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West Side #4
Lost on the Way
They were friends—just friends. Now they’re something else entirely…
Jason
I remember everything about the day I met her. I might have asked for her number, but I had bigger things to think about that day than trying to score a date.
I remember everything about the second time we crossed paths. By then, she had a boyfriend. Of course, she did. A girl like Maggie Gray Thompson wouldn’t stay single long.
It’s hard to believe freshman year passed ten years ago. Now Maggie’s my best friend, my family. A friendship like ours, it’s irreplaceable. When we buried Adam, I stood by her. When my cancer returned, she stood by me.
Then, in one night, I throw that friendship away.
I want her with everything I am, everything I have, but she can’t be mine. She deserves someone with better odds than the doctors gave me.
Now, if I can’t figure out how to go back to the way things were, I’ll lose the most important relationship I have. The only one that truly matters.
Maggie
Last night was the best—and worst—night of my life.
He made it clear he only wants a friendship. Then last night happened.
And now he knows how I feel.
Some part of me knows he’ll always see me as his best friend’s girl. He can’t look at me without seeing Adam.
Jason is my best friend. I love him with everything I have—mind, body, and soul.
The problem? His love for me isn’t that kind of love. And that’s okay. I can live with that.
I can’t lose him. If he wants to stay in the friend zone, I’ll need to somehow accept that and move on. Find someone else to love. I know it’s true.
But convincing my heart…well, that’s another story entirely.
Jason
I remember everything about the day I met her. I might have asked for her number, but I had bigger things to think about that day than trying to score a date.
I remember everything about the second time we crossed paths. By then, she had a boyfriend. Of course, she did. A girl like Maggie Gray Thompson wouldn’t stay single long.
It’s hard to believe freshman year passed ten years ago. Now Maggie’s my best friend, my family. A friendship like ours, it’s irreplaceable. When we buried Adam, I stood by her. When my cancer returned, she stood by me.
Then, in one night, I throw that friendship away.
I want her with everything I am, everything I have, but she can’t be mine. She deserves someone with better odds than the doctors gave me.
Now, if I can’t figure out how to go back to the way things were, I’ll lose the most important relationship I have. The only one that truly matters.
Maggie
Last night was the best—and worst—night of my life.
He made it clear he only wants a friendship. Then last night happened.
And now he knows how I feel.
Some part of me knows he’ll always see me as his best friend’s girl. He can’t look at me without seeing Adam.
Jason is my best friend. I love him with everything I have—mind, body, and soul.
The problem? His love for me isn’t that kind of love. And that’s okay. I can live with that.
I can’t lose him. If he wants to stay in the friend zone, I’ll need to somehow accept that and move on. Find someone else to love. I know it’s true.
But convincing my heart…well, that’s another story entirely.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2020
98 people are currently reading
919 people want to read
About the author
Isabel Jolie
44 books525 followersApple Books Contemporary Romance Bestselling Author of spicy thrillers where love always wins. Get free books + early access: https://isabeljoliebooks.com/#newsletter
Heart-pounding romance. Unforgettable heroes. Sizzling happily-ever-afters—with a side of suspense that'll keep you up way past bedtime.
I dreamed of being a writer as a kid but took the "safe" route: journalism degree, advertising career, MBA, corporate gigs at Chase and Universal. Then in 2020, I said screw it and published my first book. Twenty-five books later, I'm living the dream.
I'm also a mom to two teenage daughters who are perpetually mortified by my career choices. My husband's an entrepreneur whose latest product is Nampons (yes, it rhymes with tampons and yes, it's for nosebleeds). Between my spicy romance and his biz... we've cornered the market on parental embarrassment.
My books feature tough characters facing tougher choices, compelling suspense, and storylines that'll make you think. But no matter how dark things get, my people always choose love.
Follow me wherever you love to scroll:
https://www.instagram.com/isabeljolie...
https://tiktok.com/@Therealisabeljolie
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Heart-pounding romance. Unforgettable heroes. Sizzling happily-ever-afters—with a side of suspense that'll keep you up way past bedtime.
I dreamed of being a writer as a kid but took the "safe" route: journalism degree, advertising career, MBA, corporate gigs at Chase and Universal. Then in 2020, I said screw it and published my first book. Twenty-five books later, I'm living the dream.
I'm also a mom to two teenage daughters who are perpetually mortified by my career choices. My husband's an entrepreneur whose latest product is Nampons (yes, it rhymes with tampons and yes, it's for nosebleeds). Between my spicy romance and his biz... we've cornered the market on parental embarrassment.
My books feature tough characters facing tougher choices, compelling suspense, and storylines that'll make you think. But no matter how dark things get, my people always choose love.
Follow me wherever you love to scroll:
https://www.instagram.com/isabeljolie...
https://tiktok.com/@Therealisabeljolie
https://www.facebook.com/isabeljolieb...
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/isabe...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.pinterest.com/isabeljolie...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 30, 2020
Extraordinary story told beautifully and respectfully
.
Survivor guilt is one heck of a burden. It’s not something some chooses for themselves and it doesn’t always happen but when it does, it can be debilitating. Guilt and/or loss of any kind or magnitude can be debilitating. It will pull you under and drown you in a heartbeat. In my opinion (which comes from firsthand experience) this state of being is not something someone gets past or over; they just learn to live thru it and survive it.
Jason and Maggie both are survivors; for different reasons but the catalyst is the same, Adam. I’m not going to give you plot points because I don’t do that and because there are plenty of reviews already that will do it for me LOL I just want to share with you my overall feeling on the story. As I mentioned at the beginning, this story was written respectfully. The author took the time to make sure Jason’s growth and Maggie’s as well was respectful of Adam. It’s super important when a story deals with sensitive issues such as these that the author not to take too many liberties in the story telling because these journeys are real. They happen to people on the daily and in many different forms. She showcased that in this story. Jason and Maggie didn’t make it easy on themselves. I felt that was respectful of the situation and I give props for to the author for it.
This is an emotional journey of two people trying to figure out how to move thru their past into their future, together. It is often quite sad and could be triggering to some (I didn’t have the easiest of times reading it) but it is hopeful and full of heart!
Survivor guilt is one heck of a burden. It’s not something some chooses for themselves and it doesn’t always happen but when it does, it can be debilitating. Guilt and/or loss of any kind or magnitude can be debilitating. It will pull you under and drown you in a heartbeat. In my opinion (which comes from firsthand experience) this state of being is not something someone gets past or over; they just learn to live thru it and survive it.
Jason and Maggie both are survivors; for different reasons but the catalyst is the same, Adam. I’m not going to give you plot points because I don’t do that and because there are plenty of reviews already that will do it for me LOL I just want to share with you my overall feeling on the story. As I mentioned at the beginning, this story was written respectfully. The author took the time to make sure Jason’s growth and Maggie’s as well was respectful of Adam. It’s super important when a story deals with sensitive issues such as these that the author not to take too many liberties in the story telling because these journeys are real. They happen to people on the daily and in many different forms. She showcased that in this story. Jason and Maggie didn’t make it easy on themselves. I felt that was respectful of the situation and I give props for to the author for it.
