I met Brock Callahan at eleven, fell in love at fifteen and lost him at eighteen. One moment, one single instance can change the course of your life, but I picked myself up, brushed myself off, and took that first step knowing it would be the hardest. Years later, tired of existing but not living, I quit my job in Manhattan, sold my condo and moved to a log cabin in Wyoming. When I wake in the bed of Killian Reid, mistaken for a one-night stand, I never imagined I’d fall for the man. But I did. Not at first; a slow fall, so gradual I didn’t realize I was no longer falling. I’d been given a second chance at a happily ever after. And then Brock Callahan walks back into my life. This is not a love triangle. It's a second chance romance with a twist.
A top 11 Amazon Bestselling author, LA Fiore, wife, mom, identical twin, hybrid author, and extraterrestrial, is a fan of the fermented grape and a dabbler in storytelling. She believes in a happily ever after, but she likes to make her readers work for it. When she's not writing, she can usually be found in the garden or hanging on the deck with her family and friends. She lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and their four fur babies.
'LETTING GO' Is a full length contemporary romance novel by L.A. Fiore. Spoken in third person POV
I want to be a wee bit vague with this review because you really need to read this without any spoilers wrecking it for you.
There was just something about this book which got my anticipation levels spiking, I needed to read it, in the past I've enjoyed a few of this authors books so I was excited to see what type of journey she’d set me on with this book, and believe me I was pleasantly surprised!
Imagine meeting your soul mate at the age of eleven in a secluded, abandoned fort. It was Cedar's birthday, Brock was crouched in the corner, she didn't know f he was hurt or just hungry. That day cemented their friendship, they became as thick as thieves. She fell in love with him when she was fifteen, but lost him unexpectedly at the age of eighteen at the cusp of making plans to leave their town behind.
Cedar, is quirky, a young designer who dabbles in making her own electric clothes and lives her life to the beat of her own drum.
Brock had a secret he couldn't afford to let touch Cedar, he didn't want it affecting her life. So he did the only thing he could and that was to push her away.
But then WHAM when he out of the blue he steps back into her life, that’s when it all clicked and came together like a puzzle piece that was missing. And from that point onwards this book got its hooks into me.
I was engaged I couldn’t put it down I needed to see how this was going to play out. So many twists and turns we’re giving me whiplash So many feelings racing through my bloodstream.
The first half of the book took a while for me to connect with, I just didn’t get those warm fuzzies straight away, it’s hard to put my finger on it, it just seemed stilted, I didn’t get their connection. But then like a slow burn it all started coming together. I understood fully why there was that gap, why he'd ghosted her, why he could't be friends any more.
The second half, oh god, this is where those warm fuzzies hit me full force. And it's those feels which I love to chase in books, they give me that unexplainable high which I crave and this book delivered them perfectly.
It's in the second half where she meets Killian, He's also the towns sherif, but there's more to him than meets the eye, a reserved man who wears many hats.
A young girl met a young, broken boy in a fort. Her sweetness and caring helped them to forge an everlasting bond. They created a friendship that defied reason. The antics they played, the pranks they planned, the lives they discovered... all built on a solid foundation of love. Her family became his and their lives were to be forever entwined.
And then disaster strikes.
Cedar - the girl who was far too easy to love. She walked to her own beat, she refused to conform, and she had a strong set of values reinforced by her parents. After years of surviving, she decides to live. She embraces her dream of having a cabin and starts to rediscover the girl she used to be. The one full of hope and wonder. The one who could find love again, making Killian hard to resist.
Killian - the local sheriff of the town Cedar now calls home. He was a man of few words and yet his presence, his intent, couldn't be more clear. He was compassionate and understanding. He knew what he wanted and never backed down. Despite the sadness in her eyes and weighing on her shoulders, he knew that Cedar could be his everything.
Brock - the boy that got away. He was no longer the boy Cedar once knew. Life had hardened him and yet she could still see glimmers of the boy she loved. Would they be able to recapture the feelings from before or had they moved too far apart?
