Lean on Me by Sierra Riley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Lean on Me (ARC) was graciously provided to me by the author for an honest review.
“Love and Creamsicles”
There are so many reasons why I loved my most recent read, Lean on Me, by, Sierra Riley. I was first drawn to this book, let’s face it, by the cover, along with that which was already known about the storyline. I’m such a stickler for ones which have copious amounts of time in nature, in which avid outdoor enthusiasts are able to take part in a plethora of activities. Having encountered a story with writing that enabled me to enjoy such adventures right along with the characters was an added bonus. I love stories like that, so, as soon as I discovered the details of this particular book, I found myself seemingly putting on my own hiking boots and packing my own gear in order to become involved with a great story with an exciting plot. I could not wait to begin reading Lean on Me. And, I am so glad that I did.
Lean on Me is a story about survival. It’s a story about perseverance as one attempts to determine the right way(s) of achieving that much-desired goal. It’s about sacrifice for the better of someone else. It’s about finding happiness and the ability to be able to take that next step in life. I loved the two mc’s, Levi and Marcus, and found that they were written in such a way that enabled me to sink right into their development and drive and wanted only the best for them. I found them to be extremely realistic as well as beautifully described, thereby enabling that initial connection with them to be made right off the bat. As this story overflows with vast amounts of details pertaining to hiking and the outdoors, it was easy to become emotionally involved with the struggles of both Levi and Marcus. I enjoyed becoming immersed within their lengthy inner dialogues, as they made their way up and down the smooth and bumpy trails of nature, in more ways than one. Despite having to sit on the edge-of-my-seat on more than one occasion. But, it’s a trade off, so, I’ll take it.
I loved the storyline. I found it to be very well-rounded with many different opportunities for cyber-hugs, laughter, tears, actual cheering, and, that final admission of having stubs for nails due to all of the nail-biting moments having been reached. The plot was one that was not only heart-warming, but was also one in which contained gripping and down-right scary moments as well. While its pace was a bit slow, at times, it was welcoming to be able to become one with nature with the two nature enthusiasts, as well as be able to see the development of their relationship. That being said, however, I also needed more. As this is a gfy story, which I absolutely adore, there are many different kinds of thoughts and emotions which come along with that. I needed to see those types of thought processes from actually both of the characters. I also needed to see the actual development of the relationship, in order to strengthen that needed connection with both of the mc’s. Having that ultimate strong connection to not only the characters but also to the relationship, would have been a positive affect to the slightly confusing moments which appear, at various times, throughout the story.
Despite there being few secondary characters, those that did exist were well-written and contributed nicely to the story. And, even though there was sparse character background, that which did exist had a positive benefit towards the story as a whole as well. Regardless of the need for more depth, development, and the existence of some typos, the descriptive writing was stunning, enabling this story to become one which was a thoroughly enjoyable read as a whole.
I absolutely loved Lean on Me, and, found its storyline of dedication, sacrifice, devotion and love to be one in which will definitely bring me back to re-read this story all over again. I loved Levi and Marcus, and, found their admired devotion to be something that has the ability to unearth even the deepest of feelings, that once revealed will be the cause of the utmost of teary-eyed confessions.
With all of the beautiful, exciting and nail-biting moments, I loved being taken along on this cyber-hike, which was a definite feast for the senses, and loved just as much all of the introspection of Levi and Marcus, as their journey yielded such revealing and tender honesty, that enabled these two men, who were at a stumbled cross-roads, to be able to finally take that next step towards their own brightly lit path towards happiness. I loved it….:)
*star rating: 3.90 ‘I really liked it’ stars*