This is an emotional journey of two people trying to figure out how to move thru their past into their future, together. It is often quite sad and could be triggering to some (I didn’t have the easiest of times reading it) but it is hopeful and full of heart!
September 29, 2020
*I received this copy in exchange for an honest opinion*
I have to be very sincere and admit that this story, in the beginning, did not seem to bring anything new. However, as I read and understood the main characters, Jason and Maggie, I was also captivated by the story that they told us.
The story between two best friends, united for more than twelve years by a common loss, Adam.
Adam was Maggie's boyfriend and one of Jason's best friends. They met in a somewhat awkward way since they both had cancer and both fled off the same meeting to support those who suffered from the disease. Even earlier, Jason had met Maggie, although he didn't know when he would see her again. When he found out that she was the girlfriend of his most recent friend, it seems to me that he was a little disappointed and upset about his own luck.
When Adam dies, Jason feels guilty. He felt what we now call "survivor's guilt". It seemed to him that, Adam, having parents who loved him and a girlfriend like Maggie, deserved more to have survived than he, who had nothing and nobody, not even his parents.
It turns out that, over the years, Jason and Maggie become inseparable and everyone around them where just waiting for the time when both he and she would admit that they are together, because that's all that's missing.
Honestly, for those who had such a sincere and strong friendship like them, it should be paramount to put their feelings for each other, without fear. If Maggie is absolutely sure that he is the love of her life, Jason, in turn, hides behind the fact that she was Adam's girlfriend and that his cancer can come back and he will not be able to give her the life that she wants.
It will take a lot of willpower and a lot of resilience (and patience) on Maggie's part to overcome Jason's resistance and make him realize that in life not everything is destined, nor that everything is programmed, even if it is not the health problem that he had and that he will always have to deal with, if it has to be.
Honestly, for those who had such a sincere and strong friendship, it should be paramount to put your feelings for each other, without fear and without fear. If Maggie is absolutely sure that he is the love of her life, Jason, in turn, hides behind the fact that she was Adam's girlfriend and that his cancer can come back and not be able to give him life that she wants.
It will take a lot of willpower and a lot of resilience (and patience) on the part of MAggie to overcome Jason's resistance and make him realize that in life not everything is destined, nor that everything is programmed, even if it is not the health problem that he had and that he will always have to deal with, if it has to be.
I have to be very sincere and admit that this story, in the beginning, did not seem to bring anything new. However, as I read and understood the main characters, Jason and Maggie, I was also captivated by the story that they told us.
The story between two best friends, united for more than twelve years by a common loss, Adam.
Adam was Maggie's boyfriend and one of Jason's best friends. They met in a somewhat awkward way since they both had cancer and both fled off the same meeting to support those who suffered from the disease. Even earlier, Jason had met Maggie, although he didn't know when he would see her again. When he found out that she was the girlfriend of his most recent friend, it seems to me that he was a little disappointed and upset about his own luck.
When Adam dies, Jason feels guilty. He felt what we now call "survivor's guilt". It seemed to him that, Adam, having parents who loved him and a girlfriend like Maggie, deserved more to have survived than he, who had nothing and nobody, not even his parents.
It turns out that, over the years, Jason and Maggie become inseparable and everyone around them where just waiting for the time when both he and she would admit that they are together, because that's all that's missing.
Honestly, for those who had such a sincere and strong friendship like them, it should be paramount to put their feelings for each other, without fear. If Maggie is absolutely sure that he is the love of her life, Jason, in turn, hides behind the fact that she was Adam's girlfriend and that his cancer can come back and he will not be able to give her the life that she wants.
It will take a lot of willpower and a lot of resilience (and patience) on Maggie's part to overcome Jason's resistance and make him realize that in life not everything is destined, nor that everything is programmed, even if it is not the health problem that he had and that he will always have to deal with, if it has to be.
Honestly, for those who had such a sincere and strong friendship, it should be paramount to put your feelings for each other, without fear and without fear. If Maggie is absolutely sure that he is the love of her life, Jason, in turn, hides behind the fact that she was Adam's girlfriend and that his cancer can come back and not be able to give him life that she wants.
It will take a lot of willpower and a lot of resilience (and patience) on the part of MAggie to overcome Jason's resistance and make him realize that in life not everything is destined, nor that everything is programmed, even if it is not the health problem that he had and that he will always have to deal with, if it has to be.
September 26, 2020
“He also doesn’t get that a lot of the time when I seem sad, it’s because of him. For years, I’ve wanted more with him. And I’ve settled, simply happy to be with him. Happy to be there for him. But I’m almost thirty-two. And I get that he’ll never see me that way. He’ll never see me as anything other than Adam’s girl. Maybe by now he even sees me as a little sister. After all, I’m probably the closest thing he has to family.”
“No one young should ever die a tragic death. It’s the worst kind of bullshit. In addition to the loss and pain, it shocked you. Recalibrated your sense of the universe with a faulty world order.”
I really enjoyed this story. Before reading I noticed it was #4 in a series but I didn’t read any of the previous books and it was fine as a stand-alone.
Maggie, Adam and Jason are a trio of friends. Adam and Jason both had cancer. Adam sadly passes away. Maggie and Jason bond over the experience and become the best of friends practically spending so much time together everyone thinks they’re dating or are betting on when they’ll actually become a couple. Maggie finds herself romantically interested in Jason, but they are “best friends” and Jason seems to be opposed to breaking the friendship rule. They have a few brushes with romance, but Jason always ends up being a jerk and coming off like an insensitive player. Maggie eventually decides the relationship is toxic and decides to separate herself. She must learn to move on without her best friend and find love elsewhere.
The book has emotional moments, sprinkled with some steamy scenes. The story is something I think to some degree most people can resonate with loving someone who may not reciprocate in the same way. I enjoyed this story and will probably go back and read the first 3 installments of this series.
Thank you to Goodreads and Noctivity, Inc. for the giveaway copy of this book in exchange for my review.
“No one young should ever die a tragic death. It’s the worst kind of bullshit. In addition to the loss and pain, it shocked you. Recalibrated your sense of the universe with a faulty world order.”
I really enjoyed this story. Before reading I noticed it was #4 in a series but I didn’t read any of the previous books and it was fine as a stand-alone.
Maggie, Adam and Jason are a trio of friends. Adam and Jason both had cancer. Adam sadly passes away. Maggie and Jason bond over the experience and become the best of friends practically spending so much time together everyone thinks they’re dating or are betting on when they’ll actually become a couple. Maggie finds herself romantically interested in Jason, but they are “best friends” and Jason seems to be opposed to breaking the friendship rule. They have a few brushes with romance, but Jason always ends up being a jerk and coming off like an insensitive player. Maggie eventually decides the relationship is toxic and decides to separate herself. She must learn to move on without her best friend and find love elsewhere.
The book has emotional moments, sprinkled with some steamy scenes. The story is something I think to some degree most people can resonate with loving someone who may not reciprocate in the same way. I enjoyed this story and will probably go back and read the first 3 installments of this series.
