Waiting for Wyatt

Red Dirt #1

by S.D. Hendrickson

My name is Emma Sawyer.
I met Charlie and Wyatt on the same sultry, summer day. It was unexpected, leaving a feeling in the pit of my stomach like the time I drove too fast over Beckett Hill. The moment happened out of nowhere, all fast and quick and a little strange. Or maybe that was just Wyatt’s personality.

It was Charlie that brought us together. Little Charlie with those ridiculous ears. I found the dog, waiting in a pool of his own blood. Waiting for someone. Waiting for me.

Now Wyatt, he wasn’t waiting for anyone. At least that’s what he said, except I saw something different in the broken guy all alone out in the woods. I knew he needed me before he knew it himself.

Wyatt with his hidden dimples. Wyatt with his warnings to stay away. He was a hard lump of coal, ready to burn everything around him. The more he burned, the more it pulled me into the pain I saw etched on his troubled face.

I wanted to help Wyatt. I wanted to save him like he had saved all the Charlies in the world. He told me not to fall for him, but I did anyway. I fell hard and fast and deeply in love with Wyatt Caulfield.

But that was before I knew his secret.

Author Note: Waiting for Wyatt is the love story of Wyatt Caulfield and Emma Sawyer, which also features rescue animals. It's a 112,000 word Standalone Novel. Contemporary Romance / Coming of Age/ New Adult & College

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, College, Family, Adult

378 pages, ebook

First published January 12, 2016

About the author

SD Hendrickson received a Bachelor's of Science in Journalism from Oklahoma State University.T he Mason List was her first novel and it was a 2015 Goodreads Choice Award Semi-Finalist for Best Debut Author.

S.D. Hendrickson lives in Tulsa with her husband and their two schnauzers. She loves chocolate, romance books, Oklahoma State Cowboys, music, Lost, chocolate, beaches, coffee, cooking, beautiful sunsets, Friends, chocolate, sad puppy stories, dreaming of Australia, guacamole, quotes, Netflixs bing watching, Dawson’s Creek, chocolate, hot tubs, exotic animal rescues, going on vacation, Friday Night Lights, writing, and of course, chocolate.

Visit www.sdhendrickson.com for more information on upcoming projects.

Reviews

[Aestas Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED ::: 4.5 STARS!!

“My heart flipped a little, and I fell deeper for Wyatt Caulfield, the mysterious guy who said he was dangerous and bad.”

I absolutely loved this book!! After falling in love with SD Hendrickson's writing inThe Mason List last year, I was incredibly excited to read any book she wrote next and Waiting For Wyatt was everything I'd hoped for. It kept me glued to the page until 4AM because I just did not want to stop reading. The haunting pain of Wyatt's secret past tugged all my heart strings, while Emma's quiet strength gave me hope for their future. Their romance was beautifully intense, and although often painful, the strength and endurance of their love for each other can only be described heart-warming. This was exactly the kind of book I love reading -- it was incredibly well written, and loaded with feels, intrigue, and a captivating romance. I already know this will be one of my Top Favorites of 2016. It's a top recommendation!

Just to clarify though, The Mason List and Waiting For Wyatt are not connected.

Here's the official blurb... (for the record, Charlie is a dog):

My name is Emma Sawyer. 

I met Charlie and Wyatt on the same sultry, summer day. It was unexpected, leaving a feeling in the pit of my stomach like the time I drove too fast over Beckett Hill. The moment happened out of nowhere, all fast and quick and a little strange. Or maybe that was just Wyatt’s personality. 

It was Charlie that brought us together. Little Charlie with those ridiculous ears. I found the dog, waiting in a pool of his own blood. Waiting for someone. Waiting for me. 

Now Wyatt, he wasn’t waiting for anyone. At least that’s what he said, except I saw something different in the broken guy all alone out in the woods. I knew he needed me before he knew it himself. 

Wyatt with his hidden dimples. Wyatt with his warnings to stay away. He was a hard lump of coal, ready to burn everything around him. The more he burned, the more it pulled me into the pain I saw etched on his troubled face. 

I wanted to help Wyatt. I wanted to save him like he had saved all the Charlies in the world. He told me not to fall for him, but I did anyway. I fell hard and fast and deeply in love with Wyatt Caulfield. 

But that was before I knew his secret. 

Oh my gosh, you guys!! Wyatt completely stole my heart!!! He was this brooding, tortured, mysterious guy, clearly guilt-ridden over a heart-breaking past that he wanted to keep private. But the love and care he showed the dogs he rescued made it clear how sweet and kind-hearted he really was. Oh, and he had dimples!!! Be still my heart! *swoons* I so desperately wanted Emma to save him, and I loved the way she never backed down from her quest to reach out to him. It was wonderfully refreshing to read about a heroine who was so self-assured and determined to never give up on the guy she was falling for.

“You keep trying, over and over again. Have you ever considered that I might be a lost cause?”

My fingers tightened against his hand. “I don’t believe anyone is a lost cause…You can trust me. I hope you realize that by now.”

“I do trust you, Emma.” His breath touched my skin as he talked. “It’s myself that I don’t trust.”

“But I trust you,” I whispered.

“I know,” he whispered back in that gravelly voice. “I see the trust in your eyes. And it scares me.”

Tortured heroes have always been my most favorite to read about. I fall hard for them every single time. Something about their hidden pain tugs all my heart strings and makes me long to see them find the healing they deserve. Wyatt's pain cut so deep that it made me ache for him. Even before I knew the truth about what had broken him, my chest tightened up in every scene because I cared so deeply.

“You can talk to me, you know,” I whispered, begging him to let me inside his thoughts.

“Maybe I don’t want a girl like you to know those things about me. Some things shouldn’t be talked about.”

Here he was -- this gorgeous antisocial, seemingly awkward reclusive guy who, like her, was in his early twenties and yet lived outside of town in the middle of nowhere rescuing scarred, rejected dogs who'd been subjected to the worst of humanity. He made every effort to drive her away, yet with each attempt, it only drew her in closer.

“I’m trying to protect you.”

“From what?”

“Me.” The desperation ached in his voice…
“Falling for me would not make sense.”

“It’s a little too late for that,” I muttered.

His face seemed to crush right before my eyes. “I told you not to.”

This story consumed me with the need to learn Wyatt's past, with the desire to see him open up to Emma, with my heart desperately waiting for them to fall in love... You know you're reading a good book when the time just slips away and you're so lost in the story that what feels like mere minutes turns into hours.

The story is broken down into four main parts: it begins with her story, then shows his, then focuses on them, and the concludes with a gorgeous epilogue section. The pacing and flow of the story was effortless. SD Hendrickson is such a gifted storyteller. Her writing is captivating, evocative, and addictive. I'll read anything she writes, and this was honestly exactly “my kind” of favorite book. The story was unique, beautiful, and pleasantly different than everything else within it's genre. And I especially loved the moment when I finally realized the true meaning behind the title of the book.

There's a painful undertone to the story that comes from Wyatt's secret, but the angst isn't too much. The amount is just enough that I felt it was captivating but didn't make my tummy hurt. There was just the right amount of everything. I felt invested in this story. I cared . My heart was totally in it.

If you're looking for a beautiful, heart-warming romance with deep feels and strong writing to fall in love with, and most especially if you're an animal lover too, then you have to try to this book! I loved everything about it. For me, it's a new top favorite recommendation that's going on my list of Best Books of 2016.

Wyatt kissed my neck, leaving his lips in place as he whispered against my skin. “I love you. Whether I deserve you or not. I love you. Don’t ever forget that.”

Rating: 4.5+ stars. Standalone contemporary romance.
_____________________________

For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
✦ Twitter
✦ Subscribe by email

[KAS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been wanting to read this author for years. Noticing the great reviews this one received, I put on my handy dandy blinders and dove in.

This is a sweet, emotional second chance romance. It is also of the slow burn variety.

