About WITHIN THESE WALLS
Within these walls, he became my solace, my sanctuary and my strength.
I am not strong. I am just a survivor of circumstance.
Isn’t that what we all do? Survive?
Each of us has our own set of circumstances to muddle through. Mine are just more…complicated.
Born with a severe heart defect, I’ve seen the inside of a hospital room more than my own bedroom.
I was drowning, a prisoner to the illness that owned me, until he appeared. He thinks he’s blocked out the world with his tattoos and hard exterior, but I see the real Jude, the one he so desperately wants to forget.
But is he the answer to my prayers or will he break my already damaged heart forever?
My name is Lailah Buchanan, and this is our story of hope, redemption and sacrificing it all for the one you love.
MY REVIEW
★★★★★
5 Someday Stars!
ARC provided by the author for an honest review
“How easily people took life for granted when it had so easily been given.”
My 3rd book from J.L. Berg and I found another favorite! Within These Walls is a breathtaking life and love story of two people; 1 carrying his past in his shoulders and the other 1 trying to be optimistic and strong in wanting a future outside of the walls.
After reading Ms. Berg’s Ready series, I knew she will be one of those authors I will definitely 1-click when I see a new book of hers come out. She writes such wonderful and touching stories that will captivate you and hold your heart and Within These Walls did just that to me.
When the author announced that she was working on a new book, I was all over it and stalking for an update. I might have even expected tears already since that seemed to be my pattern when I read her books and I am 101% fine with it because even when my heart feels like it’s bursting out of my chest and breaking into pieces, J.L. always always always piece them back together and makes my heart whole again with HEAs.
I started reading this book before bedtime and from the Prologue, I couldn’t put it down. It was beautifully sad and made me wonder whatever happened before and after that Prologue.
“You’re like Rapunzel, stuck away in that high stone tower just waiting for your handsome prince to come steal you away.”
Lailah Buchanan has been born with a heart defect, she almost spent her whole life within the walls of the hospital for check-ups, surgeries, and observations which means week-long (or even more) stays in the confines of the walls. She didn’t grow up having normal childhood and teenage experiences, she was sheltered by her Mom growing up and even though Lailah knows that her mom just wants to protect her and keep her as safe and healthy as possible, she still felt trapped. Lailah’s strength and optimism was inspiring and so admirable for a 22-year old young woman who grew up being picked and prodded by doctors and nurses.
She didn’t feel sorry for herself and wallow in self-pity, she was hopeful and thankful that at least she was still alive and she keeps on dreaming about things she want to accomplish in life. Her Someday List. Her list of wishes and to-dos. Some of it were simple and easy, some were experiences she missed out on, but mostly, they were fun and positive. You would think that having a failing heart, that person would be bitter and depressed, but not Lailah. J.L. Berg wrote her in a way that you’ll still empathize with her and cheer for her to keep fighting. She was lively and full of laughs, it was easy to imagine her as an angel like what Jude sees and calls her.
“Two paths and two very different lives were before me. I needed to find a way to let go of one.”
Stuck and not wanting to let go of his pains from the past yet, Jude Cavanaugh roams the hall of the hospital where he has last seen her. Where he last held her and talked to her. From being one of the sons of mutli-billion dollar company owner and being good at numbers, he became a nurse’s assistant who lives paycheck to paycheck for 3 years. Where Lailah felt stuck in the walls of the hospital, Jude who is barely living at all feels “alive” in there. Until he saw Lailah and feelings he didn’t know he’s capable of feeling again started to come out and wanting to be felt. I 101% adore Jude! As broken and alone as he felt, once he opened up himself to Lailah, he was selfless in his love and care for her. He was genuinely a protector, a provider, and a lover. Are there still men like Jude out here in the non-fiction world? If you feel like you have with you the guy who makes sure, by doing the littlest, simplest things, that you always feel special, beautiful, and loved… do not ever let him go! You have a Jude Cavanaugh in your life! I love how Jude was not a rich playboy, how much he loves with all his heart, how sensitive and thoughtful he is.
Who takes the time to sneak a peek on your Someday list to catch a glimpse of what your wishes are so he can make it come true but also making sure that he won’t see what is on top of that list because he knows it’s important to you that he not see it until you tell him?
Who would sneak into your room late at night to drop you off a chocolate pudding for you to wake up to in the morning because he knows it’s your favorite?
Is there a guy who would lie with you in a hospital bed and imagine with you a trip to Ireland because you want to go there?
And do you know of any man who would go back to the life he left behind just to make sure he will be able to save the girl he loves now?
Selfless and totally in love, I tell you. I want to keep Jude for myself.
How Jude and Lailah met may not be the typical start of a love story, but with them, it’s perfect. Two people who are grasping for life find comfort and passion from each other. It’s an incredible experience taking this journey with Jude and Lailah. From getting to know each other and eventually falling in love and being together, their story is nothing short of inspiring.
Another story very well done, J.L. Berg!
Stars: 5 stars!
Recommended to: People who are in love, want to fall in love, and just love to love!
POV: First person. Dual POV.
Series: No.
Cliffhanger: No.
Extra Comment: Moving and sweet, if I didn’t make it obvious in my review, I recommend you read this!!!
GIVEAWAY
About J.L. Berg
J.L. Berg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ready Series. She is a California native living in the beautiful state of historic Virginia. Married to her high school sweetheart, they have two beautiful girls that drive them batty on a daily basis. When she's not writing, you will find her with her nose stuck in a romance novel, in a yoga studio or devouring anything chocolate. J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.
Connect with J.L. Berg
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