Published March 25th 2013 by Nadia Simonenko Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Source: ecopy from author
Series: Lost and Found #1
Synopsis:
Sometimes you need someone else to help you find your way.
Maria’s life was torn apart when she was fifteen, and for seven years she’s kept her terrible secret hidden from the world. Now, in her final semester of college, she still struggles against paralyzing fear just trying to speak up in class, and the terror and helplessness linger on in her nightmares.
Across campus, Owen sees his scars in the mirror every morning while he gets ready for class. They remind him of the broken home he left behind, the father he hates and fears, and the little sister he couldn’t protect. Now, in his final semester of college, he’s scared that he may have to return to the hell he called home after staying away for almost five years.
When Owen becomes a teaching assistant for one of Maria’s classes, they find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. As the two learn each other’s secrets and grow closer, they realize that although they may be lost, they’re not alone anymore.
This new adult contemporary romance is recommended for ages 17+ due to heavy subject matter.
I read this book days ago and I had to stop myself from writing a review directly after or even a few days after because I was afraid it would be too gushy. So here I am, writing the review for my blog tour stop and I am still afraid that my review may be too gushy but I also want to let you guys know how much I absolutely LOVE this book. Lost is going to be on my top 10 list of 2013 and right now it is sitting right on top of that list in the number one spot. (And honestly I don’t see that changing anytime soon.) Lost is powerful and emotional and just so great to read. Nadia Simonenko did such a great job with the writing. Lost is all about secrets, and how secrets can haunt you and being your own personal demon. I think there is just so much for people to relate to in the first book in the Lost and Found series.
Lost follows the story of two twenty somethings, Owen and Maria. Owen and Maria each have their own deep dark secrets that they are always carrying around with them. But through some sneakiness of their two friends they get to meet each other and get to know each other. It should be noted that Lost deals with some very real and troubling issues of abuse and rape, but I have never read another book that has handled those tough issues in such a delicate and amazing way. I just loved what Nadia did with the plot of this book. And Maria and Owen are two amazing characters. I love how loyal they each are. Once Maria saw that owen had a secret like her, she dubbed him “lost” as well and from that moment forward she never once wavered. She was always there for him, even though it was really hard for her at times. I loved that about her.
I’m normally not one to fall in love with lots of quotes from books but there were so many that just really resonated with me. One part of the book really spoke to me and I thought was just so beautiful and powerful. Owen was deciding whether or not he could share his secret with Maria. And when you tell someone a secret so deep there is a huge fear of rejection tied into it. And Maria just looked at Owen and thought, I know that look. He’s told me his secret and now he is worried that I am going to hurt him with it. Oh man! I read that page probably 5 or 6 times before I was finally able to move on. I just think that Nadia’s writing is so insightful and on point and I completely fell in love with all of it.
Maria and Owen’s story is a tragic but beautiful one. I loved the romance that was in the book. It was never rushed, it never felt fake and it was always worked seamlessly into the bigger issue of the secrets and trust the two of them had with each other. And the best part is that I got the satisfaction of watching them get together (because they are just so perfect for each other) but right after the end of the book the author lets us know that this is just the beginning of Owen and Maria. I can’t wait! I have not been this excited to read a sequel in a LONGGGGG time. This is one of those books that deserves more than my 5 gavel rating. I was blown away by Nadia’s characters, story and most of all her incredible writing. Lost is a must read book of 2013. Must read for everyone. Do yourself a favor and read Lost today!
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| 6/5 Gavels |
Nadia Simonenko is a scientist and author currently living in Indianapolis with her husband, two cats and a dog. When she isn’t writing, she develops new oncolytic compounds and dreams about someday getting to take a vacation.
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Shane Morgan
Wonderful review. Glad you loved it. Thanks for participating 🙂
P.S: remember to post your review on goodreads 🙂
Sayomay
I like it! Its original and interesting! 😀
Mary G Loki
Peggy Hopkins
I hope that there is some explaination as to how they got from an abused home to college.