Thought it was a little slow to get started, but once it did, I was hooked.

  Wyatt Caulfield just might be the strangest and most haunting person I’d ever met.

Emma describes Wyatt as a quiet, sad, brooding James Dean. Wyatt is a man Emma wants to get to know better, wants to know the story behind his tortured soul, wants to be the friend she thinks he desperately needs. The more she tries to get to know him, the more he pushes her away.

  I deserved nothing. I deserved no one. I sure as hell didn’t deserve a girl like her.

To say Emma is persistent, is putting it mildly. Wyatt soon finds out just how determined she is, and sparks fly! Sparks of anger, sparks of humiliation, and sparks of frustration flew, but the best sparks were the ones full of lust and need.

The narration is dual POV, but we mainly hear from Emma. The best parts of the book, in my opinion, were when Wyatt shared his thoughts. TORE! ME! UP!

[Jeannine Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+++ stars!

Get some popcorn because this is gonna be long...

So even though it was only 3 days ago, I have no idea how I stumbled upon this novel. And when I found it, the very first review I saw compared it to Archer's Voice, one of my favorite novels EVER! I didn't finish reading the review... I didn't read any other reviews... I didn't even read the synopsis, I just bought it. And within thirty-six hours, I devoured it.

I was nervous at first...



I mean that's a pretty big book to live up to IMO and I've rarely found comparisons to other awesome novels to be accurate. But was this book as good? I'm sure you already know the answer...



HELL FREAKING YES. I would genuinely put this on the same level as Archer's Voice. There are obvious differences and some may like one more than the other because of personal preferences, but if you enjoy Mia Sheridan's book even a little bit, I'd definitely recommend trying this one!!

It begins with Emma bringing an abused dog, Charlie, to a dog rescue that Wyatt oversees. I loved watching the two of them bond while taking care of the dogs. Wyatt certainly didn't make it easy though. He was drowning in his own pain and guilt.



I was strangely relieved when we discovered his secret. I liked that it wasn't some misunderstanding or misplaced guilt. He made a horrible mistake and the author didn't take the easy way out by trying to sugarcoat what Wyatt had done, and I really appreciated that. Wyatt didn't pity himself, he wanted to forgive himself. He just couldn't figure out how to do that.

Enter Emma. She saves Wyatt. She's a do-gooder who is hellbent on loving Wyatt, on getting him to forgive himself and convincing him that it's okay to love his life again.



I loved how big her heart was. She was so sweet and so secure in who she was. She was a tad naive, but she loved things and wanted to see the best in people—and she didn't let anything discourage her. I think there is something profoundly beautiful about putting your heart on the line, again and again, never knowing if this will be the time it shatters, all for the sake of caring about other living things. There's nothing wrong with having a big heart, and I just loved Emma's! <3

And Wyatt listens. He slowly lets his guard down and lets Emma in. It isn't easy and there are still heartbreaking moments. But he shows us his sweet side and I fell hard.



It also didn't hurt that he was a pet lover. I have two dogs myself, and I love them more than I thought possible. Every time I read a description about how a dog was abused (knowing that this shit happens in real life), had me fuming. I will join Emma in beating the shit out of them and throwing them in prison, leaving them with this parting gift...



Anyways... sorry, but that crap really pisses me off. But it just shows how good the writing was for me to be so enraged.

Gradually, I felt just as much hope for them as I watched Wyatt and Emma restore the dogs. Particularly Wyatt. Emma was clearly one to do these types of things but Wyatt felt the need to hide his compassion under all his guilt. But after Emma got through to him, he showed it more and more. And how was I not going to fall in love with a man who reads books to abused dogs?



I wasn't. Honestly, I was a goner from the beginning. Even when he was being gruff and trying to push Emma away, I loved Wyatt... and I loved Emma... and I loved the two of them together.



Even with all the heartbreak, they were so clearly in love. She provided the redemption he needed and he reaffirmed the hope that she needed—that there was no such thing as a lost cause.

I recently finished a novel where I felt the characters lacked depth. These characters had nothing but depth, and I LOVED it. They were complex and such a pleasure to read about, even while they were breaking me heart. I am in awe that this is only the second book from this author and I know I'll be reading more! Her writing was beautiful, she managed to make me feel complete heartbreak for a character that was only on a handful of pages. This quote right here had me in complete tears, even now it does.

Trevor had just laid there— his body mixed in with the trash on the dirty floor— forgotten even in death.

It was as beautiful as it was tragic. I loved the lyrical quality of her work, and how much feeling she put into this work. It was like she carefully picked each and every word, even seemingly inconsequential ones, to make it perfect. And it was.

Even the humor. Oh, God, I pray Blaire gets her own story. I want many more, but especially hers. I loved how weird and anti-social she was. Plus anyone who loves Criminal Minds is someone I want to know more about! All her sassiness really cracked up me...

"He could have bodies out there. And that shirt. I don’t know. It says stab me."

"Fine. Let’s do this girly shit. Why do you like him so much? There’s lots of guys out there with way less problems."

There were tears and heartache. It definitely wasn't a light read. There was also a bit of action and suspense to keep you on your toes. That coupled with the humor and unwavering love... made this a complete win for me!! I'd highly recommend it, and will be rereading it myself :)



Random side note: The sex is minimal, it's definitely more about the love, but I was completely okay with that since the rest of the book was so gripping!

Safety notes: So there is a chapter told from Wyatt's perspective in the past where he's at a party and does shots from between a girl's breasts and her thighs... and he's definitely appreciating her body while he does it. Then he has sex in the bathroom with an ex-hookup/ex-girlfriend. Now I know this will bother some—but there are caveats and I really hope people are able to overlook these couple of pages, because it pales in comparison to the rest of the book.

One, the scene isn't descriptive. It sort of fades to black during the actual act. Two, this is in the past so obviously it's before he met Emma. And once he meets Emma there's no one else (also kind of obvious since he's a recluse, but still... no thoughts of anyone either). Three, the entire scene, while I know will make some uncomfortable, really went a long way to show how selfish, immature, and irresponsible Wyatt used to be. It's not put in to show how much he loved these other women. He was actually a little apathetic in his life, unappreciative and like I said, selfish. This wasn't put in for the sake of some out-of-place drama, which I hate. It served a purpose.

There are so many other wonderful and terrible things that happen, that this little blip will probably barely register by the time you finish the novel.

*Also, Emma is a virgin. But like I said, Wyatt never felt anything for the girls of his past and he made it clear that sex with Emma was different and special <3

I know this was long, but I just loved it so much and I'm always pretty passionate about things that affected me this way! So if you made it to the end... cheers! ;)



xoxo

[Olga therebelreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

➜ ➜ ➜ ➜ 6 ‘YOU’LL BE OKAY’ stars

Breathtaking, dazzling, brilliant, emotive, touching, heartwarming !!!

That moment when you finish reading a good book and now you're sad it's over.



Without a doubt, one of the best love stories I have ever read!!


Wyatt and Emma ...








My emotions/reactions after finishing this book ...

[Dilek VT · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book sure has a good and emotional story in it but it just didn't work for me. I couldn't get into it for many reasons and I am so sorry :((

I am sure I will be in the minority because it really has very high ratings. I couldn't help but feel extremely bored with the constant depressive tone of it and the never-ending details and events related to the main character's twin sister, neighbor, landlord etc. I had to read a lot of stuff that I had no interest in alongside the main characters' story.

At the beginning, I was curious about what led Wyatt to his present lonely and depressive condition and I wanted to read how Emma helped him to heal, as I knew this was a love & redemption story. However, with so many side characters and lots of minor events going on around, I mean, while I was reading about her sister's online dating issues, the neighbor visits and the landlord's pervert talks and many more things like that, I totally lost my interest in the main story.

