Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Publication Date: March 27th 2012
ISBN: 9781936305025
Genre: YA Contemporary
Book Blurb: Seems like Leo Scott has it all: looks, brains, and athletic talent. He’s captain of his high school swim team with a bright future in college and beyond. But Leo has secrets. His mother’s crippling car accident has devastated his family and left Leo to deal with his father’s abuse, battered and alone.My Thoughts: I did not know what I signed up for when I joined this blog tour. The title and cover surely did not prepare me for the content. This book took me on an emotional roller-coaster ride!!! Oh my goodness!! How powerful! Jennifer Lane did an amazing job creating the tone of this book! I actually cried while reading certain parts. I can count on one hand the number of books that have gotten me to that point! I was exhausted after each time I read from the book!
Leo’s girlfriend Audrey Rose is poised for her own share of success. As one of Florida’s top high school swimmers, Audrey dreams of college swimming stardom. But there’s an obstacle to her glorious rise to the top. Her number-one supporter--her father--is in prison for murder.
Part murder mystery, part tale of young love in a military family, this gripping story takes readers on a journey from Pensacola to Annapolis. Leo and Audrey must band together to rise above the adversity they encounter and find their true selves in the process. When everything’s on the line . . . streamline
I could not have imagined being in the shoes of either Leo or Audrey. But I tell you what, Jennifer Lane put me there! Both families involved endured such tragedies. Leo's mother crippled in an auto accident. Audrey's father imprisoned for murder. That alone would have been difficult for the average person. The abuse that Leo suffered was inconceivable. It was so vividly described that I actually cringed while reading about it. Without giving away anything beyond what is provided in the book summary, the two teens when through several other potentially defeating situations, only to come out stronger than before. So promising!
Now to the other elements of the story. The swimming piece - very well presented. I am not a swimmer by any means. I don't even enjoy it. However, the author allowed me to see the inner workings of what swimmer go through and why they enjoy it.
I loved that the characters were "good kids" focused on swimming and school - looking toward their futures beyond high school. Audrey is a sweet, naive girl that I was easily drawn to. The way that she stayed connected with her father and never gave up on him - so endearing. Leo, despite what he went through, always came back a fighter to overcome each ordeal. I loved that he stuck to his goals and held onto Audrey - even through the tough times. The fact that both families helped the other at various times was very encouraging.
I enjoyed seeing that sense of community. Very indicative of the military life.
The other characters in the book each had their qualities - some good, some bad. Even Leo's dad was not all bad. Leo's mom and brother were integral parts to his positive outcomes. Audrey's parents, the swim coach - Matt, and Marcus Shale were also encouraging supporters of the young couple.
The issues involved in this novel are very serious. At times the issues made this book very difficult to read - I'd have to take some breaks along the way. However, I could not put it down for long - it always called me back. It is a long book as well - over 450 pages. It took me a few days to read it. I am glad to have had the experience. This is a wonderful read!!!
Author Links: Goodreads Website Twitter Facebook
About the Author: People fascinate the psychologist/author (psycho author) known as Jennifer Lane. Her therapy clients talk to her all day long about their dreams and secrets, and her characters tell her their stories at night. Jen delights in peeling away the layers to scrutinize their psyches and emotions. But please rest assured, dear reader, she isn’t psychoanalyzing you right now. She’s already got too many voices in her head!
Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love and empathy. She is the author of The Conduct Series—-romantic suspense for adult readers—-and is currently at work on the third and final installment: On Best Behavior. Streamline is her first foray into writing for young adults, but she’s found this sort of writing even more fun. A former college swimmer, Jen was able to put a lot of her own experiences into this book.
Whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, and hanging out with her sisters and their families in Chicago and Hilton Head.
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What a feel-good review, Sara! Thank you so much. I wrote this story during a tough time in my life so I guess that drama was reflected in my torture of the characters, but I'm very pleased you're glad you took the rollercoaster ride with Leo and Audrey.
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