 22, she's trapped in a horribly violent and bullying marriage. She tried to leave, but Collin threatened her family. Guns, arson... no way she can leave and be responsible for someone dear to her being hurt or worse.

Knox doesn't know what Harlow is going through. He's still hurt that she didn't choose him.
He's waited for over seven years - he never got over her.

Then one day he comes across this mentally and physically broken girl in a café. Harlow.
He doesn't know how bad her life is, he only knows that he has to get her out of there.

But Harlow can't let him. People - and Knox - would get hurt.
She never regretted anything more than choosing Collin over Knox on her 18th birthday.

Is it too late for her and Know now???

WHAT WiLL HAPPEN WiTH HARLOW & KNOX???
WiLL THERE BE A HEA???
WiLL THERE BE A HORRiBLE CLiFFHANGER???



Nope - I'm not telling you ☺



Ok - no Cliffhanger - it's a standalone Romance ☺

═════════════════════════════════





I REALLY LOoOVED THE BOOK!

Thank you Molly - or her publisher - the cover of this second book is sooo much better than that of LETTING GO. I still have nightmares when I think about that cover with those Outer Space Aliens on it! ☺

I really enjoyed Knox and Harlow's story.
Let's first take a moment to appreciate the awesomeness that is our hot firefighting darling Knox.



There was soooo much emotion in this story. I think I cried all through the book.



Knox. That poor guy.
You suffer with him all through those years he waited for Harlow to be ready for him. But she never was. Ugh that poor poor boy.
And poor Harlow. Being trapped in that horrible situation.
You hope all through the book that somehow Knox will come riding along and rescue the girl.
But you also know that Collin with his connections will probably do something horrible once he finds out about Knox.
You're almost afraid to keep reading...



But I finished the book in one day - I just couldn't stop reading.

I loved that we met Jagger & Grey & Graham from LETTING GO again!
Maybe Graham will get his own book one day.

Sometimes the story was a tiny little bit too much - a little exaggerated. But pff - I still loved it!

TO THE STARS was an amazingly moving Romance about reaching for the stars - just stay strong and keep on believing in your Happy Ever After. Karma will always get the bad guys in the end!!! I couldn't put it down! GO & GET IT & FALL IN LOVE WITH KNOX TOO!!!

[Rohina · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC gifted by publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

4.5 'To the stars' Stars!



I love you to the moon and back."
"The moon? The moon isn't that far, Harlow."
"Isn't it?"
"No. Not far enough. I want to love you to the stars."
"Then to the stars."

Let's get one thing straight. To The Stars is not your typical happy-go-lucky romance. Almost 70% of the book focuses on the abuse that Harlow faces. Ms. McAdams covers the topic of domestic abuse at its rawest. She shows the absolute horrifying and soul shattering side of domestic abuse without sugar coating a single thing. Yes, there are moments between Harlow and Knox that are so sweet you wish to be in their shoes but the Ms. McAdams smacks you in the face with the reality that is Harlow's life...

Abusive.

In this book, not only do you see Harlow being abused. You see a woman who even when is abused fights for her life. For her family and her happiness.

To pack that much hate, fear, dread, anger, love and a myriad of every single emotion and be able to deliver to the audience that has never been in such a situation and make them see and read and feel and know what a woman goes through when abused by the one person who promised to protect her... It is not pretty. When you are blind to the reality of abusive relationships and how far it can go, it makes you sit and rethink a lot of things.

We get the gist of what the book is about when reading the blurb and if you think, for even a fraction of a second that it is going to be what it says, then you are wrong.

Harlow is a happily married woman and oh-so in love with her husband until she wasn't.



We'd been at a dinner party the first time I'd caught a glimpse of my monster - and it also should have been the last night I ever saw Collin. But I was in love, we'd just gotten engaged, and I kept making excuses for him in my head."


Before any of this happened to Harlow, she had met a guy. Knox Alexander. She was 15 to his 18. There was immediate attraction and chemistry but despite all of that Knox waited. He said he would wait until she was 18 and then they would be in a relationship.


Wait, how old are you?”
“Fifteen.”
“Why? How old did you think I was?”
“Not fifteen.”


But before she turned 18 she was swept away by her then unknown monster, Collin Dohetry during her freshmen year at college.

Harlow didn't wait.

She chose the wrong guy and by the time she realized it she was neck deep in a relationship that was abusive not only physically but mentally as well.

The whole time while reading the book the one thought that went through my head was... If only she had waited for Knox.


Don't do this; we can't risk anything."
"The I'll wait for you, Harlow," he promised, and the sincerity in the words stunned me for long second. "I'll wait until your eighteen."

I haven't read many abusive stories, but the ones that I HAVE read are the ones where the hero or the heroine have already escaped the abusive relationship and now are trying to fight their footing.
To The Stars is different because it shows all the warning signs and we watch the abuse take flight and get worse page after page to the point where Harlow is nothing but a shell of woman.



I placed both hands against his cheeks and kissed him softly. When I pulled back, it was all over his face that he knew what I was about to say. “I did not spend the last two and a half years living with him, and living with what he was doing to me, just to let someone else finish things for me. He’s my problem. I need you, Knox. But I need you to help me stay strong in this, okay?”


Knox and Harlow meet but as mentioned before. Harlow was nothing but a shell.

Amidst the pain and anguish and heartbreaks there is a small ray of hope where I desperately wished for Harlow to get her Happy-Ever-After. For Knox and Harlow to be reunited. And she did.

The topic that Ms. McAdams covers is at its rawest and it couldn't have been portrayed more poignantly and beautifully.

It was raw, heart wrenching, soul shattering yet so so so beautiful!

I am so glad I actually went ahead and read my first Molly McAdams book.
Buy it here ― http://amzn.to/1PqLfwL

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[winterthekatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last Molly McAdams book that I read was probably the harshest review I’ve ever written. I felt really bad about it, but that book just wasn’t for me. However, we can’t like ALL books and there is a difference between not liking one book and not liking an author altogether. There are a few authors that I know are not for me, and I’ve come to that conclusion after reading and disliking several of their books. I wanted to give Molly McAdams another try and this was the book I selected. Well, let me tell you that To The Stars was simply PHENOMENAL! I am so glad that I gave her another chance because she completely redeemed herself. I devoured page after page and just couldn’t stop myself. The story of Knox and Harlow is beautiful, tragic, and filled with angst, but this only makes love’s ultimate triumph even sweeter.

I haven’t read the first book so this book can be read as a standalone (although now that I read and loved To The Stars, I’m pretty sure I will be going back to read the first in the series). I loved the characters, the plot, the writing, everything. I have absolutely nothing but praise for this book. What a fantastic read! I highly recommend this book to fans of YA and NA. 5 huge stars!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly McAdams has always been one of those authors whom I can always count on for angst. She has this way of writing an angst story line with so much depth, raw honesty and emotions that you either want to scream at her for putting you in such in an emotional roller coaster but at the same time applaud her for her brilliant way of piecing back together the broken pieces of your heart. And in her latest novel, To The Stars, Molly McAdams truly puts her readers on emotionally raw, heartbreaking and profound ride. Tears will be shed. Hearts will be broken. And yet again, only in true Molly McAdams form she will slowly mend those broken pieces and make our hearts yearn for more.

“Have you ever looked at someone…just one look, and you knew that was it? There would never be anyone else who would compare? That was Harlow for me. Every time.”

