Guest Book Review: Lia Riley - Sideswiped

Reviewed by Janine Cobain

It was only meant to last the summer...

Talia Stolfi has seen more than her share of loss in her twenty-one years. But then fate brought her Bran Lockhart, and her dark world was suddenly and spectacularly illuminated. So if being with Bran means leaving her colorless NorCal life for rugged and wild Australia, then that's what she'll do. But as much as Talia longs to give herself over completely to a new beginning, the fears of her past are still lurking in the shadows. 

Bran Lockhart knows that living without the beautiful girl who stole his heart will be torment, so he'll take whatever time with her he can. But even though she has packed up her life in California and is back in his arms for the time being, she can't stay forever. And the remaining time they have together is ticking by way too fast. Though fate seems determined to tear them apart, they won't give up without a fight-because while time may have limits, their love is infinite . . .

Amazon links: Kindle or Paperback

Sideswiped by Lia Riley is the second in the ‘Off the Map’ series, and picks up where ‘Upside Down’ left off. In the first book we witness Talia and Bran – both broken by their history – come together and begin to heal as people. They are adorable characters; damaged, flawed, but so very human and you want – no need - them to find the comfort they both seek.

In ‘Sideswiped’ Talia and Bran’s relationship has survived a short time apart, and once reunited their love and passion is still as strong as it ever was. In the first book, Talia began to heal as a person and in this one; we see her start to grow. Bran’s love gives her a level of confidence that allows her to consider what else she wants from her life; it isn’t that Brad isn’t enough for her, Talia isn’t enough for herself. 

Even if this isn’t your usual genre, I would encourage you to read it to experience Lia Riley’s fabulous writing style. In ‘Sideswiped’ she continues the ‘sentence said; sentence thought pattern, and yet again writes exquisite lines that leave you rippled in goosebumps; ‘If you burn away my bones, my love for him would remain, tattooed in the air.’

I would recommend that you read ‘Upside Down’ first; it is such a fabulous book that it would not be time or money wasted, and then ‘Sideswiped’. It will give you a better understanding of Talia, Bran, and their relationship, and demonstrate just how far they have come, together.

Can’t wait for the next instalment!

I'd like to thank Poppy at Little Brown for sending a copy of this book to Janine and Janine for her fantastic review.