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On the Way to You
Bestselling Author Kandi Steiner delivers a breathtaking, poignant romance and unforgettable adventure about two strangers and the road trip that will change both of their lives forever.
What makes you happy?
That was the question Emery Reed asked me the day we met, and I couldn’t give him a single answer. I could have said my dog, or my books, or yoga — but I just stared.
And then, I got in his car.
It was crazy to take a road trip with a stranger, but after years of standing still, he was my one-way ticket to a new life, and I wasn’t going to miss it.
We shared the same space, the same car, the same hotel room — and still, we were strangers. One day we’d be laughing, the next, we wouldn’t speak. Emery was surrounded by impenetrable walls, but I wanted in.
Discovering his journal changed everything.
I read his thoughts, words not meant for anyone’s eyes, and the more I learned about him, the harder I fell. It turned out nothing made Emery Reed happy, and I wanted to change that.
I earned his trust by violating his privacy, and as wrong as it was, it worked — until one entry revealed a darkness I never knew existed, a timer I never knew was ticking.
Suddenly, what made me happy was saving Emery from himself. I just didn’t know if I could.
What makes you happy?
That was the question Emery Reed asked me the day we met, and I couldn’t give him a single answer. I could have said my dog, or my books, or yoga — but I just stared.
And then, I got in his car.
It was crazy to take a road trip with a stranger, but after years of standing still, he was my one-way ticket to a new life, and I wasn’t going to miss it.
We shared the same space, the same car, the same hotel room — and still, we were strangers. One day we’d be laughing, the next, we wouldn’t speak. Emery was surrounded by impenetrable walls, but I wanted in.
Discovering his journal changed everything.
I read his thoughts, words not meant for anyone’s eyes, and the more I learned about him, the harder I fell. It turned out nothing made Emery Reed happy, and I wanted to change that.
I earned his trust by violating his privacy, and as wrong as it was, it worked — until one entry revealed a darkness I never knew existed, a timer I never knew was ticking.
Suddenly, what made me happy was saving Emery from himself. I just didn’t know if I could.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2017
About the author
Kandi Steiner
62 books12.3k followersKandi Steiner is a #1 Amazon Bestselling Author and whiskey connoisseur living in Tennessee. Best known for writing “emotional rollercoaster” stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance — in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you’re a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she’s your gal.
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. Her love for writing started at the ripe age of 10, and in 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.”
She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic, and likes to highlight all the challenges of love as well as the triumphs.
When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, planning her next adventure, or pole dancing (yes, you read that right). She enjoys live music, traveling, hiking, yoga, playing with her fur babies and soaking up the sweetness of life.
CONNECT WITH KANDI:
➜ NEWSLETTER: kandisteiner.com/newsletter
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kandisteiner
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (Kandiland): facebook.com/groups/kandilandks
➜ INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/kandisteiner
➜ TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@authorkandisteiner
➜ TWITTER: twitter.com/kandisteiner
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/authorkandisteiner
➜ WEBSITE: www.kandisteiner.com
Kandi Steiner may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:
➜ www.kandisteiner.com/events
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. Her love for writing started at the ripe age of 10, and in 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.”
She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic, and likes to highlight all the challenges of love as well as the triumphs.
When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, planning her next adventure, or pole dancing (yes, you read that right). She enjoys live music, traveling, hiking, yoga, playing with her fur babies and soaking up the sweetness of life.
CONNECT WITH KANDI:
➜ NEWSLETTER: kandisteiner.com/newsletter
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kandisteiner
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (Kandiland): facebook.com/groups/kandilandks
➜ INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/kandisteiner
➜ TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@authorkandisteiner
➜ TWITTER: twitter.com/kandisteiner
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/authorkandisteiner
➜ WEBSITE: www.kandisteiner.com
Kandi Steiner may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:
➜ www.kandisteiner.com/events
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,164 reviews
November 16, 2017
4.5 stars!!!
Kandi Steiner is one of those authors that gives me all the feels when reading. I love her words. This book is different from anything else she’s written. It’s emotional, powerful, and the writing is stunning!
I love road trip books! In my opinion, there aren’t enough of them! This was not your normal road trip book, however. Emery and Cooper’s journey was much different. It’s one of those books you need to read for yourself so I won’t delve into the plot of the book. Just know the romance is gorgeous, but it’s so much more than that!
On the Way to You is a romance, but it’s also a story of self discovery. It’s a book about love, loss, friendship, and it battles hard topics like mental health. Kandi wrote this topic so realistically. If you have ever struggled with severe depression, or know someone who has, you will be able to relate to Emery. Cooper is a beautiful soul. She loves with all she is and she tries to be understanding and helpful . Their story isn’t the hearts and flowers, conventional romance. It’s unique to them and it’s beautiful.
Kandi Steiner. You have a way with words. I’m so glad you wrote this book. I think it’s a book that needs to be read. It’s a story that will stay with me. This book broke my heart, but also healed it in a beautiful way. If you’re looking for a romance that goes deeper than the traditional romance, one that will touch your soul, make you think and make you feel, pick up On the Way to You!
Kandi Steiner is one of those authors that gives me all the feels when reading. I love her words. This book is different from anything else she’s written. It’s emotional, powerful, and the writing is stunning!
What makes you happy?If someone asked you ‘What makes you happy?’ right this moment, could you answer them honestly? Not some superficial answer, but true happiness. Cooper couldn’t. When Emery Reed spoke those four words to her, she couldn’t answer him. Cooper seems happy where she’s at, but she’s not. She craves adventure and has dreamed about getting out of Alabama to go to the northwest. When Emery offers her a ride, as strange as it may seem, she goes. It’s time to take a risk and live a little.
“Life isn’t supposed to be safe,” she added with a laugh. “If it was, they wouldn’t call it living. They’d just call it existing. And you’ve existed long enough, baby girl. It’s time to live.”
I love road trip books! In my opinion, there aren’t enough of them! This was not your normal road trip book, however. Emery and Cooper’s journey was much different. It’s one of those books you need to read for yourself so I won’t delve into the plot of the book. Just know the romance is gorgeous, but it’s so much more than that!
“I want that kind of love that leaves you breathless when it hits you.”
On the Way to You is a romance, but it’s also a story of self discovery. It’s a book about love, loss, friendship, and it battles hard topics like mental health. Kandi wrote this topic so realistically. If you have ever struggled with severe depression, or know someone who has, you will be able to relate to Emery. Cooper is a beautiful soul. She loves with all she is and she tries to be understanding and helpful . Their story isn’t the hearts and flowers, conventional romance. It’s unique to them and it’s beautiful.
Kandi Steiner. You have a way with words. I’m so glad you wrote this book. I think it’s a book that needs to be read. It’s a story that will stay with me. This book broke my heart, but also healed it in a beautiful way. If you’re looking for a romance that goes deeper than the traditional romance, one that will touch your soul, make you think and make you feel, pick up On the Way to You!
“You’re the first person to do that. You’re the first person to make me feel alive, Cooper. In a long time.” He shrugged. “Maybe ever.”
November 17, 2017
*****FIVE+++++++++ STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
Time. Such a simple word. Such a complicated concept. I’d had so much of it, too much of it, wasting away in that small town that I couldn’t wait to leave. I didn’t even notice the ticking of the clock on the wall while I worked at the diner, never considered how many days had passed each time a new birthday rolled around. I didn’t even acknowledge time until the day I left that town, until the day I met Emery. Then, time became a living, breathing, moving thing. And it was entirely too fast.
I can’t remember the last time I read a book by an author that was new to me that I ended up loving with all of my heart! ON THE WAY TO YOU is hauntingly beautiful in its sadness and Kandi Steiner’s exquisite writing has left an indelible mark on my heart. The characters are incredible and their flaws which to most might make them seem imperfect only helped to further endear them to me. I am completely in awe of the beauty of this story. I felt a gamut of emotions while reading this book and I can tell you it seriously was unputdownable. Never did I feel like I was on the outside looking in. It was as if I was experiencing everything with Cooper as she traveled across the country with the beautiful but broken Emery. I have found another author whose writing I have fallen madly in love with. I can’t even tell you how many lines I’ve highlighted in the book and how many tears have been shed while reading it. If you’re into emotional reads, this is one you simply must not pass up.
Cooper Owens has been biding her time until the day she would be able to leave the rundown trailer park in Mobile, Alabama that she has called home for nearly twenty years. She’s been working at a local diner for the past several years and saving as much as she can to pay for her tuition and living expenses in a college in Seattle. Cooper is a vibrant young woman, filled with determination and light. We learn early on that she lost the lower portion of her left leg in a car accident when she was twelve. This would destroy most people, but not Cooper if anything it made her stronger. You can’t help but fall in love with her from the very start.
During one of her early morning shifts at the diner, a handsome stranger sits at one of her stations. Cooper is a little stunned by how gorgeous the guy is and also caught off guard when he asks her--”What makes you happy?” A seemingly simple question but one she couldn’t find the words to provide an answer to. While making small talk with him, Cooper finds out he’s on a road trip by himself heading to Washington. After she tells him that’s where she is attending school in the fall, he offers to give her a lift. While hesitant at first, she eventually throws caution to the wind and takes Emery up on his offer and soon with just a few items of clothing and her little dog, Kalo, the two are off to start a journey that will bring them to some of the many picturesque locations across the country and it will also become a journey to self-awareness.
Early into their travels, Emery starts to have moments where he mentally shuts down and closes himself off to Cooper. At first, she doesn’t question it but as time goes on and tender moments pass between them sporadically, her feelings start to intensify for Emery. His darkness starts to affect her and Emery’s unwillingness to open up to Cooper has her resorting to deceitful behavior when she betrays his trust by secretly reading his journal in hopes of getting inside his head. Cooper knows what she is doing is wrong and every time she goes against better judgment and continues to read his journal you can’t help but feel trepidation as to what will happen when she is caught in the act. There’s just no way that it couldn’t happen, right?
At some point during their travels together, Cooper is able to break through Emery’s defenses and believe me he’s wanted her just as much as she’s wanted him but his belief in the fact that he's not capable of giving her what she deserves, has helped him to keep his distance from her. But one night he’ll be too weak to fight it any longer and all I can say is I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read a more beautiful description of two people making love for the very first time. My sappy romantic self was over the moon and floating on a cloud high in the sky. It was passionate, and it was panty melting but the description was poetic and beautiful. It was Cooper’s first time and Emery made sure it was filled with tenderness and reverence.
Every time they had a good day, I felt all the warm and fuzzy butterflies fluttering in my stomach but I also knew that soon enough there would be days of darkness and despair when Emery was lost to the depression that plagued him and my heart broke with Cooper’s every time. I had such a feeling of foreboding through the second half of the book but I knew that I had to see things through with Emery and Cooper.
Here are my overall ratings on the book:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 5++++
Plot: 5
Angst: 5
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
I don’t want to give anything else away. All I can say is that I am so honored to have been able to receive an advanced copy of this truly amazing story and I know on release day I will be gifting this book to some of my book besties!
For those of you who battle with depression or have been in love with someone who suffers from depression, this is one story that will surely hit close to home. I especially loved the author's note after the epilogue.
ON THE WAY TO YOU releases on November 16th. Pre-order it now for only 99 cents!!
✩ Amazon US ➜ amzn.to/2i6bqlB
✩ Amazon UK ➜ amzn.to/2ina2uW
✩ Amazon CA ➜ amzn.to/2hxnqfw
✩ Amazon AU ➜ amzn.to/2ilmfAE
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
Time. Such a simple word. Such a complicated concept. I’d had so much of it, too much of it, wasting away in that small town that I couldn’t wait to leave. I didn’t even notice the ticking of the clock on the wall while I worked at the diner, never considered how many days had passed each time a new birthday rolled around. I didn’t even acknowledge time until the day I left that town, until the day I met Emery. Then, time became a living, breathing, moving thing. And it was entirely too fast.
I can’t remember the last time I read a book by an author that was new to me that I ended up loving with all of my heart! ON THE WAY TO YOU is hauntingly beautiful in its sadness and Kandi Steiner’s exquisite writing has left an indelible mark on my heart. The characters are incredible and their flaws which to most might make them seem imperfect only helped to further endear them to me. I am completely in awe of the beauty of this story. I felt a gamut of emotions while reading this book and I can tell you it seriously was unputdownable. Never did I feel like I was on the outside looking in. It was as if I was experiencing everything with Cooper as she traveled across the country with the beautiful but broken Emery. I have found another author whose writing I have fallen madly in love with. I can’t even tell you how many lines I’ve highlighted in the book and how many tears have been shed while reading it. If you’re into emotional reads, this is one you simply must not pass up.
