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425 pages, ebook
First published October 14, 2016
“…you win some days; you lose others. That’s just how it works.”
“This was new. This was different. I always panicked at new and different. However, I was also surrounded by the most incredible scent. It was all warmth and comfort and security and serenity—and just her.”
“Don’t let anyone, yourself included, try to tell you otherwise. You have a lot to offer.”
“As long as I could find a way to show her how much she meant to me, I didn’t have to worry about finding the right words.
Win. So much win!”
“At some point, the corner of my notebook had become slightly bent, which sucked. I’d have to write all notes into a new one.”
"I don't know," I answered. "But Mayra...I'm still trying to get used to the idea that I have a girlfriend, especially one as beautiful as you are. I don't want..."
My voice trailed off, and I tilted my face back toward the pillow. Mayra's hand stroked my hair.
"Don't want what?" she asked quietly.
"I don't want"–I gritted my teeth an dmade myself say it–"I don't want to disappoint you."
She makes me feel normal. She makes me feel like maybe I can have what other people have.
"You..what you've done for me...you...you're...you're everything to me. Everything good in my life is about you. You make me want to try harder and do things I never would have considered before, and I know even if I fail, you'll still be there to help me get back up afterwards."
"You're supposed to give her a ring, not a watch."
"Sometimes you just have to do, son. don't think. Just do."
"No matter what else happened, cake days were always a win."Matt has spent his entire life living in the spectrum of Autism. Although he is high functioning, he still isn't exactly what they call "normal." Trouble making eye contact~check! Awkward in social situations~check! Never had a girlfriend~check! When it comes to "fitting in", Matt just doesn't. When a high school project teams him up with one of the hottest girls in school, his entire world is turned upside down.
"I couldn't even dream of a more wonderful thing to see, so I planned to do it again as soon as possible."
"I'd never let anyone hurt her. No one. Ever."Mayra represents everything Matt is not. She is polished, well put together, friendly, outgoing, and the list goes on and on. However, something about Matthew Rohan has drawn her in. Mayra and Matt spend time together working on their project and as Mayra gets to know Matt she begins to understand the severity of his diagnosis and yet, she is drawn to him. They develop feelings for each other. As Matt begins to grow closer to Mayra, he struggles with his desire to be with her and his inability to be the man that she deserves.
"I love you...I love you..." we repeated in unison between kisses. I couldn't imagine anything else could be closer to bliss, so I gave in to the warmth of her love. Best win ever."
"Everything good in my life is about you. You make me want to try harder and do things I never would have considered before, and even if I fail, you'll still be there to help me get back up afterwards."Told in Matt's POV, Win Some, Lose Some is an absolute must read. Because the main characters are 18, it still has a touch of coming of age, and yet, the circumstances of both Matt and Mayra give them a certain maturity that makes their romance that much more complex. Matt is, of course, the stand out character for me because we get to experience every moment he is feeling. We hear his inner dialogue voicing what he would like to say and then read his actual dialogue which is what he can express verbally. It was such a remarkable experience to watch his transformation. Mayra doesn't "cure him" because Matthew isn't broken. Instead, they find their way together. And the way is beautiful, sexy, romantic, tender, and unforgettable. The supporting characters enhance the plot with the family love and light drama they bring. The pacing is perfect with a well-developed plot and creative elements thrown in, you will be laughing until you cry!
"Win. So much win!"I started reading Win Some, Lose Some around 11:30 p.m. with the idea that I would read a chapter and then go to bed. Matt and Mayra were far to enticing and blew that plan out of the water. At approximately 4:00 am, I realized I had read the entire book cover to cover. I COULD NOT STOP! Shay Savage has always been one of my go-to authors. She is versatile, creative, and knows how to write! Win Some, Lose Some is now my favorite book written by her. After reading and reviewing so many amazing books this year, I can honestly say Win Some, Lose Some is one of my favorites for the year! I highly recommend this book to everyone. Why? You will love every single moment. Ms. Savage gets a standing ovation for this creative work. Bravo!
"My dad had always said life was full of ups and downs. “Son, you win some days; you lose others. That’s just how it works."
"You are pretty wonderful…You just need to be given the opportunity to show people that…You are gorgeous. Every girl in our school thinks so, and I am going to be the envy of half the population of Talawanda High School."
"The next piece will be waiting for you in my driveway," she said. She kissed me lightly and headed out the door to her car and down the street, taking the cake with her. Shit, Shit, Shit. I couldn't just let that cake get away, so I jumped into my car and followed her. Do it for the cake, I told myself."