Publisher: Self-published
Publish Date: Out Now
How I got this book: eARC from author
Reviewer: MinnChica
There is nothing happily ever after about my life. My mom is dying of breast cancer. I work four jobs just to keep us going.
What I don’t need to deal with?
Jamie McAlister.
Yeah. Him. Blond, tall, gorgeous. I had a crush on him throughout high school, but he never knew I existed. I don’t even think he knows my name. I was too shy to say a word to him. It seems that everywhere I go, he’s there. And now? He’s kissed me—a lot. And those hot kisses have led to even hotter nights.
I’m falling for him, head over heels. But I don’t know how to fit Jamie into my life. I only know I need him. Which means I have to try for something I never thought was possible. I have to fight for him and a forever kind of love.
*Blurb from Goodreads*
I’ve really enjoyed the With Me series, so when I got the chance to review Jamie’s book, I couldn’t wait to find out more about the jokster, easy-going guy.
Jamie always had a thing for Zelda, but was too shy and lacked the confidence to approach her in high school. Running into her at the coffee shop, and then his new job at the movie theatre seemed like the perfect opportunity to finally make his move.
Zelda has been dealing with her mother dying from breast cancer for many years. It’s taxing and difficult and she struggles everyday working four jobs just to keep them afloat. Starting a romance with Jamie is low on her priority list, but she can’t deny the attraction between them. Finally having a friend to lean on, and someone to care for her is support she never expected, and can’t seem to let go of.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster. Between Zelda’s mother’s battle with cancer, and Zelda’s struggle to accept it, I spent just as much of this book in tears as I did with a smile on my face. I loved the way Patrick showed just how difficult it was on Zelda to keep it together for her mom, not just with working four jobs, but all the heartbreak that comes with losing a parent. Like Zelda, my mom is one of my best friends, and it broke my heart to read this book.
I loved the way that Jamie was such a strong presence for Zelda. He was her rock when she needed him to be, and also a joker and lover. He filled the gaps that she needed him to fill in ways that she never expected, and warmed my heart. I loved that he was always ready to lend a helping hand, whether it was driving her somewhere, or buying party supplies, or just being a sounding board. Jamie was the perfect friend and boyfriend to Zelda, and I fell just as head over heels for him as she did.
I liked that we got to see a little more of Griff and the secondary characters that we’ve come to love. The scene where Zelda went all fangirl over Hailey was sweet, and I loved Daphne with all her questions and immediate love and support for someone she just met. I hope that Patrick takes time in future books to explore the relationship between the girlfriends as they become closer. (Elyssa – you should totally write a novella for a girls night out, I’d read it in a heartbeat!!)
The one thing that bothered me a bit about this book was that Zelda’s mom admitted she took a life insurance policy out so that Zelda would be comfortable money-wise once she died. While that scene made me sob, there was also a tiny voice in the back of my mind that kep wondering how she got the life insurance policy, and how she paid for it, and what company in their right mind would give life insurance to a woman with cancer…
All in all, I adored this book. Jamie and Zelda were so adorable together, and I loved that their relationship was sweet and steamy all at the same time. They went on an incredible journey together in their relationship, and hit so many highs and lows in a short period of time. The romance was wonderful, the characters amazing. Anyone who enjoys NA romance definitely needs to pick this series up!
I give Try With Me a B+
Too much bad emotions for me I think, but I am glad you enjoyed it so much.