To The Stars was truly an emotional journey of heartache, wrong choices, and fated love. Like life, love is also a journey filled with many ups and down. It is a journey that sometimes take different paths and in such choices are made. And for Harlow Evans, her journey of love is a tumultuous journey filled with pain, sadness and heartache as she failed to see the guy who has been waiting to love her. As Harlow goes through her personal journey of rediscovering and finding her happiness, she is reunited with Alexander McCade.

Alexander knew one certain thing. Harlow Evans was the girl. The one and only girl that was meant for him. The love he had for Harlow is so indescribable because this kind of love is what every girl searches for. It is the kind of love that made you a believer that soul mates do exist. And to see that Alexander was patient and was waiting in the wings, made my heart burst with so much LOVE for him.

So if you are looking for a story that was brimming with a wide arrange of raw emotions, passion, and love then I highly recommend you to read this book. Just prepare to fall in love with a story that make you believe in a love so powerful that it was worth waiting for.



Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Molly McAdams

[Tanya (Girl Plus Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timing is everything. Knox and Harlow meet when he is headed to college, but she is just shy of sixteen. Knox promises to wait for her until she is eighteen but there was no happily ever after.

Harlow remembers well the day she turned eighteen and received the call from Knox that she'd been expecting. She's haunted by the answer she gave him and still dreams about him every night. She knows she made the wrong choice and is plagued by thoughts of how different her life would be if only she'd chosen differently.

Harlow's life now is about survival. Getting through each day. A chance meeting with Knox is a stark reminder of the love she once had and the nightmare her life is now. Despite her best efforts to keep Knox at an arm's length, he sees what no one else does: that Harlow is broken. All of a sudden Harlow's choice and the years apart mean nothing - because Knox never stopped loving her and refuses to walk away when she needs him most.



I was completely pulled in to this story from the very beginning. I would like to have seen more of the early days of Knox and Harlow's relationship to better see how and why they fell so deeply in love, but even without that I was sold on their relationship. It was impossible not to pull for these two. I loved their devotion to one another even when the odds were stacked against them. There were flashbacks to their past interspersed throughout the book which gave more insight into how their story unfolded. The changes in Harlow from a bubbly, laughing teenager to the woman she became were heartbreaking. But she remained completely selfless and was determined to keep those she loved safe from harm. Knox continued to show that he was a decent man with a moral code that he lived by, even when it was a struggle. To the Stars definitely made me feel. From the swoony feelings of a young couple in love, to heartbreak for Harlow's reality, anger when I felt that Knox's friends were being completely unsupportive, fear for Harlow, and hope for her future. I have to be honest and say there were parts of Harlow's story that were difficult to read. It was raw and shocking and was painful to read about. To the Stars wasn't always an easy read but I loved it.

To the Stars is an incredibly emotional story about the enduring power of love. This is not a light and fluffy romance - the subject matter is dark and the theme of violence and abuse could prove too much for some (or even triggering). But ultimately I will remember it for the story of two people robbed of their happily ever after and willing to fight for a second chance.



*An advance copy was provided for review. All opinions are my own.
* This review was originally published at GIRL PLUS BOOKS.

[Stacee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really liked the premise of this, even though it mentioned abuse and was eager to get to it.

I liked Harlow and Knox well enough. I loved the start to their story, even if there were some serious dramatics right from the beginning. The sweet moments were few and far between, but what we did get was nice. There are a lot of secondary characters and we didn't get to know too many of them from Harlow's side. It felt like an effective way to show how Collin was forcing her situation.

Obviously, there was going to be abuse, I knew that going in, yet I didn't expect it to last the entire book. Annnnnd it's pretty detailed. I'm not joking when I say it's the entire book: there isn't a start to any resolution until maybe 80%.

Even though there were a few things I didn't care for {the constant flip flopping of past to present and the sort of clichéd pivotal miscommunication}, I did keep reading. The epilogue was satisfying, but overall this definitely was not for me.

**Huge thanks to William Morrow and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**

[Lacey (laceybooklovers) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at Booklovers For Life

“One day, Harlow Evans, you will be mine. I will wait for you.”

What a heart-wrenching, emotionally-charged story. I honestly did not expect to read what I did in To the Stars, but it definitely took me on an emotional journey. I started reading this one morning and finished in a few hours, that’s how glued to the pages I was. If you’re expecting this book to be light-hearted and fluffy, which you might think from the cover… well, it’s not. To the Stars is an intense, at times painful read that will have you holding your breath and biting your nails. It’s about domestic abuse – about how one woman experiences it, survives it, and eventually overcomes it.

To the Stars is the standalone sequel to Letting Go, so you don’t need to read the previous book to read this one. To the Stars is Harlow and Knox’s story – these two met and fell in love seven years ago, but Harlow was underage at the time, so Knox promised to wait to be with her until she turned eighteen. But when Harlow became of age, she chose to be with another man, a man she had no idea would bring such pain, fear, and sorrow into her life. She is now married to a man who abuses her, who threatens her and her family if she ever tries to leave him. It seems like there’s no hope for her at all, until she’s reunited with Knox, her one and only love, who has never stopped loving her back and wants to help her.

“How much do you love me?”
That perfect, crooked smile flashed at me before he dropped his forehead to mine and whispered, “To the stars, Harlow. Always to the stars.”

My heart absolutely broke for Harlow and her situation. It hurt to read the abuse she goes through, and Molly McAdams certainly doesn’t hold back with the violence. Add in the devastation of Harlow and Knox’s lost relationship, I just wanted to shrivel up within the pages. But as much pain as there is in the book, there’s also so much hope that Knox and his love give to Harlow. Their love for each other is a once-in-a-lifetime thing – I could really feel the intense connection between them that has never weakened after so many years. Knox is the absolute SWOONIEST with Harlow – he’s not perfect, but he’s sweet, loving, supporting, patient, and just a GOOD man. Molly McAdams writes the BEST heroes who are just so romantic and head-over-heels in love with their women.

“No matter what happens in our lives, I will love you with everything that I am for the rest of mine, and I will make sure you know every day what it’s like to be loved to the stars.”

To the Stars is a beautiful love story, but in a broader sense, it’s also eye-opening to an issue many women face. Reading this book is like going through an emotional journey, and though I didn’t particularly connect with Knox or Harlow, but I enjoyed their story nonetheless, all the good, the bad, and the ugly. This is not an easy read, but the author handles the portrayal of abuse perfectly, all the while weaving a heart-melting romance around it. I highly recommend it!

Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.

Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.

Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1OnHb2Z
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1GHPhOA
Audible: http://amzn.to/1Ov8QAj

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[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

To the Stars is the second book in the Thatch series. However it has different narrators and can be read as a standalone. I would categorize the book as a New Adult contemporary romance that deals with a very emotional/upsetting topic.

I have read other Molly McAdams books, but this is the first one that I am reading in this series.

The narrators are Harlow and Knox. The book goes back and forth in time from the present, to 2008, to 2010.

The prologue takes place in 2010 and wow it was chilling. In 2010 Harlow is 18. But when Harlow and Knox first meet she is almost 16 and he is almost 18.

This book deals with a very difficult subject that was very hard to read about, domestic/physical/psychological abuse.

When Harlow first meets Knox she is not even 16 years old. She is mature for her age (always hanging out with her older sister and her friends), but still she is underage. They decide that they will not be together until she is 18.