Cooper Owens has been biding her time until the day she would be able to leave the rundown trailer park in Mobile, Alabama that she has called home for nearly twenty years. She’s been working at a local diner for the past several years and saving as much as she can to pay for her tuition and living expenses in a college in Seattle. Cooper is a vibrant young woman, filled with determination and light. We learn early on that she lost the lower portion of her left leg in a car accident when she was twelve. This would destroy most people, but not Cooper if anything it made her stronger. You can’t help but fall in love with her from the very start.
During one of her early morning shifts at the diner, a handsome stranger sits at one of her stations. Cooper is a little stunned by how gorgeous the guy is and also caught off guard when he asks her--”What makes you happy?” A seemingly simple question but one she couldn’t find the words to provide an answer to. While making small talk with him, Cooper finds out he’s on a road trip by himself heading to Washington. After she tells him that’s where she is attending school in the fall, he offers to give her a lift. While hesitant at first, she eventually throws caution to the wind and takes Emery up on his offer and soon with just a few items of clothing and her little dog, Kalo, the two are off to start a journey that will bring them to some of the many picturesque locations across the country and it will also become a journey to self-awareness.
Early into their travels, Emery starts to have moments where he mentally shuts down and closes himself off to Cooper. At first, she doesn’t question it but as time goes on and tender moments pass between them sporadically, her feelings start to intensify for Emery. His darkness starts to affect her and Emery’s unwillingness to open up to Cooper has her resorting to deceitful behavior when she betrays his trust by secretly reading his journal in hopes of getting inside his head. Cooper knows what she is doing is wrong and every time she goes against better judgment and continues to read his journal you can’t help but feel trepidation as to what will happen when she is caught in the act. There’s just no way that it couldn’t happen, right?
At some point during their travels together, Cooper is able to break through Emery’s defenses and believe me he’s wanted her just as much as she’s wanted him but his belief in the fact that he's not capable of giving her what she deserves, has helped him to keep his distance from her. But one night he’ll be too weak to fight it any longer and all I can say is I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read a more beautiful description of two people making love for the very first time. My sappy romantic self was over the moon and floating on a cloud high in the sky. It was passionate, and it was panty melting but the description was poetic and beautiful. It was Cooper’s first time and Emery made sure it was filled with tenderness and reverence.
Every time they had a good day, I felt all the warm and fuzzy butterflies fluttering in my stomach but I also knew that soon enough there would be days of darkness and despair when Emery was lost to the depression that plagued him and my heart broke with Cooper’s every time. I had such a feeling of foreboding through the second half of the book but I knew that I had to see things through with Emery and Cooper.
Here are my overall ratings on the book:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 5++++
Plot: 5
Angst: 5
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
I don’t want to give anything else away. All I can say is that I am so honored to have been able to receive an advanced copy of this truly amazing story and I know on release day I will be gifting this book to some of my book besties!
For those of you who battle with depression or have been in love with someone who suffers from depression, this is one story that will surely hit close to home. I especially loved the author's note after the epilogue.
ON THE WAY TO YOU releases on November 16th. Pre-order it now for only 99 cents!!
✩ Amazon US ➜ amzn.to/2i6bqlB
✩ Amazon UK ➜ amzn.to/2ina2uW
✩ Amazon CA ➜ amzn.to/2hxnqfw
✩ Amazon AU ➜ amzn.to/2ilmfAE
November 16, 2017
I adore Kandi Steiner's books. Her stories are always MORE than romance. They have a theme of hope and second chances that really inspires a reader. The way she writes, with intensity and fervor, make you feel every word of her novels. I truly connect to her characters and her storytelling, and On the Way to You was no different. I fell in love with Emery and Cooper, and was actively invested in them. This story is heavy and haunting in parts, but also so beautiful and heartfelt and sexy with the gorgeous romance that springs to life. Everything about it hooked me. And I found myself feeling a million and one things. If you know me, you know I thrive off angst, and On the Way to You has many different types of angst. From the slow burn, slow building relationship feels, to the deeper, more raw and poignant emotional issues, this book has a little of everything, and that's what makes it a must read.
So... what's the book about?
Well, the blurb pretty much says all you need to know. Emery comes to town and stops in at the diner that Cooper (our heroine) works in. He asks her a really random question. "What makes you happy?" Now for me, I double blinked like, "huh." LOL. It's a weird way to greet someone, but I have to say it definitely caught my attention and intrigued me. Cooper is also caught off guard by Emery. He's different and beautiful, and when an opportunity to tag along on his trip arises, she finds herself making a rash, impulsive, and crazy decision that changes her life completely.
From there this story takes off. Emery and Cooper are both characters that are haunted by their pasts, but the way they attack life is so different. It's heart wrenching and eye opening to go on this journey with them. I could not get enough of them together and felt so moved by the way they reacted to each other. Emery is a man with some serious baggage and goodness, I broke for him. Over and over and over again. And Cooper is a girl with such a big heart and so much potential that I just fell in love with her.
Overall, I was left a speechless by this author. She always creates a story that has a message, and I really felt that with On the Way to You. I felt like she was bringing us more than a simple redemption/second chance/self discovery romance. She was trying to bring hope to the hopeless. And I really really really LOVED that she shared this with us. It's one I'll remember for some time to come and one that has definitely made a lasting impression.
So... what's the book about?
Well, the blurb pretty much says all you need to know. Emery comes to town and stops in at the diner that Cooper (our heroine) works in. He asks her a really random question. "What makes you happy?" Now for me, I double blinked like, "huh." LOL. It's a weird way to greet someone, but I have to say it definitely caught my attention and intrigued me. Cooper is also caught off guard by Emery. He's different and beautiful, and when an opportunity to tag along on his trip arises, she finds herself making a rash, impulsive, and crazy decision that changes her life completely.
From there this story takes off. Emery and Cooper are both characters that are haunted by their pasts, but the way they attack life is so different. It's heart wrenching and eye opening to go on this journey with them. I could not get enough of them together and felt so moved by the way they reacted to each other. Emery is a man with some serious baggage and goodness, I broke for him. Over and over and over again. And Cooper is a girl with such a big heart and so much potential that I just fell in love with her.
Overall, I was left a speechless by this author. She always creates a story that has a message, and I really felt that with On the Way to You. I felt like she was bringing us more than a simple redemption/second chance/self discovery romance. She was trying to bring hope to the hopeless. And I really really really LOVED that she shared this with us. It's one I'll remember for some time to come and one that has definitely made a lasting impression.
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June 9, 2020Here's what you need to know about this book right MEOW:
★ It's my favorite cover to date
★ It's my favorite BOOK I've ever written to date
★ It's a road trip story
★ It's got the angst you love from me
★ It's got those FEELS you crave from me
★ It's NOW AVAILABLE (and #FREE with #KindleUnlimited!)
✩ Amazon US ➜ amzn.to/2i6bqlB
✩ Amazon UK ➜ amzn.to/2ina2uW
✩ Amazon CA ➜ amzn.to/2hxnqfw
✩ Amazon AU ➜ amzn.to/2ilmfAE
Keep reading for a Goodreads EXCLUSIVE sneak peek!
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As soon as I expelled a long breath and lifted my eyes to where the boy from the diner stood leaning against his car, I halted.
He’d followed me as I rode my bike back to my house, and I’d ditched that same bike in my front yard before sprinting inside without another word. But here he was, waiting for me, and again, the same three words cycled through my head.
This is insane.
“I don’t know if I packed the right stuff,” I admitted, feet moving toward him and the car. “I wasn’t sure what to pack, honestly. It’s still hot here but I know it won’t be in Washington. Then again, we’ll be in the car, so I guess it doesn’t really matter too much what the weather is like. We can just adjust the air. I mean you can, since it’s your car. I won’t touch the air. Or the radio. I promise. I’ll be like a fly on the wall. Or, well, not a fly, because flies are annoying. I’ll be like a butterfly. Like, the caterpillar in the cocoon before the butterfly actually happens.” He was just looking at me with those same questioning eyes, though the corner of his mouth twitched at a smile. “I won’t be a problem, that’s what I’m trying to say.”
“Good to know.”
I nodded, adjusting the yoga mat under my arm. He was just leaned up against the car, which I realized now was not only a convertible, but a BMW, too. His hands were tucked easily into the pockets of his navy blue pants, one ankle crossed over the other as he watched me.
When he stood straight and opened the passenger side door, Kalo bolted from where she’d been sniffing the grass at my side and jumped right into the front seat, parking her little butt down and letting her tongue hang out as she panted up at us.
He eyed her, one brow cocked as he turned back to face me.
“Kalo. I rescued her when she was a pup.” I shrugged. “Can’t leave her behind.”
He wet his lips, looking back down at Kalo with a curious stare. “Will you be like a butterfly, too?”
Kalo popped up, little paws pressing into his chest as she lapped at his face before jumping into the backseat.
He chuckled, wiping at the slobber on his chin before turning to me with an outstretched hand aimed at the bag over my shoulder. I handed it to him, mind still racing with all the reasons this was the dumbest idea ever as he loaded my bag into the trunk, taking my yoga mat next.
I dropped Kalo’s bed into the back seat and she immediately climbed into it, turning in two circles before plopping down.
And then I had a panic attack.
“Wait!”
He paused mid-reach for the handle on the driver door, but he was still relaxed, a peaceful expression on his face as he did what I asked.
I couldn’t catch a steady breath, ears ringing and fingers reaching blindly for my braid. I pulled it over my shoulder and picked at the ends of it, mind racing, questions burning through me.
“What’s your name?”
“Emery.”
“Emery what?”
“Emery Reed.”
I nodded, over and over, still picking at my split ends. “Okay, Emery Reed, and have you ever been convicted of a crime?”
He laughed, just one quick, humored bark, the noise warm and comforting. “No. Have you?”
I wrinkled my nose. “Of course not.”
“Okay.”
“Okay,” I agreed, looking up and down my street. One of my neighbors a few trailers down was sitting on their porch, watching me with curious eyes. “Are you dangerous?”
“If I was, I wouldn’t tell you.”
“But you’re not, right?”
He shrugged. “Guess you’ll find out.”
I scoffed. “I’m serious. You’re not like… crazy or anything, are you?”
At that he threw his head back and laughed again, eyes warm when they found mine. “Of course I am. Aren’t you?”
A warm breeze blew between us then, the faint smell of pumpkin riding on its wings, giving me the first scent of fall I’d had all season.
“Can I get in now?” he asked, eyes not leaving mine.
I swallowed, and then with a quick nod, he opened his door as I slipped into the passenger seat, and we closed the doors at the same time, the quiet thunk of them solidifying my choice.
I was leaving Alabama.
I was going to Washington.
With a strange boy.
Whom I had just met.
Who admitted out loud that he’s crazy.
He fired up the engine, the soft purr of it sparking a wave of chills up my arms. And there was no ceremonious goodbye, no rush of memories as he put it in drive and pulled away from my house that never was a home.
I’d nearly shredded the end of my braid, so I threw it behind me, right leg bouncing as I wrung my hands together in my lap.
“I’m Cooper,” I finally said when we pulled out of the trailer park. “Cooper Owens.”
“Nice to meet you, Cooper.”
I nodded, leg still bouncing.
“So, why are you going to Washington?”
He shifted, switching hands on the steering wheel as those two familiar lines creased between his brows. “There’s just something I need to see.”
“Well, that’s not vague or anything.”
He didn’t respond, pulling onto I-10 and picking up speed. The wind blowing through the car from the top being down whirled more now, picking up the stray strands of my hair and twirling them around me.
“How old are you?” I yelled over the wind, heart still thundering under my ribs, nervous system in a practical breakdown as it fired off all the warning signals.
DON’T TALK TO STRANGERS.
DON’T GET IN CARS WITH STRANGERS.
DON’T TRAVEL ACROSS THE COUNTRY WITH STRANGERS.
“Twenty-three.”
“What do you do?”
He shook his head, as if my question disappointed him. “I drive.”
“Like for a living?”
“No, like right now, in this moment, I drive.”
“Well, that’s not what I meant.”
“What did you mean?” he challenged, glancing at me quickly before returning his gaze to the road.
I stammered, hands waving erratically around me. “I don’t know, just like, who are you? Tell me something to help me freak out less about the decision I just made to get in the car with you.”
