Thursday, August 29, 2013

ANYWHERE by J. Meyers

 
 

Skye Whitcomb is running from her troubles, and where better to run than Europe? Fresh out of college, she makes quick plans with her best friend Paige and hops on a plane.

Of course, nothing ever goes as planned—at least not for her. First, Paige has to bail, and Skye’s left to travel alone. Then she meets sweet and sexy Asher Benedict in Paris, and sparks fly after a night together on the train to Rome. He’s all kinds of perfect for her, but the timing couldn’t be worse since she was running from the altar when she left—so the last thing she wants right now is a relationship.

But Skye’s about to discover that no matter how far you run, love can find you anywhere.

 
 
J. Meyers grew up in Vermont, spent three years in Germany when she was a kid, and now lives in Central New York. When she's not reading or writing, she's chasing after her four kids, exploring the outdoors with her family, baking sweet treats, and forgetting to make dinner. She's the author of Intangible, Intuition, Indomitable, and upcoming Imaginable, due out in April 2013.


 
 
 
Also available at Smashwords and Kobo
 

  I was so delighted to get this little gem in my inbox. I love J's YA series, INTANGIBLE. Her easyflowing style, the world she created, and her character's personalities. I couldn't wait to see what she would do with an NA Contemporary. She did not disappoint. I LOVED ANYWHERE. LOVED it. Ate it up. Swirled it around and savored it. The characters. The settings.  The drama. The heartache. The thrills. The SWOON!!! Ah! This book was PERFECT. And yet it ended much too soon.
What made the story SO good??? Absolutely amazing characters for one. Told entirely from Skye's POV, she immediately became my new bff. I thoroughly enjoyed her voice. Smart, sassy, strongwilled, adventurous, secure with herself and in her dreams for the future, and yet still vulnerable, and a bit scared. She was an educated and somewhat experienced young woman who knew what she didn't want and what she craved. I loved her determination and her lust for life. Her wanting and demanding more. Refusing to settle or cave to anyone else's dictation or ultimatums. Living through her for a few short hours was glorious FUN. And a touch emotional. She has struggles and challenges to face once she returns home, and a very HAWT, very charming, completely irresistible fellow traveler has most certainly complicated things. 
Boy, oh boy, is Asher something else. Woo! From the get-go this boy-man had my toes curling. Some may think he comes on too strong, but Skye and I didn't complain. He had me at, "Need help finding your train?". Just Skye's description of Asher and their first dialogue left me wanting more. His easy going manner, self confidence and sense of humor made him a great distraction. His playfulness and sense of adventure made him compelling. His adoration and obvious desire for Skye made him disarming. And his gentle wooing, smooth moves, and kind heart made him delectable. He is on paper PERFECT. If there is a REAL life guy out there like this one...Please! CALL. ME. IMMEDIATELY!!! In short, I LOVED him. And I loved him and Skye together.
The two become traveling companions and fast friends. And though both know it could never last, it's easy to see they have an undeniable attraction. They easily share their histories, hopes, fears, and dreams. They have an instant bond and need to protect the other. It seems as though they've known each other forever. They seem to be each other's perfect match. And they have the most amazing adventures all over Europe.
Of course it's not all fun and games. They both have lives to get back to. Problems to face. Futures to decide. Obstacles, loss, and disappointments to overcome. Each day their passion grows and Skye has to fight feelings she knows can only end up hurting them both. It's touching and heartbreaking. And simply beautiful.
This whirlwind affair alone holds your attention. Asher keeps you enthralled with his never ending quests and grand gestures. And you keep hoping that there is somehow, someway, somewhere... ANYWHERE these two can really be together. FOREVER. BUT, the story would not have been as romantic, as enchanting, and amazing had J. Meyer not taken us to the most beautiful and historical places in the world and made them an integral part of the tale. Her wonderful descriptions of the sites, the many excursions, and Skye's awe at her surroundings, made you feel as if you were truly there yourself. And who wouldn't want to be? Especially in Skye's shoes.
ANYWHERE made me dream for days afterwards. I'm still swooning over Asher. But what really stuck with me was Skye's growth and self empowerment. Her knowledge that she deserved happiness and to be loved the way she wanted is a rare thing in this genre. Most heroines constantly doubt their self worth and don't command their own course. Not Skye. She knows to get what you want out of life, you must demand it. Fate can only do so much. Even if it couldn't be with Asher, Skye would never give up the dream. She would not give up on love.
I can't tell you if Skye's dreams come true, but I can assure you you'll love her journey. Every. Single. Step of the way. If you only read one more book this Summer, make it ANYWHERE. It's NA Contemporary Romance done right. Sweet, not too heavy, fun, sexy, and totally satisfying.
 

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