See Me by Nicholas Sparks

Today I am delighted to be able to share my review for See Me which is the latest novel by Nicholas Sparks as part of the blog tour. This is by far my favourite book by Nicholas Sparks and is easily up there with my favourites of this year.

At twenty-eight, he's focused on getting his teaching degree and avoiding all the places and people that proved so destructive in his past. The last thing he's looking for is a serious relationship. But when he crosses paths with Maria Sanchez one rainswept night, his carefully structured life is turned upside down. And when Maria, a hardworking lawyer, meets Colin she begins to question every notion she has ever had about herself and her future - and what truly makes her happy. Before the couple has a chance to envision a life together, menacing reminders from events in Maria's past begin to surface. And as the threat of violence begins to shadow her every step, she and Colin will be pushed to breaking point.

Usually I will read 3-4 books a week but for the last two weeks I have been unable to settle into any books which is really not like me but last night I sat down to start See Me by Nicholas Sparks and I have finished it this morning and feel like my reading mojo is back so Nicholas Sparks if you ever see this review then thank you for rescuing me from my reading slump!

The storyline follows Colin Hancock and Maria Sanchez and the chapters alternate between both of the characters points of views which allows us so not only see what they really think of each other but also helps the reader to form a firm unbiased opinion of them both particularly Colin. We learn early on that Colin has had a colourful past but that he is trying to turn his life around which is why he is an older college student. Colin meets Maria late one evening when he drives by her at the side of the road struggling to change her tire in the pouring rain and as he approaches her to help it becomes clear that she is frightened of him. From that event the pair begin spending time with each other but before long something from Maria’s past comes back to wreak havoc.

I have now read a handful of books by Nicholas Sparks and as much as I loved them I can say with ease that this is my favourite, the storyline really appealed to me I have always enjoyed books with a male lead who is believable and has plenty of flaws rather than our typical squeaky clean prince charming and Colin has had a very reckless and troubled past and he is determined to make something of his life with the help of his wonderful friend Evan and fiancé Lily who is helping to keep him on the straight and narrow. Maria is polar opposite to Colin which proves opposites can attract! She is highly educated, has a successful career and is very shy.

I found the first half of this book when I was getting to know the characters whilst they were getting to know each other really easy reading with a little touch of flirtation going on but the second half of the book couldn’t have been more different it was tense and had me on the edge of my seat with anticipation with what was going to be revealed next. Having the soft build up at the beginning of the book gave the second grittier half more of an impact I was so gripped by the storyline and it the suspicions carried me right through to the last knockings when a light bulb moment went off to me and I had realised I had missed such an obvious clue earlier on in the book and so I could of kicked myself but praise where it was due the author planted some clever clues right under our noses and yet I still glanced over them.

The ending was shocking and adrenaline was running, I couldn’t wait to read the Epilogue just to find out how it was all going to play out. It is quite easy to see why so many of this author books are made into films because his storylines play out so vividly in your mind and I am really hoping this one is also made into a film too as I will be the one sitting there dribbling over Colin he can protect me any day!

This book shows that everyone deserves a second chance as sometimes people are driven and determined to turn their lives around. This book deserves nothing less than a gem rating as I was totally captivated by this book.

Hardback                 Kindle

The generous team at Little Brown have offered a copy of See Me to giveaway, this is a UK only giveaway this time. GOOD LUCK!


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