He paused. “If I do kill you, I promise to take care of your dog.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Funny.”
He bit back a smile, and I lost my train of thought watching the slow spread of it on his face, the wind whipping through his sandy blond hair, the sun casting a warm glow over half of his face and cool shadows over the other.
“Wait, I know,” I said with a snap of my fingers, pulling my cell phone from my back pocket. “Is your name Emery Reed on Facebook? I can just look through your profile and reassure myself that you’re not a serial killer.”
“I don’t have a Facebook.”
I balked, heart stopping in my chest before kicking back to life. “What do you mean you don’t have a Facebook? Everyone has a Facebook.” My nerves sparked to life again, head shaking of its own accord. “Oh, my God, you really are going to kill me, aren’t you? Oh my God, oh my God.”
Suddenly, the car veered to the right and a scream ripped through my throat, Emery riding the tail of a semi-truck and cutting off an old van before pulling off onto the shoulder, stopping us altogether with enough force to send me flying forward before I was jerked back against the seat again.
“We almost wrecked!” I panicked, checking the backseat to make sure Kalo was okay. She just stared up at me goofily from her bed like I was the crazy one.
“Hey,” Emery said, calling my attention back to him. “Are we doing this?”
Cars and trucks zoomed by behind him, each one rocking our car with a whoosh as I tried to calm my racing heart. He wasn’t annoyed, his face wasn’t screwed up with impatience, his eyes weren’t accusing or judging. He was simply watching me. He was simply waiting. I knew that look, because I’d been waiting my entire life.
“Are we doing this,” he asked again, voice even steadier than before. “Or not?”
And in perhaps the most chaotic moment of my life, on the shoulder of I-10, with cars zipping by and a stranger waiting to drive me to my new life, I closed my eyes, pressed my head into the warm leather seat, and took my first breath.
“We’re doing this,” I whispered, eyes still closed.
“Okay,” he said, and then I felt a hand on my knee.
My eyes shot open, heart back in my throat.
“Seatbelt,” he said, squeezing my leg before reaching into the center console for his sunglasses. He slid the frames into place. “And I hope you like The Black Keys.”
His hand reached for the knob, cranking up the volume, and then he pulled back onto the highway, effectively ending my freakout.
Kalo popped her head between our seats, nudging my elbow with her wet nose. I looked down at her, still in a daze, numbly petting her head to assure her I was okay.
Then, with one more deep inhale, I shook the negative thoughts from my mind, choosing instead to embrace the moment.
I was leaving Alabama.
I was going to Washington.
Everything I’d always wanted was finally happening, even if it wasn’t exactly how I’d imagined it, and the next breath that left my lungs also left a sense of peace behind it, one that filled me from the inside out.
I think I knew, even then, that the greatest adventure of my life was about to begin.
I didn’t know who I was, or who I’d become, or where I’d go when we got to Washington. I didn’t know where we’d stop on the way, or how we’d get along, or how I’d feel when we hit our final destination, when we said goodbye and went our separate ways.
I didn’t know any of that.
But I did know something about that day, and that boy, and that car felt right.
I knew as the sun warmed my skin and the wind blew through my hair that I was never coming back to Alabama.
And ten minutes later, when we crossed the state line, I smiled.
I smiled, and I didn’t look back.
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PRE-ORDER: Sunday, November 12th
RELEASE DAY: Thursday, November 16th
KINDLE UNLIMITED? Yes
★ It's my favorite cover to date
★ It's my favorite BOOK I've ever written to date
★ It's a road trip story
★ It's got the angst you love from me
★ It's got those FEELS you crave from me
★ It's NOW AVAILABLE (and #FREE with #KindleUnlimited!)
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Keep reading for a Goodreads EXCLUSIVE sneak peek!
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As soon as I expelled a long breath and lifted my eyes to where the boy from the diner stood leaning against his car, I halted.
He’d followed me as I rode my bike back to my house, and I’d ditched that same bike in my front yard before sprinting inside without another word. But here he was, waiting for me, and again, the same three words cycled through my head.
This is insane.
“I don’t know if I packed the right stuff,” I admitted, feet moving toward him and the car. “I wasn’t sure what to pack, honestly. It’s still hot here but I know it won’t be in Washington. Then again, we’ll be in the car, so I guess it doesn’t really matter too much what the weather is like. We can just adjust the air. I mean you can, since it’s your car. I won’t touch the air. Or the radio. I promise. I’ll be like a fly on the wall. Or, well, not a fly, because flies are annoying. I’ll be like a butterfly. Like, the caterpillar in the cocoon before the butterfly actually happens.” He was just looking at me with those same questioning eyes, though the corner of his mouth twitched at a smile. “I won’t be a problem, that’s what I’m trying to say.”
“Good to know.”
I nodded, adjusting the yoga mat under my arm. He was just leaned up against the car, which I realized now was not only a convertible, but a BMW, too. His hands were tucked easily into the pockets of his navy blue pants, one ankle crossed over the other as he watched me.
When he stood straight and opened the passenger side door, Kalo bolted from where she’d been sniffing the grass at my side and jumped right into the front seat, parking her little butt down and letting her tongue hang out as she panted up at us.
He eyed her, one brow cocked as he turned back to face me.
“Kalo. I rescued her when she was a pup.” I shrugged. “Can’t leave her behind.”
He wet his lips, looking back down at Kalo with a curious stare. “Will you be like a butterfly, too?”
Kalo popped up, little paws pressing into his chest as she lapped at his face before jumping into the backseat.
He chuckled, wiping at the slobber on his chin before turning to me with an outstretched hand aimed at the bag over my shoulder. I handed it to him, mind still racing with all the reasons this was the dumbest idea ever as he loaded my bag into the trunk, taking my yoga mat next.
I dropped Kalo’s bed into the back seat and she immediately climbed into it, turning in two circles before plopping down.
And then I had a panic attack.
“Wait!”
He paused mid-reach for the handle on the driver door, but he was still relaxed, a peaceful expression on his face as he did what I asked.
I couldn’t catch a steady breath, ears ringing and fingers reaching blindly for my braid. I pulled it over my shoulder and picked at the ends of it, mind racing, questions burning through me.
“What’s your name?”
“Emery.”
“Emery what?”
“Emery Reed.”
I nodded, over and over, still picking at my split ends. “Okay, Emery Reed, and have you ever been convicted of a crime?”
He laughed, just one quick, humored bark, the noise warm and comforting. “No. Have you?”
I wrinkled my nose. “Of course not.”
“Okay.”
“Okay,” I agreed, looking up and down my street. One of my neighbors a few trailers down was sitting on their porch, watching me with curious eyes. “Are you dangerous?”
“If I was, I wouldn’t tell you.”
“But you’re not, right?”
He shrugged. “Guess you’ll find out.”
I scoffed. “I’m serious. You’re not like… crazy or anything, are you?”
At that he threw his head back and laughed again, eyes warm when they found mine. “Of course I am. Aren’t you?”
A warm breeze blew between us then, the faint smell of pumpkin riding on its wings, giving me the first scent of fall I’d had all season.
“Can I get in now?” he asked, eyes not leaving mine.
I swallowed, and then with a quick nod, he opened his door as I slipped into the passenger seat, and we closed the doors at the same time, the quiet thunk of them solidifying my choice.
I was leaving Alabama.
I was going to Washington.
With a strange boy.
Whom I had just met.
Who admitted out loud that he’s crazy.
He fired up the engine, the soft purr of it sparking a wave of chills up my arms. And there was no ceremonious goodbye, no rush of memories as he put it in drive and pulled away from my house that never was a home.
I’d nearly shredded the end of my braid, so I threw it behind me, right leg bouncing as I wrung my hands together in my lap.
“I’m Cooper,” I finally said when we pulled out of the trailer park. “Cooper Owens.”
“Nice to meet you, Cooper.”
I nodded, leg still bouncing.
“So, why are you going to Washington?”
He shifted, switching hands on the steering wheel as those two familiar lines creased between his brows. “There’s just something I need to see.”
“Well, that’s not vague or anything.”
He didn’t respond, pulling onto I-10 and picking up speed. The wind blowing through the car from the top being down whirled more now, picking up the stray strands of my hair and twirling them around me.
“How old are you?” I yelled over the wind, heart still thundering under my ribs, nervous system in a practical breakdown as it fired off all the warning signals.
DON’T TALK TO STRANGERS.
DON’T GET IN CARS WITH STRANGERS.
DON’T TRAVEL ACROSS THE COUNTRY WITH STRANGERS.
“Twenty-three.”
“What do you do?”
He shook his head, as if my question disappointed him. “I drive.”
“Like for a living?”
“No, like right now, in this moment, I drive.”
“Well, that’s not what I meant.”
“What did you mean?” he challenged, glancing at me quickly before returning his gaze to the road.
I stammered, hands waving erratically around me. “I don’t know, just like, who are you? Tell me something to help me freak out less about the decision I just made to get in the car with you.”
He paused. “If I do kill you, I promise to take care of your dog.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Funny.”
He bit back a smile, and I lost my train of thought watching the slow spread of it on his face, the wind whipping through his sandy blond hair, the sun casting a warm glow over half of his face and cool shadows over the other.
“Wait, I know,” I said with a snap of my fingers, pulling my cell phone from my back pocket. “Is your name Emery Reed on Facebook? I can just look through your profile and reassure myself that you’re not a serial killer.”
“I don’t have a Facebook.”
I balked, heart stopping in my chest before kicking back to life. “What do you mean you don’t have a Facebook? Everyone has a Facebook.” My nerves sparked to life again, head shaking of its own accord. “Oh, my God, you really are going to kill me, aren’t you? Oh my God, oh my God.”
Suddenly, the car veered to the right and a scream ripped through my throat, Emery riding the tail of a semi-truck and cutting off an old van before pulling off onto the shoulder, stopping us altogether with enough force to send me flying forward before I was jerked back against the seat again.
“We almost wrecked!” I panicked, checking the backseat to make sure Kalo was okay. She just stared up at me goofily from her bed like I was the crazy one.
“Hey,” Emery said, calling my attention back to him. “Are we doing this?”
Cars and trucks zoomed by behind him, each one rocking our car with a whoosh as I tried to calm my racing heart. He wasn’t annoyed, his face wasn’t screwed up with impatience, his eyes weren’t accusing or judging. He was simply watching me. He was simply waiting. I knew that look, because I’d been waiting my entire life.
“Are we doing this,” he asked again, voice even steadier than before. “Or not?”
And in perhaps the most chaotic moment of my life, on the shoulder of I-10, with cars zipping by and a stranger waiting to drive me to my new life, I closed my eyes, pressed my head into the warm leather seat, and took my first breath.
“We’re doing this,” I whispered, eyes still closed.
“Okay,” he said, and then I felt a hand on my knee.
My eyes shot open, heart back in my throat.
“Seatbelt,” he said, squeezing my leg before reaching into the center console for his sunglasses. He slid the frames into place. “And I hope you like The Black Keys.”
His hand reached for the knob, cranking up the volume, and then he pulled back onto the highway, effectively ending my freakout.
Kalo popped her head between our seats, nudging my elbow with her wet nose. I looked down at her, still in a daze, numbly petting her head to assure her I was okay.
Then, with one more deep inhale, I shook the negative thoughts from my mind, choosing instead to embrace the moment.
I was leaving Alabama.
I was going to Washington.
Everything I’d always wanted was finally happening, even if it wasn’t exactly how I’d imagined it, and the next breath that left my lungs also left a sense of peace behind it, one that filled me from the inside out.
I think I knew, even then, that the greatest adventure of my life was about to begin.
I didn’t know who I was, or who I’d become, or where I’d go when we got to Washington. I didn’t know where we’d stop on the way, or how we’d get along, or how I’d feel when we hit our final destination, when we said goodbye and went our separate ways.
I didn’t know any of that.
But I did know something about that day, and that boy, and that car felt right.
I knew as the sun warmed my skin and the wind blew through my hair that I was never coming back to Alabama.
And ten minutes later, when we crossed the state line, I smiled.
I smiled, and I didn’t look back.
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PRE-ORDER: Sunday, November 12th
RELEASE DAY: Thursday, November 16th
KINDLE UNLIMITED? Yes
October 13, 2020
brain :- wtf are you reading? This protagonist is crazy , you can't just go on with a stranger to nowhere , he might be a kidnapper or anything ?
Haven't you heard of crimes stupid girl?
