This is Kristen Granata’s second story and the conclusion to Merritt and Chase. If you missed it, you can check out my review of Collision, the first in the two-part story, here. This story blew me away. I knew Kristen was going to make waves and this blogger feels she was right. This story was so beautifully written and touched me so much, it made some water appear in my eyes, or was that dust LOL.
Merritt was left with a shocker moment at the end of Collision. If you will remember, she wasn’t my favorite person, but I love how big her heart is and how she cares. She really came into her own in this story. I love how she hit rock bottom and came out of it finding out that happiness is something that comes from within. Merritt ends up realizing forgiveness isn’t for the other person, but for yourself. Since Collision she has risen to be one of my favorite heroines to date.
Chase the all American boy is fallible and we see how he has to learn the hard way what is important and that you can’t force others to be happy. While reaching for his goal, I think he becomes blinded and loses sight of loving Merritt. He wants to think he’s doing what’s best for her, but in the end, he can only love her and let her decide where her happy is. He was more human in this story and no longer on the pedestal everyone felt he was on. I loved when the realization hit him of home, family, love, and Merritt. In the end, he was so proud of her. His love, patience, and belief in her were incredible to read.
We get to see more of Tanner in this story, even if it’s just as a side character. I loved reading the sibling bond between him and Merritt. They both needed each other and had each other’s backs. As an only child, I love finding stories where characters just click as siblings vs having actual siblings.
We meet a new character TJ in this story and his role is so important to Merritt. He goes to great lengths to pull Merritt out of her ass and her destructive path. I can’t wait for his story one day (hint hint Kirsten)
Shelly and Brody are back along with new characters Dave, Brooke, and the bandmates. They all have their moments where they help Merritt, but also I feel destroy her too. It was great meeting them and Kristen did an excellent job of writing them all into the story seamlessly. As always Khloe adds to this story with her unconditional love and sweetness.
This story was so well done. The writing was phenomenal, and the plot fantastic. Writing this review makes me want to read it again. I give this story 5 pointe shoes, a coda, and standing ovation. Kristen Granata is an author to watch out for. She is definitely going places.
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
“You were the one for me, and I was the one who could pull you out of your nightmare.”
“That’s why it is so important for you to take responsibility for your own actions, and create your own happiness, independent from anyone or anything else.”
“Nobody is perfect.”
“The most important thing to me was you – your health, your happiness.”
Find all things about Kristen Granata here.