Thank you to Goodreads and Noctivity, Inc. for the giveaway copy of this book in exchange for my review.
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August 21, 2020
Lost on the Way is the latest installment of the West Side Series by Isabel Jolie, though this book can easily be read as a stand alone. Maggie and Jason are two best friends that have been through so much together. They met in college because Maggie’s boyfriend, Adam, and Jason both had cancer. Adam passes away leaving Maggie broken hearted and Jason with a need to protect and care for her- building an incredible bond between the two. Over a decade later, Maggie has developed more romantic feelings for Jason but is scared to lose his friendship by pursuing them. Jason and Maggie end up blurring the lines of friendship creating a lot of drama and tension that they had never had to deal with before.
This was actually the first book that I have read by Isabel Jolie- so when I say it can but be read as a stand alone I mean it- and now I look forward to backtracking and reading some of the previous books in the series. I love that it isn’t an overly long book but also not too short, I actually read it all in one sitting- but that also happened because I just couldn't put it down. Maggie is outgoing and caring while Jason is more reserved and has more of a hidden sweetness that he only shows to a select few- they really seem to balance each other out. As the reader you are really able to get into the mind and feel what Maggie and Jason are feeling. It takes a while to really dive into Jason’s mind and see why he holds back so much and resists a real relationship with Maggie but I feel like it is perfectly Jason- because Maggie is constantly having to explain to her other friends and family that don’t 100% love Jason as her friend that they really don’t know and understand the Jason she knows. So slowly discovering Jason’s story felt right for the book- the flashbacks to his story were put in perfectly through the story. This book will give you so many feels- I know my heart wrenched as you learn about Jason’s history and for Maggie as she hopes over and over for their relationship to progress, there were so many sweet moments between them and a few steamy ones as well. Overall, I really enjoyed this book- I would give it 4 ½ stars just because I felt like it took Maggie a little too long to finally stand up and ask for what she wanted from Jason, and while I understand on some level why it took that long it also felt like it was drawn out just a little excessively. Looking forward to the next installment of the West Side Series!
This was actually the first book that I have read by Isabel Jolie- so when I say it can but be read as a stand alone I mean it- and now I look forward to backtracking and reading some of the previous books in the series. I love that it isn’t an overly long book but also not too short, I actually read it all in one sitting- but that also happened because I just couldn't put it down. Maggie is outgoing and caring while Jason is more reserved and has more of a hidden sweetness that he only shows to a select few- they really seem to balance each other out. As the reader you are really able to get into the mind and feel what Maggie and Jason are feeling. It takes a while to really dive into Jason’s mind and see why he holds back so much and resists a real relationship with Maggie but I feel like it is perfectly Jason- because Maggie is constantly having to explain to her other friends and family that don’t 100% love Jason as her friend that they really don’t know and understand the Jason she knows. So slowly discovering Jason’s story felt right for the book- the flashbacks to his story were put in perfectly through the story. This book will give you so many feels- I know my heart wrenched as you learn about Jason’s history and for Maggie as she hopes over and over for their relationship to progress, there were so many sweet moments between them and a few steamy ones as well. Overall, I really enjoyed this book- I would give it 4 ½ stars just because I felt like it took Maggie a little too long to finally stand up and ask for what she wanted from Jason, and while I understand on some level why it took that long it also felt like it was drawn out just a little excessively. Looking forward to the next installment of the West Side Series!
October 2, 2020
Jason and Maggie met when they were in college when not only was Jason dealing with cancer, but Maggie’s boyfriend Adam was as well. As they were both living through the same ordeal a deep friendship developed that only intensified as they supported each other through Adam’s passing.
Years later their feelings for each other have evolved into love and while Maggie is willing to acknowledge it Jason continues to deny it not only because of Adam but because of the shadow that cancer continues to cast on his life. Maggie is finding it difficult to be close to Jason but not be with him so for her own well-being she needs to put some distance between them. Will this be the turning point that Jason needs to go after what he really wants, or will he continue to allow his fears to rule his life?
This is an emotional story about love, loss and healing and the journey that Jason must take to realize that the best way to honor those you have lost is by living your best life and that means finding the happiness he deserves with Maggie.
Years later their feelings for each other have evolved into love and while Maggie is willing to acknowledge it Jason continues to deny it not only because of Adam but because of the shadow that cancer continues to cast on his life. Maggie is finding it difficult to be close to Jason but not be with him so for her own well-being she needs to put some distance between them. Will this be the turning point that Jason needs to go after what he really wants, or will he continue to allow his fears to rule his life?
This is an emotional story about love, loss and healing and the journey that Jason must take to realize that the best way to honor those you have lost is by living your best life and that means finding the happiness he deserves with Maggie.
January 18, 2023
Oh my gosh - Jason + Maggie!!! This one was a roller coaster, but it kept me turning the pages! You absolutely feel for both of these characters and root for them and want them both to be so happy. I LOVE seeing how this story intertwines with the other characters we have come to know and love. Excited to keep reading!
September 27, 2020
What a lovely and heart-wrenching romance with a friends-to-lovers theme.
Maggie is totally in love with her best friend, Jason, but he’s insistent on keeping them just friends even after a drunken night of sex. After 10 years, she has given him every indication that she is ready for more, but he isn’t. He seems to want friends with benefits. It’s time to listen to her conscience and all of her friends and family and start a new life without Jason.
Jason loves Maggie with all of his heart. There are no guarantees in this world and she deserves so much more than what he can give her. But when she decides to move away and asks for her space, he is devastated.
Maggie and Jason’s story is tragic and beautiful at the same time. They love each other so much. Maggie is an amazing friend and a wonderful human being with her charity work and her volunteer work with hospice. No wonder everyone loves her. Though it seems naive that it took her ten years to finally break away from Jason, it’s understandable she didn’t want to lose her best friend who shares so many precious and meaningful memories with her. However, I understood her decision to move on.
As for Jason, at first, he acts like a total jackass with his mixed messages and broody and anti-social behavior, and I was ready to give up on him, but then his painful story slowly unfolds. It gave me a whole new perspective on how much emotion he was hiding away from everyone. His behavior is finally explained and the final act that won me over was his journal entry about Maggie. It gutted me to read what this quiet and standoffish man had to say about the love of his life. I was sobbing!
Overall, I highly recommend you read this beautiful and touching contemporary romance dealing with grief, friendship, guilt, and everlasting love.
Thank you to Ms. Jolie for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Maggie is totally in love with her best friend, Jason, but he’s insistent on keeping them just friends even after a drunken night of sex. After 10 years, she has given him every indication that she is ready for more, but he isn’t. He seems to want friends with benefits. It’s time to listen to her conscience and all of her friends and family and start a new life without Jason.
Jason loves Maggie with all of his heart. There are no guarantees in this world and she deserves so much more than what he can give her. But when she decides to move away and asks for her space, he is devastated.
Maggie and Jason’s story is tragic and beautiful at the same time. They love each other so much. Maggie is an amazing friend and a wonderful human being with her charity work and her volunteer work with hospice. No wonder everyone loves her. Though it seems naive that it took her ten years to finally break away from Jason, it’s understandable she didn’t want to lose her best friend who shares so many precious and meaningful memories with her. However, I understood her decision to move on.