Heart :- it's so beautiful , omg the idea of what makes you happy and taking chances and risk is explained so beautifully !
Brain :- crime bitch!
Heart :- happiness matters( say that to yourself)
Me :- *crying, give 4 stars to the book* sometimes you need shut your brain, it was so beautiful !
Haven't you heard of crimes stupid girl?
Heart :- it's so beautiful , omg the idea of what makes you happy and taking chances and risk is explained so beautifully !
Brain :- crime bitch!
Heart :- happiness matters( say that to yourself)
Me :- *crying, give 4 stars to the book* sometimes you need shut your brain, it was so beautiful !
July 7, 2018
4 “Relatable” Stars
➽ FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED:
WARNING: Depression and suicidal thoughts. *That being said, this book made me rather hopeful than depressed.*
Reading this was like watching opposite sides of my own person fall in love with each other.
This was my first book from Kandi, and I was pleasantly surprised. I kept hearing so many good things from other romance bloggers that I had to take a look into the hype. And let me tell you, I am so glad I read this book. We get mental health representation, our main character has a prosthetic leg and there is a super cute dog.
My feels for this book stand like this, okay for the start and ending, but quite juicy and captivating in the middle. I overall highly enjoyed it. I felt and loved everything after I got to actually connect without main characters, I just felt I bit empty in the end.
At first, I was a bit hesitant, because the situations weren’t completely realistic. For example, I the idea of a woman taking a road trip with a complete stranger, as well as her decision to peak on his diary, rubbed me in the wrong side. But then I realized how fascinating the idea was because honestly, I come to read fictional books because I wonder what outcome could be of something I would never do. After I was able to just say, is fiction let it go and be fine by enjoying this, I had a lovely road trip with this book.
Something was missing for me in terms of the story, but I loved our characters. I was able to relate to both of our main characters, Cooper being the positive optimistic side and Emery being the more realistic, depressed dude. I loved how much they stayed true to their personalities while interacting with each other. I was able to relate with the realistic take and more down to earth take on life from Emery, but I certainly could identify my small hope of true love being true in Cooper’s hopefulness. These qualities kept the story interesting, because I hooked on how the development of the relationship was gonna be, looking out for the moments of an explosion/ conflict. I also need to say I loved Cooper’s best friend, although her appearances were small, I laughed every time.
One of the things I loved the most about this book is the representation of depression, as someone who has gone through it, I connected deeply. The bad days and good days, the way Emery couldn’t escape his mind and how it controlled and exhausted him. Those days where you can’t go up from the bed, so fucking familiar to me. Also, the way Cooper handle the situations, sometimes the best way to help people in their darkest days is to stay silent but let them know you are there if they need you, was great. I ultimately was so grateful to see that Emery didn’t become well after meeting Cooper, he kept struggling, but Kandi still was able to show how love or a close person can motivate you to get better. Lastly, I loved how Kandi tackled the myth that only people with tragic past can suffer from mental illness. Through the story, you will spect Cooper to be the one dealing with mental health but instead, we got it from a dude who’s life from the outside perspective is perfect. That hit home for me because reading Emery’s story made me shut some doubts and insecurities about how I am not entitled to feel bad in life.
We also get disability representation. I personally cannot say if it was a great representation because I don’t have a prosthetic leg but I from an outsider found it incredibly inspiring. Cooper is so independent and able as contrary to what you would think of the word disabled. We also are able to watch the journey of gaining confidence and love herself completely. This was also refreshing to see with the mental health aspect in a new adult book, it really breaks the stereotype that new adult/ romance books cannot be deep and meaningful. I wish we got more books like these.
Now, I am writing this review a few days after finishing this I need to say the romance didn’t hit me that hard. Is not one of those books I will remember because of the couple, but rather for the story and the meaning. But, that said, the sex scenes are one of my favorites ever in new adult books. The way Kandi writes them is so freaking captivating, it literally takes you into a trance. They were so hot but still not completely crude, you could actually feel the passion and connection between our characters. My heart still gave twists for the couple, so don’t get the wrong idea, the romance is still is wonderful.
I definitely recommend this new adult book, is so worth it. I for sure will be checking more of the works from Kandi.
“It isn’t death that’s scary. It’s living without actually living at all, breathing without purpose, existing without essence.”
➽ FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED:
WARNING: Depression and suicidal thoughts. *That being said, this book made me rather hopeful than depressed.*
Reading this was like watching opposite sides of my own person fall in love with each other.
This was my first book from Kandi, and I was pleasantly surprised. I kept hearing so many good things from other romance bloggers that I had to take a look into the hype. And let me tell you, I am so glad I read this book. We get mental health representation, our main character has a prosthetic leg and there is a super cute dog.
My feels for this book stand like this, okay for the start and ending, but quite juicy and captivating in the middle. I overall highly enjoyed it. I felt and loved everything after I got to actually connect without main characters, I just felt I bit empty in the end.
At first, I was a bit hesitant, because the situations weren’t completely realistic. For example, I the idea of a woman taking a road trip with a complete stranger, as well as her decision to peak on his diary, rubbed me in the wrong side. But then I realized how fascinating the idea was because honestly, I come to read fictional books because I wonder what outcome could be of something I would never do. After I was able to just say, is fiction let it go and be fine by enjoying this, I had a lovely road trip with this book.
Something was missing for me in terms of the story, but I loved our characters. I was able to relate to both of our main characters, Cooper being the positive optimistic side and Emery being the more realistic, depressed dude. I loved how much they stayed true to their personalities while interacting with each other. I was able to relate with the realistic take and more down to earth take on life from Emery, but I certainly could identify my small hope of true love being true in Cooper’s hopefulness. These qualities kept the story interesting, because I hooked on how the development of the relationship was gonna be, looking out for the moments of an explosion/ conflict. I also need to say I loved Cooper’s best friend, although her appearances were small, I laughed every time.
One of the things I loved the most about this book is the representation of depression, as someone who has gone through it, I connected deeply. The bad days and good days, the way Emery couldn’t escape his mind and how it controlled and exhausted him. Those days where you can’t go up from the bed, so fucking familiar to me. Also, the way Cooper handle the situations, sometimes the best way to help people in their darkest days is to stay silent but let them know you are there if they need you, was great. I ultimately was so grateful to see that Emery didn’t become well after meeting Cooper, he kept struggling, but Kandi still was able to show how love or a close person can motivate you to get better. Lastly, I loved how Kandi tackled the myth that only people with tragic past can suffer from mental illness. Through the story, you will spect Cooper to be the one dealing with mental health but instead, we got it from a dude who’s life from the outside perspective is perfect. That hit home for me because reading Emery’s story made me shut some doubts and insecurities about how I am not entitled to feel bad in life.
We also get disability representation. I personally cannot say if it was a great representation because I don’t have a prosthetic leg but I from an outsider found it incredibly inspiring. Cooper is so independent and able as contrary to what you would think of the word disabled. We also are able to watch the journey of gaining confidence and love herself completely. This was also refreshing to see with the mental health aspect in a new adult book, it really breaks the stereotype that new adult/ romance books cannot be deep and meaningful. I wish we got more books like these.
Now, I am writing this review a few days after finishing this I need to say the romance didn’t hit me that hard. Is not one of those books I will remember because of the couple, but rather for the story and the meaning. But, that said, the sex scenes are one of my favorites ever in new adult books. The way Kandi writes them is so freaking captivating, it literally takes you into a trance. They were so hot but still not completely crude, you could actually feel the passion and connection between our characters. My heart still gave twists for the couple, so don’t get the wrong idea, the romance is still is wonderful.
“Life isn’t supposed to be safe,” she added with a laugh. “If it was, they wouldn’t call it living. They’d just call it existing. And you’ve existed long enough, baby girl. It’s time to live.”
I definitely recommend this new adult book, is so worth it. I for sure will be checking more of the works from Kandi.
November 12, 2017
The greatest adventure of my life was about to begin
‘ON MY WAY TO YOU:’ is a standalone, full-length, A New Adult Romance Novel by Kandi Steiner. Get ready to meet Emery Reed and Cooper Owens.
Happy go lucky, optimistic Cooper is a twenty-year old female living in trailer park in Alabama with deadbeat parents who don’t give a damn about her, working at the Papa Wyatt’s local diner she’d called home since the age of sixteen dreaming about her dream school Bastyr which is situated three thousand miles away on the Pacific Northwest Coast, where she wants to study Naturopathic medicine. She's just awaiting her acceptance letter.
I was Miss Optimistic. I counted my blessings daily. I always looked at the bright side of my life, ignoring the shadows of it, choosing to focus my energy on whatever positives I could grasp.
A good looking guy travelling alone stops at the diner where Cooper works and asks her one of the most oddest questions she’s ever been asked before.
“What makes you happy?”
What she wanted to say was…
“My books, my dog, yoga, the way the sun always manages to come back, no matter how dark the storm.”
But in the end she said nothing because he unnerved her, he looked like he'd just walked off the cover of a magazine.
Talking to this boy she discovers that he's passing through on his way to Washington and revealing that her dream school is there out of the blue he asks her if she wants to come along. So when an offer in a lifetime comes her way she’d be silly to turn it down wouldn’t she?
Grabbing what she could fit into a bag and her Australian shepherd mix dog named Kalo she was set to take this crazy journey through many states with a guy she didn't know. Her dream of finally leaving Alabama behind had finally come true.
Twenty three year old Emery was taking a trip to a place that held a lot of meaning to his recently deceased Grandmother and on her deathbed he promised her he would go and see it.
Emery is the complete opposite to Cooper, she's sunshine and happiness, he's dark and gloomy but together they just work.
She's the sun and I'm a black hole. I want to swallow her up and lose myself in her. But if I do, I'll destroy her.
A unique beautiful journey of self discovery, survival, self reflection and love, this will pull on your heart strings like no other book I have encountered this year, these two were perfect for each other, I truly loved how they took care of each other travelling towards their destinations.
* Teasers used are off the Authors facebook page *
November 15, 2017
”I think I knew, even then, that the greatest adventure of my life was about to begin.”
OMG… Kandi Steiner’s newest release On the Way to You is unbelievable and amazing. Kandi’s carefully crafted words were heartbreaking, beautiful and touched my heart beyond all belief. I loved, loved, loved it. I have been a massive Kandi fan for a while now ever since reading A Love Letter to Whiskey. I know it sounds clichéd, but that story literally changed my life and I knew I would always be drawn to her amazing storytelling for thereon in.
“What makes you happy?” This should be a simple question to most, but when Cooper was asked this very question by a gorgeous stranger while at work at the local diner, she was unable to form an answer. This question is so powerful to me, so simple, but has so much meaning.
Cooper dreams of one day leaving her trailer park in Alabama and moving to Seattle to attend College. Through one diner shift at a time, she knows she is saving up the money she requires to make her dreams a reality. It is no longer a pipe dream and it is when, not if.
”It was my moment, one meant for no one else, and for the first time, I felt alive – truly, one-hundred percent alive. It was my rebirth”
Emery is on a road trip to Washington all by his lonesome when he stops at a diner and asks the waitress “What makes you happy?” After idle chit chat Emery discovers that Cooper is fast on her way to Seattle to attend college. He decides to offer her a lift, one that will change their lives forever.
Emery does not always find it so easy to open up and can at times be quite dark and somber, whereas Cooper is a positive ray of sunshine. Where Cooper is day, Emery is night, but together they are simply beautiful, no words I will say will do this couple the justice they deserve, positively breathtaking.
I don’t want to go into too much detail because this amazingly beautiful story needs to be read spoiler free and trust me when I say this, it will break your heart and move you beyond recognition. This story for me was absolutely unforgettable and a definite favorite of mine so far this year. If you are looking to read something so poignant and something that is guaranteed to stay with you long after the last word is read then check out On the Way to You.
November 17, 2017
This is the story of Emery and Cooper. It is not an entertaining read if it is what you need. It is depressive. You just need to prepare yourself for it because the book literally sucked the life out of me.
Emery is a young man fighting with depression and he is suicidal.
Cooper is a young girl with a disability. She has lost one of her legs in a tragic accident. Still, she is full of life, though.
I hate it when writers do this. I am sorry but this is the easy way out!
I would prefer to read a book where a flawed man, (in this case Emery with his depression and dark moments), to be loved by a person without a significant flaw. And I also would like to read a book where a girl with a disability (Cooper, with her prosthetic leg in this book) to be loved by a totally perfect man, no physical and psychological impairments at all.