I am sometimes not a fan of a book going back and forth in time. But in this case I actually liked it. Because there was information that we needed to know from each time period. And it really worked well that we got the information in bits and pieces.

Chapter one had me super uncomfortable. It was horrifying. I am unsure whether or not to go into detail here. The book blurb does not mention anything about this subject. However the author does include a note for her readers (in the e-arc at least) mentioning it. My only concern is the blurb makes the book seem much lighter than it actually is. And some readers may have a hard time reading about this topic. The book is definitely much heavier and more serious than the book blurb would lead the reader to believe. The heavy issue is in spoiler tags above.

The book does deal with a bunch of different topics. First off there is the fact that Harlow and Knox meet when she is underage. Then there is the other relationship that Harlow has in the book that is super hard to read about.

The last part of the book was super crazy, with a ton of twists and turns. But it was great. I found this book mesmerizing!

This book was amazing, although I found it a bit difficult to read. The book was so full of emotion. It was heartbreaking and gut-wrenching. But I did not want to put this book down. It made me feel a lot. And that is ultimately how I judge a book. Did it make me feel? I would definitely recommend this book. If you like Molly McAdams or even if this is your first book by her, this book will bring out a ton of emotions.

Thanks to edelweiss and William Morrow Paperbacks for allowing me to read this book.

[Christy LoveOfBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t expecting what this book entailed. Oh, it was good, but it wasn’t quite the romance I thought it would be. Harlow is in a very abusive relationship, and honestly, I probably wouldn’t have read To the Stars if I had known how much a part of the story it was. That kind of crap gets my blood boiling and makes me want to punch things, so it isn’t 100% enjoyable for me. It was done well, though, even if it did turn a bit into a LMN movie there towards the end.

While the present consists of Harlow in an abusive relationship and Knox trying to help her, we get flashbacks of how their relationship started and how it led up to where they are today. I really liked seeing the bond Knox and Harlow developed when they were younger, and how much they truly loved each other. I was conflicted at times, because I felt like some of the overreacting about the age difference was annoying. At the same time, I understood it and appreciated it. To a point.

Anyway, I liked it, but wasn’t overly enthusiastic about it. It definitely brings the drama, though.

[Madeline A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one day!! It was addicting . The love between Knox and Harlow was unbreakable . My heart broke for Harlow when she was trapped with Collin. I don't want to give away too many spoilers, but author Molly McAdams writing is expressive, detailed and truly makes you feel like you're reading about real life characters. I could see this book being made into a movie! Must read - warning you won't be able to put this book down. Harlow is stronger than she thinks, she may seem like a spineless character at first but I promise there is more depth to her give her a chance! Knox's love for Harlow is unwavering, no matter how many years have gone by. Read one of the most intense romance I have ever read.

[PeaceOfGod]

🅾Not my jam-

They meet when H-18 and h-15 y/o.
They feel attraction but remain friends.
He promises to woo her when she turns 18.
In the 3 years until she turns 18, both date other people.
When she turns 18 she gets involved with a handsome but Shady senior.
Her and the hero have had misunderstanding so..... 🤷‍♀️

[Karen Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the Stars is the first book I finally read by the marvelous Molly McAdams and holy WOW! Broken, breathtaking, and beautiful, To the Stars is an enticing and emotional tale of everlasting love. First love. A love that knows no boundaries, barriers, or breaks. A love that survives difficulties and dastardly devastation yet remains strong like a brick wall during a storm. A love that conquers all. Bent but not broken.

Barely into To the Stars, my emotions were scattered like clouds in the sky and I was definitely feeling a huge high. By just page two, I hated the heroine. My heart broke for the hero. By page three, my heart broke for the heroine too.

At just a few pages into To the Stars, I knew that this powerful and poignant book was going to break me. Rip my heart into pieces. I prayed that my heart, like the hero and heroine’s, would be repaired.

Harper ‘Low’ Evans meets a young man, Knox Alexander, at a party one night. A night that changed their lives forever. Beautiful, brunette, and blue-eyed Harper is only fifteen-years-old but wiser than her years. Gorgeous, dark-haired and dark-eyed, and tall and muscular Knox is eighteen but cannot fight the feelings that instantly connect him to Low and her to him. Despite the age difference, the force between them is strong like a tornado, too strong to fight. It was love at first sight.

“I do love you, Knox. I love you to the moon and back.”
“The moon isn’t that far, Harlow. I want to love you to the stars.”
“Then to the stars.”

My tears fall fast, bleeding onto the book as the words break me. I am now thrust into this crushing and captivating story. I cry for young love lost. I cry for crushed dreams. I cry as this beautiful but broken book brands my body and soul.

Knox promises to wait for Harlow, his young love.

“One day, Harlow Evans, you will be mine. I will wait for you.”

A promise that Harlow breaks and has regretted forever.

“I didn’t wait for you.”

Flashbacks bounce back to the past that should have been Harlow’s present had she not made the worst choice of her life. Harlow and Knox were supposed to wait for each other. They were supposed to be each other’s firsts.

“Have you ever looked at someone…just one look, and you knew that was it? There would never be anyone else would compare? That was Harlow for me. Every time.”

Harlow marries a rich boy in college, Collin Doherty, giving up her fairytale with Knox for Colin, which she regretted almost instantly. Her husband, Collin, is a wolf disguised in sheep’s clothing. A monster posing as a prince. Beauty and her real life Beast.

“I no longer felt like I was drowning because of Collin and this life. I’d already drowned; I was just waiting for someone to find me and bring me back to life.”

Knox stumbles back into Harlow’s life after several years, and knows he must rescue his princess from the monster. Harlow missed her fairytale and has mourned the life she could have had…should have had…with Knox every day.

“I cried for the love I’d thrown away, as I had every day."

It may be too late for her happily ever after but she must have the strength to leave her monster, even if it means risking everyone and everything near and dear to her heart.

“My heart, my soul…my everything was reaching for the man I could never have again.”

This is not an easy read. It’s gut-wrenching. It’s uplifting. It’s bitter. It’s sweet. It’s beautiful. It’s ugly. Light battles dark, and love battles hate in a war of words that tore straight through my heart and soul. I cried more than I laughed. I bawled like a baby nearly the whole story, as the tears took over, alternating with bated breaths while rays of happiness broke through the storm clouds. To the Stars broke me, shattered my heart into pieces like stars scattered through the sky, and then it glued them back together where tears of sadness morphed into tears of hope where I prayed for tears of joy.

To the Stars touched my heart so deeply that I was seeing stars, the moon, and the whole universe. My heart is heavy after being put through hell, but happy as the resulting pleasure was worth the pain. My soul is searing and spinning with a tornado of feelings from this sensory-wielding and sensational love story that will stay with me forever.

There is just nothing better than an epic and everlasting love story, and Molly McAdams definitely delivers with this roller coaster of a riveting read that sent me to the stars. I love this book to the moon, to the stars, to the whole universe and back. Molly McAdams delivered a breathtaking and beautiful book that will hold my heart forever.

5 'to the universe' stars

[Dark Faerie Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: A suspenseful story full of steamy romance, great drama, and wonderful characters. I would highly recommend to this anyone looking for a romantic thriller.

Opening Sentence: “Happy Birthday, Low. I waited for you.”