As for Jason, at first, he acts like a total jackass with his mixed messages and broody and anti-social behavior, and I was ready to give up on him, but then his painful story slowly unfolds. It gave me a whole new perspective on how much emotion he was hiding away from everyone. His behavior is finally explained and the final act that won me over was his journal entry about Maggie. It gutted me to read what this quiet and standoffish man had to say about the love of his life. I was sobbing!
Overall, I highly recommend you read this beautiful and touching contemporary romance dealing with grief, friendship, guilt, and everlasting love.
Thank you to Ms. Jolie for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
September 3, 2021
DNF @ 61%
Their dynamic was codependent and unhealthy.
Their dynamic was codependent and unhealthy.
September 23, 2020
This is the fourth book in the West Side series, but can be read as a stand-a-lone (I did). When Jason and Maggie first laid eyes on each other so long ago, it was in the waiting room on an oncologist. Jason and Maggie’s boyfriend Adam are both the same age and have both been diagnosed with the same type of cancer. All three were freshman at university and all three became best friends.
Just before Adam passed, he asked Jason to take care of Maggie, and that’s what he’s done. It’s been 10 years since they met and they’re closer than most families. Maggie makes sure that Jason is taken care of, constantly researching products, food, etc, to keep Jason at the top of his game. She also makes sure he has some kind of social life. They’re more than best friends, but they’re not in a romantic relationship. Not that they don’t love the other, because they do. Jason just doesn’t know how to get passed Maggie being Adam’s girlfriend. Even though it’s been a decade since they met, and almost as long since Adam passed, Jason can’t move on. He doesn’t understand how Maggie has. How she’s able to spend her time volunteering with hospice and in hospitals with patients who are dying from cancer, and the family they leave behind.
Maggie’s whole life revolves around cancer. She part of a foundation that raises money for cancer research, she volunteers with hospice and in hospitals talking to patients and families. After Adam’s death, she went in for therapy. She loved Adam, but she recognizes that it was a first love. The love she feels for Jason is so much more, but he’s to much into himself and his grief for Adam that he can’t see it.
Making the decision to leave NYC and head to Chicago to take a supervisory position with another charity is just what Maggie needs to finally move on from Jason. Stuck in the friend zone for so many years has taken its toll, and with the craziness of the last few weeks before the headhunter’s call has solidified Maggie’s painful decision to leave behind the man she loves.
Will Jason be able to see what he needs to do to be able to break free of his mind and go after the woman he loves? Will he stick with his therapy and try to get through the Survivor’s Guilt he’s been carrying for almost a decade? You’ll have to read to find out.
This story made me cry multiple times. It’s stirring and poignant. Your emotions are over the place, and you’re taken on one heck of a rollercoaster ride. This was the first book by Ms. Jolie I’ve read, but I guarantee it won’t be your last. This book has also landed on my Top 10 reads for 2020.
Now, if you have a hard time reading a story where a young person has passed, you might want to pass on this story. The death doesn’t occur in the book, it’s happened almost ten years ago, but it’s spoken about quite a bit.
**I received an ARC of this story from the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Just before Adam passed, he asked Jason to take care of Maggie, and that’s what he’s done. It’s been 10 years since they met and they’re closer than most families. Maggie makes sure that Jason is taken care of, constantly researching products, food, etc, to keep Jason at the top of his game. She also makes sure he has some kind of social life. They’re more than best friends, but they’re not in a romantic relationship. Not that they don’t love the other, because they do. Jason just doesn’t know how to get passed Maggie being Adam’s girlfriend. Even though it’s been a decade since they met, and almost as long since Adam passed, Jason can’t move on. He doesn’t understand how Maggie has. How she’s able to spend her time volunteering with hospice and in hospitals with patients who are dying from cancer, and the family they leave behind.
Maggie’s whole life revolves around cancer. She part of a foundation that raises money for cancer research, she volunteers with hospice and in hospitals talking to patients and families. After Adam’s death, she went in for therapy. She loved Adam, but she recognizes that it was a first love. The love she feels for Jason is so much more, but he’s to much into himself and his grief for Adam that he can’t see it.
Making the decision to leave NYC and head to Chicago to take a supervisory position with another charity is just what Maggie needs to finally move on from Jason. Stuck in the friend zone for so many years has taken its toll, and with the craziness of the last few weeks before the headhunter’s call has solidified Maggie’s painful decision to leave behind the man she loves.
Will Jason be able to see what he needs to do to be able to break free of his mind and go after the woman he loves? Will he stick with his therapy and try to get through the Survivor’s Guilt he’s been carrying for almost a decade? You’ll have to read to find out.
This story made me cry multiple times. It’s stirring and poignant. Your emotions are over the place, and you’re taken on one heck of a rollercoaster ride. This was the first book by Ms. Jolie I’ve read, but I guarantee it won’t be your last. This book has also landed on my Top 10 reads for 2020.
Now, if you have a hard time reading a story where a young person has passed, you might want to pass on this story. The death doesn’t occur in the book, it’s happened almost ten years ago, but it’s spoken about quite a bit.
**I received an ARC of this story from the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.
October 1, 2020
Readers looking for an emotionally intense read will get all that and more in this contemporary romance of two friends with lots of baggage in their pasts who find their years-long connection becoming complicated. Issues of survivors guilt, a life-altering illness, and the real meaning of love and friendship fuels this story and had me rooting for these two friends every step of the way.
Jason was Adam's best friend after meeting him in a cancer support group where the two of them became inseparable. As Adam's girlfriend, Maggie became the third member of the group and a strong support to each man. With the loss of Adam though things changed irrevocably between Jason and Maggie and it will be a hard-fought journey to HEA as they struggle to define their feelings. For Jason, a man with no family, he's bitter over the loss of Adam as he had everything and deserved to be the one to live. Jason doesn't feel worthy and it colors everything from that moment on. Though he's always had romantic feelings for Maggie, since before even Adam met her, he's always held back. Even now he doesn't want to act on his feelings out of fear that his cancer will return and cause even more hurt for Maggie. With each turn of the page Jason's thoughts were understandable and my heart broke for him at times. I was frustrated by him too as he wasn't a character easy to get to know as he's a bit stoic with a bark worse than his bite. He was fighting to live but was scared of living life to the fullest by being with Maggie which led to a drawn out tug of war of will they/won't they.
Maggie was a wonderful heroine and opposed to Jason, she was an open book. She'd been through a lot with Adam, his loss was heartbreaking, but with Jason by her side she survived and the two of them built a solid foundation built on friendship. In the years since though it becomes clear to her that she feels much more for Jason than friendship but is scared of losing the closeness they already have. With their friends rooting them on the story soon becomes bumpy with sexual tension as they struggle with their feelings head-on in sweet and steamy interactions that had me rooting for them too.