There is a sweet touch to the book with the abused dogs and their sad stories as well as their rescue and finding happiness, but as I said, it was too much information, too many events and too many people for me, which distracted my attention totally...

My rating is a reflection of my boredom - so please ignore my review if you like that kind of books that tell a lot about a lot of people, from their contact lens or hair care problems to their fear of driving, or from their drug dealing to their retirement stories. It sure has a good real life story in it but I am just not cut for this as I get bored easily and you cannot keep my attention with the ummm, for example, sweet past memories of old neighbors of main characters...

3 out of 2,5...

Safety notes: No rape, no cheating. Intimacy scenes are very soft and safe for even very young readers.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I'm so happy I read this book as my last book of 2016, absolutely loved it.



"Waiting for Wyatt" was such an emotional read and so wonderfully written with a broken and mysterious hero and sassy and kind hearted heroine. I loved everything about Wyatt/Emma they were both great characters. Emma struggling with her future with having multiple jobs and going to school. Wyatt was a mystery at first, standoffish but clearly had the same love for the shelter animals as Emma.



These two were so perfect for each other, Emma, wouldn't be ignored she fought for Wyatt, even when he pushed she never gave up. Wyatt, he broke my heart, his past, his mistake, for the futures that were altered. Seeing him and Emma start a relationship and slowly start dealing with the pain of his actions was so heartbreaking because we see his guilt and how sorry he is. They both end up helping each other to deal with stuck futures and just to move forward.



This was an emotional, heartbreaking, sweet story of two people that find love and redemption in each other. Not of ever forgetting your mistakes but learning how to live with it. My first book by this author and I'm looking forward to reading more from her. ❤

**thanks so much for the rec Angela**

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review



“Wyatt Caulfield just might be the strangest and most haunting person I’d ever met.”

An utterly calamitous beautiful story that will stir a whirlwind of emotions as S.D. Hendrickson douses her readers to absorb her stunning prose and heartfelt gritty story of love, forgiveness, and redemption!!!! Waiting for Wyatt consumes readers to the raw, gritty and tragic tale of living in your own personal prison.

“Wyatt have that type of hold on my thoughts. But I didn’t know how to shut it off or how to shut him out. Something pulled me to him. My heart said he needed me. And I might have developed a bit of a need for him too.”

Waiting for Wyatt is the first book that I have read from this author but I have heard so many amazing things about her debut book, The Mason List. So when I was given the opportunity to read this book, I couldn't wait to read Waiting for Wyatt and see why so many readers have fallen for S.D. Hendrickson's writing. And let me just say, Ms. Hendrickson has truly captured my attention as she delivered a raw and powerful read.



In this raw and thought-provoking read, Ms. Hendrickson paints a literary tale that begs readers to really see humanity in the eyes of abused animals. With the incorporation of rescued animals, Ms. Hendrickson allows readers to see the cruel world in the eyes of these animals. We could either stand by and let abuse happen or we can take a chance and see that even broken things can be fixed. And in the case of Waiting For Wyatt, Ms. Hendrickson tells a story of a lost boy.

“My heart flipped a little, and I fell deeper for Wyatt Caulfield, the mysterious guy who said he was dangerous and bad.”

This book begins with the introduction of Emma Sawyer, who rescued an abused dog from the hands of her landlord. Emma knew she couldn't keep the pet because she technically stole the dog in order to save "Charlie" so she was sent by the shelter to bring the dog to Wyatt. When Emma arrives at the remote compound, where so many abused and unwanted dogs are nursed back to rehabilitation, Emma meets Wyatt Caufield.

“That girl had swallowed me with her big heart. She had wrapped that love around me until I felt her in my mind and my thoughts. She had consumed me, making the darkness disappear. She had made everything brighter, softer, and sweeter. She had made me feel alive again.”

There was something about Wyatt that drew Emma to him. He was an enigma. A man who lived alone with a bunch of rescued animals. A man who spoke so little but behind the hard exterior, Emma saw something. She saw a man who was troubled but at the same time, a man who had compassion unlike no other. Soon Emma found herself haunted by Wyatt and his mysterious personality. She couldn't explain the pull she had for him. She knew Wyatt was a man who was hiding and living in his own fear and prison just like the animals that he rescued. So can Emma break down the walls that holds Wyatt prisoner?

“Wyatt wanted me. He wanted me bad, and that desire scared him.”

When I thought I had the storyline figured out, Ms. Hendrickson surprised me with Wyatt's past. I loved that Ms. Hendrickson allowed readers to really see what an amazing heroine, Emma Sawyer is. She showed us a heroine, who didn't judge but saw a person for their heart. And I think that what drew me to really say what a beautiful person Emma Sawyer is. She was the key to unlock Wyatt's heart or in this case, the prison and cage that Wyatt thinks he belongs to be shackled to. Waiting for Wyatt is not a story of heart and flowers but instead this book begs readers to see that the road to redemption is not an easy feat. But taking the first step, will allow you to break free of the chains holding you down. There are no shortcuts to any place worth going and so Wyatt has to really search within himself to find the peace, forgiveness, and strength to escape his own personal chains.

Waiting For Wyatt is an exemplary story that was able to weave facets of grit, humanity, compassion, heart, hope, forgiveness, and second chances all into this stunning story. Though this book started off a bit slow, Ms. Hendrickson was able to hold me hostage till the very end with her deep and beauteous prose and storytelling. So if you are looking for a book that is brimming with raw emotions, heart, and love then I beg you to take a chance on this comely book that will steal your heart with its theme of humanity, compassion and second chances.



Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...S.D. Hendrickson

[Ayushi Agarwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

'4.75 redemption stars'

"I fell deeply in love with Wyatt Caulfield, but that was before I knew his secret." - Emma Sawyer

"My heart flipped a little, and I fell deeper for Wyatt Caulfield, the mysterious guy who said he was dangerous and bad."

I soooo loved this book or rather I should say I was consumed by this very book. This was my first book by this author and definately will not be my last. The story gripped me until the end. I cherished and adored it. The way the story is narrated in four stages was fabulous and the epilogue was too good.

The picture depicted by the author of Wyatt in the story leaves me somewhere heart broken for him. The way he lives with the mistakes of his past and bears the consequences leaves me sobbing. He does not expect any ray of hope to ever cross his life after his disastrous mistakes and it's consequences but fate has rather something else planned though. I liked the way Emma was determined to help Wyatt and help him find redemption. She never backed down even if Wyatt never let her in easily. I also loved the way the author outlined the lives of dogs, the love shown, the care shown towards them made me swoon.

"I want you Wyatt. Just the way you are."

Waiting for Wyatt is all about making mistakes and the consequences therafter which have to be sustained. A story about second chance at life. According to me this book is not only a love story but also a story of salvation, story of healing and story of forgiveness. The story made me cry, made me feel and wrenched my heart. The pain from the POV of Wyatt was just heart throbbing and could be actually felt deep down the bones and side by sidw the hard work of Emma to help Wyatt left me feeling loved.

"This is hard for me say." He muttered so quiet the words almost disappeared. "But I need you in my life, Emma."

"You may not have been thinking about me, but I've been thinking about you the last three days," he whispered. "Every minute. Every second you were gone. I thought about you."

[Sophie "Beware Of The Reader" · Rating 5 out of 5]

”No one ever thinks about the aftereffects. When a rock pings a windshield, it doesn’t create a big hole that brings down the glass. It’s the ring radiating out from the initial impact. “

Why don’t we have “infinite” stars rating because this book would fit in that category!

I loved, no let me rephrase this, I adored “The Mason List”, recommended by a dear Goodreads friend. When I learned SD Hendrickson would be writing “Waiting for Wyatt”, I was like a kid on Christmas Eve, wanting my book immediately! I even pre-ordered without having the first clue about the plot.
Now, here I am, after an intense and emotional read. I’m a real mess and I’m grateful I did not wear mascara today. My thoughts are all over the place and I don’t know how to write my review to do this book justice without giving too much away. Sometimes I wish I could be a gifted writer to make you feel what I experienced, to make you understand this story is just so good that you have to read it.