Many beautiful souls. A heartbreaking tragedy that leaves a thick scar that spans years. A bit of mystery. And the discovery of a love that can heal most wounds. Letting Go was such a huge hit for me.
Well, I almost haven't got any complaints. I don't really remember a dislike about this book. Within all this sadness, sorrow and despair, this book was such a happy read.
One moment, one single instance had the ability to change the course of your life, but you had to pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and, even being on unsteady legs, you had to take that first step because that step was the hardest.
CHARACTERS
Cedar green eyes dark curly hair - A woman favorite, my book gal pal Brock caramel brown hair, gray eyes - The first love, the family Killian Reid black hair, blue eyes - The Sherrif, the savior
I love the characters.
WHAT DOES THIS BOOK MAKE ME FEEL?
*After a breakdown, the storm is just passed; you are out of your tears, know that bad passed, good is coming. *OR, you are on vacation; it is a happy summer night. You feel the air on your skin that so warm. There's also calming wind in the air that immediately lives happy goosebumps on your skin. The sound of the waves is super inviting. The refreshing ocean smell is all you can get in your lungs...
-yep, these are what I felt after this book.-
This book made me almost feel like I am on the clouds, like so sweet, so smooth... It's a bit weird and funny tho because this book actually has despair and sadness in it too, so I am thinking it was mostly because I read this book after reading so many too dark books and this one felt like medicine after all of them.
SO my beloved dark reader friends, if you'll need a pause, you might try this one, and I really hope it would heal you the same.
Oh my god, this man. “I love you.” He wrapped his arms around me, climbed on the bed, and dropped me on my back. “You better.” Then he showed, without words, just how much he loved me.
ME AND LOVE TRIANGLES
*Love triangles are one of my always to go tropes
1.When the person I root for is an endgame, I adore it. 2.When the other person gets the end game, I truly hate it, but it devastates me, and I can't ever be done with it, which makes the book unforgettable. 3.I am positive ≥ neutral when all parts take separate ways, especially If it's a really messy one.
*Almost all the time, I actually root for one side more. It is so scarce that I am actually okay with both sides getting the end game.
Beautifully I think I loved Brock and Killan the same (almost). And surprisingly realized that I would be happy with either of them getting my gal pal Cedar. Okay, I might or might not have rooted for one of them a little bit more, but I won't say who or what the answer is to that question.
BECAUSE I knew that I would be more than okay with either option, of course with one condition; a HEA.
I think what I just said now also shows this book's spell/power on me.
PERFECTLY the book ends in the best way possible for me. This is the perfect ending I have ever seen for a love triangle. If I were a writer who is writing about a love triangle, my end would've sounded similar to this one.
“We’re not the same people, and we can’t go back….” I turned my head to him, touched his leather. “But we are family. The only family I have left.”
OVERALL
*This book is funny, sad, lovely, romantic, and adorable!
*So I am not only giving stars for this book but also a piece from my heart. Thank you for filling my shattered heart, dear book, I love you. Naturally of course thank you L.A. Fiore!
-Above, this book and me-
“I love you, Husband.” “Not as much as I love you, Wife.”
For me, there are two types of second chance romances. One where you reignite the long lost love once again and the other where you learn to move on and find happiness again.I am a fan of both! When it comes to second chance romances, I am all for it. This is not my first rodeo with this author. I have more than enjoyed her previous books and perhaps I sound like a snob or maybe a brat but I have noticed that I love the books she writes alone and not the ones where she collaborates with other authors 🙈
Letting Go is a beautiful book. I hate sounding like a cliche yet I LOVED this book. I loved the characters. I loved Cedar and Brock. I loved Cedar and Killian! I could talk for hours about these characters!!!!
Letting Go is sweet, blissful, heartbreaking, mysterious, thrilling, hopeful, bittersweet and all things good and perhaps a little bad 😉. It gives the readers a crescendo of emotions and you truly don’t want it to end. I’ll admit that a part of me didn’t want the book to end at all. I was beyond engrossed with Letting Go.
