Wendy Smith also writes books under the name Ariadne Wayne, so I knew I was in for a good an interesting and involving read. I wasn't disappointed and loved this story. It can be read as a stand alone and does NOT have a cliff-hanger ending. It may make you cry - I did almost from the off!

Her characters are not only well developed and rounded, but are down to earth, massively likeable (if not loveable) and so very real. The story is narrated in the first person by both Adam and Lily. This allowed me to get to 'know' both characters and understand them, as well as to find out how they felt and what they thought. Their reactions, dialogue and emotions are all genuine and real.

Max and the other supporting characters are also well written, and again are normal and believable. As this is book 1 in a series I am hoping to see some of the brother's feature in future books.

I was hooked into the story immediately and found it difficult to put down. The book is so much more than your typical contemporary romance. The two main characters have a lot of issues to work through, and a lot of truths to uncover. These issues are woven through the story so well.

Another thing I love about this author is that she doesn't follow the generic formulae of so many contemporary romances. The fall in love, huge break up, get back together, HEA formula is not the basis of this book. This is so much more than that, it is a really well written story that isn't rushed or unrealistic but that takes you heart and soul on a journey of love, forgiving and hope.

If you love a good romance, and especially if you are tired of the same old, same old, then I highly recommend this book to you.