Jason may have started off a bit reserved but as his background is more fully presented I came to care even more deeply for him. Maggie was just what he needed too, someone who stood by him no matter what his attitude was and they were a perfect balance that further showed they were meant to be. From the first page to the last this was a story that captivated me. With its realistic and relatable main couple I found this to be an epic and hard-fought journey to HEA where love and friendship overcame all and I highly recommend it to others looking for a powerful and unforgettable read!
Jason was Adam's best friend after meeting him in a cancer support group where the two of them became inseparable. As Adam's girlfriend, Maggie became the third member of the group and a strong support to each man. With the loss of Adam though things changed irrevocably between Jason and Maggie and it will be a hard-fought journey to HEA as they struggle to define their feelings. For Jason, a man with no family, he's bitter over the loss of Adam as he had everything and deserved to be the one to live. Jason doesn't feel worthy and it colors everything from that moment on. Though he's always had romantic feelings for Maggie, since before even Adam met her, he's always held back. Even now he doesn't want to act on his feelings out of fear that his cancer will return and cause even more hurt for Maggie. With each turn of the page Jason's thoughts were understandable and my heart broke for him at times. I was frustrated by him too as he wasn't a character easy to get to know as he's a bit stoic with a bark worse than his bite. He was fighting to live but was scared of living life to the fullest by being with Maggie which led to a drawn out tug of war of will they/won't they.
Maggie was a wonderful heroine and opposed to Jason, she was an open book. She'd been through a lot with Adam, his loss was heartbreaking, but with Jason by her side she survived and the two of them built a solid foundation built on friendship. In the years since though it becomes clear to her that she feels much more for Jason than friendship but is scared of losing the closeness they already have. With their friends rooting them on the story soon becomes bumpy with sexual tension as they struggle with their feelings head-on in sweet and steamy interactions that had me rooting for them too.
Jason may have started off a bit reserved but as his background is more fully presented I came to care even more deeply for him. Maggie was just what he needed too, someone who stood by him no matter what his attitude was and they were a perfect balance that further showed they were meant to be. From the first page to the last this was a story that captivated me. With its realistic and relatable main couple I found this to be an epic and hard-fought journey to HEA where love and friendship overcame all and I highly recommend it to others looking for a powerful and unforgettable read!
October 18, 2020
Grab a bunch of tissues and put the map and compass aside, because you will be anything but lost on the way through this gorgeous read. Beginning with a hangover, and some sure signs of the morning after, Jason and Maggie are both horrified to find that their decade long friendship has switched gears, courtesy of tequila generously offering its helping hand the night before. What begins as an awkward 10 minutes is quickly smoothed over by our duo returning to what they know – the routines and love they have shared together for the past 10 years. Except both are entirely in love with each other; the catch being, Jason has cancer, Maggie’s first love Adam died of cancer and their friendship is the solid touchstone in both their lives, which neither wish to jeopardise. Whilst the narrative is delivered from the perspective of both central characters, wherein we explore their fears, hopes and dreams, quite subtly, Jason’s chapters are slightly more focused on the past; past memories of he, Maggie and Adam together, of when he met Maggie, and of inane yet beautiful moments he has shared with her as a way of underpinning his motivation to not breach the friendship zone they cherish. Alternatively, Maggie’s perspective is very much in the here and now, as she struggles to come to terms with Jason’s rejection and what it ultimately means for her future. Sadly, it is clear that Jason’s very legitimate fear of dying is preventing him from living in the moment and without realising it, Jason’s adoration of her, and therefore attempts at protecting her heart, ultimately remove her freedom of choice, irrespective of whether or not those choices eventually lead to horrendous pain.
From beginning to end, the complexity of their relationship is like an unsolvable riddle and whilst at times incredibly frustrating is made all the more sympathetic because of its authenticity and plausibility. Certainly, Jolie provokes some serious and very human questions about life, death, love and whether or not it is selfish to try and protect those we love from the grief and trauma of our ultimate end. And yet, that’s life isn’t it? Aren’t they the risks we take to ensure we can live each moment to the next as wholly and completely as is humanly possible? At times, heartbreaking, whilst at others overwhelmingly joyous, Lost on the Way is a wonderful read that will provoke a few laughs and jerk a few tears along the way, and ultimately leave you feeling that in matters of the heart, and in matters of love the risk is its own reward. As Lost on the Way surmises, to live a full and complete life with the person you love, however brief, is undeniably worth more than a thousand lifetimes without them.
From beginning to end, the complexity of their relationship is like an unsolvable riddle and whilst at times incredibly frustrating is made all the more sympathetic because of its authenticity and plausibility. Certainly, Jolie provokes some serious and very human questions about life, death, love and whether or not it is selfish to try and protect those we love from the grief and trauma of our ultimate end. And yet, that’s life isn’t it? Aren’t they the risks we take to ensure we can live each moment to the next as wholly and completely as is humanly possible? At times, heartbreaking, whilst at others overwhelmingly joyous, Lost on the Way is a wonderful read that will provoke a few laughs and jerk a few tears along the way, and ultimately leave you feeling that in matters of the heart, and in matters of love the risk is its own reward. As Lost on the Way surmises, to live a full and complete life with the person you love, however brief, is undeniably worth more than a thousand lifetimes without them.
November 9, 2020
I've found in the past that I struggle with reading while pregnant. Mostly in the past, this has been because I find myself more easily annoyed with the characters and plot. For some reason during this pregnancy, I don't feel that's been the case. What I have struggled with this time is being at a loss for words when it comes time to review a book. So bear with me while I sort out my thoughts.
I don't think I went into Lost on the Way with any particular expectations. It's the 4th book in a series where I haven't read the prior books, but since each book is about a different character, I didn't feel like I'd be missing anything by coming in mid-series. More than anything I've been craving either contemporary or historical fiction. Mostly because these two genres tend to focus on love stories. And that's about it. I haven't been in the mood for other genres as much. So with those expectations Lost on the Way got the bill.
The book description pretty much spells out the entire book, and not much happened outside of what I expected. There were definitely no surprises.
Maggie and Jason have pretty much been in love with each other for years, but have refused to move past the friend zone. Maggie is all for it but Jason is dragging his feet for various reasons. I found myself being annoyed with Maggie. I wanted her to stand up for herself sooner. These types of relationships where one character is open to more and the other isn't reciprocating can be draining to me even when the end result is that the other character wises up eventually. It was obvious Jason wanted more as well but his reasons for not moving forward weren't so obvious. Their journey was one I read quickly, but I also found myself rolling my eyes quite a bit.
My biggest frustration with Lost on the Way was the commentary about faith in a higher power, namely God. I'm always going to take issue with times I see characters or authors portray God in a negative way. Much could be said in opposition to the statements made within the story, but I'm not going to preach a sermon right now. Just know, I disagree with all that was said about God and faith within this book.
In the end, Lost on the Way was no more than what I expecting it to be. I found the characters a little grating but only slightly. The commentary and disparaging remarks about God and faith didn't endear me to the story, characters, or author. I wasn't surprised or particularly impressed with any aspect of Lost on the Way, but I did read it quickly which is always a good thing. Lost on the Way gets 3 Stars. Have you read Lost on the Way? What did you think? Let me know!
