Review: Sweetness by Lindsay Paige

Author: Lindsay Paige
Title: Sweetness
Publication: November 11, 2011
Publisher: Createspace
Genre: Contemporary
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Source: Author

Synopsis
Emily wished she was invisible. But after moving to a new town with her dad, a charming boy makes it impossible for her to disappear. Despite her feelings of unworthiness, Emily soon finds herself drawn to the safety of Jake's world.

Good looking and the star of the hockey team, Jake has a lot going for him. What most people don't see is the difficult life he has at home. When quiet Emily steals his heart, Jake vows to help her discover she is worthy of love. 

Just when the two of them realize the sweetness of their relationship, they are put to the test. Only together can they overcome their haunted pasts to fight for a future together.

Thoughts: This story will tug at your heart. The chemistry between Emily and Jake develops beautifully throughout the story. It is nice to see Emily gradually become more open to how Jake feels for her and in a way it helps her become more receptive to how she feels. The story begins with Emily's mother verbally abusing her and making her believe that she is the reason her father left. In addition to that, she is submitted to physical abuse that her mother allows to be done to her. Thankfully, her father gets her out of that situation but the emotional damage simmers inside Emily. 

Emily finds a kindred spirit in Jake, who also has to deal with the emotional strain that he could have saved his mother. According to his father, who tends to see the world from the bottom of a bottle, Jake carries the burden of her death. Jake, also takes on the responsibility to see after his little brother, who needs some stability, that at the moment their father appears incapable of giving. It amazes and infuriates me when I think about what these two go through with their parents. It's just not right.

Can Emily and Jake find peace in the midst of all the chaos in their lives? Maybe. I really like this one. I think the characters are well developed and the emotional depth is great. The writing is good and the story flows smoothly. Overall, a touching story about overcoming fears, family and love.