Waiting for Wyatt is about making mistakes and the consequences of these mistakes. Like a drop of water can create many ripples, Wyatt’s actions had cracked across many people, bringing everyone down, himself included.



When sweet, solar Emma meets Wyatt for the first time, he is really closed off. Had I been in Emma’s shoes, I would probably have run the other way, and fast. Wyatt came across as intimidating, angry, withdrawn, certainly not someone you would try to speak to. But Emma is an exceptional girl. I think some readers will hate her because they’ll think she is too naïve, too trusting, too good, too perfect. But I thought she was the ideal match for Wyatt and I loved the courage of that girl. She chose to see the good in others, she chose to give her time and attention to help other people. And that’s such a hard path in our day to day life. The easy way is to live inside our bubble, shut our eyes to other’s problems or misery, being like “Ponce Pilate”. For her choice, I loved that girl to pieces.

Emma meets Wyatt because she had rescued (herm.. rather stolen…) Charlie, a beaten mutt, from her landlord Kurt, a really nasty person.
Wyatt works and lives at a kennel rescuing abused dogs. He is a man with a secret, distant with everyone but when he feeds the dogs and care for them, all his goodness shines. He shares a deep connection with every poor animal. He cares, protects them and devotes all his time to restore their trust in mankind.

Wyatt does not want Emma coming back as she asks questions, many questions. He does not want to tell his story, does not wish to have friends. He does not deserve any good in his life, because of what he did and he punishes himself every day. Wyatt is a complex character, riddled with guilt, swallowed by his past actions and their consequences. He is living a permanent nightmare. He never forgave what he did and he does not want forgiving either.

Against his better judgement, Wyatt invites Emma to come back any time she wants to check on Charlie. Emma is really intrigued by this man, someone she feels is hurting deeply inside. She’ll come back as often as she can, helping him with the dogs and trying to crack Wyatt’s shell open. I would say Emma had the “Savior syndrome” and just had to help Wyatt but at the same time, it’s too personal to be “only” this syndrome. Their connection, this pull between them is real and she can’t stop thinking about him.

I don’t want to write more about the plot as you have to discover Wyatt’s secret by yourself. Know that you’ll have to gather as many tissues as you can because this is a deeply moving story.
Just reading about the dogs past cracked my heart and I can’t count the time I cried reading about their stories. I was also so angry because I know in real life, animals are beaten, abused, tortured and I wanted to hurt all these abusers. If I could have jumped into my Kindle and chased the bad guys, I would have. I loved all these poor animals: Lola the Pitbull without teeth, Ricky the Jack Russel on three legs, Charlie with his rabbits ears, Cie left with a sole eye, Daisy and Gatsby so old and sticking together, Gus the “healer”,…
I loved all the layers of that story. This is not only a love story, this is about healing other, about forgiving yourself and finding redemption. It’s about the good in mankind but also the evil. It’s about a solar girl and a tortured man. Emma was Wyatt’s light and their relationship was deeply moving. The writing is flowing, the pace is just right to let us enjoy the story and live right alongside Emma, Wyatt and the dogs.

In three words: just read it.

[Jenny - TotallybookedBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars

“You underestimate me, Wyatt Caulfield.”
“And you’re too good for me, Emma Sawyer.”

This was our first book by SD Hendrickson and it’s one we thoroughly enjoyed. We adored this authors writing style and the sweet characters who melted our hearts and whilst the romance was beautiful and gripping, it wasn’t the only aspect of this story which stole our hearts. What completely and utterly had our hearts practically beating out of our chests was the background stories of the abandoned and abused dogs which featured in Waiting for Wyatt and related so much to Wyatt and Emma’s love story.

‘Each of the dogs at the kennel had some story. Some were worse than others, but they were all outsiders in some way, fighting to stay alive or just become a pawn in someone else’s game.’

We’re both huge dog lovers, so a romance wrapped around the rescue, care and love of some adorable four legged friends who only wanted to love and be loved in return, really spoke to us. Their painful, cruel and pitiful backstories completely broke our hearts, yet on the flipside the way in which Wyatt related to them, looked after them and in some ways relied upon them for his own sanity and the way he genuinely loved them lifted our hearts and made them soar.

So too was the way in which Wyatt’s past was allowed to develop. We were continually wondering when he would open up to Emma and reveal why he chose to live out in the sticks with so few creature comforts to his name, taking care of these lonely and unloved dogs and why he was possessed such self-loathing.

“You seem so alone. Do you have anyone, Wyatt? Anyone who knows if you even come home at night.”

Emma never gave up on Wyatt. She was such a beautiful soul with an inherent need to save people and animals. Emma loved to save lost souls and Wyatt most certainly needed saving even if he did take a while to crack.

We felt the push and pull between Emma and Wyatt, his reluctance to confide and share his secrets with her, fearing to do so would turn her away, but Emma is made of stern stuff and wouldn’t let Wyatt go without a fight.

“It’s not wrong to want me.”
“I don’t want you. It’s like I…..I crave you. And its scares me. Because I think you make all of this better.”

We did feel the immediacy in which Emma came to the conclusion that Wyatt was haunted by his past a little unbelievable but this didn’t affect the story moving forward. We loved the way the author stayed true to Wyatt’s character. We did fear his story could ‘change ‘which would have had us feeling a little cheated but this absolutely wasn’t the case as the author delivered Wyatt and Emma’s story with feeling and honesty.

“I know the person I see now. And I know right here.” I rested my hand over his heart. “That person is not bad. He’s just a little lost and broken.”

Dog lovers and romantics….this book was written for you! We’re telling you….Wyatt and those four legged little pookies will STEAL YOUR HEART as they did ours! SD Hendrickson gave these mistreated and unwanted dogs a voice and through Wyatt and Emma we were able to give them a big hug and lots of love. Waiting for Wyatt was a moving and heartfelt story we both adored and we know you will too.

❥❥❥❥

♥ ♥ ♥



Come say hi and follow us at:
✦ TotallybookedBlog
✦ TB on Facebook
✦ TB on Twitter
✦ TB on Pinterest

[Linathebookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read the blurb to this book, it certainly grabbed my interest. When I picked it up, I didn't expect it to be one of the best books I've ever read! This book is a masterpiece, full of emotions and real people. Also, I am a dog person and if you are too, then what are you waiting for? Put this book high on your list.
Emma is a young woman who adores dogs. When she saves one from her neighbor's cruel hands, she needs to find someone to care for the dog. An accidental meeting leads her to Wyatt's kennel.
The man is distant and he certainly seems like he doesn't care for company. When he takes the dog though, Emma sees something in him. Wyatt is mysterious and he hides a big secret. Emma's visits challenge his solitude and the emotions he has locked inside. He doesn't open up, he is short-tempered but Emma knows that goodness hides in him; how can she not when he takes care of wounded and abandoned animals all on his own?
Love blooms between them, but Wyatt's secret is devastating and when it is out in the open, their hearts are broken.
Can Emma forgive the sin Wyatt himself cannot?
This story doesn't mean to impress or shock with intense sexuality or far fetched scenarios and to be honest, it doesn't need any of these things. It is a story of love, loyalty, family and kindness.
It is about people who make mistakes but are not defined by them. It is a story about multidimensional heroes that wil speak to your heart. Wyatt will snake his way into your heart from the start and like Emma you will want to fix him.
Emma's determinaiton will make you smile and her strength will give you strength.
I have no words to describe how much I adored this story. All, I can say is that if you want to feel, then READ this book.

*****5 Stars. I'd give it more if I could*****

ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.

[Gitte TotallyBookedBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

✯✯✯✯ 1/2 Stars

“You underestimate me, Wyatt Caulfield.”
“And you’re too good for me, Emma Sawyer.”

