TeriLyn's Reviews > Like Gravity

**I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Like Gravity is easily one of my favorite books of the year. 5+ stars for this debut novel from Julie Johnson. It was that phenomenal. Ms. Johnson’s writing style is so descriptive, colorful, and reflective that I felt as though I was a part of their lives through the entire book. In the epilogue, Ms. Johnson suggests that this love story isn’t just a love story between Finn and Brooklyn but a love story with Brooklyn and herself and I wholeheartedly agree. Through the author’s brilliant writing you feel everything for Brooklyn and Finn. You laugh and cry with them, you love with them. As for the story itself: the romance was passionate, the banter was funny, and the suspense was a mystery. All of these elements are seamlessly woven together. The most captivating element for me is the progression of the emotional transformation Brooklyn goes through. Literally, as soon as I finished I was so sad it was over I just want to pick it up and start all over.
Our heroine, Brooklyn Turner, is completely shut off from emotion, devoid of any real relationships in her life. The walls she’s constructed to keep her safe are so high she truly believes they are impenetrable by anyone. Brooklyn is sassy and smart. Underneath all her hardness is an emotionally fragile girl that needs love. We get great insight to that through her many flashbacks of the past. Her journey through this book is one of self-discovery and letting go. The tests that she puts herself through and steps she takes towards finally healing are so gratifying to read because you feel for her every step of the way. What I love about this heroine is that she knows she’s strong. So many female characters find their strength through the man they meet. Not Brooklyn, she’s strong, she’s been through hell, she’s independent and she knows it, embraces it even. It’s through her strength that she has shut people out effectively deciding she’s better off alone. I also admired her take charge attitude. When her mind is made up there is not stopping her. Through Finn, she starts to believe that she can be herself, essentially altered by her past, but still be loved by a good man. Through Finn she starts to change and open herself up to memories and hurt that she has long buried. The progression of their relationship parallels Brooklyn’s relationship with herself so beautifully. And as the reader we see both sides of that discovery. She also goes through the same sort of discovery with her best friend Lexi. Although best friends, she thinks they are virtually strangers when it comes to Brooklyn’s problems and how Lexi handles their friendship. Brooklyn comes to realize that not only is Lexi in her corner but Lexi’s not the narcissist Brooklyn always though she was. Their relationship is fun and heartwarming.
Finn Chambers is the catalyst, the driving force, in Brooklyn’s revival. He is kind, compassionate, and extremely patient. As the reader the mystery behind Finn is solved well before Brooklyn understands so it’s easier to understand how he can be so patient and giving. He knows exactly what she needs and when she needs it even though she is a complete enigma to him. The way Brooklyn describes how Finn looks at her is that of complete awe and admiration. Through her, the reader understands how much Finn cares for her and needs her. Finn is an angel in her life, without him peeling back her layers she may have been emotionally stunted for much longer. He’s perfect in so many ways. Funny at the most inappropriate times making those moments so tender between the two of them because he knows exactly how to handle her. Finn is romantic and reflective at the same time making his emotions run far deeper than Brooklyn can even comprehend at first. He is all in with her and makes no mistake pushing her to at least be friends then continuing make breakthroughs and push through her walls. Every time she opens up a little bit or even smiles a small victory is won for Finn. My favorite thing about him is that even when Brooklyn’s sassy and provoking him to banter with her questions he can flip a switch and answer with the most sensual, serious response about his feelings for her. He isn’t ashamed of those feelings. There are way too many quotes in this book from Finn to list but his constant reinforcement of his feelings for her will make you swoon.
There is mystery and suspense here too when random events in Brooklyn’s life start connecting. I don’t want to give anything else about the story away in fear that it would ruin the allure. Like gravity is an extremely well written story. It completely consumed me. I’m so happy I was able to read it and review it for this great author. I can’t wait to see what other stories she has in store for us. You won’t regret reading Brooklyn’s compelling story. Julie Johnson has made a fan girl out of me with Like Gravity.