I'm not rating this one simply because I have a bias that has nothing to do with the quality of the book itself or how good it is. I dislike triangles with a passion and probably should have given it a pass, but I've enjoyed past books by this writer and really didn't consider that I might not like the ending.
The fact is, I hated this HEA hard and made myself wait before giving feedback because I knew my frustration wasn't warranted here. The h didn't choose the guy I was pulling for. That doesn't make this a bad book. If I didn't want to risk being pissed off at the choice of who gets the girl I shouldn't have read a story with two leading men. Simple.
That said, I've outgrown this writer as I've outgrown others the last two or so years. The same with many tropes and elements unique to romance novels that I once accepted as the standard. Most of those things didn't bother me or I maybe just didn't notice them, but they bother me now. My tastes have changed over the years, but funnily enough many seasoned writers use the same formula they used in their debut.
Therefore, in the interest of being fair, my dissatisfaction with this story has more to do with me than the book.
This book totally surprised me, knocked me on my butt and left me speechless!!
Cedar and Brock were thick as thieves from a young age when suddenly everything changed for them. They both had dreams that helped them get through the issues they faced at such a young age and Cedar always being the optimistic one always kept the hope and their dreams alive.
Several years later Cedar decides its time to make her dream true and moves to Wyoming and that unexpectedly changes her future for good. I will say that her first encounter with Killian was hilarious and I knew that their interaction would have me on my toes. Killian left the "rat race" and settles in Wyoming. He wanted to live a quiet life but he was thrust into a position that was anything but quiet. Killian and Cedar's relationship was a bit off at first- due to misunderstandings- but I appreciated is how they got to know each other. There are some twist and bombshells that had me having "what the heck moments". So get cozy and be ready to experience this second chance at love and life story. Oh and thank you for the Epilogue ❤ Kara~ 5 Stars
A woman defies the odds, achieving her life dream following a horrific series of events.
From the get-go, I loved Cedar Walker's spirit. She lives life to the beat of her own drum. And that spirit is desperately needed when she loses three people she cared about in one day. While her dream of a log cabin in the West is put on hold as her priorities change from living her own life, to just surviving, she slowly comes back to herself.
The bulk of this story centers on her achieving the dream, moving from NY to Wyoming. And I enjoyed how she quickly set down roots in the small town.
The love triangle, alluded to in the synopsis, was a bit unexpected. Mainly by how it was handled by the characters. I expected major angst, and while there is some, the author gave us characters who were much more mature than others in love triangle stories. So that was refreshing.
Being romantic suspense, there is a lot of drama to sort out - poachers, a bike gang and the Mob. I think some of this was over the top and not very believable, although absorbing. But I do like how things ultimately played out. More than one winner.
Overall, this was a fast paced and entertaining read.
Sometimes we know from the first page of the book that this is gonna be wonderful.... The story unfolds beautifully from Brock to Killian... Suspense is good... Now as this was my first read of this author i have to read all the stories of the bad boys that appeared for the marker.... Pls give us Brock's book also🙏
Letting Go by L.A. Fiore was another top notch story. Her books always just suck me in and I never know what I am in for, but in the end I know no matter what she puts my heart through, it will be healed in the end!!!
This story was no different. I was nervous to read this book because love triangles are a hard limit for me, so when I was told that this was NOT a triangle but a second chance romance with a twist, I gave it a shot and trusted she wouldn’t lead me astray. And she didn’t…..I am so glad I read this book.
This was such a unique story and romance. I can’t really say a whole lot about the story because this is a book that definitely needs to reveal itself to all readers. Go into this story blind, you won’t regret it.
What I can say about this storyline is, that I was totally happy with how this story turned out and how it all played out, but I can say that I fell in love with Cedar, Killian and Brock….I would’ve been just as happy had this story played out completely different.