Dear writers, please give us a world where you do not have to make both of them imperfect, flawed or with a disability. Even if one of them is physically and another psychologically impaired, it still makes me feel that you believe a girl like Cooper doesn’t deserve a hot guy who is completely sane and healthy or likewise it makes me feel that you believe a guy like Emery who is mentally ill doesn’t deserve a completely perfect woman...
So, that was the thing that disturbed me most in this book. This cliché matching of the flawed! And I take 1 point off just for this reason.
THE PLOT:
Cooper is a girl who has dreams of leaving her home town and her pathetic parents one day. She works in a diner and saves up money for her dreams.
One day a guy named Emery walks in the diner and into her life. He asks her what makes her happy. She cannot answer right away but later she talks about her dreams. Then, he offers to give her a ride to the city she dreams of going.
She refuses first but then considers it. She talks to her friend and she encourages her (How can she? He is a stranger, for God’s sake!!)
And long story short, she goes on a road trip with this stranger despite her fears and this trip changes the lives of both of them.
“Why did you get in a car with a stranger to travel across the country?”
“I was dying in that town...And I don’t want to die before I’ve even had the chance to live. Why did you ask me to come with you?”
“Because I know what death from the inside looks like.”
I hated Emery for the first %50 of the book or so and then, gradually my hatred left me and I can say that I feel neutral for him now - no love, no hate!
As for Cooper, I liked her. I thought she was too good to be true most of the time. Even though she was wrong when she invaded his privacy by reading Emery’s journal without his permission, I couldn’t get mad at her. She needed to get to know him, she wanted to help him.
The road trip takes them to different states and different places. Sometimes they have a good time and sometimes they have a bad or very bad time, depending on Emery’s mood on that day.
I was giving myself to a boy who never promised to keep me, pretending I didn’t need that affirmation, that I was okay.
***
“Was that… is kissing always like that?”
Emery swallowed, the muscle over his jaw flexing as he shook his head slightly. “Never.”
There is a good ending to their story. It ends in a “happy enough” place, and thank God, not married with 3 children in the epilogue because that wouldn't fit the mood of the book, but it still ends with a lot of hope on the way to a happily ever after.
There is also some wisdom in it and some insight to finding happiness in being less attached to material things and being more focused on living and experiencing different things in life. I liked that.
“I think when we let go of the materialistic shit we think we need, the stuff we grew up looking for because we thought happiness existed under their price tag, that’s when we start living a better life. A free, meaningful existence.”
All in all, the book is kind of 3,5 stars for me but not 4, unfortunately...
P.S. I do not want you to think that the subject of depression bores me and that's why my grade is low - no it doesn't. It is in fact a topic I like reading about as I have been struggling with depression for the past 3 years, myself. It is this book itself, the way it is plotted and written.
Unveiling The Sky by Jeannine Allison is also a book about a girl fighting with depression and I gave 5 stars to this poetically written book. Just saying... not to be misunderstood...
Emery is a young man fighting with depression and he is suicidal.
Cooper is a young girl with a disability. She has lost one of her legs in a tragic accident. Still, she is full of life, though.
I hate it when writers do this. I am sorry but this is the easy way out!
I would prefer to read a book where a flawed man, (in this case Emery with his depression and dark moments), to be loved by a person without a significant flaw. And I also would like to read a book where a girl with a disability (Cooper, with her prosthetic leg in this book) to be loved by a totally perfect man, no physical and psychological impairments at all.
Dear writers, please give us a world where you do not have to make both of them imperfect, flawed or with a disability. Even if one of them is physically and another psychologically impaired, it still makes me feel that you believe a girl like Cooper doesn’t deserve a hot guy who is completely sane and healthy or likewise it makes me feel that you believe a guy like Emery who is mentally ill doesn’t deserve a completely perfect woman...
So, that was the thing that disturbed me most in this book. This cliché matching of the flawed! And I take 1 point off just for this reason.
THE PLOT:
Cooper is a girl who has dreams of leaving her home town and her pathetic parents one day. She works in a diner and saves up money for her dreams.
One day a guy named Emery walks in the diner and into her life. He asks her what makes her happy. She cannot answer right away but later she talks about her dreams. Then, he offers to give her a ride to the city she dreams of going.
She refuses first but then considers it. She talks to her friend and she encourages her (How can she? He is a stranger, for God’s sake!!)
And long story short, she goes on a road trip with this stranger despite her fears and this trip changes the lives of both of them.
“Why did you get in a car with a stranger to travel across the country?”
“I was dying in that town...And I don’t want to die before I’ve even had the chance to live. Why did you ask me to come with you?”
“Because I know what death from the inside looks like.”
I hated Emery for the first %50 of the book or so and then, gradually my hatred left me and I can say that I feel neutral for him now - no love, no hate!
As for Cooper, I liked her. I thought she was too good to be true most of the time. Even though she was wrong when she invaded his privacy by reading Emery’s journal without his permission, I couldn’t get mad at her. She needed to get to know him, she wanted to help him.
The road trip takes them to different states and different places. Sometimes they have a good time and sometimes they have a bad or very bad time, depending on Emery’s mood on that day.
I was giving myself to a boy who never promised to keep me, pretending I didn’t need that affirmation, that I was okay.
***
“Was that… is kissing always like that?”
Emery swallowed, the muscle over his jaw flexing as he shook his head slightly. “Never.”
There is a good ending to their story. It ends in a “happy enough” place, and thank God, not married with 3 children in the epilogue because that wouldn't fit the mood of the book, but it still ends with a lot of hope on the way to a happily ever after.
There is also some wisdom in it and some insight to finding happiness in being less attached to material things and being more focused on living and experiencing different things in life. I liked that.
“I think when we let go of the materialistic shit we think we need, the stuff we grew up looking for because we thought happiness existed under their price tag, that’s when we start living a better life. A free, meaningful existence.”
All in all, the book is kind of 3,5 stars for me but not 4, unfortunately...
P.S. I do not want you to think that the subject of depression bores me and that's why my grade is low - no it doesn't. It is in fact a topic I like reading about as I have been struggling with depression for the past 3 years, myself. It is this book itself, the way it is plotted and written.
Unveiling The Sky by Jeannine Allison is also a book about a girl fighting with depression and I gave 5 stars to this poetically written book. Just saying... not to be misunderstood...
November 15, 2017
As I sit here and try to write what I’m feeling in this exact moment, I realize that it’s impossible. How can I do that when I’ve just read some of the most powerful words that has not only touched me, but made me ask myself a simple but life changing question. “What Makes you Happy”? I had no idea that those four words and these two characters were going to forever change my reading experience, but I’m glad it did.
One The Way To You is a story about loss, love, and finding hope and strength when you were at your last wit’s end. I’ve always believed in the saying that there are people who enter your life for a reason whether it’s just for a few minutes or a few years. Good or bad, they make an impact on you and whether we want to admit or not, some of them shaped our lives.
“I think I knew even then, that the greatest adventure of my life was about to begin”.
Most of us know what it’s like to be in love and experience that type of heart stopping emotion with someone else, having your heart race from a simple touch, and knowing the exact moment you realize that this person is the one for you. Cooper hasn’t felt anything like that because she’s stuck in her small town with nothing but big dreams and a hopeful future. When a stranger walks in and asks her the biggest question of her life, something changes for her and from that moment, Cooper took her long awaited journey and threw caution to wind. But what happens when the trip of a lifetime become so much more than what Cooper was expecting?
I honestly wasn’t expecting this story to hit me with such an emotional force if I’m being honest. I loved that it was different and unique and for me, that was a breath of fresh air. I reveled in all of the different quirks of these characters and seeing their journey and emotional break throughs was some of the best moments for me. Two people who didn’t have anything in common, we’re suddenly joined by fate and because of that, we were given one friendship in the making and an incredible love story for a lifetime.
If you’re looking for completely different and touching story, this is it for you. No need to look any further because THIS.IS.IT.
*Teaser used is from the author's fb page.
November 3, 2019
If someone asked you "What makes you happy?" Could you answer honestly? not a superficial answer like shopping or vacation, but real happiness...? 😱
📚 "𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲?" 📚
Cooper couldn't answer that to Emery Reed, a guy who came into the diner she works in.
Cooper always dreamed of leaving Alabama... So when Emery offers her to join him on a road trip to Washington in his car to fulfill his grandmother's last request, for the first time in her life she chooses to take a risk and join him.
They are two strangers, until Cooper finds Emery's diary... and that is when everything gets complicated. 😬
But what are they both looking for? Will they find the answers at the end of their journey...? 🚗
📚 ”𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐰, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧.” 📚
It's a powerful and unique story about self-discovery, love, loss, survival, friendship... And depression. 💔
As someone who has met quite a few people dealing with depression, I can tell that this book was written in the most real way possible.
Not only people with tragic past suffers from mental illness, but also people that from the outside, seems as if their lives are perfect... and vice versa - people who seems broken from the outside aren't always full of anger and self-hatred... 💥
This book eliminated the known clichés and that's what made it so meaningful for me. 👑👏
📚 “𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫. 𝐈𝐧 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞.” 𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝. “𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫." 📚
Even so, this is not one of those books I will remember because of the romance, but because of the story itself, the journey they went through... together and separately. ❤
There were parts that made me angry, but any book that makes me feel something - good or bad - is a great book in my eyes! 😍
So if you are looking for something romantic, but deep... that will make you feel everything - love, anger, passion, frustration, worry, joy... Just read this book.
📖 Follow me on Instagram: 🎉 https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...
November 16, 2017
Title: On the way to you
Author: Kandi Steiner
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: November 16, 2017
Words will never be enough to express what I just read. On the way to you is a story of loss, self-discovery, Hope and strength.
This is my first Kandi Steiner book and I can't even begin to tell you how much her writing has affected me. It's rare for a book to leave such an impact on me... yes I love to read but there are always those true gems that you will forever remember, On the way to you will be one of those.
This hauntingly beautiful story is poignant and heartbreaking and one of the best books I have read this year.
It's so easy for a reviewer to spill it all out...reveal the storyline. I highlighted so many things in the book, took so many 'notes' to write this review but I can't seem to write them down. What good would it do to you, as readers, if I spill it all out? why reveal the journey of Cooper and Emery when you can tag along with them and experience the joy and sadness, the light and the darkness, the struggle of self- discovery and the triumph over evil.
The struggle for me at this moment is weather you'd appreciate this review enough to read this beauty of a book because I can't recommend this book enough! It's raw, it has a no-bullshit attitude to it that I admire, it's as real as it gets.
For more reviews and giveaways follow my blog at www.jemimajamir.com
October 1, 2020
This story is indeed a lifetime of adventure. Cooper, the heroine is a young girl with so much energy took a chance of a lifetime when she hooped into Emery, the hero in the car to Washington. Emery on the other hand is depressed with suicidal tendency.
This book reminds me a lot of All the Bright Places. On the Way to You is a road trip adventure which I wish to have before my time ends. The topic of religion, life, death, hope and love packed nicely into this book. The story is in my opinion is slow burn. But I found it very engaging. The conversation between Emery and Cooper slowly reveal how they save each other. Oh and BTW, Cooper has imperfect physic. She has amputee leg. But her shortcoming does not stop her to dream big.
He free spirit and her hope of life is a match to dark brooding disturbing Emery. I also like how Miss Steiner put Emery's dark mind into a journal. The wording on the journal is simple honest and brutal. Everyone who suffer depression can relate to Emery. Sometimes you are sunshine. Sometimes you stuck on darkest pit with no hope.
Overall this book is very good.
Guys, why do you think Cooper has so much hope for life considering her background? Her parents abandon/ ignore her when she was young. And yet she is full of dream and optimist.
4 stars
This book reminds me a lot of All the Bright Places. On the Way to You is a road trip adventure which I wish to have before my time ends. The topic of religion, life, death, hope and love packed nicely into this book. The story is in my opinion is slow burn. But I found it very engaging. The conversation between Emery and Cooper slowly reveal how they save each other. Oh and BTW, Cooper has imperfect physic. She has amputee leg. But her shortcoming does not stop her to dream big.
He free spirit and her hope of life is a match to dark brooding disturbing Emery. I also like how Miss Steiner put Emery's dark mind into a journal. The wording on the journal is simple honest and brutal. Everyone who suffer depression can relate to Emery. Sometimes you are sunshine. Sometimes you stuck on darkest pit with no hope.
Overall this book is very good.
