Lighter by Gia Riley ~ FMR REVIEW

TITLE: Lighter (Begin Again, #1)

AUTHOR: Gia Riley

RELEASE DATE: February 16, 2015

SYNOPSIS:

What do you do when you can't save the one you love? 

Sophie can’t survive without control. Growing up with an alcoholic father, she craves the discipline of gymnastics. Feeling lost on a brand new college campus, she lets loose for the first time in her life. But with freedom comes consequences. Is one night everything she hopes? Or will she become her own worst nightmare?

Kipton's one year away from graduation. He's never thought beyond a one night stand until meeting his sister’s new roommate. Finally setting his sights on the girl he can't resist, he's more determined than ever when she won't give in to his persuasions. He's always gotten the girl, and he's not about to give up without a fight. 

Will Sophie be able to salvage her dreams and wage a war against her own vices? Can she finally let love in? Or will history repeat itself causing her to self-destruct?

Lighter isn't your typical college romance. Darkness suffocates, dreams are dashed, and battles are lost. Love takes on a whole new meaning.

REVIEW BY: Fidah

Lighter by Gia Riley is a story about a girl who has a dark past and went through some of the toughest things, but she’s trying to get over them and live her life. This book is definitely not light. It tackles some heavy subject which I really like and appreciate because it’s realistic. Not everyone is fortunate or blessed to have a happy family.

Unfortunately, I have mixed feelings about the book. Sophie is a strong and courageous yet broken because of the life she’s dealt with. I find myself supporting her and wanting the best for her because of her past. However, I had trouble connecting to her. I like her, but there wasn’t this connection between us that made me feel for her pain or her happiness. The best way to describe this feeling is my mind was with Sophie, but my heart wasn’t. Because of that, I found it hard to enjoy this book.

On the other hand, our love interest is this sweet, passionate and determined guy. Kipton is a sweetheart. I’m positive that a lot of girls will adore him. He’s really supportive and kind towards Sophie and her situation. And again, I liked seeing Sophie and Kipton together but it was difficult to support them because of the angst. I have to admit though, I’m not a huge fan of relationships filled with angsts. I don’t hate them but sometimes I can get really tired and frustrated.

Yes, this book wasn’t that enjoyable but I appreciate the depth and content of the story. It wasn’t a fluffy and cute romance. It required work and effort. Sometimes…you need to allow yourself to heal to love someone with all your heart. I liked that sentiment.

3 Stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gia Riley is a New Adult/Contemporary Romance Author from the small but mighty state of Delaware. When she's not working on her next book, you can find her roaming the isles of Kirkland's or up to her elbows in Play-doh. 

Always believing everyone deserves a happily ever after, Gia prides herself on creating characters who are real, personable, and entertaining. 

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