by Heather (link)
Genre het, drama, romance
Pairings Isaac/OFC, Taylor/OFC, Zac/OFC
Length 28 chapters
Status Completed (with sequel)
Heather is always a solid author, if you’re into the standard chicklit sort of thing, and she doesn’t stray (pun intended) far from that pattern in this story. It has just enough unique elements to remain interesting even if it mostly covers familiar ground.
The main character, Evie, is a bit difficult to understand, but I appreciate that even when the story ends, all of her problems with her family aren’t solved. She has simply grown and become able to accept them a bit more, even if most of that growth does only happen in the last few chapters. Still, I’ve read more difficult protagonists.
Most of the other characters also experience some degree of character growth, including Evie’s younger sister and her baby’s father, who just so happens to be Zac Hanson. I would have enjoyed seeing a bit more of those two, especially Zac. Neither his nor Isaac’s characters are quite as dynamic as Taylor’s, but I suppose the story is a bit more about Evie and Taylor than anyone else. The Hanson family’s backstory is all very interesting, and even though Heather doesn’t dwell on it, it’s clear how it affects the people they are in Stray.
It all ends on a surprisingly happy note, which leaves me wondering what a sequel might hold. I think Heather would have been just fine leaving Stray as the end of it, but Fall Away just might offer the characters even more opportunity for realistic growth and development.
Review by Bethany (website)