I love the premise of this book! Reunited with your first love under dramatic circumstances? Second chances? And that beautiful cover? Sign me up!
I first heard of this book on NetGalley (a free copy was supplied to me in exchange for an honest review), and I knew I had to have it.
Here's the blurb:
Here's the blurb:
"It’s been nearly a decade since Elle Sloan last saw Luke Hutchins. Close to ten years since she broke up with him over a single phone call, providing him with little explanation. Since the end of their relationship, Elle has done everything she could do to move on, marrying, proceeding forward with her life, almost allowing herself to completely forget about Luke.
Almost.
Out of nowhere, Elle receives a phone call from Luke’s mother. Luke has been in a horrific car accident and, a month later, has just awoken from a coma. However, instead of celebrating, his family is stunned to learn that Luke is suffering from amnesia and only remembers his life as it was before his breakup with Elle. Not wanting to tell Luke that he and Elle aren’t together anymore for fear it may compromise his recovery, Elle is asked by Luke’s family to come to the hospital to see him. Their hope is that she will slowly be able to jog his memory and cushion the blow.
Guilt-ridden over how their relationship ended, Elle readily agrees, finding herself transported back in time with Luke to the life they once shared and the future they could have had together."
Sounds awesome, right?
The book alternated between now and ten years ago, which the author does well. We are with Luke and Elle as they meet, fall in love, and unfortunately, fall apart. We also see where they ended up, and how, if possible, they could find their way back to each other.
I really feel like this novel has potential, and could be amazing with a strong edit.
Things I loved:
The premise, the M/F main characters, the pacing, some of the banter between the characters. Luke (he was pretty swoon-worthy).
**SPOILERS a comin'! **
Things that (I think) could use a tune up:
The cliches (drunken-trailer trash mama, a virgin, spunky roommate, abusive ex, rape, a heroic intervention, "you're too good for me," -- ALL of the tropes seen in New Adult novels in one book!), and the WAY over the top use of simile/figurative language. Some of the descriptions were just...over the top:
"Her trepidation, so raw and apparent, had inherently transferred itself into me the moment I heard her voice on the end of the line, forcing me to soak up every tear she must have shed over the last few weeks like a sponge."
And, although I love the idea of it, the premise itself needs a little cleaning up too... I didn't feel that Luke's friends and family were in the right, and I doubt very much that any real families would do what they did. I'm willing to suspend belief for a good book, but this was a bit much at times.
And the surprise from Maggie at the end was kind of out of left field. Seemed like a last ditch attempt at drama. Oh, and there is an attempted rape by a serial rapist/murderer (NOT the rape mentioned above. Another rape!) that was kind of forgotten right after. It was kind of like the book went in a different direction for a minute, then veered back on course.
And the cover doesn't match the plot in any way, other than it features a human.
Like I said, a strong edit could make this book great.
I'd give it 2.5 stars (rounded to 3 on goodreads).
When Time Stands Still is available on Kindle Unlimited, just FYI.