I don't think I went into Lost on the Way with any particular expectations. It's the 4th book in a series where I haven't read the prior books, but since each book is about a different character, I didn't feel like I'd be missing anything by coming in mid-series. More than anything I've been craving either contemporary or historical fiction. Mostly because these two genres tend to focus on love stories. And that's about it. I haven't been in the mood for other genres as much. So with those expectations Lost on the Way got the bill.
The book description pretty much spells out the entire book, and not much happened outside of what I expected. There were definitely no surprises.
Maggie and Jason have pretty much been in love with each other for years, but have refused to move past the friend zone. Maggie is all for it but Jason is dragging his feet for various reasons. I found myself being annoyed with Maggie. I wanted her to stand up for herself sooner. These types of relationships where one character is open to more and the other isn't reciprocating can be draining to me even when the end result is that the other character wises up eventually. It was obvious Jason wanted more as well but his reasons for not moving forward weren't so obvious. Their journey was one I read quickly, but I also found myself rolling my eyes quite a bit.
My biggest frustration with Lost on the Way was the commentary about faith in a higher power, namely God. I'm always going to take issue with times I see characters or authors portray God in a negative way. Much could be said in opposition to the statements made within the story, but I'm not going to preach a sermon right now. Just know, I disagree with all that was said about God and faith within this book.
In the end, Lost on the Way was no more than what I expecting it to be. I found the characters a little grating but only slightly. The commentary and disparaging remarks about God and faith didn't endear me to the story, characters, or author. I wasn't surprised or particularly impressed with any aspect of Lost on the Way, but I did read it quickly which is always a good thing. Lost on the Way gets 3 Stars. Have you read Lost on the Way? What did you think? Let me know!
October 1, 2020
3.5 Stars... I have such mixed feelings about Lost On The Way. On the one hand, I loved that Jason and Maggie were both so dedicated to each other. But their friendship is completely co-dependent and at times quite toxic to Maggie's mental health.
I get where Jason is coming from: Maggie already lost one boyfriend to cancer, and he loves her too much to make her go through that again should he become sick again. His survivor's guilt over the deaths of both his parents and Maggie's ex, Adam, overshadowed everything that Jason does. But he totally played games with her when it came to them being just friends or more than that, and it drove me crazy. I was so happy when Maggie finally grew a backbone and told Jason that she needed space, but I wish that had happened sooner. Her absence in his life really made Jason realize what he had and work on his issues and get to a healthy place. But then it was all a rush in reconciliation and boom! They are together. I would have liked that all to have happened sooner, so we maybe got to see more of Jason and Maggie as a couple rather than friends with benefits.
Lost On The Way is a standalone within the West Side series of interconnected books. This was the first book I've read by Isabel Jolie, and the characters in the other books seem to be the friends of Jason and Maggie.
Overall, I did enjoy this book. It was well-written and handles Adam and Jason's cancer respectfully and delicately. And the romance itself had some really nice moments between Maggie and Jason, but I just wanted MORE from them as an official couple and how they dealt with the change in their relationship and his issues stemming from his survivor's guilt. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
I get where Jason is coming from: Maggie already lost one boyfriend to cancer, and he loves her too much to make her go through that again should he become sick again. His survivor's guilt over the deaths of both his parents and Maggie's ex, Adam, overshadowed everything that Jason does. But he totally played games with her when it came to them being just friends or more than that, and it drove me crazy. I was so happy when Maggie finally grew a backbone and told Jason that she needed space, but I wish that had happened sooner. Her absence in his life really made Jason realize what he had and work on his issues and get to a healthy place. But then it was all a rush in reconciliation and boom! They are together. I would have liked that all to have happened sooner, so we maybe got to see more of Jason and Maggie as a couple rather than friends with benefits.
Lost On The Way is a standalone within the West Side series of interconnected books. This was the first book I've read by Isabel Jolie, and the characters in the other books seem to be the friends of Jason and Maggie.
Overall, I did enjoy this book. It was well-written and handles Adam and Jason's cancer respectfully and delicately. And the romance itself had some really nice moments between Maggie and Jason, but I just wanted MORE from them as an official couple and how they dealt with the change in their relationship and his issues stemming from his survivor's guilt. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
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January 8, 2021
Depressing
This book reads weird because the event that changes their friendship, happens BEFORE the book starts. Everything after is how they both cope with the line being crossed into lovers. Jason and Maggie are both in love with each other and have been for years (over 10) but have stayed just friends, best friends. They have helped each other through some of the most difficult times and everyone already thinks they are a couple despite Jason swearing they aren’t. Even after that line is crossed that blurs their friendship, Jason won’t give into his feelings for a whole variety of reasons but Maggie is ready to take the plunge. This leads to a ton of unnecessary pain and hardship between them and that’s part of why I started to dislike this book. Jason keeps crossing that line, giving Maggie hope and then acting like a total jerk afterward. It happened enough to make me start to hate Jason and I was exasperated Maggie didn’t stand up for herself.
This book is a depressing read but not in a good way. I love books that make me feel even if it’s sadness or anger but this book just annoyed me because of Jason. I wasn’t able to connect to anyone in this book and at times considered not finishing it. I also thought the ending was unrealistic and a bit forced. This is my first time reading this author and I’m not impressed but maybe I’d like some of her other books. We’ll see. I recommend this if you are in the mood to feel awful about life but don’t expect it to bring you to a happy place after.
This book reads weird because the event that changes their friendship, happens BEFORE the book starts. Everything after is how they both cope with the line being crossed into lovers. Jason and Maggie are both in love with each other and have been for years (over 10) but have stayed just friends, best friends. They have helped each other through some of the most difficult times and everyone already thinks they are a couple despite Jason swearing they aren’t. Even after that line is crossed that blurs their friendship, Jason won’t give into his feelings for a whole variety of reasons but Maggie is ready to take the plunge. This leads to a ton of unnecessary pain and hardship between them and that’s part of why I started to dislike this book. Jason keeps crossing that line, giving Maggie hope and then acting like a total jerk afterward. It happened enough to make me start to hate Jason and I was exasperated Maggie didn’t stand up for herself.
This book is a depressing read but not in a good way. I love books that make me feel even if it’s sadness or anger but this book just annoyed me because of Jason. I wasn’t able to connect to anyone in this book and at times considered not finishing it. I also thought the ending was unrealistic and a bit forced. This is my first time reading this author and I’m not impressed but maybe I’d like some of her other books. We’ll see. I recommend this if you are in the mood to feel awful about life but don’t expect it to bring you to a happy place after.
September 25, 2020
First, I want to thank Isabel Jolie and Xpresso Tours for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
Isabel Jolie gets you Lost on the Way while you search for the box of tissues. This is a beautifully written story that will pull hard on your heart strings due to the subject matter! Full disclosure I even cried like a baby at the end.
Instantly Isabel Jolie sucked me into the book with the first paragraph in Jason’s voice. The descriptions and his feelings of the aftermath of what happened the night before was intense and eye opening. We the readers got to see his feelings for Maggie shine through.