Another thing I will say is that this is NOT a love triangle. The heroine is NEVER torn between her feelings for two men, so don’t let the blurb of this book scare you into not reading it. I would actually consider this more of a second chance AT love then a second chance romance. To me those are two completely different tropes and storylines. I expect different endings when reading these two types of books. I know I am kind of rambling here and probably not making a lot of sense, but once you read this book you will totally understand.
I don’t believe my reviews ever do justice to L.A. Fiore’s books. Her books are so well written. Her love stories are poignant and epic….she gives us stories like no other. The flow and pace of her stories is always spot on. The characters she gives us are amazing and you can’t help but fall in love and root for each one of them.
Trust me… if you haven’t had the pleasure of reading a book by L.A. Fiore, then you need to start NOW!!!! You won’t be sorry and Letting Go is the perfect place to start.
This is my first by this author and I will definitely be looking into more of her books. We start by meeting Brock and Cedar who first meet as children and then we get to know them as teenagers. They're great together, funny and just in sync with each other. Then life has other plans and they're separated. Fast forward to many years later where we reunite with Cedar but she's different. We then meet a mysterious man named Killian. This was a slow burn but the chemistry between he and Cedar bubbled and boiled. I loved the way they didn't have to talk to know what the other was thinking, their chemistry was that good. But again, life brought more changes and Brock returned.
The story was very well written, filled with steam, mystery, drama that kept me page turning. I enjoyed the way it all ended. Although some things were concluded, there were some things that left me wanting more so I'm interested in seeing if there will be more in the future.
5 fantastic stars!! This is another book going straight to my favorites list!!
This book starts with two best friends. Life takes them in different paths but they end up back to each other, only to be separated again. At this point they know they are each other’s true love. But life doesn’t always work as you planned...
First of all I am in love with this author. She did so much right in this book that I know my review will not do this book justice. So let me just try.
Brock is an amazing male lead to start this journey. Cedar, a strong, resilient, doesn’t color between the lines female lead character. From the first chapter I was obsessed. As the book went on we met so many others that made this story phenomenal. Killian had me eating out of his palm quickly. And Liam he still had me curious (is he maybe getting a book?!?!?!). But the love for these men from Cedar is amazing. No there is not love triangle just a pure love for friends and lovers. Amazing.
Now this is why I am in love with this author. There were many twists in this book and a lot of them usually in any other book would have made these characters divide. For example, the lead male character hiding something from female love interest to keep from hurting her. Then she finds out. Now in most books the female gets angry or hurt and there is always some type of fall out. Never did that happen. This was a strong and real lead female character who didn’t play games. She understood and embraced. Even sympathized with the other character. This happened many times. I was waiting for an irrational explosion and never once got one. That drew me to this book sooo hard.
Did I mention some of the hotties from the “Lost Boys” series decided to show up. I was super excited for Damian, Thea and Anton plus others!!
If you can’t tell I absolutely LOVED this book!! The author is phenomenal and her characters jump off the page. This is a MUST read book of 2020!!
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
I liked this story, especially the first half with Cedar and Brock growing up and I did love Killian but...my heart broke for Brock. I can't say much without giving away the story and flooding you with spoilers.
Now remember...this is just my opinion and please don't base yours on mine.
I'm not sure how to review it, as it's easily ruined by spoilers. But it's the kind of book you don't want to end, but you find yourself having to know what happens.
I relate to Cedar. Because even though her decision makes so much sense, like Cedar, there's a little bit of my heart that's left with the one she didn't choose (who needs his own story, thank you very much) and it left me feeling just a little bit wrecked at the end.
But in the very best way.
A well written love triangle is a brutal thing as if the author has done their job well, you find yourself a little bit in love with both of the romantic choices and your heart breaks for the one who isn't chosen, no matter how logical.
This story took my breath away. I am hopelessly in love with this book and the story had me from page one. I had to walk away to gather my feelings a few times; just to brace myself for the onslaught of emotions for these characters. What a fantastically written, emotional story about moving on and accepting that you have to let go... no matter how hard that is.
