Books Need TLC: 5* #Review #Giveaway Side by Side by @wendylouisebook @InkSlingerPR

What would you do if your childhood best friend, your soul mate, and the one person that means more than anyone else in the world was suddenly in front of you after disappearing from your life ten years ago?

Would you risk your stable life, to allow them back in to your heart, even after they had left you without any explanation?

Katy Lou Reynolds needs to make a choice. She can either ignore the fact that Elijah Trent is standing in the middle of the cage about to fight, or she can face him and demand answers as to why he left her.

Is it worth risking her heart for her one true love even though she knows it may get broken again, or is it better to let him walk away?

***

When Katy Lou tags along with her boyfriend to an Underground Cage fight, the last thing she expects to find in the ring is her childhood best friend, Elijah. Seeing him again brings back distant memories - a drunken mother, an absent father and relentless school bullies. Most of all, it re-awakens the feelings she had for him. Elijah has always held her heart; but after he left her when they were fourteen, without a word, can she risk everything to let him back in to her life again?

Elijah is a great fighter. He channels all the aggression he suffered at the hands of an abusive father in to every fight, every time. His success feeds his lifestyle of new cities and endless women, eager to spend time with him. His one regret has always been leaving behind his best friend, Katy Lou. There's nothing he wouldn't give to see her again, but if he does, would she forgive him for leaving her and risk her heart?

I absolutely loved this book!!! I was hooked from the first chapter and could not read fast enough to see how this story would end for Katy and Elijah!! Both Katy and Elijah grew up in rough homes. They lived next door to each other and became good friends and each other's comfort during hard times!! Elijah was Katy's protector and did everything he could to look after her. Katy's mom was an alcoholic and her dad was not around so Katy was left to fend for herself most of the time. She made do but it was not an ideal lifestyle for a young girl. Elijah's father was very abusive and would take things out on Elijah and his mom. One night he beat Elijah's mom unconscious and it was a way out for her and Elijah. Not knowing that he would not see Katy to tell her goodbye about did Elijah in!! Katy was not in any better shape than Elijah after he left unexpectedly and not knowing if she would ever see him again, Katy set out to make something of herself. Katy's mom ends up drinking herself to death so Katy is left with no one. Katy always remembers Elijah and wishes she could find him. It has been 10 years since she last saw him or spoke to him when she goes to an underground cage fight with her boyfriend at the time and to her surprise, Elijah is there fighting.

Katy has no idea what to do to get in touch with Elijah again. She was too stunned to see him the first time to even make an attempt to get him to see her. When Katy's best friend hears about it, she knows just how to get to Elijah and they set off with a goal in mind. I love how I felt so connected with the characters of this story and how they went through everyday battles just like we all do. Not everything was all roses for Katy and Elijah when they finally see each other. They have many things to talk about and work through since it has been 10 years.

Elijah is on a roll with his fighting and is in line to win his class. Katy has published a couple of books and has quickly become a favorite with her fans. When Katy and Elijah reconnect, Katy has to decide how she is going to get rid of her current boyfriend and knows that it is not going to be easy. Elijah gives her the time she needs to end things but is very possessive and protective if Katy and that complicates things a little.

Elijah and Katy are both very string people and can overcome many things together after all they have been through in their past. I love that this story had a HEA and that we get a small glimpse into what they have become as a family as well. I thought that this story was very well written and it kept my attention all the way through!! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!!!

*Review by Melanie Hutchinson

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Hi, I’m Wendy Louise. I’m a wife and mum living in Melbourne, Australia. I love to read and write, and I somehow managed to fit writing this book in between my regular day time duties, which include a full-time job and life in general with two busy children.

Two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After many surgeries and treatments, I learnt that life is short and you need to grab it while you can. I always wanted to write, and I realised that it was now or never.

You can usually find me with a few books on the go at once – whether that be reading them, or writing them. I love chocolate and trashy reality TV. It’s not unusual for me to combine all these and attempt to write, while watching an episode of the Kardashians or The Bachelor, and devouring a block of Cadbury Dairy Milk…..

I am so excited to bring ‘Side by Side’ to you all. It has been such a labour of love for me. I presently have four other novels nearing completion, so I am excited to follow this up with many more.

I hope you enjoy reading Elijah and Katy’s story as much as I enjoyed writing it.