The Review:

When Harlow Evans was fifteen years old she met Knox Alexander and sparks flew! They were instantly attracted to each other but Knox was already eighteen and starting a relationship wasn’t wise or legal. Instead, Knox promised that he would wait for Harlow to be old enough for them to be together. Harlow never thought nor did she expect Knox to actually give up the opportunity to date and have fun in college. But over the course of the three years the two developed a very deep friendship. A few months before Harlow turned eighteen she left for college and met someone else. She fell quickly in love and when Knox finally asked her to be his she said no.

Harlow married the boy she fell in love with and it was the biggest mistake of her life. Not only has she been unhappy in her marriage she has come to fear for her life and for the life of the people she cares about most. When she has a chance encounter with Knox, she can’t help but feel all those feelings she had for him come rushing back. But starting anything with Knox isn’t only stupid it is also extremely dangerous!

In the story you jump back from the past to the present so you get to see two very different sides to Harlow. The younger version of her is sweet, fun and extremely insecure. I liked her but she had some really frustrating moments. I get that she was really young and to some extent that does excuse how she acted, but I still struggled with some of her decisions! The older Harlow amazed me. She lived a life of constant terror and there was absolutely nothing she could do about it. My heart broke as I read about her struggles and her fear. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to be in her shoes and it amazed me that she never stopped fighting. Overall, I thought she was a very dynamic character and I loved reading her story!

I loved everything about Knox. He is one of those guys that you meet and fall for instantly. He is sexy, charming, strong and loyal. Knox was very consistent and no matter what was thrown at him his feelings for Harlow never wavered. He always treated Harlow with the utmost respect and they were freaking adorable together. Watching them fall in love was perfect and they definitely had amazing chemistry!

To the Stars was a beautiful, heart breaking romance that was full of suspense. From the first page I was hooked and I seriously could not put the book down until I finished. I have read a lot of books by Molly McAdams and her thrillers have been my been by far my favorite books of hers. This wasn’t a mystery, but it was definitely very intense. The romance was steamy and written perfectly. I enjoyed seeing some old faces from the previous book and also getting to know new characters. The only thing I struggled with in the story was that there was cheating. It was a very small incident but no matter how justified the circumstances are, I always have a hard time with cheating of any kind. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a suspenseful romance!

Notable Scene:

“You think I don’t know what’s right here?” he asked as his fingers gently ran over the inside of ym elbow, and then my forearm. “And here? You think I didn’t see the pain on your face?”

“You need to leave, Knox,” I pled. “If anyone sees you with me, it will get back to him.”

“Low, he can’t—“

“He’s coming to look for me if I’m not back out there in ten minutes. You don’t get it.” I searched his face wildly and hoped he understood the urgency in my tone. “He can not find you with me. He can’t find out about you. Please, Knox.”

Knox didn’t blink, and didn’t move. “Why was he hurting you?”

“He wasn’t,” I insisted, and jumped when his voice boomed in the small space.

FTC Advisory: William Morrow/HarperCollins provided me with a copy of To the Stars. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[Lindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts:

A valuable lesson that I have learned from reading Molly McAdams is that I need to emotionally prepare myself, before diving into one of her books. I also need to load up on tissue for tears, take a few breaks to regroup, and follow it up with a light fluffy read. No matter the emotional turmoil, angst, and tears, her books are ones that I truly treasure. Ms. McAdams has such a way of writing, that I "feel" everything that her characters go through. I sympathize with them, anguish with them, and hope that they will get eventually get the peace and happiness that they deserve.

In To the Stars, we get Harlow "Low" Evans and Knox Alexander's story. These two met when Low was just fifteen years old and Knox was seventeen going on eighteen. They couldn't be together, due to their age gap. However, they talked on the phone constantly, and saw each other frequently. Knox wanted to do the honorable thing, and so, he promised Low that he would wait for the day that she would turn eighteen, and they could be together. Circumstances changed, and Low ended up married to another man, but they both never stopped loving one another.

Fast forward four years later and Low is married to an abusive, sadistic, wealthy, and powerful man. She cannot escape her fate, due to the fact that he threatens to harm her family, and has proven that he has just the means to do it. Knox is a firefighter, who works hard, lives with his two best friends Graham and Deacon, and plays the field. There isn't a woman who can measure up to Low. When fate brings these two back together, the stakes are higher than ever. Knox cannot risk losing the only woman he's ever loved. Yet, his biggest concern is for her safety. Can her rescue Low, and live the happily ever after that he's always dreamed of?

To the Stars was raw, traumatic, disturbing, and realistic in the portrayal of abuse. I felt every slap, hair-pull, bruise, and choke-hold that Low endured at the hands of her crazy husband. He was controlling, possessive, jealous, and paranoid. Ms. McAdams captured the fear, desperation, guilt, and helplessness that victims endure at the hands of their victimizers. Low's abuser, Collin, made my skin crawl, and I hated him with a vengeance. If you've ever wondered why a woman would stay in an abusive relationship, read this book. It isn't as easy to get away as you would think.

Secondary characters from the first book in the series, Letting Go, made a reappearance. I enjoyed reconnecting with Grey, Jagger, Graham, and Deacon. Although, Graham and Deacon irritated me at times in the story with the way they treated Low, I know that they were just being overprotective of Knox. You'll be happy to know that they redeem themselves in the story as they take on the 'Mother Hen' role with Low.

Low and Knox were meant to be. They both made mistakes along the way, but that's why this story was so realistic. I think their youth, as well as outside influences were what worked against them at the beginning. Low lost her glow, and was scarred from the abuse that she endured. Yet, Knox could still see through to the girl that he had fallen in love with. Their love was eternal, and I wanted them to find their way back to each other.

My Rating:

I give, To the Stars, by Molly McAdams, 4 Young Love, Battling The Monster, Courage, Passion, Healing, and Hope Filled Stars! I'm looking forward to continuing the Thatch Series, and am hoping that Graham and Deacon will each eventually get their own book.


*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit http://www.abookishescape.com

[Elizabeth (Perusing Princesses) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG OMG OMG!!! MOLLY FLUV YOU!!

To The Stars is Molly McAdams on RockStar mode!

This story will decimate you in its truth and reality... it will leave you gasping for breaths scene after scene... it will leave you in a book hangover from hell!

Big girl panties my lovelies... Molly takes us into the world of control and abuse to the point where you need to breathe deep and read on.  It is not for the faint of heart, this is the real deal about a story of a choice made when choices were taken away from the choosers... it is about the consequences of those choices not only taking real emotional hit.. but physical hits as well.  It takes us deep into the relationship of a marriage that is terrifying and soul shattering and brings you a hope and a fear that a past true soul deep love will help you survive but will most likely end up killing you.

Knox and Harlow... star crossed lovers that meet at the worst time ever... He is just turning 18 and she is not.  She is underage, and remains that way for years.  Knox battles wanting to have Harlow as his heart and soul, while still wanting her to experience life and loves.  She just wants to be with Knox.. and doesn't care that she is underage... She can't understand why it matters.  But Knox will not waiver and does the right thing.. while still maintaining a friendship and a love that will not falter.



When they finally finally get close to being able to be together...fate intervenes and he honors her fathers wishes.  She feels him pulling away.. she feels alone and lost and turns to a Prince who is too good to be true.  But you all know that when things are to good to be true.. it is exactly that.  Her Prince turns into a Monster... and she may not survive it.

A chance run in years later places Knox back in her life at a time that her Monster is getting even further out of control.  Harlow is physically and emotionally broken.  The scenes with her and her monster are horrific.. terrifying... and you can't stop reading and praying that she survives.  Knox is beside himself, learning of her life, of their lost connection due to others intervening... life would have been so different. If Only.