Cedar is an amazing character. She’s strong and out-going as a child and has her own style and personality. She is so kind and fights for those who need it. She meets Brock and I just love these two together. She’s his saviour. Then he disappears after a catastrophic incident and Cedar’s life is changed beyond recognition. Fifteen years later Cedar moves from New York to Wyoming and meets Killian.
Killian is a moody, broody, quietly sexy man. He very slowly helps Cedar mend. I fell in love with their relationship and the small town they live in. Cedar’s past is never far behind and when Brock returns my heart absolutely breaks again.
The plot twists and thickens by the page. I would make this book a priority for any readers, it has everything from love, heartbreak and laughter to action, fear and suspense.
Loved it!! It doesn't get any better than a wonderful heroine and two panty-melting heroes! Childhood best friends to teen lovers, Cedar and Brock are terrific. So much emotion between the two with Cedar's idealistic home life and Brock's horrific nightmare at home. The life they plan together explodes as Brock is put in a dangerous situation and Cedar is devastated by the events. Torn apart, the lovers go in different directions. Will they find a way back to each other? Cedar finds her dream in rural Wyoming and a stoic, sexy Sheriff. What a hunk Killian is! And their relationship may have started rocky but soon it is steamy. Just as things are going in the right direction for Cedar her past comes back to reek havoc with her future. But the sexy Sheriff is going to protect his woman. Killian has a few secrets and as Cedar past and present collide and danger comes to town he will call in his marker. There's a mystery and action as Killian and Brock team up with a few old friends to get the bad guys and the villain is a surprise. Great ending and epilogue. I love this story and the Wyoming setting with fabulous second characters. I hope we get more stories from this group in Little Hill. One of the heroes needs a happy ending. A must read!
Letting Go by L.A. Fiore is a moving page turning story that focuses on Cedar Walker. Cedar who as a young girl found a friend in Brock. Brock was a young boy who had a very abusive home situation but he found a comforting and encouraging friend in Cedar. This book is hard to review without giving to much away. But I will say that this was a book that I couldn't stop reading. It took me through some emotions because the book took me into 'their world'. I would highly recommend this author and of course this book. Loved it!
This was a very emotional pull at your heartstrings read. This is a story of childhood best friends becoming first loves, heartache and loss finding its way into their lives and to new beginnings and second chance at love. It was beautifully written and had so many feels to it. There was also some suspense and mystery which kept the story interesting. I loved the characters in the book, they were real and very likeable.
What do you do when the love of your teenage life is suddenly out of your life, then years later walks back in after you’ve FINALLY begun living again, after you’re FINALLY taking a risk opening your heart to another man? Man, that is the question of a lifetime and the amazing h in this story has some figuring out to do. 😳👀 I loved where the book went and loved the ending.
This was a fantastic story by a fantastic writer. I highly recommend it.
I received an advanced copy of the ebook and am voluntarily leaving a review. My opinions are my own!
Cedar met Brock when they were eleven-years old. She walked into the fort in the woods to find a hungry and scared boy inside. Her generosity bound the two together for life. As the years passed, their friendship grew stronger. Until he pushed her away. So, when they finally reunited their bond grew stronger, and their relationship morphed into something new: inseparable lovers.
Brock grew up in a big fancy home, but what happened behind closed doors would be chilling to outsiders. Brock’s father was abusive, but he was always careful not to leave bruises where others could see. His mother never stepped up to protect him. Instead, she found comfort in her pills and wine and looked the other way, thankful that at least it wasn’t her being hurt this time.
Brock finally got out of the house and he and Cedar were planning a life in Manhattan when it all came crashing down. He was forced to flee and leave the girl he loved behind. Neither of them were ever the same again. They both survived, but weren’t truly living.
Finally, Cedar grew tired of living a shell of a life and made strides toward the dreams she had as a child. She quit her job, sold her condo, and bought a cabin in a small town in Wyoming. She never expected to find home in the small town of Little Hill and she never expected to find a man that could bring her back to life.
