Left Drowning (Left Drowning Series)

There is one thing that I will give Jessica Park credit for in addition to her impeccable writing, and that is contributing to my reader's anxiety. I, myself, am a writer. I'm not much a reader. It takes a lot for me to get sucked into a story long enough to actually enjoy a book or to connect with the characters, so when I do, and the book ends, I mourn slightly. I feel sad, and would like to know what has happened since then. (They ARE real people, damn it!) I think other hardcore bookies will understand that - either that, or I'm crazy. Regardless, after discovering Jessica Park earlier this year, I am hooked. Her writing style is fresh, fearless, pushes boundaries, and utilizes the eloquence of our language while beautifully flowing from scene to scene, infusing modern-day, young vernacular with hints of sarcasm and freely dropping an F-bomb wherever she deems fit. (That's my kinda writing!)

Left Drowning was no exception to any of this. I will admit, I'm not typically a fan of any sort of erotica, but the "adult content" fit so well with the storyline and made the bond between the characters that much stronger. It was beautifully written, with that hint of "naughty" that 99% of people pretend to be offended by but are secretly wishing their significant others would say to them in the middle of a midnight romp. (Don't lie, you know it's true. You're mad because you got caught. It's okay.)

The love story is believable. Whether or not you agree with me completely depends on how you feel about God, or Fate, or whatever entity (or lack thereof) that you may or may not hold dear to you. I have read a few reviews from readers who "didn't get" Chris and Blythe's immediate connection or thought it was weird, and I'm honestly sorry for you. For me, it was actually a relief to read something so beautiful and unforced. I have lived through something very similar, and I married my "Chris", so this book really hit close to home with me (as do all of her other books, in their own special way). He came home from work after I finished reading this last night and I looked at him and couldn't help but cry happy tears. This book helped me reconnect with my own fate for a moment, and that's extraordinary.

I laughed. A lot. I fell in love with Sabin and Blythe's friendship, as I'm sure most other people did. I also cried. The pain is real and emanates right off the page. When Blythe says she can't breathe, you can't breathe. When she talks about the electricity between herself and Chris, your chest is on fire and aches for that.

I honestly can't recommend this book enough.