The story quickly accelerates near the end.. and it twists and takes you places you can't even fathom.. But Molly... gotta love her.. she loves to dangle us off a cliff with a fraying rope.. and with Molly, you never really truly know if that rope will snap or hold tight.  Hold on tight and find out yourself by reading this amazing book!
This review was originally posted on Perusing Princesses

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Why would anyone waste their time only loving someone to the moon when they could love them to the stars?”

It’s been a long, long, long time since I’ve been brave enough to pick up a Molly McAdams book. The last series I was brave enough to read, totally destroyed me. She is the queen of angst and heartache. So, yeah, I was afraid to read this book…That being said, when I read the synopsis of To The Stars, I knew I was going to have to read this book. What I didn’t know was just how intense this book was going to be.

To The Stars is the second book in The Thatch series, but it can totally be read as a stand-alone. I’m not going to tell you very much because this is one of those books that desperately needs to be experienced. To The Stars is well written and captivating. It is told from dual pov and does alternate between the past and the present.

When I first picked up To The Stars, I was immediately pulled in by the prologue. I was desperate to know more and how Harlow found herself in her current situation. And the more I read, the more I realized I was not prepared for Harlow’s story. Harlow’s story is intense and heartbreaking. It will anger and frustrate you. It will make your heart ache. I will warn you that this story does deal very heavily with domestic abuse. Some of the scenes are downright intense and will leave you amazed by the strength that Harlow has. But, that’s not all there is to this story. Yes beneath all the ugliness and heartache, there is a light in the darkness. There is hope. There is love; a love that lasts a lifetime.

To The Stars was not an easy read for me. It was intense and really pulled at my heart. It took me on one heck of a journey and emotional roller-coaster ride. But, you know what, I am really glad that I took the leap and read this book.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher and Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.

[Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.• · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Why would anyone waste their time only loving someone to the moon when they could love them to the stars?'

This is one of those books that I just casually went into and ended up completely inhaling it, every minute I could spare. If I see that a story is about second chance love, it is an instant read for me. This story was not what I expected at all, it was so much more.

I thought that Knox & Harlow were such a sweet couple but they met at not quite the right time, he was a few years ago than her and she needed to experience life a bit. Unfortunately some of the choices they made four years ago had drastic consequences that neither of them ever dreamed could happen.

Knox has always believed that Harlow was the one for him, he wanted to marry her and live happy ever after. Someone else filled that role for her instead but only partly. Harlow knows that she made the biggest mistake of her life within months of meeting her now husband. Her vision of what her life with him would be like is the opposite of the reality that is really is. She regrets it every day.

A chance meeting with Knox is a coffee shop is the beginning of the unraveling of Harlow's life. Knox cannot believe that he has found her and is even more surprised that she is not the girl he remembers. She has changed so much physically and her happy outlook on life seems to have evaporated, along with the life in her once sparkling eyes. She is no longer his version of Harlow and he is determined to find out why.

This was at times a very harrowing read, it was heartbreaking to read about how Harlow coped and got through every day. She was so unhappy, yet so damn strong too. Once I started reading this story, I could not put it down, I was so invested in this story and Harlow's situation.

'You're the bravest person I've ever met, and, in a way, the strongest. But even the bravest warriors needed armies with them.'

[Stevie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly don't know where to begin with this, so bear with me as I navigate my thoughts and try to get my review in order...

Molly knows how to break me. She does it every time, with every book, and it still somehow blindsides me.
I had a hard time getting through this story. The emotions and feeling and old ghosts that it elicited from me were, at times, too much to continue reading, so a LOT of breaks ensued.
The one thing that I can guarantee? Molly will always slowly heal you after all the heartache and painful words.
I didn't expect this story to shatter me the way it did, but I want to feel it all over again.

To The Stars left me feeling raw and exposed. I loved every second of it.

[Andrea Heltsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Molly McAdams classic! I'm loving the Thatch series! Knox and Harlow=AWESOMENESS!
If you've never read anything by this author, you NEED to! She is the Nicholas Sparks of the college and twenties generations. BUT, bring the tissues, because you are in for one hell of the roller coaster ride!
A master at contemporary romance, this book met all of my expectations and more. Don't want to spoil all the twists, give this five star highly recommended book a read!

[Lauren at Live Read and Breathe Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 To the stars and back stars!

Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Williams Morrow via Edelweiss

Damn you, Molly McAdams.  :) At around 12am I just wanted to read a chapter or two before bed but then I couldn't put the book down and poof! 5am rolled around pretty quick with no sleep.  It has been forever since I read a Molly McAdams book and I was hook, lined and sunk with this book, as I was trying to figure out what had went so horribly wrong for these two. 

The moment Knox Alexander and Harlow Evan met it was love at first site.  The only problem was that Knox wax eighteen while Harlow was only 15.  This made them not be together physically but it didn't stop them from being best friends and falling more and more in love with each other. 

"The moon isn't that far, Harlow."

"Isn't it?"

"No. Not far enough."  There were a few beats of silence before he confessed, "I want to love you to the stars."

For Knox, he knew that Harlow was the one so he was willing to wait forever, but for the mind of now almost 18 year old Harlow, she was quickly convinced of other things when others had motives to keep them apart. Even though, Knox has been showing for YEARS what he felt but being young we tend to think emotionally instead of logically.  

For Harlow it was also always Knox but with a few poor decisions she ends up hurting both of them.  This choice now has dire consequences but she has no one to turn to, as she has to protect all that are close to her.  

But fate wants these two together, with a chance meeting Knox realizes that it's always been Harlow and it always will.  Unfortunately he's got a very bumpy road to get what he wants. 

"You're still beautiful, Harlow.  And seeing you today, right now, I know I'm still as in love with you as I was four and a half years ago."

I was pulled in trying to figure out how Harlow was in such a mess.  I was then kept in with wondering how Harlow was going to get out of said mess.  I was frustrated with all the elements that kept them apart when I only wanted them to have their HEA.  I was rooting for these two, especially when they found one another again.  But again they were making some poor decisions that was hard to watch but were completely understandable. 

" . . . You two made it fell for Harlow and me before, I'm letting you know now, that if you do it again, or if you keep pulling the shit you just did, I will walk away from thirteen years of friendship with both of you, and I won't look back."

This book is technically book 2 in a series but could be read as a standalone.  As it was quite awhile since I read Letting Go (Thatch #1) which made me forget a lot of the details.  These details were later filled in how these two books were related but if you hadn't read book one you wouldn't be lost.  

Did I like this book? Yes, very much.  Did Graham and Deacon redeem themselves?  Eventually, yes and if there were books about these two I would definitely read them.  I get why they made the decisions they made, but it still made me not like them for quite awhile. Did I like Knox and Harlow together?  Yes, very much.  Especially Knox, as he was so sure of himself with his feelings present and past.  Did I understand some of Harlow's decision making?  Yes, even though I was shouting at my book for her to make different decisions but it wouldn't be a Molly McAdams without that kind of angst.  

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

„To the Stars – Wenn du die Sterne berührst“ ist der zweite Band der „Thatch“-Reihe von Molly McAdams. Den ersten Band der Reihe habe ich bisher noch nicht gelesen, dies werde ich aber demnächst mit Sicherheit nachholen.
Die Autorin Molly McAdams kenne ich bereits durch ihre „Love & Lies“-Reihe, die mir wirklich sehr gut gefallen hat. Dementsprechend gespannt war ich auf dieses Buch.