Unfortunately, everything isn’t as nice at it seems. Somebody is watching Cedar and they want revenge! The danger to her forces her past and current lives to collide together in a most unexpected way. What happens when she’s staring into the eyes of her first love? The one that got away. Will she go running back into his most familiar arms or continue going into the future with her new love?
I have to say … L.A. Fiore has a talent of making me bawl like a baby while reading her books! And, she definitely did it again! On one had it can be a bit embarrassing if anybody else is around when I’m reading, but on the other I just love that she can make me feel so deeply to elicit that kind of reaction and emotion! This, above all else is why she continues to be one of my favorite authors. I love emotional reads and she always brings it!
In the beginning, I wasn’t sure how I was going to like the book. All the scenes seemed too short and I just wanted more! I wanted to fall in love with Brock, but I was only getting small snippets of time with him. However, I understand why those scenes got cut short when there was so much going on later in the book! And, before he disappeared I had begun to love Brock. My heart absolutely broke for him. His father was a douche and his mother wasn’t much better. And, they cost him everything he loved. I’m surprised he turned out as normal and caring as he did with the upbringing he had. I have to put that fully on Cedar’s shoulders.
I really liked Killian as well. He was broody, charismatic, and quietly sexy! He seemed to have his hands in everything in that small town! It was great to see the perpetual bachelor fall in love. Although I don’t think he suffered, like Brock did and for that reason I really wanted Brock to find his happy. He more than deserved it.
I give major props to Cedar (and for Fiore’s writing of her character) to not drag both men around in a dreaded love triangle. From the moment Brock came back into her life this last time, she knew exactly who she wanted to be with and made no qualms about it. The three characters were forced to deal with it and find a way to move on and live in peace. I also have to give kudos to the guys because they were fairly civil for two men who loved her so.
“How the fuck did she get that up there?” Killian thought out loud.
Brock followed his stare then grinned. “She always did like climbing trees.” Looking back at Killian, he said, “Want me to go, Sheriff? I am younger and more spry.”
It did hurt to see the man that was left on the outs. I wanted to see him happy, but also didn’t want to see him with anyone else … at least in *this* book. I’m hoping that this is the beginning of a series and that we do see him happy eventually. If that’s the case, I’ll be ready to let him find love by his book, I swear!
I also really liked Liam. I felt this book barely scratched the surface on him though and that there is so much more to tell. And, it’s why I’ve convinced myself there are more books coming! Please!?!
Nevertheless, this was another great story by this talented author and I can’t wait to see what she cooks up next. And, yes, I’ll have the box of tissues nearby!
Fiore is also always kind enough to include a song playlist with her books, and I have one song I propose adding to it because it reminds me of Brock. Demons by Imagine Dragons.
*OBS would like to thank the author for supplying an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
‘I didn’t like giving up, but sometimes, you had no other choice but to let go.’
Letting go by L. A. Fiore is a heartbreaking stand alone high school sweethearts, second chance, contemporary romance.
Cedar first met Brock when she was eleven, first fell in love with him at fifteen, then lost him and more at eighteen.
Years later she quits her job, sells her condo and moves into a log cabin in Wyoming. What she doesn’t expect when she arrives is being mistaken for a one night stand when she wakes up in Killian Reid’s bed, let alone falling for him. But what happens when Brock finally walks back into her life?
There was some parts of this book really enjoyed, whilst others parts I struggled to with. This book is told from multiple POVs and one of these is in the third person. I’m not a huge fan of this particular POV so I found it difficult to enjoy these parts. Overall I found this an easy, enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more of L. A. Fiore’s work.
Thank you to L. A. Fiore and Give Me Books Promotions for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Feels 5 Steam 4 Storyline 5 Overall Rating 5 Kindle eArc provided by Author Reviewed by Stephanie
This book was amazing! The characters and the story...they were everything. My emotions are a jumbled mess and I feel like so so much was within the pages of this book. My heart bled and broke. I cried and got angry. I swooned and I held out the hope of healing for these amazing and complex characters. And then oh so gently, L. A. Fiore slowly pieces our hearts back together with a beautiful story of second chances and the healing power of letting go...no matter how hard it may be.