This was a very unique story that revolved around the loss of a loved one battling cancer. Isabel does an incredible job pulling out all the characters' emotions within tough situations they face.
In this book we meet Jason, Maggie and the late Adam. Each of them unfortunately lose something dear to them in this book. However, what they do gain is incredibly special, beautiful, and very touching.
Lost on the Way you can get truly lost if you don’t pay attention. It jumps around in a time frame to tell each side to the story.
Isabel took a totally different approach to her epilogue than any other author I have ever read for. She broke it down into two Epilogues one for Jason and one for Maggie. I appreciated it because I was able to get closure in both storylines.
Isabel has a huge heart of gold and it shows in her writing.
Isabel Jolie gets you Lost on the Way while you search for the box of tissues. This is a beautifully written story that will pull hard on your heart strings due to the subject matter! Full disclosure I even cried like a baby at the end.
Instantly Isabel Jolie sucked me into the book with the first paragraph in Jason’s voice. The descriptions and his feelings of the aftermath of what happened the night before was intense and eye opening. We the readers got to see his feelings for Maggie shine through.
This was a very unique story that revolved around the loss of a loved one battling cancer. Isabel does an incredible job pulling out all the characters' emotions within tough situations they face.
In this book we meet Jason, Maggie and the late Adam. Each of them unfortunately lose something dear to them in this book. However, what they do gain is incredibly special, beautiful, and very touching.
Lost on the Way you can get truly lost if you don’t pay attention. It jumps around in a time frame to tell each side to the story.
Isabel took a totally different approach to her epilogue than any other author I have ever read for. She broke it down into two Epilogues one for Jason and one for Maggie. I appreciated it because I was able to get closure in both storylines.
Isabel has a huge heart of gold and it shows in her writing.
September 23, 2020
4.5* ARC Review – Great Friends to Lovers Story
I was introduced to this author through the Hidden Gems ARC program and have received this book the same way. Also, I did not read them in order, but highly recommend reading the way I did! I have just finished the second book, Trust Me, before this one and it gave me the perfect lead up to this story. This book goes back more than a decade to when Jason and Maggie met and formed a strong friendship.
Jason is introduced earlier in the series as a childhood friend and almost brother of Sam from book two. He has a lot of struggles in his life including the loss of his parents and his ongoing health battles. Maggie met him in college and has been there to support and help him since the loss of her boyfriend to the same illness. At the beginning of this book, their relationship has taken a turn and they are both concerned that this might affect their friendship. There is a lot of back and forth with their relationship that shows how difficult this could be for both of them. As the story progresses, Jason listens to Maggie and goes to see a therapist to help him deal with his feelings. At times I found Jason annoying, because he would not just go for it with Maggie, but I felt this made the story more realistic. Great story and characters that I really enjoyed them finding their way!
I was introduced to this author through the Hidden Gems ARC program and have received this book the same way. Also, I did not read them in order, but highly recommend reading the way I did! I have just finished the second book, Trust Me, before this one and it gave me the perfect lead up to this story. This book goes back more than a decade to when Jason and Maggie met and formed a strong friendship.
Jason is introduced earlier in the series as a childhood friend and almost brother of Sam from book two. He has a lot of struggles in his life including the loss of his parents and his ongoing health battles. Maggie met him in college and has been there to support and help him since the loss of her boyfriend to the same illness. At the beginning of this book, their relationship has taken a turn and they are both concerned that this might affect their friendship. There is a lot of back and forth with their relationship that shows how difficult this could be for both of them. As the story progresses, Jason listens to Maggie and goes to see a therapist to help him deal with his feelings. At times I found Jason annoying, because he would not just go for it with Maggie, but I felt this made the story more realistic. Great story and characters that I really enjoyed them finding their way!
September 30, 2020
I was very surprised by the book to say the least. It's a heartwarmingly beautiful story, that pulls at your heartstrings. I was crying so much. :) I just wanted them to be happy and together... :)
So Jason and Maggie meat at college, her boyfriend was Jason's friend. And when he dies they leaned on each other and were best friends ever since.
Only the way they love each other, the way they spend time together, and how they are, it's way more than just a friendship.
After one drunken night, when they finally end up together, it brings up all the issues. She is sure he doesn't like her that way and he wants to keep her at an arms distance because he doesn't want to hurt her. It takes time and some pretty drastic move, for them to finally see that they are perfect for each other.
It's such an awesome story, I couldn't put it down, till the last page...
And it felt very real reading it. The way Jason dealt or more appropriately didn't deal with all that he felt, the notion to keep people you love at distance, and at the same time desperately needing them, it hit very close to home, to say the least. :)
received from Xpresso Book Tours
So Jason and Maggie meat at college, her boyfriend was Jason's friend. And when he dies they leaned on each other and were best friends ever since.
Only the way they love each other, the way they spend time together, and how they are, it's way more than just a friendship.
After one drunken night, when they finally end up together, it brings up all the issues. She is sure he doesn't like her that way and he wants to keep her at an arms distance because he doesn't want to hurt her. It takes time and some pretty drastic move, for them to finally see that they are perfect for each other.
It's such an awesome story, I couldn't put it down, till the last page...
And it felt very real reading it. The way Jason dealt or more appropriately didn't deal with all that he felt, the notion to keep people you love at distance, and at the same time desperately needing them, it hit very close to home, to say the least. :)
received from Xpresso Book Tours
September 19, 2020
Without even realizing it, apparently when I picked up this book I basically said to the author “go ahead. Go on and break my gooey marshmallow heart. I dare you!” Well, she took me at my word and did exactly that. It felt like my heart bled for Maggie and Jason ever figuring out what to make of their relationship. The push-me/pull-you dynamic made me dizzy watching them fight the attraction only to give in to it, to fight it again. One of the things I liked the best about this book is that it advocates for the assistance of a trained mental health professional in order for Jason, in particular, to see their stumbling blocks clearly. The ending was absolutely adorable. I was just about to have a small hissy fit that the mystery this book posited was left unfinished, but the author’s afterword tells me that we’ll see the outcome in the next book. I was already pretty anxious to get my hands on it, and that just made me even more so.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
September 15, 2020
An emotional read:
This book draws you in and it was really emotional and heart breaking at times.
Maggie is secretly in love with Jason yet out of a sense of loyalty and misplaced self sacrifice, he's determined that they can never be more than friends. I was desperate for them to find their way together and at times wanted to scream at them!
It is quite a heavy book where the main characters only find happiness right at the end. However I appreciated how the author tackled tough subjects such as survivors guilt. I also enjoyed Jason's reminiscing and the dual timeframe which helped to provide context and depth to the current situation. Overall an enjoyable read and I look forward to the final book in the series (they can all be read as standalones but the group of friends make various appearances).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book draws you in and it was really emotional and heart breaking at times.
Maggie is secretly in love with Jason yet out of a sense of loyalty and misplaced self sacrifice, he's determined that they can never be more than friends. I was desperate for them to find their way together and at times wanted to scream at them!