Die Geschichte wird aus der Sicht von Harlow und Knox erzählt. Immer wieder wurden Rückblicke eingebaut, in denen wir mehr über die gemeinsame Geschichte der beiden Protagonisten erfahren. Gerade diese Rückblicke haben mir sehr gut gefallen. Es war einfach wunderschön zu lesen, wie sich Knox und Harlow kennen und lieben gelernt haben.
Teilweise waren mir die ganzen Sticheleien von Knoxs besten Freunden, Deacon und Graham, bezüglich der nicht erlaubten Beziehung zwischen Knox und Harlow ein bisschen zu viel. Klar finde ich es gut – sogar total süß -. dass Knox so lange auf Harlow warten möchte, bis auch sie volljährig ist, trotzdem fand ich es irgendwann ermüdend in jedem Rückblick erneut zu lesen, dass Knox keine Beziehung zu einer Minderjährigen eingehen darf.

Die Handlung in der Gegenwart ist nicht einfach zu lesen und das liegt keineswegs am Schreibstil der Autorin, der wie gewohnt sehr flüssig ist, sondern an der Ehe von Harlow. Bevor ich dieses Buch begonnen habe, wusste ich bereits, dass Missbrauch ein großes Thema in der Geschichte ist. Es gibt sehr wenige Autoren, die sich an dieses Thema heranwagen und noch seltener wird es gut umgesetzt. Molly McAdams ist es gelungen. Die Gefühle, Ängste und Probleme von Harlow wurden sehr gut rübergebracht, ich habe wirklich mit ihr mitgelitten und gehofft, dass sie aus dieser Situation heil herauskommt.
Aufgrund all der Vorfälle in der Ehe von Harlow ist mir der Einstieg in das Buch ein bisschen schwer gefallen. Nachdem ich allerdings die Startschwierigkeiten überwunden hatte, hat mich dieses Buch richtig migerissen. Ich konnte es gar nicht mehr aus der Hand legen und musste unbedingt wissen wie es ausgeht.

Von den Charakteren war mir Knox am sympathischsten. Allein schon, dass er so lange auf Harlow warten möchte, fand ich total süß. So einen Jungen/Mann kann man sich als Teenager wohl nur wünschen. Als Erwachsener hat er mir aber fast noch besser gefallen, denn er ist ein richtiger Traummann.
Auch Harlow ist eine wirklich sympathische Protagonistin, insbesondere als sie im Verlauf des Buches immer mehr zeigt, wie stark sie eigentlich ist.
Mit Deacon und Graham hatte ich ja zu Beginn der Geschichte so meine Probleme, aber zum Ende hin waren die beiden wirklich toll. Selbst in relativ ernsten Situationen, haben mich die beiden zum Lachen gebracht.

Fazit: Nachdem ich die anfänglichen Startschwierigkeiten überwunden hatte, hat mich dieses Buch absolut gefesselt. Ich kann dieses Buch jedem empfehlen, der Bücher aus dem Bereich New Adult mag und keine Probleme mit schwierigen Themen hat.

Vielen Dank an NetGalley und den HarperCollins Verlag für die Bereitstellung eines digitalen Rezensionsexemplares.

[Three Chicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Review by Lisa Kane

"Why would anyone waste their time only loving someone to the moon when they could love them to the stars?"

We first met Knox Alexander in Letting Go which was Jagger and Grey's story. He was the manwhore interested in having a good time. But he had heartache in his past.

Harlow Evans was 15 when she met Knox at a concert. He was 18 and just about to start college. Both of them are more than aware that because of her age nothing physical can occur between them. Knox's friends, Deacon and Graham get on his case constantly about letting it go-he should focus on girls at school-girls who are legally of age to do the things guys want to do. But Knox lets Harlow know that he will settle for friendship with her but he is waiting, just waiting for the time they are able to be together.

"Then I'll wait for you, Harlow," he promised, and the sincerity in the words stunned me for long seconds. "I'll wait until you're eighteen."

Harlow doesn't think Knox should wait around for her-she can't promise him forever and a lot of things can happen in the next few years. Knox has his share of girls but he makes sure they know the score-he isn't interested in having anything more than sex-he has someone else in his life already.

Just when it seems that their time has finally come, some strong demands from a family member will affect their relationship. Harlow believes Knox is no longer in love with her and wants her to move on. She forces herself to be open to new opportunities, even though she doesn't want this. But then she meets Collin Doherty. He's a rich trust fund baby who sweeps her off her feet. Next thing she knows she's wearing a 5 carat ring and agreeing to marry him. But is this the right choice for her? She breaks Knox's heart.

"I-" I took in a shaky breath, and my voice came out as a strained whisper. "I didn't wait for you."

Fast forward four years. Knox has a good job as a fire fighter, great friends and a never ending smorgasbord of women. His bedroom is a revolving door of gorgeous one night stands. But every once in a while he feels Low's (his pet name for Harlow) loss all over again.

"I am happy, Grey," I told her honestly. "I have you and my best friends, I have my dream job, and I have more girls than I know what to do with them. I am happy. This was the life I was supposed to have. This was the plan with Deacon and Graham. Well, maybe not to go on this long, but this was it. It just took a long time to learn how to be happy without her, and sometimes it's still hard to remember how when something reminds me of her."

If he only knew how her life is these days.

Harlow had glimpses of the man who became her husband. Collin has a street face he shows to others but he is a monster. A living, breathing, monster.

We'd been at a dinner party the first time I'd caught a glimpse of my monster-and it also should have been the last night I ever saw Collin. But I was in love, we'd just gotten engaged, and I kept making excuses for him in my head.

Harlow has no real choice to leave this man. She is bone thin because she can't keep anything down without getting sick. The slightest thing missing from the dinner table will earn her a punishment. Her body is never without bruises-the olds ones fade over but there is always a new set ready to take its place. Along with concussions and bruised ribs. But never where anyone can see them.

"Don't show your pain, baby."

Why doesn't she leave? Well Collin has something on Harlow that ensures she will never leave. The few times she has tried to get out of town-he never had a problem doling out the punishment that he promised. Since he is involved in politics and is filthy rich, he has the cops in their town paid off. Harlow will not get any help there. She can't leave and she can't tell her family (yes, there is a reason for that) She knows one day he will end up killing her and she is almost at peace with that. She screwed up her life royally when she married Collin; she knows Knox was the man for her but she made her bed.

No matter how much I wanted to believe that things could change, that I could have a future without living in fear of what would come next from Collin, I knew it would be stupid and dangerous to let myself believe that the past few minutes were signs of change for us.

No one knows the real Collin but Harlow, not even his family.

But Knox comes back and with him she can almost hope again. Knox knows something is wrong. Low is rail thin, nervous. But once he has seen her again, there is no way that he can let her get away again.

"Harlow Evans," he said softly, and I let out a shuddering breath as everything came filtering back in. "The last person I thought I'd see when I woke up this morning was the girl I've been waiting seven years for."

Knox's friends do all they can to keep them apart. They have no reason to trust Harlow. How can anything come of Know and Harlow's relationship? With a monster like Collin for a husband, Harlow can never escape. Can Knox have any chance of a life with her?

I'd thought of her as the broken one, but I'd forgotten how much losing Harlow had broken me.

