NicoleeK

Goodreads Synopsis: For some people, silence is a weapon. For Mallory “Mouse” Dodge, it’s a shield. Growing up, she learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime.

Now, after years of homeschooling with loving adoptive parents, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at public high school. But of all the terrifying and exhilarating scenarios she’s imagined, there’s one she never dreamed of—that she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.

It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet the deeper their bond grows, the more it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with the lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory faces a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants, and the truths that need to be heard.

Review:

The thing I love about JLA’s books are that they are all different and the same can be said for this one.

So we have Mallory ‘Mouse’ who grew up in the foster system and didn’t have the nicest childhood, but one positive thing was having her saviour and best friend with her to protect her. Then one night something happens that separates them and Mallory gets adopted by a loving family.

Skip ahead four years Mallory is starting her senior year in a public school and who does she run into? None other than her childhood best friend, Rider.

What I loved about Mallory and Rider was that their relationship wasn’t insta love. They grew up together in an abusive household and have a special connection because of it. When they are reunited it is only normal that they want to relearn everything about each other and spend time together.

One thing I didn’t like was how overprotective Carl and Rosa were of Mallory. Yes they know about all the horrible things that happened to her and were only trying to look out for her but sometimes they went a bit far and were holding Malory back from just living her life.

This was a really special story that you couldn’t help get sucked into. Mallory’s character was really relatable even though I couldn’t relate to her experiences. Like JLA said, there’s a bit of ‘Mouse’ in all of us. Mallory grew so much throughout the story from being a timid, shy girl to someone strong and even helped Rider defeat his own demons.

This book filled me with so many emotions, I would be on the brink of tears one minute and then Jayden and Hector would be making me laugh the next. Every character added to this story and made it unforgettable.

Another strong story from one of my favourite authors and I look forward to reading more of her books!