Guys, why do you think Cooper has so much hope for life considering her background? Her parents abandon/ ignore her when she was young. And yet she is full of dream and optimist.
4 stars
October 8, 2019
Reread August 25 2018
Sometimes you get in a certain mood for a book and you can't move past it. I tried researching other similar books, but nothing stood out. I needed to revisit Emery and Cooper; I needed to relive their story again. And it was just as superb as the first time I read it. I even picked up on some small details that I had missed on my first read-through. Totally worth it.
First Review
It's midnight. While most people are sleeping, I am awake. My eyes are going between my computer screen and my new favorite book, On the Way to You. My cheeks are still tear-stained and slightly wet, but all I can think about is starting this book over again.
What makes you happy?
Cooper and Emery were total strangers. Yet, he had invited her on a road trip and she had accepted. The unlikely pair are making their way from Alabama to Washington. Cooper tagged along to be closer to the dream she's had for a while. Emery, however, seemed to be heading towards an unknown destination. No matter how hard Cooper tried, she couldn't get Emery to reveal his plans. They spent endless hours driving without talking. Desperate to make a connection, she starts to read his journal. Cooper is ashamed, of course, but she needs to know what makes Emery tick. It is only a matter of time before Cooper realizes her spontaneous decision is leading her to a life altering one.
I think I knew, even then, that the greatest adventure of my life was about to begin.
Kandi Steiner drove it home with this one. Admittedly, I may be a little biased as it covers a topic that I am all too familiar with. I, however, like to think it makes me a little harder to impress. Most books like to glamorize or dramatize this topic. They use it to make the protagonist a damsel in distress so her knight in shining armor can swoop in and rescue her. Their struggles miraculously end afterwards. Well, Kandi broke that uneducated stereotype. All the while, I was cheering her on.
So thank you, Kandi Steiner. This book will never be just another book on my "read" shelf. I promise. #notalone
5 stars!
Sometimes you get in a certain mood for a book and you can't move past it. I tried researching other similar books, but nothing stood out. I needed to revisit Emery and Cooper; I needed to relive their story again. And it was just as superb as the first time I read it. I even picked up on some small details that I had missed on my first read-through. Totally worth it.
First Review
It's midnight. While most people are sleeping, I am awake. My eyes are going between my computer screen and my new favorite book, On the Way to You. My cheeks are still tear-stained and slightly wet, but all I can think about is starting this book over again.
What makes you happy?
Cooper and Emery were total strangers. Yet, he had invited her on a road trip and she had accepted. The unlikely pair are making their way from Alabama to Washington. Cooper tagged along to be closer to the dream she's had for a while. Emery, however, seemed to be heading towards an unknown destination. No matter how hard Cooper tried, she couldn't get Emery to reveal his plans. They spent endless hours driving without talking. Desperate to make a connection, she starts to read his journal. Cooper is ashamed, of course, but she needs to know what makes Emery tick. It is only a matter of time before Cooper realizes her spontaneous decision is leading her to a life altering one.
I think I knew, even then, that the greatest adventure of my life was about to begin.
Kandi Steiner drove it home with this one. Admittedly, I may be a little biased as it covers a topic that I am all too familiar with. I, however, like to think it makes me a little harder to impress. Most books like to glamorize or dramatize this topic. They use it to make the protagonist a damsel in distress so her knight in shining armor can swoop in and rescue her. Their struggles miraculously end afterwards. Well, Kandi broke that uneducated stereotype. All the while, I was cheering her on.
So thank you, Kandi Steiner. This book will never be just another book on my "read" shelf. I promise. #notalone
5 stars!
January 31, 2018
I have only read two books by Kandi Steiner. One book was very good and the other one was not so good. But in both books I loved the writing and the angst and the unique characters, so I wanted to read more books by the author. I loved the sound of this book, so I decided to give it a try. The things I loved in the author’s other books were also present in this book and there were more things I loved too. I loved On the Way to You so much!
Cooper is stuck in her hometown. She works hard to escape it and to go to her dream university in Washington. She’s anguishly waiting for an acceptance letter from that university. While working at a diner, Cooper has to serve Emery. Emery is on a road trip with as destination Washington. There is something about Cooper that Emery likes and he asks her to join him on his road trip. Cooper will go with him, because it’s Washington he’s going to. The road trip will completely change Cooper and Emery’s life forever.
I loved Cooper and Emery. I admire Cooper so much. I hoped for all her dreams to come true and for her to find true love. Something tragic happened to Cooper when she was little and she handled that like a champion. She’s a fighter. She works hard. She enjoys life the best way she can. Cooper is a caring, sweet, patient, strong and mature woman.
Emery is closed off, rich and lonely. He’s a little bit mysterious and he was clearly hiding something. I got to know him a little better through his journal, which was both beautiful and heartbreaking to read. I felt for him. This book was so emotional sometimes. Emery tries so hard and I loved that about him. Emery likes Cooper and that feeling only grows stronger the longer their trip lasts.
Cooper is stuck in her hometown. She works hard to escape it and to go to her dream university in Washington. She’s anguishly waiting for an acceptance letter from that university. While working at a diner, Cooper has to serve Emery. Emery is on a road trip with as destination Washington. There is something about Cooper that Emery likes and he asks her to join him on his road trip. Cooper will go with him, because it’s Washington he’s going to. The road trip will completely change Cooper and Emery’s life forever.
I loved Cooper and Emery. I admire Cooper so much. I hoped for all her dreams to come true and for her to find true love. Something tragic happened to Cooper when she was little and she handled that like a champion. She’s a fighter. She works hard. She enjoys life the best way she can. Cooper is a caring, sweet, patient, strong and mature woman.
Emery is closed off, rich and lonely. He’s a little bit mysterious and he was clearly hiding something. I got to know him a little better through his journal, which was both beautiful and heartbreaking to read. I felt for him. This book was so emotional sometimes. Emery tries so hard and I loved that about him. Emery likes Cooper and that feeling only grows stronger the longer their trip lasts.
December 3, 2017
4 ★'s
“Never.”
Cooper's been stuck in the same ol' dead end town her whole life but that doesn't mean she doesn't have big plans. And wouldn't you know it that life has big plans for her in the form of a stranger offering her a ride? One that she just can't turn down.
A little crazy right? Or a lot but Cooper has a feeling about Emery and so she joins him on his road trip to Washington and slowly they get to know each other.
But there's just something a little off about Emery. So, when a chance presents itself to find out a bit more about him, she takes it. She feels guilty but she can't stop reading his journal...and we all know where this is going.
This story reminded me a lot of another great book called The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski. It's also a road trip book and I enjoyed all the fun adventures Cooper and Emery had and all the places they visited just as much.
What I didn't care for was some of the liberties Emery was appearing to take even if it gave the story some angst.
But what I did like was the romance, of course. I loved seeing the change in Emery even if he was hard to take at times.
The couple meet a lot of interesting characters on their trip and that really added to the story. However, I think Greg and Nora helped them both out just when they needed it.
The drama happens and it's everything you would think it would be. I'm just glad things didn't go the way they could've because you just never know. And I loved that ending!
“Never.”
Cooper's been stuck in the same ol' dead end town her whole life but that doesn't mean she doesn't have big plans. And wouldn't you know it that life has big plans for her in the form of a stranger offering her a ride? One that she just can't turn down.
A little crazy right? Or a lot but Cooper has a feeling about Emery and so she joins him on his road trip to Washington and slowly they get to know each other.
But there's just something a little off about Emery. So, when a chance presents itself to find out a bit more about him, she takes it. She feels guilty but she can't stop reading his journal...and we all know where this is going.
This story reminded me a lot of another great book called The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski. It's also a road trip book and I enjoyed all the fun adventures Cooper and Emery had and all the places they visited just as much.
What I didn't care for was some of the liberties Emery was appearing to take even if it gave the story some angst.
But what I did like was the romance, of course. I loved seeing the change in Emery even if he was hard to take at times.
The couple meet a lot of interesting characters on their trip and that really added to the story. However, I think Greg and Nora helped them both out just when they needed it.
The drama happens and it's everything you would think it would be. I'm just glad things didn't go the way they could've because you just never know. And I loved that ending!
November 9, 2017
Beautiful story and emotional review to come.
December 31, 2017
****4 STARS****
No complaints from me. Beautiful story. . .beautiful words.
No complaints from me. Beautiful story. . .beautiful words.
January 3, 2018
3.5 Stars
I don’t think this was a good book to end and open the new year with since it’s super depressing, but it was my first KS and it was written beautifully. It’s a nice read, heavy on the angst, low on the entertainment but it has heart...even though your heart will bleed while reading this. It’ll make you think and grieve and that’s not really what I feel like reading right now...hence the 3.5 Stars. But I’m sure for others this will be a 5 Star read.
I don’t think this was a good book to end and open the new year with since it’s super depressing, but it was my first KS and it was written beautifully. It’s a nice read, heavy on the angst, low on the entertainment but it has heart...even though your heart will bleed while reading this. It’ll make you think and grieve and that’s not really what I feel like reading right now...hence the 3.5 Stars. But I’m sure for others this will be a 5 Star read.
December 31, 2020
" Me enamore de cada sombra oscura, cada cicatriz, cada defecto, cada sonrisa y cada mueca. Tu diario no tuvo nada que ver con eso. Me enamore de ti. "
Juro que llevo un gran rato intentando escribir esta reseña y no soy capaz, no porque no tenga cosas que decir, sino debido a que se que no importa lo muy bonita que haga esta critica, nunca estara a la altura de una historia tan magnifica como On The Way To You.
He querido estrenarme con esta autora desde hace un tiempo, todo el mundo tenia cosas maravillosas que decir de sus libros, ademas las sinopsis de sus historias me llamaba tanto la atencion, que mis ganas no paraban de aumentar.
On The Way To You es una lectura indescriptible, no se trata solo de que la historia que narra entre sus paginas sea hermosa, desgarradora, profunda y muy emotiva, sino que encima la pareja protagonista es tan pero tan especial y unica que es imposible leer esta novela y que no te transmita todos y cada uno de los sentimientos que sienten Cooper y Emery mientras viajan, ellos son verdaderamente el alma de esta historia.
" Fue el destino, fue un despertar del alma. Fue el primer dia de mi vida. "
Cooper fue una protagonista que no se encuentra a menudo. Es fuerte, vibrante, determinada, valiente y tan encantadora. Su personalidad me enamoro por completo, tenia todas las razones para estar enfadada con el mundo y sin embargo, vive de una manera tan positiva, a parte es tan amable y dulce, realmente me encanto conocerla.
Emery es un protagonista dificil de olvidar. En mi opinion su personaje esta muy bien construido, tiene tantos matices y todos tan reales que fue facil conectar con el y llegar a entender porque actuaba como lo hacia.
Honestamente pocas parejas se complementan tanto como esta, donde Cooper es luz y brillo, Emery es mas oscuro y atormentado, y sin embargo cuando estan juntos son simplemente perfectos, dos mitades de un mismo ser.
" Eres la primera persona en mucho tiempo que me hace sentir vivo, Cooper. "
Su historia de amor me calo muy hondo, me hizo enamorarme, llorar, sonreir, suspirar y reir a carcajadas, sinceramente esperaba que esta lectura me gustara pero no planee que fuera a romper mi corazon y luego volver a unirlo, desearia retroceder en el tiempo y volver a leerlo por primera vez. 😍
Contrariamente a lo que pueda parecer al leer la premisa, On The Way To You no es una novela desoladora, es mas, tiene un aire muy esperanzador, a parte de un mensaje muy positivo que me conmovio muchisimo, te hace apreciar esas cosas que damos por sentado hasta que nos damos cuenta de que no todos a nuestro alrededor las tienen o incluso hasta que las perdemos de forma irremediable.
Esta es mi primera experiencia con Kandi Steiner pero desde ya digo que no sera la ultima, si antes tenia ganas de conocer su trabajo, ahora despues de una probada no veo la hora de volver a sumergirme en otro de sus libros. Su pluma fue exquisita, la historia preciosa y los personajes inmejorables.
" Que te hace feliz? "
" Tu. "
En definitiva, On The Way To You acaba de convertirse en una de las mejores lecturas de mi 2020 y porque no decirlo, tambien de mi vida, me costara mucho olvidar esta novela, y no solo porque se llevo un pedazo de mi alma con ella sino tambien porque es tan extraordinaria que se clava en tu piel.
