Looking for love

Beatrix and Serge meet under odd circumstances.  She goes looking for her brother, who suffers from addiction and finds Serge sitting on his motorcycle.  She has been sheltered and abused growing up and is not sure how to talk to a man, much less be normal with one.  His reaction to her with kindness moves her to want to be friends.

Beatrix was under her father's thumb when he was alive.  He controlled and abused her and her brother.  Now that he is gone and she is at college, she is slowly learning to adapt to the American college kid way of life.  She hides her accent, her likes and her fears from others due to fear of rejection.

Serge had a rough time growing up as well.  He is proud that he has made a better life for himself.  He knows he is a good fighter and now wants to move on and fight professionally instead of underground.  Only catch is he has to live long enough to get out.

When thugs try to hurt Beatrix and her brother, Serge rescues them both.  She learns the kind and gentle side to him.  She reminds him that life can be better with someone by your side.  Trust is hard to come by and it takes time ... but soon they are more than friends.

Such an amazingly complex story!  I was nervous to read it at first - I was not sure what I would find.  Turns out it is an amazing coming of age story where two hearts heal by reaching out to another.  I found it to be heartwarming and fun!  I give this book a 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

***This ARC copy was given free from Netgalley.com and the publisher, for review purposes.  My honest opinion does not reflect Netgalley, nor its affiliates.