There are times that the abuse in this story is heartbreaking. Often I will ask why does the woman stay, why not tell someone, seek some way out? But in this story, I'm aware why she stays and I can understand her logic. She is trapped. This is a girl who can not get out of this mess on her own, and yet she can't risk anyone finding out the truth. This is so much more than a second chance at a romance. It is a romance filled with suspense and drama. It's one of those multi layered plots that keeps you flipping the pages to find out how this will all turn out. This is one of the best stories I've read from Molly McAdams. Well worth reading!

"I'm still waiting for you. Low."
A soft laugh followed by a sigh filled the phone. "And you're wasting your time."
"Never."

[Christina's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written. I was pleasantly surprised. This book addresses the many angles of domestic violence. Many thanks to the author for bringing these issues to light

[Julia Schlosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cover
Das Cover drückt schon an Gefühlen aus, welche in dem Buch zu lesen sind. Ich finde es super und passend zum Buch.

Inhalt
Harlow ist 15 Jahre und lernt während eines Konzertes den 3 Jahre älteren Knox kennen. Und auch wenn eine Beziehung zwischen den beiden nicht in Frage kommt, zumindest solange Harlow noch minderjährig ist, können sie einander nicht loslassen. Doch als Knox ihr, kurz vor ihrem 18. Geburtstag, den von ihren Eltern gewünschten Freiraum gibt, lernt sie Collin kennen. Ein Traumprinz, anfangs.
Doch kurz nach der Hochzeit zeigt er sein wahres Gesicht und jagt Harlow durch eine Ehehölle. Und plötzlich trifft sie wieder auf Knox und alles wird anders...
Eine spannende, gut durchdachte Geschichte mit sympathischen und auch unsympathischen (was in diesem Fall passend ist) Charakteren. Ich habe sie von Anfang an geliebt und konnte sie nicht aus der Hand legen.

Schreibstil
Die Geschichte wird abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Harlow und Knox erzählt und springt zwischen der Vergangenheit und der Gegenwart hin und her. Da die einzelnen Abschnitte aber durch die Namen und zeitliche Ankündigungen gut unterteilt sind, weiß der Leser zu jeder Zeit, wo er sich befindet. Der Aufbau ist sehr spannend gestaltet und was mir besonders gut gefallen hat, ist, dass die Autorin zwischen den Gewaltszenen immer wieder romantische Rückblenden auf Knox' und Harlow's Zeit vor der Ehe eingestellt hat. So hatte ich, als Leser, die Chance, von meinem emotionalen Trip runter zu kommen.
Die Szenen der Ehe von Harlow hat die Autorin sehr schön beschrieben. Man konnte sich sehr gut in die Protagonistin hineinversetzen und fand ihre Handlungsweise, wenn auch teilweise nicht richtig, dafür jedoch plausibel. Wenn ich in so einer Situation sein würde, wüsste ich nicht, wie ich reagieren sollte.
Auch der Konflikt zwischen Knox und seinen Freund ist sehr schön dargestellt. Ich muss zugeben, daß ich Deacon und Graham, und ja, auch Grey zwischenzeitlich etwa gehasst habe.
Das Ende hat dann natürlich alles wieder aufgehoben.

Fazit
Eine wunderschöne, emotionale aber auch romantische Geschichte über die große Liebe und wahre Freundschaft. Eine Geschichte, die auch zum nachdenken anregt.

[Andrea at Reading Lark · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 Rating
Review Posted on Reading Lark 2/17/16: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2016/...

Thatch, Washington is a small town with a cast of characters who has stolen my heart. The first novel, Letting Go, focuses on Grey and Jagger. (You don't have to read the first novel for this one to make sense, but I would recommend it. Seriously, Grey and Jagger are awesome and their relationship will make a lot more sense if you have the background knowledge.) To The Stars showcases a new relationship between Harlow and Knox; it might be one of the most complicated romances I have ever seen McAdams write. That's saying a lot if you've read Taking Chances. This one was just as emotional for me, but for very different reasons.

Knox was Harlow's first love, but their relationship is unique because she is only 15 when she meets him and he is getting ready to turn 18. Knox, being the awesome guy he is, decides that he is going to do the right thing and wait for Harlow to come of age before pursuing anything serious with her. Harlow doesn't want Knox to give up on his college days and his chance to be happy so she always tries to get him to experience things apart from her. Knox's friends are less than supportive as they see Harlow as nothing more than jailbait that is stringing their friend along. I loved getting to see Harlow and Knox in the early stages of their relationship through their flashbacks. On Harlow's 18th birthday, she makes a drastic choice that will change the course of her life and send her down a path away from Knox. The majority of the novel is set in the present day when after years apart, Knox and Harlow finally cross paths once more.

To the Stars was a difficult one for me to read as it focuses on domestic violence. Harlow's marriage is full of physical and emotional abuse. She feels that she has no alternative than staying with someone who treats her horribly and injures her on almost a daily basis. Seeing Knox again reminds Harlow that she is worth love and living shouldn't be a daily torture. The reconnection for these two was intense and poignant. Harlow soon finds that time can't heal all wounds and that Knox is still very much in love with her. When he finds out what her husband is doing to her, he can't stand to watch her suffer. While there is romance and Knox is certainly a swoon worthy book boyfriend, I found myself drawn to the fact that their relationship was about taking care of one another and being courageous enough to stand up to a true villain. My heart broke for Harlow's circumstances over and over as I read this one. I couldn't imagine surviving in those conditions.

The serious nature of this novel made the romantic moments all the more sweet. I seriously will never be able to look at stars the same way again; it reminds me of how important devotion can be in a true and lasting relationship. Knox is also one of my top McAdams male characters. He wasn't able to knock Gage out of the #1 spot, but he's in the top 3, for sure. As always with a McAdams novel, there are a few steamy scenes, but they aren't the driving force behind the story and I found they were less explicit than some in the other novels. I just like to point this out to prepare readers like me who are of the less is more school of thought.

On a final note, I loved getting to see Grey, Jagger, Graham, and Deacon again. I had grown to love these characters in the previous novel. I'm rooting for Graham and Deacon to get their own novels.

I highly recommend visiting Thatch if you're a fan of contemporary romance.

One Last Gripe: The one thing that held me back from giving this five birdies was Harlow & Collin's families. How could they not see that something was very wrong? Harlow's parents just frustrated me in general.

Favorite Thing About This Book: The friendship between Knox, Graham, Deacon, and Grey

First Sentence: "Happy Birthday, Low."

Favorite Character: Knox

Least Favorite Character: Collin

[Nicole M. Hewitt]

This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction

This book was really hard to rate because I loved the storyline that took place in the present (in the only way that you can love horrible, painful stories like this one), but I had some major issues with the storyline in the past, which was the basis of Knox and Harlow’s relationship. Still, I felt like the good outweighed the bad, and the plotline involving Harlow’s abuse had me flipping the pages (well, okay, swiping, since I was on my Kindle) right till the very end.

What Fed My Addiction:

A chilling story of abuse.
Harlow’s relationship with her husband was incredibly painful to read about – Harlow calls him her monster for a reason. It was sometimes hard to believe that someone could be so strangely cold and cruel and still believe that he loved his wife, but then I realized that there truly are women in these types of situations. I could truly feel Harlow’s sense of paralyzing fear and I could see how she felt so completely trapped that she couldn’t get away. (Some of Collin’s connections seemed a bit far-fetched but the rest of the story felt believable.) In the end, the horrifying situation that Harlow was in kept me thoroughly invested in this book – I needed to know how it would all play out. And while Collin was sickening, he was also riveting in a horrible sort of way.

