Forever Obsession: TOUR STOP: How to Say Goodbye

How To Say Goodbye by Amber Lin

ISBN: 9781940518077

Pages: 274

Source: Xpresso Book Tours

Publication Date: April 2014

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Summary:

Amy has a secret: no one’s ever held her hand. She doesn’t even know how to hug. Everyone thinks she’s smart, but straight A's are way easier than making friends. Then she meets Dane, a golden-haired surfer whose easy charm and hot touch teach her what she longs to know.

Dane lives for the salty breeze and a sweet wave, because that’s all he has. He’s been on the streets since he was fourteen. A drifter. Homeless. Then he meets Amy. Smart and accomplished, she’s everything he’s not. He wants to be the sort of man who deserves her.
Except that means facing down his past—and that past might very well swallow them both.

Hey guys! Welcome to my tour stop for the How to Say Goodbye Book Tour which is hosted by Xpresso Book Tours! I've got a pretty fun review to share with you guys today! Oh, don't forget to click the banner above to check out some other goodies from the other tour stops!!

Amy has grown up without ever experiencing the feeling of love. Her Japanese mother blamed her for the death of her father and left her with an uncle when she was young. Now an adult, Amy is working as an intern in Florida. She doesn't expect to get anything out of the summer other than her credits, but then she meets Dane. Dane's been on the streets since he was fourteen and hasn't experienced much love in his life either. But when he meets Amy, he wants to change that, he wants to become a man who is worthy of loving her and of receiving her love.

Ahh, I absolutely adored Amy and Dane. They have such a sweet relationship that resonates so deeply with unconditional love. While it is fragile at times, their love for each other keeps it strong. Amy and Dane first met at the beach when Dane was building a sand castle and he asked her if she wanted to help. *squeals* Can this be any more cute? Throughout the entire story, their relationship (repeating myself a bit) is firmly rooted in unconditional love. Well, almost unconditional love. Amy can't believe that someone like Dane would actually love her. Dane is afraid that he'll never be good enough. It was absolutely lovely to read about how they overcame their insecurities around each other to strengthen their love.

Okay, I'll be completely honest, I did get a bit annoyed at Dane at times. Seriously, do guys always need it for the girl to spell it out for them. Amy loves him, but for approximately 90% of the book, he spends it as a victim to his insecurities. Around Amy, he can't seem to put up his macho man walls and instead finds himself slowly revealing his secrets. It took him a while, but thank the gods he came around. They really have a truly golden relationship.

Let me just be clear, this is a Contemporary Romance on so many levels so if you're not a big fan of those, you might want to steer clear. But there are so many more aspects of this story than just the romance. How to Say Goodbye also focuses on forgiveness. Amy's forgiveness of her mother's abandonment, Dane forgiving the demons of his past, and the two of them forgiving each other. This book is one of those beautiful warm your heart, put a smile on your face kind of book. It outlines how love can be the bridge between years of resentment and distrust and how forgiving is just the first step to rebuilding a broken relationship.

Oh, one last thing. I loved how the author started every chapter with the definition of a word that basically encompasses that specific chapter. For example, Chapter One's definition is: Gravity - the force of attraction between two bodies. I just thought it was a super fun way to start the chapter and some of the definitions aren't clear to what the chapter's about so that's just more fun, to read and slowly figure out the chapter's connection to the word.

Overall, definitely recommend How to Say Goodbye. It's a super beautiful book and I personally think, a perfect summer read. After all, Amy and Dane met in the summer. :)

The stars were a puzzle, spread out and waiting. They whispered secrets, but only if you listened closely and understood their language. That was the allure.

But I can promise you this: if I ever need to leave, I'll talk to you. I'll tell you why, and I'll say goodbye.

No, he didn't plan on leaving her at all - but if he ever did, he would be leaving more than his home behind. He'd be leaving his heart...

Affinity. That was an old astrology term, back when constellations had personalities and the lunar cycle spun their stories. She and Dane were in affinity with only cryptic symbols to guide them...A tear down the middle, frantic hands unable to mend. Together until they weren't anymore. Particles flung through space, random and chaotic.