Cedar and Brock met as kids when she shared her piece of cake with a sad and broken boy. From then on an unbreakable bond was formed. They did everything together. For three years their friendship was a beautiful thing...until it wasn’t.
“Because from the minute I stepped into that fort, I became bound to you and you to me.”
Brock may have ended their friendship without telling her why but that doesn’t mean he was completely out of her life. They still lived in the same town and attended the same school. Cedar is shocked and confused that after three years of silence, Brock all of a sudden wants back into her life. It was so hard because you just knew these two loved each other so much and being apart was hard on both of them. When we find out why Brock made the choices he did, it’s truly heartbreaking. I cried for him right along with Cedar and her beautiful, kind family. They start to heal together and it’s a slow build up the first half of the book. When you think Cedar and Brock are who and where they are supposed to be, tragedy strikes and everything falls apart.
“I didn’t like giving up, but sometimes you had no other choice but to let go.”
Cedar was one of the most amazing characters I have read in a long time. She was brilliant, kind and beautiful. She was fierce, loyal and I love that she stayed true to who she was. Years pass and she decides enough is enough. She packs up her life in NY and moves to Wyoming determined to make her dreams come true and she definitely deserves it. This is where we are introduced to Killian. Cedar is given a second chance at something she thought may be lost forever. It was a slow burn for both of them as Cedar found herself again and slowly begin to heal. Just when we think this is it...this is how the story ends, Brock walks back into Cedar’s life.
“I know, down to my bones, that this is where I belong. Right here...with you.”
I absolutely loved this book. There was so much love, heartbreak, twists and turns. The characters and the story pulled me in from the first page. Even though I think it ended like it was supposed to, my heart was so torn...still is even while writing this. I loved Brock and my heart broke for him and all he had been through. The choices he had to make even when there really was no other choice. I also loved Killian and how he was there for Cedar and helped her find herself again. He showed her she deserved a love like he was ready and willing to give her. I love them both and how much they loved her. I would definitely recommend this amazing book!
I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an ARC copy of this book.
Letting Go is now my all-time favorite, and new go to book! Another hit by L.A. Fiore! Letting Go is a story that will tear your heart into pieces. It will have you in tears, and it will piece your heart back together by the time you turn the last page. I do not want to say too much because you really, truly must experience this for yourself. I will say that it is not a love triangle…it is so much more. It is about a young girl, named Cedar, who finds a young boy, named Brock, in an old fort in the woods. She senses that he has suffered so much in his young life. She gives him her piece of cake that she had wrapped in her pocket. They know instantly, from that moment on, how important their bond will be…that they were meant to be in each other’s lives forever. Brock has an abusive father, who abuses his mother and him. Cedar has a very loving family, the only child to parents who are deeply in love. They become Brock’s family. There are circumstances that cause Brock to push Cedar away, but then year’s later they are together again, stronger than ever, and then the unthinkable happens. Cedar‘s life as she knows it is gone. She suffers so much, and is left to forge on by herself. Years later she moves to this sleepy little town. Due to some extenuating circumstances, she has to spend the night in, what she thinks is the bar owner’s (Liam) home. The next morning she wakes up to see an irritated man, named Killian, telling her to get out. Killian thinks she is a hooker who was there “servicing” Liam. Killian is the hot, sexy town sheriff. Truly, I cannot say more. Yes, this is a beautiful story of three people, but there is also the storyline that includes so much mystery and suspense. You think you figured everything out, but then you find out you are so wrong, and you’re scratching your head saying, what the…! This book totally took hold of me and I did not let go until the end. I couldn’t help, but read it in one sitting. I can go on and on about how much I loved Letting Go. I have been a fan of L.A. Fiore since I read Waiting for the One. Her storytelling and character development always spot on. You can count on a mystery, a beautiful love story, and some incredible hot, sweaty sex scenes. I love everyone one of her books, but this one…Letting Go is now my all-time favorite, and my new go to book. This is a must read!! Have tissues on hand and plan on blocking out some time. Thank you L.A. Fiore for another fantastic book.