This was our first book by SD Hendrickson and it’s one we thoroughly enjoyed. We adored this authors writing style and the sweet characters who melted our hearts and whilst the romance was beautiful and gripping, it wasn’t the only aspect of this story which stole our hearts. What completely and utterly had our hearts practically beating out of our chests was the background stories of the abandoned and abused dogs which featured in Waiting for Wyatt and related so much to Wyatt and Emma’s love story.

‘Each of the dogs at the kennel had some story. Some were worse than others, but they were all outsiders in some way, fighting to stay alive or just become a pawn in someone else’s game.’

We’re both huge dog lovers, so a romance wrapped around the rescue, care and love of some adorable four legged friends who only wanted to love and be loved in return, really spoke to us. Their painful, cruel and pitiful backstories completely broke our hearts, yet on the flipside the way in which Wyatt related to them, looked after them and in some ways relied upon them for his own sanity and the way he genuinely loved them lifted our hearts and made them soar.

So too was the way in which Wyatt’s past was allowed to develop. We were continually wondering when he would open up to Emma and reveal why he chose to live out in the sticks with so few creature comforts to his name, taking care of these lonely and unloved dogs and why he was possessed such self-loathing.

“You seem so alone. Do you have anyone, Wyatt? Anyone who knows if you even come home at night.”

Emma never gave up on Wyatt. She was such a beautiful soul with an inherent need to save people and animals. Emma loved to save lost souls and Wyatt most certainly needed saving even if he did take a while to crack.

We felt the push and pull between Emma and Wyatt, his reluctance to confide and share his secrets with her, fearing to do so would turn her away, but Emma is made of stern stuff and wouldn’t let Wyatt go without a fight.

“It’s not wrong to want me.”
“I don’t want you. It’s like I…..I crave you. And its scares me. Because I think you make all of this better.”

We did feel the immediacy in which Emma came to the conclusion that Wyatt was haunted by his past a little unbelievable but this didn’t affect the story moving forward. We loved the way the author stayed true to Wyatt’s character. We did fear his story could ‘change ‘which would have had us feeling a little cheated but this absolutely wasn’t the case as the author delivered Wyatt and Emma’s story with feeling and honesty.

“I know the person I see now. And I know right here.” I rested my hand over his heart. “That person is not bad. He’s just a little lost and broken.”

Dog lovers and romantics….this book was written for you! We’re telling you….Wyatt and those four legged little pookies will STEAL YOUR HEART as they did ours! SD Hendrickson gave these mistreated and unwanted dogs a voice and through Wyatt and Emma we were able to give them a big hug and lots of love. Waiting for Wyatt was a moving and heartfelt story we both adored and we know you will too.

❥❥❥❥

♥ ♥ ♥



Come say hi and follow us at:
✦ TotallybookedBlog
✦ TB on Facebook
✦ TB on Twitter
✦ TB on Pinterest

[Veronika's ReaderFeeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 – Redemption – Stars

https://veronikasreaderfeeder.wordpre...



ARC was kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review

This is not a black or white story: Abused dogs, a mysterious broken guy in the middle of nowhere, a stubborn girl who is determined to figure him out and to help him chase away his daemons. It could easily turn out another story about “broken young souls” with a lot of clichés and sugar, but the author could give something really new with the lot of layers and shades of the story. There are bad people, there are good ones, there are the ones who make mistakes or lose someone, there are those who carry wounds or who break on the road what we call life, and there are those who show them new paths and bring light for the darkness. This book beautifully highlights the fact that not everything is black or white and the author once again gave to her readers a heartfelt story written with an excellent talent about decisions, consequences, human and animal destinies, darkness and light.

The story starts in medias res when Emma tries to hide from her creepy and aggressive landlord with a wounded dog in her hands, who was rescued from him. Mr. Hughes, her old neighbor helps her to escape from the building but she doesn’t know where she should take the dog, because she obviously can’t keep him while she lives there. Finally, she finds herself in a shelter but unfortunately at the time the rescue is already full. The women in the shelter looks at Emma in her bloody clothes with the shaking little dog with big ears, and she takes pity on them and gives an address to Emma outside the town, where she has to find a kennel and a boy named Wyatt who can help her. Emma hits the road and finally she arrives at the hidden kennel, where she finds a mysterious, silent guy with a lot of rescued dogs who all wait for a loving adopting family. The guy is not happy at all that Emma came to the kennel and he is not friendly with the girl, but Emma sees something in Wyatt. She sees the sadness and pain in his eyes and she wants to find out what happened with him and why he lives in the middle of nowhere, devoted his life for wounded dogs. Wyatt finally agrees that Charlie can stay, and when he sees how hard the goodbye is for Emma from Charlie, he accidently blurts out that she can come back to see her dog. He immediately regrets his invitation but he can’t take it back from the already stubborn and unstoppable Emma.

I really loved all of the characters and I loved that the relationship between Wyatt and Emma was slow-building and how Wyatt opened himself for Emma bit by bit from his firstly uncommunicative and raw demeanor. I already mentioned that I think the uniqueness of the story was given by the complexity. I think that the character of Emma and Wyatt was so layered and developed, and there were real deepness in the story. The author beautifully unfolded the emotions and pains of Wyatt and she described so authentically how he eats himself in his darkness, where he doesn’t allows anyone. Meanwhile we get his true heart to know piece by piece; that how big his heart is, that he reads aloud his books every single night for the dogs, that he would give anything to protect Emma and would do anything for her, and with Wyatt’s POV in the middle of the book, we can learn about his past. With every single revealed piece in exchange he stole one from my heart. I think the minor characters were also so great! I loved Blair, Emma’s little paranoid twin sister, Wyatt’s family and also Mr. Huge, Emma’s old neighbor.

There were so many emotions in this book and at the same time there were some surprising plot twists. Wyatt’s past was not what I expected, and the plotline was also a page turner. I think everyone’s heart jumps a little during reading this story, who loves animals. All due respect to the author for choosing this topic, it is so admirable that she could show us not just destiny of humans but destiny of animals are really important. S. D. Hendricson has a really engaging writing style ant this was a really amazing story about past, love, remorse and second chances.

This song which was recommended by the author for the story. I love it so much! A Great Big World – You'll Be Okay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCtIF...

[Anne OK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started the year 2015 with S. D. Hendrickson’s impressive debut novel, THE MASON LIST, and I knew without a doubt that this author’s writing was well-worth keeping my eye on. The book was fabulous. When her second book, WAITING FOR WYATT arrived, I once again started the new year 2016 off in an equally impressive way. It, too, took my breath away and will reside alongside the other on my 5-Star Unforgettable Keeper Shelf, while I anxiously await the next new release from S.D. Hendrickson. I think I see a pattern developing here - at least that's what I'm hoping.

From the beginning I was completely enthralled in this story. Getting lost in this book was easy; forgetting this book won’t happen. It’s an incredible page-turner. Difficult topics are tackled that are heartbreaking. Yet, the story is energized with so many some wonderful and happy moments as well. Both are so well woven throughout in an outstanding reading experience.

The hero, Wyatt will steal your heart even while it’s breaking, and you can’t help but love and admire the heroine, Emma for her many qualities, too. At times, the story is heart wrenching and confrontational. An exceptional secondary cast lends a helping hand in adding another level of diversity and enjoyment. These characters become real. You don’t just like them – you love them – and you feel their hurt and share their pain. But most importantly, you’ll cheer for each and every one of them (both the human and fur variety) to achieve happily ever afters. Keeping your tissues nearby is probably a good idea. Don't worry though -- plenty of smiles are sure to adorn your face just as quickly.

The hallmark of a great book not only excites, thrills, and keeps you thinking about it for a long time to come, but it leaves the reader begging for more – and this one certainly fits that description. I am pleased to recommend both books written by S. D. Hendrickson without hesitation.

[Hanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book very much! It’s a beautiful, unique and emotional romance. This book made me feel so much. Things happen that I didn’t expect at all. I never guessed Wyatt’s secrets. I definitely want to read more by this author. The writing and the characters are fantastic. A must read! I definitely will reread this book one day.

Wyatt lives all alone in a trailer and he wants it that way. He takes care of dogs who could be adopted one day. He loves being around dogs and he’s great with them. One day, he meets Emma when she rescues a dog named Charlie but she can’t keep him. Wyatt is his broody self, but Emma still wants to get to know him. She visits Charlie whenever she can and then she always tries to talk to Wyatt. Wyatt slowly warms up to Emma. Emma loves being with Wyatt and the dogs.

I fell hard for the broody Wyatt. I felt for him when everything was revealed. He’s damaged and he’s not enjoying his life. He changes slowly when Emma walks into his life. He’ll be happy again. He thinks that he doesn’t deserve Emma and tries to push her away, but Emma doesn’t give up. Wyatt is amazing with dogs and he works hard with them. He knows everything about every single dog and he always works his magic with a damaged dog.

Emma is a wonderful, sweet, loving, hardworking and caring woman. She’s always busy and loves to care of the people around her. Emma is very patient with Wyatt and never gives up on him. She knows that he can be more than being broody and she sees his love for the dogs. She visits Wyatt and the dogs every moment she can. She looks forward to talking to him and maybe knowing him a little better. Emma is just perfect for Wyatt.

I loved Emma and Wyatt together. They have a great connection. They don’t get together fast, because Wyatt keeps pushing Emma away. But Wyatt can’t chase Emma away and Wyatt will eventually look forward to seeing her. He can’t keep fighting his feelings. He’ll always want her. Emma believes in Wyatt and will love him no matter what. Wyatt loves Emma very much and wants a future with her. Emma and Wyatt are a perfect couple.

[Elodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me so much of Archer's Voice, my favorite book of all time... A sweet, full of optimism heroine and a recluse, lonely hero. Nothing better in the world, people, NOTHING !

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been in the midst of a sort of reader burnout what was causing tremendous frustration with nearly every book I picked up. I couldn't put my finger on exactly what I was looking for, but all the books I was reading were not it.

Then, Waiting for Wyatt floated its way out of the abyss of my TBR and it seemed like it might be a good fit. Rescue dogs. A tortured hero. A star-crossed love. A slow burn. It all clicked, and I found myself drawn into the story effortlessly, my heart attaching itself to Wyatt and Emma incrementally as they slowly opened their own hearts to each other. It was exactly what I needed.

The storyline moved slowly here, but I loved that. I loved that Wyatt and Emma took time to get to know each other. I love that while Emma's interest in Wyatt was a little insta - the feelings developed over time. There was a lot of emotional groundwork in place before things heated up and the whole thing was so incredibly satisfying to me. It felt richly layered and multi-dimensional and just the sort of deeply emotional slow burn that I've been craving.

I might have liked to see a little more resolution to some of Wyatt's demons. A little more closure for him. But even without that missing piece, I felt like I got a whole, beautifully written, masterfully told story. Plus: dogs. Who were heartbreaking and heartwarming in their own right and added just another layer of emotion that worked perfectly for me.

In all, I'm so glad I picked this one up. It was simply lovely -- and heartbreaking -- but ultimately so beautifully redemptive that I know I'm going to go back for more of where this came from. ~ Shelly, 4.5 Stars

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, S.D. Hendrickson!!! This is the first book I've read by her and it definitely will not be the last! This story was so realistic that it gave me chills!

Oh, sweet Emma has a heart of gold, always wanting to help no matter what the cost to her: sleep, money, time, sanity—and she always sees the good in people no matter how much they irritate her. Right from the beginning we see Emma trying to help a four-legged friend, even if that meant risking her own life, and even though it was a serious moment I couldn't help but laugh at how dramatic the situation ended up being.

When Emma meets Wyatt she's instantly intrigued by who he is so, of course, Emma's curiosity gets the best of her and she starts firing questions at him. And Wyatt, wanting nothing to do with anyone outside the ranch gate, tries his best to ignore Emma. Little does he knows that she doesn't get deterred easily!

Wyatt has secrets and Emma knows that, but she wants him to open up to her in his own time—with maybe a little help from her, even if that means pushing his buttons when needed…
There is just so much to this amazing story of being young, making mistakes and owning them. Of forgiving each other but, more importantly, forgiving yourself for your mistakes. I laughed and smiled so much my face literally hurt, but I also hoped that the goodness in each of them would shine brightly to the world! My emotions felt like they were on a roller coaster and when the ride was over, well... You will just have to click it to find out ;-) ~ Kara, 5 Unbelievably Amazing stars

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting for Wyatt is my first read by SD Hendrickson but it definitely will not be my last. I was absolutely consumed by this story which at times had my stomach in knots, my chest hurting, and at the best times had me grinning from ear to ear. It wasn’t just the story of Emma and Wyatt that had me turning the pages so quickly, it was also the loveable pups that made me love this story even more.

From the beginning of the story, you know that Wyatt has had a difficult past. There is something keeping him away from everyone in the middle of nowhere with a group of dogs that have been abandoned and/or abused. Living in a trailer with absolutely nothing keeping him attached to the real world he is living in world of guilt, anguish, and despair. That is until Emma shows up with Charlie, a cute, funny-eared pup that was in need of rescue. But as soon as Emma meets Wyatt, she finds that Charlie is not the only in need of rescuing…

“It’s like I…I crave you. And it scares me. Because I think you make all of this better.”

Slowly, Emma starts to make her way into Wyatt’s life. She knows that he is hiding a tormented past and never wavered from her feelings. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when the reveal finally came out but I can assure you that he had more than paid his dues with the amount of guilt he held onto.

The relationship between Emma and Wyatt developed at a very realistic pace. There was much push and pull as Wyatt did not want to give into something that could possibly give him some good in his life. Thankfully, Emma was not having it and wouldn’t allow herself to be pushed away from them.

“I can’t give you much of anything. So if you want me to love you, then I’ll love you. At least I can do that.”

There were a few twists and turns in this book that made it the emotional masterpiece that I’m still thinking about a day later. Both Emma and Wyatt needed each other for different reasons and their love for not only each other but the pups was inspiring.

I will say I was shocked a bit by the ending which is a good thing as I am glad the author changed how I thought it would end. I think it added more to the story and in some way it lessened Wyatt’s guilt.

Emma is a favorite heroine of mine. She had this humongous heart and fought for the people and animals that she loved. Wyatt was this brooding young man who just needed someone to love him and relieve him of the prison he had been living in. He was also so beyond swoon-worthy that I just think you need to read it to believe it.

Like I said above, the dogs in this story were a very part to the book. Each and every pup had its own story and made you question how people can be so cruel. Thankfully there are people out there that are willing to put themselves on the line, like Emma, to save these helpless animals from cruelty.

“As my past slowly disappeared, I got lost in my future. I got lost in Emma.”

I am so glad that I picked up this book by chance. The writing was absolutely beautiful and is another reason this book was so enjoyable. I am going out on a limb here and saying that this book will definitely be in my top ten of the year. If you love a story about a tortured hero and a girl who wants to save said hero, this is THE BOOK to read.

[Aisha (seetheworldwithbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+++++++++++++ "Let Me Love You" stars!

Oh my God.





I should have known better. S. D Hendrickson always success in making me cry couple times and choke on my own tears. Her words have thousand emotions that make me wet my eyes, and she always does it more than once. In Mason List, i cried sixth time in a row. Even when the days went by, everytime i re-read the ending of the story, i cried again and again. I wrote 'Jessup Mason' in the blank space of my book, dreamed 'bout him and his sweet blue eyes while my teacher went on and on about Economy & Accounting Information System. This one is no better. I cried three times and couldn't stop sobbing. I cried harder when i read the conversation between Wyatt & His Father. I mean look at the conversation below! It hurrtsssss..