5 Estrellas!!!
November 23, 2017
5 What Makes you happy? Stars
This is a standalone romance that takes us on a roadtrip and an emotional journey of love and self discovery. This book had all the FEELS! I felt raw and broken and then healed and liberated.
Emery and Cooper are strangers who each have their own struggles and when their lives incidentally intersect, they end up driving cross country together. Cooper was stuck in her hometown and stuck in life. Her life was stagnant and Emery made her realize that she needed to start living.
The issues dealt with in this book were real and hard to tackle but the author did such an amazing job. This romance was not all hearts and kisses. There were some difficult moments but I loved that Cooper was patient and understanding with Emery. What a great mature heroine! I absolutely loved her!
This was REAL romance! This was a story of a couple falling in love despite all the flaws and the scars. An honest, refreshing romance. I cannot recommend this book enough!
5 Stars
Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: Moderate
POV: Single (Heroine)
HEA
COME FIND ME!
This is a standalone romance that takes us on a roadtrip and an emotional journey of love and self discovery. This book had all the FEELS! I felt raw and broken and then healed and liberated.
Emery and Cooper are strangers who each have their own struggles and when their lives incidentally intersect, they end up driving cross country together. Cooper was stuck in her hometown and stuck in life. Her life was stagnant and Emery made her realize that she needed to start living.
The issues dealt with in this book were real and hard to tackle but the author did such an amazing job. This romance was not all hearts and kisses. There were some difficult moments but I loved that Cooper was patient and understanding with Emery. What a great mature heroine! I absolutely loved her!
This was REAL romance! This was a story of a couple falling in love despite all the flaws and the scars. An honest, refreshing romance. I cannot recommend this book enough!
5 Stars
Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: Moderate
POV: Single (Heroine)
HEA
COME FIND ME!
October 24, 2020
https://www.leggereromanticamente.com...
"Lei è il sole e io sono un buco nero. Vorrei inghiottirla e perdermi in lei,
ma se lo facessi, la distruggerei."
Kandi Steiner si conferma un'autrice romance bravissima nel creare una storia romantica ed intensa allo stesso tempo.
La strada dei nostri cuori è un contemporary romance new adult auto-conclusivo con protagonisti due giovani sconosciuti e un viaggio on the road.
La storia è scritta dal punto di vista della protagonista femminile, Cooper, una ventenne che vive in un campo roulotte di Mobile in Alabama insieme a due pseudo genitori che se ne fregano completamente di lei. Il suo sogno è quello di andarsene e frequentare un'università di Seattle, per questo lavora in una tavola calda da quando aveva sedici anni. Così, quando un affascinante ragazzo di pochi anni più grande di lei entra nel locale dove lavora e le offre un passaggio verso lo stato di Washington, dopo qualche normale perplessità Cooper decide di buttarsi ed andarsene una volta per tutte. Mossa avventata? Sicuramente. La stessa Cooper inizialmente è preoccupata e si domanda se non sia appena salita in auto con un serial killer, ma come rifiutare la possibilità di perseguire i propri sogni? La voglia di partire e lasciarsi tutto alle spalle per lei è decisamente più forte della paura.
Cooper è una ragazza che ha subito una grave perdita quando era una ragazzina, in seguito ad un incidente la sua vita è cambiata completamente, non ha fatto molte esperienze, ma è riuscita lo stesso a guardare alla vita con speranza ed ottimismo trovando il lato positivo delle cose.
L'affascinante sconosciuto con il quale Cooper intraprende il viaggio è Emery, un personaggio che appare subito complesso, lunatico, riservato e molto evasivo nel rispondere alle domande.
Per queste ragioni capisco perché Cooper abbia sentito l'impulso irrefrenabile del provare a capirlo meglio leggendo di nascosto alcune pagine del suo diario segreto. Mossa scorretta? Sicuramente, ma avrei fatto la stessa cosa, pur sapendo che agire così avrebbe portato a delle conseguenze spiacevoli.
L'unico POV di Emery che abbiamo modo di leggere nel libro è proprio attraverso le pagine del suo diario, poche pagine e pensieri alla volta, ma alcune di queste mi hanno spezzato il cuore, soprattutto quando ci avviciniamo alla fine. Il diario è una parte essenziale per capire gli atteggiamenti scostanti di Emery durante le varie tappe del viaggio, quando vedevo che si comportava in maniera esasperante, non vedevo l'ora che la protagonista prendesse quel diario di nascosto per saperne di più.
Questo non è il primo libro che leggo dove la coppia di protagonisti intraprende un viaggio on the road con varie tappe negli USA, mi piace viaggiare e farlo anche attraverso i romanzi, ma questa volta scoprire la meta finale è stata decisamente una mazzata.
Il tema che l'autrice tocca in questo suo romanzo riguarda molte persone, nella mia recensione non l'ho espressamente scritto viso che non era nemmeno anticipato dalla trama, ma leggendo il romanzo capirete molto in fretta di cosa stiamo parlando e cosa affligge il protagonista maschile.
La Steiner è davvero un'autrice che ammiro, ha uno stile di scrittura che mi piace molto, soprattutto perché sembra davvero che sappia di cosa sta parlando, che lei stessa abbia vissuto certe situazioni sulla propria pelle. Non è per niente superficiale, anzi, trovo la sua penna molto intensa, sia nelle situazioni drammatiche che in quelle sensuali. È bravissima nel trasmette le emozioni e i sentimenti dei suoi personaggi, la sua prosa è appassionante e scorrevolissima.
La strada dei nostri cuori è una storia romantica, dolce, intensa assolutamente consigliata! Non vedo l'ora di leggere un altro romanzo di questa autrice!
Punto di vista: prima persona della protagonista femminile
con qualche pagina di diario di lui
Sensualità: scene sensuali presenti ed intense
Caratteristiche: romantico, emotivo, intenso, on the road
Stile narrativo: scorrevole e coinvolgente
Tipo di finale: auto-conclusivo con epilogo
"Lei è il sole e io sono un buco nero. Vorrei inghiottirla e perdermi in lei,
ma se lo facessi, la distruggerei."
Kandi Steiner si conferma un'autrice romance bravissima nel creare una storia romantica ed intensa allo stesso tempo.
La strada dei nostri cuori è un contemporary romance new adult auto-conclusivo con protagonisti due giovani sconosciuti e un viaggio on the road.
La storia è scritta dal punto di vista della protagonista femminile, Cooper, una ventenne che vive in un campo roulotte di Mobile in Alabama insieme a due pseudo genitori che se ne fregano completamente di lei. Il suo sogno è quello di andarsene e frequentare un'università di Seattle, per questo lavora in una tavola calda da quando aveva sedici anni. Così, quando un affascinante ragazzo di pochi anni più grande di lei entra nel locale dove lavora e le offre un passaggio verso lo stato di Washington, dopo qualche normale perplessità Cooper decide di buttarsi ed andarsene una volta per tutte. Mossa avventata? Sicuramente. La stessa Cooper inizialmente è preoccupata e si domanda se non sia appena salita in auto con un serial killer, ma come rifiutare la possibilità di perseguire i propri sogni? La voglia di partire e lasciarsi tutto alle spalle per lei è decisamente più forte della paura.
Cooper è una ragazza che ha subito una grave perdita quando era una ragazzina, in seguito ad un incidente la sua vita è cambiata completamente, non ha fatto molte esperienze, ma è riuscita lo stesso a guardare alla vita con speranza ed ottimismo trovando il lato positivo delle cose.
L'affascinante sconosciuto con il quale Cooper intraprende il viaggio è Emery, un personaggio che appare subito complesso, lunatico, riservato e molto evasivo nel rispondere alle domande.
Per queste ragioni capisco perché Cooper abbia sentito l'impulso irrefrenabile del provare a capirlo meglio leggendo di nascosto alcune pagine del suo diario segreto. Mossa scorretta? Sicuramente, ma avrei fatto la stessa cosa, pur sapendo che agire così avrebbe portato a delle conseguenze spiacevoli.
L'unico POV di Emery che abbiamo modo di leggere nel libro è proprio attraverso le pagine del suo diario, poche pagine e pensieri alla volta, ma alcune di queste mi hanno spezzato il cuore, soprattutto quando ci avviciniamo alla fine. Il diario è una parte essenziale per capire gli atteggiamenti scostanti di Emery durante le varie tappe del viaggio, quando vedevo che si comportava in maniera esasperante, non vedevo l'ora che la protagonista prendesse quel diario di nascosto per saperne di più.
Questo non è il primo libro che leggo dove la coppia di protagonisti intraprende un viaggio on the road con varie tappe negli USA, mi piace viaggiare e farlo anche attraverso i romanzi, ma questa volta scoprire la meta finale è stata decisamente una mazzata.
Il tema che l'autrice tocca in questo suo romanzo riguarda molte persone, nella mia recensione non l'ho espressamente scritto viso che non era nemmeno anticipato dalla trama, ma leggendo il romanzo capirete molto in fretta di cosa stiamo parlando e cosa affligge il protagonista maschile.
La Steiner è davvero un'autrice che ammiro, ha uno stile di scrittura che mi piace molto, soprattutto perché sembra davvero che sappia di cosa sta parlando, che lei stessa abbia vissuto certe situazioni sulla propria pelle. Non è per niente superficiale, anzi, trovo la sua penna molto intensa, sia nelle situazioni drammatiche che in quelle sensuali. È bravissima nel trasmette le emozioni e i sentimenti dei suoi personaggi, la sua prosa è appassionante e scorrevolissima.
La strada dei nostri cuori è una storia romantica, dolce, intensa assolutamente consigliata! Non vedo l'ora di leggere un altro romanzo di questa autrice!
Punto di vista: prima persona della protagonista femminile
con qualche pagina di diario di lui
Sensualità: scene sensuali presenti ed intense
Caratteristiche: romantico, emotivo, intenso, on the road
Stile narrativo: scorrevole e coinvolgente
Tipo di finale: auto-conclusivo con epilogo
April 26, 2018
This book was written for me. I had my own dark times, when depression captured my body and mind, and this book explained so well how I felt. Even though it was a little bit hard to follow Emery's story, I found myself in the end of the book.
There were so many lessons to be learned in this book. You just had to pay attention.
I loved the fact that for once, the main character wasn't perfect physically. That love "saw" beyond the shape of the body.
And I kind of want to be Cooper. To travel with a stranger, to be as bold as she was. To travel with my soon to be soulmate. Sounds good, right?
Favourite quotes:
"I think when we let go of the materialistic shit we think we need, the stuff we grew up looking for because we thought happiness existed under their price tag, that's when we start living a better life. A free, meaningful existence."
"It isn't death that's scary. It's living without actually living at all, breathing without purpose, existing without essence."
There were so many lessons to be learned in this book. You just had to pay attention.
I loved the fact that for once, the main character wasn't perfect physically. That love "saw" beyond the shape of the body.
And I kind of want to be Cooper. To travel with a stranger, to be as bold as she was. To travel with my soon to be soulmate. Sounds good, right?
Favourite quotes:
"I think when we let go of the materialistic shit we think we need, the stuff we grew up looking for because we thought happiness existed under their price tag, that's when we start living a better life. A free, meaningful existence."
"It isn't death that's scary. It's living without actually living at all, breathing without purpose, existing without essence."
November 13, 2017
I read half the night – I just couldn’t bring myself to stop. On the Way to You by Kandi Steiner is one of THOSE books… It is my first read from this author and I am 100 % sure it will not be my last. Her writing style left me speechless in the end. Yeah I intentionally write “in the end” because the book starts off so quietly and I was wondering why I choose to review this ARC …
To understand you have to know when a book is offered to me to read I check out the Blurb and then I agree or disagree. I place the book on my schedule with the due dates I get and after that there will be dozens of requests and weeks if not months until I get the book.
And then comes the tricky part. I could go back to reading the blurb to remind off the content but lately I developed the habit of intentionally NOT doing that. So when I opend the book I had literally no idea what I was about to read or what I saw in the Blurb the moment I choose it. The first pages floated over me as a gentle breeze until I read that one line “What makes you happy”. In that second I remembered … My Mind went back to a book I read long ago I can not even remember the title to be honest I am about to ask my cobloggers if they remember my ranting at that time. I have to be honest I must have read more than 1000 books since then but I still remember the answer to a similar asked question in that book that made such a big impression on me that I knew ….
I knew waiting to get an answer to that question in this book would be a road trip of its own.
Road trips are a tricky thing for me – as movies I hate them to be honest but as books they really depend on the travelers and this “lucky Penny” and her “Boy” were worth the journey that much is sure.