Cedar wanders into the woods out of curiosity and winds up finding a broken boy named Brock in dire need of a friend. Her sweet soul healing his damaged and hateful one almost instantly... she was the calm to his chaotic world. They formed this unbreakable connection, to the point that as they aged, the more fused to one another they became, it was as if they were meant be. But then tragedy drove them apart and in an instant Brock was gone from her life!
She has tried to forget him, move on with someone else, but he is always there just under the surface reminding her that he held her heart first, and continues to do so. She knows there is no way she will every be ready to let him go, but Killian and her could have something real, something worth holding onto. And just when she is ready to give it an honest try her past comes back around...
Letting Go is a beautifully penned story of love, friendship, chasing dreams, and second chances. This story follows Cedar and her first love Brock on their heartbreaking journey, from the first day they met as children to their lives as adults now. It isn't a pretty journey, Brock comes from a broken home and has a lot of demons, and ultimately those things are the reason these two go their separate ways. My heart broke for these two, coming so close to having everything they wanted, then having to part because of unshakable demons. This isn't your typical love story it's messy, dramatic, and bound to have you in tears more than it will have you smiling... but believe me it is all worth it in the end! This was an impressive first read, it pages held surprises, drama, love, suspense, and a few touching moments that will stick with you long after the last page is swiped. I highly recommend this one, it's a journey that will wreck your heart, but it's totally worth every tear and ounce of pain!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
I really loved the characters. I wasn’t sure how this book was going to go but I know never to count this author. She always pulls me in and makes the reader work (well read) for that happy ending. These characters had ups and downs, but they worked for their ending. They pay shed pay obstacles and made the right choices.
When Cedar moves, I loved the people she meet in Little Hill. They were all great I couldn’t help but love them and how accepting they were of her. We also get to see Damien from another one my my favorite books so that was a huge treat. It wasn’t a huge roll in the story but it was perfect.
Then we have Killian. Oh man he is hot and cold but I loved he he was too. She was broody, but super sweet and just a great man. It’s not a love triangle, but either way.... it was amazing. I don’t want to give too much away but once I got past my issues with the book I stayed up way to late to finish.
One issue I had was that parts of the book jumped around a lot. I would have preferred for it to be more spaced out and detailed then just jumping from one scene to the next the way it did with out much indication. It didn’t take much away but it took me rereading a few parts to get what was going on and realize that the scene had changed. To me, it wasn’t up to par with this authors other books which have hooked me right in the first couple pages and my love stayed consistent. It took me longer to get into the story but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a beautiful story because it was. I loved all (ok, that’s a lie because I didn’t love all) the characters and the story was great. With out giving any spoilers I can think of two books I want after reading this. Some of these other characters need happy endings and I hope they get it. I loved seeing Cedar get her HEA and the others deserve that too. 4 stars #2OCCJD
I could feast on that, on her, drain her dry, and in the process, I'd destroy her. I'd take all she had to give and give her nothing in return."
Letting Go is an exquisite story of love, loss, wild twists, and new beginnings! An absolute MUST read!!! Childhood friends, with a bond so strong, it settles in your heart, and pulls those strings the whole story through. Just when they unite to start their lives together, the unimaginable happens and causes a ripple that will not only throw them off course, but changes both their lives forever. I won't go in to much detail, because I was so surprised by how the story went, I really feel you need to experience it for yourself.
"I could still taste him, feel his hands on me. That man, he had crept up on me, burrowed in deep, and now, I was a junkie for him."
The story spans decades and has so many twists and turns, and just when you think you may have figured it out, the Author takes you to where you never imagined, but at the end, you realize that it's exactly the way it needed to be. I adored each character, the fierce emotions the Author's writing extracted, and it held the perfect amounts of heat, sweet, suspense, and mystery to keep you reading on and on and on....I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!
"It had been a long and hard road, but seeing him at the end of it...I'd go through it all again."