Almost by Anne Eliot Review

Almost by Anne Eliot-YA Contemporary Romance

Kindle format purchased on Amazon

Summary:

At a freshman party she doesn't remember, Jess Jordan was almost raped.

...Almost. Very nearly. Not quite. Three years later, Jess has managed to make everyone believe she's better. Over it. Because she is.

...Almost. Very nearly. Not quite.

Unfortunately, until Jess proves she's back to normal activities, her parents won't discuss college. So, she lands a summer internship and strikes a deal with hockey jock, Gray Porter: He gets $8,000. She gets a fake boyfriend and a social life.

Jess has no idea Gray signed on for reasons other than money. She also never expects to fall in love. But Gray’s amazingly hot, holds her hand all the time, and makes her forget that he’s simply doing his job. It’s like having a real boyfriend.

...Almost. Very nearly. Not quite.

Gray Porter is hiding secrets of his own. About Jess Jordan. About why he’s driven to protect her, why he won't cash her checks, or deny her anything she asks.

My Take:

There are so many things I could say about this book. It was difficult to read at times. Then, there were times my heart smiled. This book discusses a subject that is terrifying for me as a parent to think about. I cannot even imagine what I would do if something like this happened to one of my children. 

I was immediately drawn to Jess. She has no memory of what happened to her, but she's trapped in a world of nightmares. So, she's guarded herself by coming across as snotty and rude. Really though, she's a wounded soul who desperately wants to heal. I just wanted to give her a hug and protect her. 

Gray Porter is one amazing guy. Not only does he manage to break through Jess' tough exterior, but he learns some things about himself in the process. He's loved Jess for a long time, so when the opportunity is presented to "play" boyfriend, it doesn't take much convincing. The real love that they develop is really something and very heart warming. I felt like they were able to help heal each other. 

I was worried that because of the subject matter, that there wouldn't be anything really positive in the book. Yes, Jess is struggling through a major trauma, but I also focused on the positives coming out of the relationship with Gray. It's a story about healing, hope, and love. If you're looking for a deeper story, that does have a happy ending or you are looking for an inspirational story, this is a good book for you. 

For more information:Anne Eliot.

Amazon/BN

This book qualifies for my Why Buy The Cow? Reading Challenge. It was free when I made the purchase a few months ago.