Especially when I realized that half of their route was one I had made myself 3 times already and will do so again next year.
I am at a loss what I should tell you about the book because I am afraid that anything might spoiler something and I am not willing to risk that. But I can tell you my feelings…
I was calm
That became interested
Turning in to curious
I smiled a lot only to
Shake my head because I could not comprehend
It made me sad
My heart got heavy while at the same time
My chest got even heavier with love
I cried
And I cried some more
I started hoping
Felt there was something looming in a distance
My heart broke
And then …….
YOU should find out for yourself what happened after that but please have some tissues ready
EDIT 13th Nov. ... PS... the thoughts would not leave me alone and when I described the situation to my co-blogger - she directly remembered the book ... it was The Sea of Tranquility - side info for those that are interested ... you will understand when you come to the quesiton in THAT book and its answer ...
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December 30, 2017
“It isn’t death that’s scary. It’s living without actually living at all, breathing without purpose, existing without essence.”
On the Way to You è la storia di Cooper, una ragazza che conduce una vita infelice in una piccola cittadina in Alabama e che a seguito di un incidente ha perso una gamba, e di Emery, un ragazzo che arriverà nel diner dove lei lavora, le chiederà che cosa la rende felice, e poi, insieme, si imbarcheranno in un road trip verso Seattle.
Non ho avuto fortuna con A Love Letter to Whiskey - non avevo apprezzato la storia e i personaggi anche se fortunatamente lo stile semplice ed elegante di Kandi mi aveva subito rapita. Qui ho trovato più pane per i miei denti. La storia mi è piaciuta molto, ma non è una storia semplice. Emery è un ragazzo disturbato, soffre di depressione e pensa spesso a come togliersi la vita, una cosa che purtroppo aveva già provato a fare, prima di conoscere Cooper. Bisogna abituarsi ad Emery, perchè non rende le cose facili. Ci sono momenti in cui è felice e contento, mentre quello dopo ci sono interi capitoli che narrano di come non esca dal letto, perchè è stanco. Sono quelli i momenti in cui la sua depressione e i suoi pensieri oscuri vengono in superficie e portano via tutta la luce che c'era fino a poco prima.
Cooper invece è una ragazza facile da amare. Vede il lato positivo di tutto, anche se la vita le ha dato solo dei gran pugni in faccia, iniziando da genitori alcolizzati e tossici e passando poi alla perdita della gamba che l'ha resa disabile ma con sempre voglia di muoversi e di fare, per questo è una grande appassionata di yoga. Altro personaggio immenso in questo romanzo è la sua cagnolina Kalo che ho adorato in ogni singola scena.
Il romanzo è ambientato in giro per l'America, molto carina l'idea di far passare tante città prima di arrivare a destinazione e di visitare alcuni luoghi. Molto bella anche la parte romance, non vanno come due treni, entrambi hanno bisogno di tempo e di spazio, ma l'inevitabile arriverà più o meno a metà libro. Lettura consigliatissima!
On the Way to You è la storia di Cooper, una ragazza che conduce una vita infelice in una piccola cittadina in Alabama e che a seguito di un incidente ha perso una gamba, e di Emery, un ragazzo che arriverà nel diner dove lei lavora, le chiederà che cosa la rende felice, e poi, insieme, si imbarcheranno in un road trip verso Seattle.
Non ho avuto fortuna con A Love Letter to Whiskey - non avevo apprezzato la storia e i personaggi anche se fortunatamente lo stile semplice ed elegante di Kandi mi aveva subito rapita. Qui ho trovato più pane per i miei denti. La storia mi è piaciuta molto, ma non è una storia semplice. Emery è un ragazzo disturbato, soffre di depressione e pensa spesso a come togliersi la vita, una cosa che purtroppo aveva già provato a fare, prima di conoscere Cooper. Bisogna abituarsi ad Emery, perchè non rende le cose facili. Ci sono momenti in cui è felice e contento, mentre quello dopo ci sono interi capitoli che narrano di come non esca dal letto, perchè è stanco. Sono quelli i momenti in cui la sua depressione e i suoi pensieri oscuri vengono in superficie e portano via tutta la luce che c'era fino a poco prima.
Cooper invece è una ragazza facile da amare. Vede il lato positivo di tutto, anche se la vita le ha dato solo dei gran pugni in faccia, iniziando da genitori alcolizzati e tossici e passando poi alla perdita della gamba che l'ha resa disabile ma con sempre voglia di muoversi e di fare, per questo è una grande appassionata di yoga. Altro personaggio immenso in questo romanzo è la sua cagnolina Kalo che ho adorato in ogni singola scena.
Il romanzo è ambientato in giro per l'America, molto carina l'idea di far passare tante città prima di arrivare a destinazione e di visitare alcuni luoghi. Molto bella anche la parte romance, non vanno come due treni, entrambi hanno bisogno di tempo e di spazio, ma l'inevitabile arriverà più o meno a metà libro. Lettura consigliatissima!
Want to read
October 1, 2020For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
November 20, 2017
HOLIDAY HO-HO-HO interruptions prevent me from reviewing fully. But suffice to say that this one was a terrific read. It's carries a heavy load at times, but the storyline and the characters will definitely grab hold and keep you gasping for the next chapter.
November 15, 2017
There’s nothing better than a book that leaves you numb. Numb from what, sometimes that’s hard to know, but numb because your heart is so emotionally invested you don’t know what to do next, that is a true sign of a brilliantly written story. I’d like to say this review is about On The Way To You, but it’s not, it’s about Kandi Steiner. Over time we expect an author’s craft to become more refined, but Kandi has grown so much recently that I’m left in awe of her. Each new book gets better and better, and I find myself looking at her wondering, “Where do the words come from?” Don’t get me wrong, she’s always had a way with words, but I’m craving them more and more, and at the end of On The Way To You I was wishing I hadn’t read it yet, because I was desperate to experience these feelings, the ache and the joy, and these words for the first time all over again. It’s an amazing thing to be an artist, but greatness comes from touching the lives of others, and this story left an imprint on my heart, as well as so many others. Reviews are posted for this story, so you already know to one-click and enjoy the ride, I promise it’s worth it. But more than that, one-click because it’s Kandi. Her words, her story, I promise it’s so worth it. What makes me happy? Watching my friends believe in themselves enough to chase their dreams. Chase your words, Kandi. Chase your stories. With eyes clear and souls bared, we’re all following.
December 28, 2017
4.5 stars!!! Kandi Steiner never fails to deliver and once again she swept me away with her stunning writing and emotive stories. This is one of the few times I am glad someone trusted a stranger and so began one of the most beautiful road trips I have ever read about. If someone asked you "What makes you happy?" Would you be able to answer straightaway without thinking? It is this one question that made our hero and heroine trust each other and realise they have more in common than they thought.
This was a powerful story, one that delivered on all that emotion that I crave, the character connection was on point and as ever Kandi Steiner put her own stamp on it. This was a voyage of discovery for both characters and a tale of finding the most unlikeliest of friendships. When spending so much time in one person's company though you begin to see things you never saw before and emotions change, feelings change, but could you really fall in love with a stranger... Stunning story, absolutely LOVED IT!!!
This was a powerful story, one that delivered on all that emotion that I crave, the character connection was on point and as ever Kandi Steiner put her own stamp on it. This was a voyage of discovery for both characters and a tale of finding the most unlikeliest of friendships. When spending so much time in one person's company though you begin to see things you never saw before and emotions change, feelings change, but could you really fall in love with a stranger... Stunning story, absolutely LOVED IT!!!
“This is life calling.” She shrugged. “Are you going to answer, or just let it ring?”
November 16, 2017
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
100 "Little Penny" Stars!!!!!
"Fuck" yes, that is the word that left my mouth after I finished reading this book. And ever since, I've been sitting here for the past hour trying to make the tears stop from falling. I'm a mess. My nose is running and my eyes are puffy. My chest has been cracked open and my heart is lying on the floor. I didn't know that I'd be feeling like this. Like, hands pushing down on my chest making it hard to breathe. Like, bungee jumping with your arms open wide feeling the wind in your face. Like, that content feeling you get when a person you love hugs you, and you don't want to let go. I know that I'm capable of feeling too much, but what this book and these characters brought out in me was astounding and it surprised me.
Kandi warned us, she told us to be prepared. But honestly, I couldn't prepare for this. I knew after reading the first few chapters and without having reached the end yet, that On The Way to You was going to be my favorite book by Kandi and one of my favorites of 2017. There's something to be said when a book reaches the deepest depths inside your soul. The ability that the words you're reading seeps in each and every one of your crevices. That visceral feeling of having your heart squeezed tightly and shattered in tiny pieces only to have it be put back together. Kandi did that. She made me feel every mothereffing emotion possible. Even the ones I didn't want to feel. But she did it so eloquently. She took my heart in her hands and I trusted her with it, because I knew that it would be okay.
On The Way to You is so beautifully written. It deals with real life situations. It is not sugar coated. It is real. It is raw. It is important. It's heartbreaking. It's honest. It's hope. It's soul consuming. It's having faith in the unknown. Its poignant. It’s healing. It's riveting. It's painful. It's truth. It's love.
Cooper and Emery, God I loved them. I want to keep them forever. They were the light at the end of the tunnel. They were beauty in the ugly. They were the missing piece of the puzzle. They were the wish you make on a star. The were imperfectly perfect. They were love.
I can't even begin to tell you what Emery did to me. And on cue, the tears continue to fall. I wanted to hug him and never let him go. Kandi did an unbelievable job giving Emery a voice. One of the best written characters. You better believe he'll steal your heart like he did mine.
"What makes you happy?"
-Kandi Steiner
-Kandi Steiner's writing
-reading On The Way to You
-Cooper and Emery
-Emery
-Emery
-Emery
-Emery
-Emery
-re-reading On The Way to You
-Emery
-Emery
-Emery
-Emery
-Emery
-Emery
I can't recommend this book enough! You NEED to read this book! *shouts from the rooftop* READ! THIS! BOOK!
100 "Little Penny" Stars!!!!!
"Fuck" yes, that is the word that left my mouth after I finished reading this book. And ever since, I've been sitting here for the past hour trying to make the tears stop from falling. I'm a mess. My nose is running and my eyes are puffy. My chest has been cracked open and my heart is lying on the floor. I didn't know that I'd be feeling like this. Like, hands pushing down on my chest making it hard to breathe. Like, bungee jumping with your arms open wide feeling the wind in your face. Like, that content feeling you get when a person you love hugs you, and you don't want to let go. I know that I'm capable of feeling too much, but what this book and these characters brought out in me was astounding and it surprised me.
Kandi warned us, she told us to be prepared. But honestly, I couldn't prepare for this. I knew after reading the first few chapters and without having reached the end yet, that On The Way to You was going to be my favorite book by Kandi and one of my favorites of 2017. There's something to be said when a book reaches the deepest depths inside your soul. The ability that the words you're reading seeps in each and every one of your crevices. That visceral feeling of having your heart squeezed tightly and shattered in tiny pieces only to have it be put back together. Kandi did that. She made me feel every mothereffing emotion possible. Even the ones I didn't want to feel. But she did it so eloquently. She took my heart in her hands and I trusted her with it, because I knew that it would be okay.
On The Way to You is so beautifully written. It deals with real life situations. It is not sugar coated. It is real. It is raw. It is important. It's heartbreaking. It's honest. It's hope. It's soul consuming. It's having faith in the unknown. Its poignant. It’s healing. It's riveting. It's painful. It's truth. It's love.
Cooper and Emery, God I loved them. I want to keep them forever. They were the light at the end of the tunnel. They were beauty in the ugly. They were the missing piece of the puzzle. They were the wish you make on a star. The were imperfectly perfect. They were love.
I can't even begin to tell you what Emery did to me. And on cue, the tears continue to fall. I wanted to hug him and never let him go. Kandi did an unbelievable job giving Emery a voice. One of the best written characters. You better believe he'll steal your heart like he did mine.
"What makes you happy?"
-Kandi Steiner
-Kandi Steiner's writing
-reading On The Way to You
-Cooper and Emery
-Emery
-Emery
-Emery
-Emery
-Emery
-re-reading On The Way to You
-Emery
-Emery
-Emery
-Emery
-Emery
-Emery
I can't recommend this book enough! You NEED to read this book! *shouts from the rooftop* READ! THIS! BOOK!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,164 reviews