It is quite a heavy book where the main characters only find happiness right at the end. However I appreciated how the author tackled tough subjects such as survivors guilt. I also enjoyed Jason's reminiscing and the dual timeframe which helped to provide context and depth to the current situation. Overall an enjoyable read and I look forward to the final book in the series (they can all be read as standalones but the group of friends make various appearances).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2020
Brilliant book! I’ve loved these books so I was ecstatic when I had the opportunity to read the 4th in this series, this one has been my favourite which is hard to believe as I loved the others so much. I just love the way Isabel writes, she has such an amazing talent to draw you in so you feel all the emotions like you’re there in real life sharing their experiences. This book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster where you love, laugh and cry! I was desperate for a HEA. Jason has such a huge heart and his love for Maggie is immeasurable. Maggie is Jason’s rock, she’s his favourite person who keeps him from being completely antisocial as she’s the social butterfly. This book was such a great romance with an unbreakable friendship that you’ll love. I read this book as an ARC.
September 24, 2020
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is my first book by this author and I loved it. It's the first book in the West Side series but can be read as a standalone. It's an amazing story of best friends to lovers with an incredible HEA ending. Can you tell I loved this book? Lol
Maggie has been in love with her best friend Jason forever. One drunken night has her hopes up until he gets up and gives her the only friends speech.
Jason has to keep his feelings to himself. He can't put Maggie through what she went through with Adam. So why is it so hard to keep his hands to himself now that he's had a taste.
Keep those tissues handy on this one. Definitely a must read.
Maggie has been in love with her best friend Jason forever. One drunken night has her hopes up until he gets up and gives her the only friends speech.
Jason has to keep his feelings to himself. He can't put Maggie through what she went through with Adam. So why is it so hard to keep his hands to himself now that he's had a taste.
Keep those tissues handy on this one. Definitely a must read.
February 7, 2021
2.5 stars
Story is told in alternating POV chapters b/w Jason & Maggie. Most of the Jason chapters are flashbacks while Maggie's were in present day, which was confusing.
They're best friends who are trying to figure out if they can cross the line b/w friendship & dating.
Jason was annoying b/c he was such an idiot most of the time.
The story was boring as well and drawn out.
And all the foreshadowing w/Maggie's Non-Prof that she works for. What's up w/that? As well as all the foreshadowing w/the characters in the epilogue chapter.
But I did think the way the title tied into the theme of the story was clever.
Overall, while I like this writer, I didn't care for this book in the series.
Story is told in alternating POV chapters b/w Jason & Maggie. Most of the Jason chapters are flashbacks while Maggie's were in present day, which was confusing.
They're best friends who are trying to figure out if they can cross the line b/w friendship & dating.
Jason was annoying b/c he was such an idiot most of the time.
The story was boring as well and drawn out.
And all the foreshadowing w/Maggie's Non-Prof that she works for. What's up w/that? As well as all the foreshadowing w/the characters in the epilogue chapter.
But I did think the way the title tied into the theme of the story was clever.
Overall, while I like this writer, I didn't care for this book in the series.
September 10, 2020
3.5 ⭐️ This was a good story. I felt it was a little slow, and I wanted to strangle the hero at times, and the heroine. I’m glad she finally found her backbone. I wasn’t a huge fan of him as the hero, I felt he acted selfishly hurting her and stringing her along. And then the intimate scenes I didn’t really connect with, they seemed a little one sided. Overall it had a good plot and the writing was good. I loved the authors take on death and felt the topics were well researched.
*i received an ARC copy via hidden gems for an honest review.
*i received an ARC copy via hidden gems for an honest review.
September 19, 2020
Wonderful story that’s both sad and inspiring
Maggie and Jason met each other in college where she was his best friend Adam’s girlfriend. They were all friends; however, Adam died from cancer they had both been suffering from. After Adam’s death they remained close friends seeing each other on a daily basis. Although the underlying circumstances were tragic, their story really isn’t. It’s like any other story where the guy is “dense" and doesn't realize her feelings for him.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Maggie and Jason met each other in college where she was his best friend Adam’s girlfriend. They were all friends; however, Adam died from cancer they had both been suffering from. After Adam’s death they remained close friends seeing each other on a daily basis. Although the underlying circumstances were tragic, their story really isn’t. It’s like any other story where the guy is “dense" and doesn't realize her feelings for him.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 22, 2020
She has been in love with him for years, he doesn't think he is good enough. When the lines start blurring, will he admit his feelings before it is too late?
I absolutely loved these two! I loved how she owned how she felt and when it all came down to it, she decided to take a step back and do what was best for her. I didn't blame him for struggling with everything he had went through, but loved when he finally started actually living and allowing himself to look towards a future. Great read!
I absolutely loved these two! I loved how she owned how she felt and when it all came down to it, she decided to take a step back and do what was best for her. I didn't blame him for struggling with everything he had went through, but loved when he finally started actually living and allowing himself to look towards a future. Great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2020
Book four in the series brings Maggie and Jason's story. The author brings strong characters and weaves a heartbreaking story dealing with some tough issues and bringing them through in the end. She paints her scenes in vivid detail as she takes them on an emotional journey. It's a deep read , moves at a steady pace and is a great book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
October 24, 2020
Heart wrenching (in a good way)
If you any a love story that rips you th the core this is it. Two people meet i in college and friend zone each other for 12 years. They are best friends. I laughed, cried, was annoyed at times however I would highly recommend this book to anyone who ever had/has a best friend that you love . and maybe was in love with them. Omg! Read this book.
If you any a love story that rips you th the core this is it. Two people meet i in college and friend zone each other for 12 years. They are best friends. I laughed, cried, was annoyed at times however I would highly recommend this book to anyone who ever had/has a best friend that you love . and maybe was in love with them. Omg! Read this book.
January 28, 2021
Unnecessary religion bashing almost caused me to call it quits at 70%
Over all super depressing and childish, 12 years is a long time to just be okay after one visit. The definition of toxic relationships.
For a “couple” who is so codependent and comfortable with each other they sure can’t talk about anything important.
Everyone in the heroins life was like yeah that guy sucks and she was like eh I’m good.
Not worth the time glad it was free.
Over all super depressing and childish, 12 years is a long time to just be okay after one visit. The definition of toxic relationships.
For a “couple” who is so codependent and comfortable with each other they sure can’t talk about anything important.
Everyone in the heroins life was like yeah that guy sucks and she was like eh I’m good.
Not worth the time glad it was free.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2024
Couldn't put it down
The writing completely pulled me in from page one. It's interesting to try and understand the fear a cancer survivor goes through in thoughts of "if their cancer comes back", being immune compromised, fear of dying and the fear of falling in love, get cancer again and dying. It's scary and heart breaking. I enjoyed Jason and Maggie's love story even though Jason had so many fears to overcome. Full novel, no cliffhanger and a happily ever after.
The writing completely pulled me in from page one. It's interesting to try and understand the fear a cancer survivor goes through in thoughts of "if their cancer comes back", being immune compromised, fear of dying and the fear of falling in love, get cancer again and dying. It's scary and heart breaking. I enjoyed Jason and Maggie's love story even though Jason had so many fears to overcome. Full novel, no cliffhanger and a happily ever after.
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