“Why didn’t you hate me?”

“You’re my kid. And I don’t love one of you less than the other. I hate what you did. And I hate that you hurt Willa. But I still love you too. You’re my son. Always will be. And you fight for your kids. Even when they don’t want you to.”

This story is so damn beautiful! I don't know how to make you guys understand the true beautiful in it. It's a story about grief, about second chances, hope, and the realization that there's always light after dark, sunshine after rain, summer after Winter. There is hope in every kind of way, wherever you are, in a form you never expected.

There is something beautiful about S.D Hendrickson's writing that consumed me since page one. Her words are like poetry, flew perfectly like melody. If i have a chance to meet one author in real life, i will meet her, and i will tell her that i love her works so damn much. I will tell her that her books change me, mean everything for me, and i will always support her.


Wyatt was a complex character with tragic past and dark secrets. After knowing what pasts he had that made him be a very broken person, my heart ached for him. I felt sorry for all the characters, even the evil one. Everyone had burden in their shoulders because of one reckless action which destroyed their life, and people around them, completely. On the other side, Emma was a total opposite of Wyatt. She was full of life, full of energy, and had the kindest kind of heart. She was sweet and always saw the goods in bads. I think she's succesfully become my most favorite heroine this year.
She never stopped fighting for Wyatt, no matter how rude he was, how many times he was being an ass, she kept coming back, and between the times they spent together in the middle of nowhere with grass and dogs around them, she tore the walls that kept haunting Wyatt, apart. And she became his most precious thing.

'My beautiful Emma. I missed her. I missed her skin. Her lips. Her annoying questions that made me think clearer. I missed the one piece of my life that had leveled out the bad. I missed the part that made me feel like I was worth saving.'

“You are everything to me.” The words whispered like a breath across my lips before he kissed me. It was hard and full of emotion as we both knew it would be our last kiss for a very long time.

"I will be thinking of you. Every day and every minute until I see you on the other side.”

Iam not good in writing reviews, but i just want to make the point that, this book is utterly perfectly beautiful, and if you feel interested to read this, i will consider yourself lucky, and i hope this book can change your life, just like this book changes mine.

I love every second of my life reading this story, and i love Wyatt Carter with every piece in me (even though of course, Jess Mason is still the winner, no alpha male/ Male character in any book can ever beat him lol).

“I’m just trying to remember you like this.” His low voice hung on each word. “With your hair falling down around your shoulders and that sleepy look in your eyes. And your lips all red from me kissing you. That’s what I want to remember. When I’m out here alone and I feel like I’m losing my mind. I want to picture you like this.”

Well done, S.D Hendrickson!

“I love you. I love the part you think is bad and the part I know is good. So just let me love you. Okay?”

***

[Three Chicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Review by Jen Hagen

Wow…what a beautiful story this was. This is the author’s second published work. Her first, The Mason List, was a solid read for me but this book went to a higher level. I immediately was drawn into the story because of dogs being introduced from the get go. Who knew rescuing a dog could lead you to finding a lonely and broken man that eventually will give you his love?

Wyatt lives in seclusion. He has no interaction with anybody other than a lady who drops off supplies for the dog kennel. His conversations are one sided with him talking to the dogs. Life becomes so mundane that at night he reads to the dogs. Sigh…he reads to the dogs… Not only to hear a noise come from outside his head but to give the dogs a content voice they have been missing from their lives. Sigh…he reads to dogs…

Wyatt’s quiet life is about to be disrupted the minute 21-year-old Emma comes barreling down his country lane. Emma is a genuine person who cares deeply for everyone around her. She works in a nursing home and stays late just to visit with the residents; she buys groceries for her elderly neighbor and cooks him dinner; and she is an animal lover slash rescuer. Her sly, not well-planned rescue places her (and the dog) at the mercy of Wyatt. Immediately Emma can sense that Wyatt doesn’t promote social interaction. It’s not only the unease that Wyatt portrays, but also his pain.

Pain. The raw, knock-you-down-in-the-mud, rip-out-your-heart-and-beat-it-with-a-stick kind of pain. It flowed out around him in a wild, savage agony, consuming every cell in his body. As our eyes stayed in a locked stare with his misery pulling me closer even though my feet never left the ground.

That sentence above is just a sample of the beautifully written story. The words continue flowing and fill you up until you don’t know how to contain it. I found my eyes watering over on several occasions. I just couldn’t NOT cry. With all that build up of emotions, it had to come out somehow, and I guess through my eyes was the easiest way.

Emma’s personality is so bubbly and consuming that Wyatt never stood a chance not being to interact with her. She doesn’t take “no” for an answer and she uses visiting her rescued dog as a way to continue their interaction. Little by little, Emma is weaseling her way into Wyatt’s heavily guarded and private life.

He had let me see something today. He had let me see inside his tormented soul, and it had broken every piece of my heart.

What could possibly turn this ruggedly handsome 22-year-old man into making seclusion his way of life? What happened to him in the past that would turn him against society, or better yet why society would turn against him and let him live out in a sparsely-furnished trailer?

There are things you don’t know about me. And I don’t want you to know them. I am not some do-gooder here who takes care of a bunch of mutts. I’m the bad guy.

It seems unfathomable that this guy who goes to great lengths to make certain a dog can live out his last days in a tranquil place could be the bad guy. Emma refuses to believe it, and I’m with her. There is no way that Wyatt is a bad guy. Sure, he lived the typical guy style growing up -- partying and girls – but there has to be more that is holding him back. When the truth is revealed, you will want to reach your arms into the book and give Wyatt the biggest hug you have ever given. Wyatt is broken, shattered, and stuck in his past. How can he atone for his wrongs? Amongst the pain, there is goodness…

“Don’t cry, “ I whispered.
“Happy tears.”

Don’t even try to keep those tears from falling…it’s all good. If the author can step up her level of writing after just one book, I can’t imagine how far she will take us in her continued journey. I wish her the best of luck with her future writing endeavors.

[Patrixia Lansangan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 "You'll be okay stars" T^T

This is one of the most beautiful stories I've read. I never expected anything like this one. It was different and so heart warming. I was just reading the entire thing with a big smile on my face :D

I love animals and i just loved that this book's whole premise was about it. I'm also against animal cruelty so i was really digging this book!

Then you throw in Emma which is like i think is my spirit animal, the way she acts and think is definitely how i would do things as well. I related so much to her.

If that's not enough, you throw in adorable dogs that need help T^T, now you're just after my own heart <3

Then the last straw, you throw in Wyatt? Wyatt is probably the best thing about this already beautiful and magnificent book. His story crushed me to pieces and he is so amazing and so broken and i think he is just wonderful.

I loved how we saw the character development all throughout the book, the healing and the connections...and the whole entire way, i was just swooning over this couple, like I'm actually jealous of them.

And may i say THAT is one of the cutest and wonderful endings I've read in awhile...<3

I just loved this entire story...<3 Going in the favorites for sure.. :)

[ReadandWeep · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when you come across a book that pulls all your strings at the right time, one that Most people may not like but you get so lost into it that you feel like you are living inside the book along with all the characters.. yes it's that book for me.

I absolutely loved this book. The slow progression of love, the character build up, the adorable dogs and their individual stories and most important of all the strong underlying message..

***** 4.5-5 second chance stars*****

[Amanda Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the FEELS

It's not often when I read a book and I feel the characters passion. I wish I could explain it. This book I felt their butterflies and just couldn't get enough of them. Even at the end I just wanted more and more. I didn't want their story to end. This is my first book by this author and I can't wait to read more from her. I hope we can get her twin sisters story or maybe his sister's story.

