He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.
Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.
When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she’s surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.
Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?
This book brought me to my knees. I sobbed. I laughed. I was frightened. I was touched. Holy s*#@ I’m exhausted! I was literally strapped into my seat and the rollercoaster ride of a story took no mercy! This is a story about love, the human spirit and forgiveness and it’s truly beautiful.
I wanted to take Blake in my arms and kiss all his brokenness away. If homeless men looked and acted like Blake in south Florida, I would be walking these streets in search of my new boyfriend! Ha! Sweet and determined Livia. She’s an amazing heroine who is completely compassionate and a total bad-ass and I love her for it! The relationship between her and Blake is so beautiful and so fragile because of his painful upbringing. I cried at the start of the book! I cried like a complete emotional basket case and I enjoyed every tear!
The book is about Blake and Livia but Debra beautifully weaves mini stories into the main plot without it becoming a distraction. As the many characters were introduced and I couldn’t help but become attached to each of them. I fell in love with each character, even the ones I hated!
Just for a moment, can we talk about the bathroom scene with Kyle in all her drunken stupor and the dirt-bags trying to take advantage of her?? WTF??? My heart was beating so fast I thought I might go into cardiac arrest! But then Cole walks in and acts like he owns the place and does he ever! What happens next, I didn’t see coming at all! It’s heroic but disturbing and I couldn’t turn the page fast enough!
One word, Beckett. Beckett who can barely text to save his life, is one bad-ass mother EFFER!!! And the drama that is attached to both Beckett and Eve is worse than you can possibly imagine. It’s absolutely devastating!!! I fell in love with Beckett!!! He does things that he shouldn’t do but then he has these redeeming qualities and you can’t help but love him a little more with each page.
Mouse! Sweet gentle Mouse with your high-pitched voice! Knitting and gun-slingin’ Mouse! UGH!!! Why?? I had a hard time letting him go. I wept like a five-year old and I’m not ashamed!!!
I’m all sorts of worked-up because I love this book but I need therapy and a glass of wine with Xanax!!! I love Debra Anastasia for writing such amazing and unique book!!!
I’m depressed because the story ended. I’m exhausted because I experienced every friggin’ emotion humanly possible. I’m happy because I love what this story did to me. 
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