There are so many things to love about this book. First off, it's a standalone. With all of these series these days that leave you hanging on over and over again (not complaining but you know it's true), sometimes it is nice to just pick up a book and get the entire story. A long, intense, emotional, complete story. I knew from the beginning that this book was going to break my heart and it did. Even when you know it's coming, it just rips your heart right out. But our girl, she is a strong one. She  may have wanted the men in her life but she learns she doesn't NEED them in her life. She can stand on her own two feet. And she does. She makes something of her self. She uses her heartbreak and pain and accomplishes something for her. So when these boys show back up, she doesn't let them walk right back in. Which was just plain amazing. So many times you have a weak heroine who tries to come off as strong but as soon as the man says so much as I'm sorry, they let them right back in. Not our girl. She makes them work for it. Makes them prove themselves after the crap they pulled. We had some really amazing side characters in this book as well. I mean, there were just so so many good things going on in this book. While this isn't my favorite "story" by Ripley (Briar still holds that spot right now) but I think it was the most well written book that Ripley has. Everything just flowed so smoothly. It was all balanced out perfectly.

So yea, bottom line. You need to read this book.