[*Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 60%

Okay...I'm clearly the odd man out when it comes to this book. I was utterly bored throughout the whole part that I read. I didn't connect at all with the characters, I didn't buy into their romance, and I didn't really like the fact that Emma had a "savior" complex.

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 heartbreaking stars

I had heard a lot about this book. There was a lot of hype going on, so I thought what the hell, gotta check it out. I have to say, I was not disappointed.

We meet Emma, an ex-athlete whose athletic career was destroyed because of a busted knee. Emma has a really big heart. She is the girl you see lugging the heavy stuff for old people and sharing her lunch with street animals. No literally. She shops and cooks and dines with her old neighbor, and works at an old age home where she plays checkers and gossips with the old ladies. Not only that, but she also saves the broken souls. And that is how Emma meets Charlie and Wyatt.

Charlie was the dog of Kurt, Emma's apartment manager. She finds him beaten and bleeding in Kurt's house and makes a run for his safety never minding her injuries. That is when she is directed to Wyatt, a lonesome boy living in the middle of nowhere with 50 dogs. He takes in Charlie, but at that moment, Emma takes in Wyatt.

Wyatt was really a broken character if I have seen one. Instead of hiding it, he wore his pain like a mask to keep others away who were perhaps too scared to drown in his pain. But Emma wants to know his pain and wants to him to share it with her. He carried a lot of guilt, although not misplaced, but very bearing nonetheless. His demons literally killed him. It's always heartbreaking to see someone so repentant of their actions when those actions were never intentional.

Lives were destroyed, homes were uprooted, friendships broken and loves lost. But the one who was affected the most by those were Wyatt because he was the one who set everything into motion. He reminded me of those dogs he kept and nurtured. His pain broke my heart right along with Emma's because he was so adamant that he was the bad guy in a story where he had no control over.

“You almost had me. For a brief moment, you almost had me convinced that I was someone else.”

As secrets came out, I was really impressed by Emma's strength. The way she handled Wyatt, and occasional meltdowns spoke a lot about her as a character. She was full of fire, and was determined to set Wyatt's cold life aflame.

That girl had swallowed me with her big heart. She had wrapped that love around me until I felt her in my mind and my thoughts. She had consumed me, making the darkness disappear. She had made everything brighter, softer, and sweeter. She had made me feel alive again.

I loved how the book wrapped itself up. It was really beautiful, heart wrenching and in a way the epilogue was an happy ending. He was released if not free from his actions, his guilt and his remorse. Their love for one another was so touching..

"He loved me and would break every bone in his body before ever hurting me."

SD Hendrickson's writing was very immaculate, evocative and rich in imagery. I felt more pain for the dogs than I did for the humans, and that was a feat. She brought all their stories alive with her pen and it was a joy to be a part of the journey.

“I would do anything for you, Emma. But that’s not really possible while I’m out here. I can’t give you much of anything. So if you want me to love you, then I’ll love you. At least I can do that.”

This book is definitely one of my favorites because there is nothing lacking. The story is emotional, the writing was gripping and the characters were so well developed that you feel like they are a part of you.

A must read for lovers of Archer's Voice, Ten Tiny Breaths and King of Hearts..

“I love you. Whether I deserve you or not. I love you. Don’t ever forget that.”

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a roller-coaster read! A lot of Kleenex needed!
I blame myself for not reading this one sooner: this book was on my kindle for months, i read a lot of books with DNF during this time, WHY, WHY i didnt read this one sooner???
I loved this author’s style, it was a page-turner for mi, one night and i finished this book...
I loved MC, SC, i loved everything about this book (i didnt like the scene with OP (hero and his ex), although, but soon i forgot about it. It was “before” Wyatt.
Will look forward for more books from this author.

[TereseDK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4 stars!

Beautiful story about redemption, regret, compassion and love.

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

Originally posted at Booklovers For Life

Last year, I loved S.D. Hendrickson’s fantastic debut, The Mason List, so I couldn’t wait to read more from this author. The way Ms. Hendrickson writes is so brilliantly filled with emotion and heartbreak, so I had high expectations for Waiting for Wyatt, and she didn’t disappoint. This is a powerfully written romance about love and redemption. It’s a slow-paced but moving novel that I highly recommend to readers who love emotional books.

Wyatt Caulfield just might be the strangest and most haunting person I’d ever met.

When Emma Sawyer needs help with a dog she’s stolen from its abusive owner, she comes across the mysterious and broody Wyatt Caulfield. Wyatt is a gorgeous-looking boy her age, but he lives out in the middle of nowhere in a small trailer with a kennel full of abused and abandoned dogs. Emma is fascinated by Wyatt and his secretive, lonely life, and sets about to discover the pain and guilt he’s holding within himself.

I wanted to save him form the depths of whatever was making Wyatt this way. I wanted to pull him from the dark pit that made his eyes ache in pain. The guy needed me whether he wanted to admit it or not.

Emma is a strong, incredibly compassionate girl. The second she meets Wyatt, she’s determined not only to help him, but the dogs he cares for as well. She holds so much love in her that every time she discovers the tragic past of each dog, her heart breaks. She’s the type of person who can’t not help others, so of course she’s drawn to Wyatt and troubled past. But the more Emma spends time with him, the more she can’t help her heart becoming invested until she’s falling for him.

I was so curious about Wyatt. He’s a bit of a jerk to Emma in the beginning, but it’s so clear that something tragic has happened in his past that you can’t help but want to know more about him. Thankfully, the author doesn’t make you wait too long to discover what Wyatt’s past is, and when you do, your heart will more than likely break for him. And the worst part of it all is that Wyatt feels he deserves all the pain, regret, self-hatred, and guilt he feels because of what he did. But with Emma’s help and compassion, can he find forgiveness, redemption, and best of all, love?

“I love you. Whether I deserve you or not. I love you. Don’t ever forget that.”

I really enjoyed Waiting for Wyatt. It was a little too slow-paced for my taste, but it’s still a worthwhile read that will tug at your heartstrings. You’ll fall for Emma’s beautiful soul, Wyatt’s tragic yet hopeful heart, and all the wonderful dogs they care for. I loved how S.D. Hendrickson incorporated the animals into Waiting for Wyatt – it was perfect the way their healing paralleled Wyatt’s own healing heart.

I highly recommend this unique, wonderfully written, emotional book. You really get to feel everything while you read this! Even with all the heartache, the author leaves you with hope and joy. It’s a heart-warming read that fans of the author don’t want to miss.

Thanks to the author 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/1Iqlpq1
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1N6tm4v

Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review from the author. It does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Full Review on Brianna's Bookish Confessions.

I can’t even contain my emotions… I read The Mason List this summer and absolutely fell in LOVE with the story and the writing. S.D. is truly a gifted writer and it shows again in this book. This book was not sunshine and rainbows. I’m not going to spoil anything because going in, you don’t really know much and I’m going to keep it that way in this review.

I’m honestly not even going to attempt to write my own synopsis because I fear I will spoil something. This book sounds vague, but trust me when I say, it was completely worth it! You had no idea what was going to happen, who Wyatt is, what has he done and why Emma isn’t supposed to chase him.

I WILL say this involves animal abuse – not something too spoilery, but something I needed to mention… I like that authors are adding this subject into books and S.D. makes this a big portion of the book. I couldn’t help but get teary eyed MANY times while reading and just from the mention of the animal abuse. You MIGHT want to have a couple boxes of tissues with you or maybe some chocolate. :)

I feel like this book truly messed with my emotions. I was shocked at how well S.D. played with my emotions! I’m not trying to make this book into some TEAR jerker and just SOOO upsetting book, but it seriously played with my emotions hardcore!

Everything about this book was tragically beautiful, which I think is the best way to describe it. This book broke my heart MANY MANY times and I honestly lost count after the 10th time. This book truly affected my emotions. I can’t stress my love for this book, The Mason List and Mrs. Hendrickson enough.

You are going to fall for Wyatt and the entire story! Be prepared!!! <3