Emerson and Lucas grew up next door to each other, as she was getting ready to head to college she finds out Lucas has enlisted in the Army. One perfect night together right before he disappears for 10 years. Lucas doesn't keep in contact with anyone of his friends then one day he shows up in town hoping to win back the only girl he ever loved. Emerson feels like she finally put the past behind her but forgiving and trusting the only man she ever loved is hard. This is an intense book dealing with some very tough subject matters. It is written so well I cried quite a few tears. Loved it Who doesn't love second chance romance books? I can't get enough of them and this one does not disappoint. Jessica Prince does a wonderful job getting you to engage with her characters.Emmy and Luke are best friends whose lives are about to change. Emmy's leaving for college and Luke is shipping off to boot camp. Emmy is scared of losing her best friend and is upset he has chosen this path for himself, but he needs to make something of himself. So she reluctantly supports him as he has always supported her. While they have always been in the friend zone, one night changes everything. What happens after that night starts a whirlwind of a emotional heartache, secrets and betrayal to the fullest. Emmy oh Emmy I loved her spirit. She has had so much heartache to fill two lifetimes. But she is a survivor and continues to power on through life with the support of her friends. Will she ever find her happiness or will she be trapped in the past?Luke grew up fast. His home life was horrible. He never thought he would amount to anything or be good enough for anyone, especially his Emmy. She was his light and his savior to his messed up life, but he could bring her down with him, so he does what he feels is best and pushes her away in the worst way. Fast forward eight years and Luke has returned. He's back to apologize and claim what's his...Emmy. However, he doesn't come home to a heroes welcome...oh no he gets a big piss off welcome! He not only left behind Emmy, he left his friends and they don't welcome him back with open arms, no he's going to have to fight his way back in. "You're mine, Emmy, and I'm not letting you go this time."~~LukeThe chemistry between Luke and Emmy is scorching like a candle....even eight years later it still burns bright, but don't get to close because it will burn you. Emmy went through a bad period in her life after Luke left, but her body just doesn't agree with her mind. The interaction between the two is so real and believable that it could happen to anyone. I love how you get both POV's and see the past backstory. You find out what happens to Emmy and why she reacts they way she does to Luke and you get his reasoning of why he did what he did. Luke totally has his swoon worthy moments especially when he calls her "baby girl"....aweOh my the secondary characters add so much to this story. They are so protective of Emmy and you feel their love for her. They are her family and I loved that about them. Her best friend was definitely a highlight to the story....Savannah is my girl! Damn she was hilarious and was the perfect best friend....she's a little crazy, but she's got Emmy's back NO matter what! This story is wonderfully written. It tugs at your emotions and you can't help, but want a HEA for them. This is funny...like laugh out loud funny, heartbreaking and sweet. As for steaminess it's lacking some, but it's also not completely needed. It's more of a story about forgiveness and finding true happiness. I loved it! 5 STARS! Can't wait to read more from this author!
What do You think about Picking Up The Pieces (2000)?
4.5stars. Loved it! Can't wait for Jeremy and Savannah's story next. X
—youmadbro
Loved it!! Walking dead references... what's not to love!?!
—SAURAGIRL
Enjoyed very much and will be reading book 2 shortly :)
—catyu
