review: That Girl by HJ Bellus

THAT GIRL by HJ Bellus

Genre: New Adult/Sports Romance

SYNOPSIS:

This book is about That Girl…

The girl who leaves behind her past, including her name; runs away from home and vows to never let another identity claim her again. Broken dreams, an abusive step-dad and ugly memories from her childhood are the only shattered remnants that have the ability to haunt her. 

With no money, an endless blank slate laying ahead of her and no hopes for the future, she sets out to survive at minimum wage jobs, moving from town to town, changing her name with each move, and never allowing glimpses of her past to threaten her empty future. 

Average in every way, from her looks to her personality and even her style, there is not much to remember about her. When she abandons one town for another, she leaves behind her fake identity in the search of the next one, while leaving people asking themselves, “I wonder what ever became of that girl.”

This was her reality until Lincoln Wilks.

The number one defensive football player in Denver who finally names That Girl. 

My Thoughts:

That Girl is a heart wrenching tale of a broken girl trying to survive in the world, despite the odds against her.  I couldn't put it down once I started it.  Be advised, it's not your typical light-hearted NA romance going on here.  This girl has been through some majorly tough shit.  The writing really makes you feel for this girl and root for her to find the place where she's supposed to end up.  I fracking loved this story.  

"Oakley Ann" and Lincoln were such moving characters; I think their development was superb.  "That Girl" needed to learn that she was worth the proverbial "it" and deserved a chance to live happy and love and be loved.  Lincoln right off the bat is a great guy.  He's thoughful, kind and just all around great.  The pair together are off the hook hot.  The side characters were developed well too.  I wanted to b-slap both Monica and his mother.  I also thought it was an extra treat to read a bit about the My Way couples.

This is a well written story.  Easy to read, excellent use of modern language/slang and wicked steamy to boot.  I loved it, I recommend it and I absolutely look forward to more from HJ Bellus!!