Knox.
It was hard not to adore Knox and his utter dedication to Harlow. I loved that he knew something was wrong with her immediately – even after so many years of being apart. Everything about Knox (in the present storyline) was pretty much perfect!

What Left Me Wanting More:

The past.
There were several aspects of Knox and Harlow’s relationship in the past that bugged me. First of all, it started out feeling a bit insta-lovey. Knox was pretty much instantly devoted to Harlow after meeting her once. But even more than that, I was frustrated with the huge emphasis that was placed on the statutory rape thing. Yes, I got that there was a big age difference between Harlow and Knox, but everyone in the book treated it as if, the moment Knox turned eighteen, he would be immediately arrested for just being seen kissing her. Everyone kept talking about the risks and how Knox was putting himself in some sort of grave danger just by associating with Harlow. Seriously, was there no other guy at their college who was dating a high school girl? It’s not that unusual. Actually, I realized just today that I was in this exact situation – I turned eighteen the day I started dating my husband and he was two and a half years younger than me. Sure, a few people teased me about robbing the cradle, but not a single person ever worried about me getting arrested. In this book everyone seemed convinced that Knox was headed for the slammer every time he looked at Harlow. Even when they were still in love a year and a half later (without dating – not even any kissing involved really) and Harlow was seventeen people still seemed really concerned. Really? I just didn’t buy it. Then there was the fact that Harlow gave up on Knox so suddenly and so fast. I won’t go into details for spoiler purposes, but the whole situation just made me mad!

So, in the end, I was really glad I read this one and I felt like the main storyline was intense and exciting. I wished the relationship between Knox and Harlow had had a better base so I could have felt more invested in them, but I was incredibly invested in Harlow’s story! I give this book 3/5 stars.

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***

[LA Spiez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly McAdams, quite possibly gave me the ugliest book cry in my life. She gave me a top book boyfriend that I still obsess over, three years after I read his book. She has blown me away with every book I've read and To The Stars is no different.

Harlow Evans met Knox Alexander when she was fifteen years old. It was absolutely one of those love at first sight things. There was only one problem. Know was two weeks away from being eighteen and you know what that means.

Fearing what could happens if he enters a physical relationship with Harlow, he promises he'll wait for her to turn eighteen so they can be together. So for years the two have a relationship that never becomes intimate. I shouldn't say that. It is intimate, just not physical. Even though they clearly love each other, Knox is willing to wait. A fact he makes very clear to Harlow. A fact she never truly believes and tells him he's wasting his time waiting.

Of course she thinks that. Everyone keeps telling them they can't be together. Knox has two friends I wanted to knock out because they were so mean about Harlow. Top it off with Knox going off to college and well, you know how it goes.

At least you think you do, because guess what? Knox is there on Harlow's eighteenth birthday. Yup. He waited for her. But, Harlow didn't wait for him. I'm tearing up now, because I'm rereading that part and oh mylanta, my heart just aches for Knox.

Harlow meets someone else while she's at college and he becomes her first. Then she goes and marries him. Collin looks amazing on paper. Then you meet him in person and you get to see the monster he truly is. The second he knows Harlow is his, Collin becomes this horribly depraved abusive animal. I will warn you, some of the things that happen to Harlow are painful to read about. Collin is not only abusive to Harlow, but threatens her family if she tries to leave him.

In the midst of her abusive marriage, Harlow and Knox run into each other and he knows something is wrong. She's not his Harlow anymore. Of course he wants to help, but Harlow is afraid. She's afraid for herself and she's afraid of Collin finding out and going after Knox.

I wanted so much not to like Harlow. I was so mad at her for what she did to Knox. But, I have to admit, I got it. She couldn't believe someone as perfect as Knox would wait for her. When you're young and people tell you, you don't know what love is and you're inclined to believe them. Then you sense the regret she feels for everything that happened and you forgive her.

Knox on the other hand is book boyfriend perfection. According to Harlow he was created by the gods for girls to drool over. Dark hair, dark eyes, crooked smile, lean muscular body. How could you not fall in love. But the best part of him was his love for Harlow. He truly never gave up on her and that comes through loud and clear. He is an absolutely amazing person and is already a top book boyfriend for me. I mean how many boys tell you the moon isn't far enough to show their love. Knox wanted to love Harlow to the stars because they're farther away. *******super swoon*****

Knox and Harlow's story is told from the past and from the present. Both parts will give you that squeezing feeling in your heart. And yes in true Molly McAdams fashion I cried like a baby.

Even with the sensitive nature of the book and the tears I have to give To The Stars a solid five lip smack review. Come on....I love Molly McAdams and when I want to finish a book in one sitting with my schedule, you know it's a goodie.

Yes Knox Alexander, I do love you to the stars.....

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of To the Stars in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Edelweiss for the opportunity!

Typically, when I complete a book I can bang out the review within a few hours of completing said book – this book took me a bit longer as I really needed to gather my thoughts and honestly – I needed to stop feeling.

I promise, I will get to the review, however; I need to start this one about the Author. I am a HUGE Molly McAdams fan – like HUMONGOUS! I’ve read every single book she’s written and while I keep telling myself – she can’t be this talented- she is, SHE. FRIGGIN. IS. Not one book has disappointed me yet – I keep waiting for the disappointment and I have a feeling I will be waiting a long time! Crazy. Amazing. Talent! If you’ve read a “Molly book” you should know to expect the emotional turmoil of the characters – she literally tears you apart (but in the best way) and then very slowly starts gluing the pieces of your heart back together. This book is no different – I took several breather breaks – this was a rough one. With all that being said – IF YOU HAVE NOT READ A BOOK BY MOLLY McADAMS, YOU ARE MISSING OUT!

Ok, ok, enough kissing Molly’s “bum”, onto my review - To the Stars is the second book in the Thatch Series, it can be read as a standalone, but why would you do that? Read them in order and enjoy the beautiful words Ms. McAdams puts on paper.

Knox Alexander and Harlow Evans meet when “Low” is young – like under age young – Knox, who is about to turn 18, knows she is the one for him and he decides that he is going wait for her to turn 18. That wait is three and a half years! Holy wow! I can’t even imagine a “guy” waiting six months – so three and a half years blows my mind. During this time, they become friends and while most young relationships rush into hot steamy rushed underage sex – they have gotten to know every part of each other. Their love for each other literally goes To the Stars.

Low ends up meeting Collin during a hard time in college and does fall in love with him and marries him. Collin is an EVIL MONSTER that I refuse to speak about any further in my review. Trust me when I say he plays a BIG PART in this book – but I cannot even get myself to think about him. Alright, moving on….

In most contemporary romances I typically swoon over the “guy” – and while Knox is completely swoon worthy it was Low that had me in this book. She is amazingly brave, super strong and completely unbreakable. She does not show any pain – ever! Low melted my heart, I just wanted to hug her and become her best friend and save her from all the evil.

The story is written from both Knox’s point of view and Low’s – but what I loved most is that it goes back in forth between past and present. Trust me when I say – you expect the twists and turns – yet get blindsided without even realizing it’s about to happen. Those breather breaks I talked about at the beginning – yeah, this is when they happened.

Be ready for a super emotional read – this book should not be read by a younger audience as it does subject you to abuse.

I wish I could give this book more than 5 Stars.