The Year We Hid Away by Sarina Bowen

Book description:

She’s hiding something big. He’s hiding someone small.

Scarlet Crowley’s life was torn apart the day father was arrested for unspeakable crimes. Now the shock has worn off, but not the horror.

It’s a safe bet that Scarlet is the only first year at Harkness College who had to sneak past TV news trucks parked on her front lawn just to leave town. But college will be Scarlet’s fresh start. Clutching a shiny new student ID — with a newly minted name on it — she leaves it all behind. Even if it means lying to the boy she’s falling for.

Bridger McCaulley is a varsity hockey star known for being a player both on and off the ice. But a sobering family crisis takes that all away. Protecting his sister means a precarious living arrangement and constant deception. The only bright spot in his week is the few stolen hours he spends with Scarlet.

The two form a tentative relationship based on the understanding that some things must always be held back. But when grim developments threaten them both, going it alone just won’t work anymore. And if they can’t learn to trust one another now, the families who let them down will take everything they’ve struggled to keep.

Silvana’s Review:

SHE DOES IT AGAIN! Sarina Bowen, you have become one of my favorite NA authors. Your books speak volumes to me and make me turn into this mushy substance. I’m swooning all over your guys and the girls are just as awesome. Sarina writes strong characters. She truly depicts them into these outstanding persons that fight for what they want with all they have. I fall in love every time I read one more book of hers.

The Year We Hid Away is about Scarlet and Bridger, who we see in Book 1- the great best pal of Mr. Adam Hartley. I was all “HECK YES BRIDGE HAS A BOOK” when I found out Book 2 was his. And Scarlet. Scarlet was so easy to love. She was this fireball of cuteness and greatness.

“And on Tuesday, I could see Scarlet. She was my happy thought – with those perfect cheekbones and thoughtful, hazel eyes.”

Their relationship sky-rocketed so high in my heart. They were that type of couple you just fall for at first read. They had this mountain of problems on them  – but together, they worked. They were this power couple, I just felt it in my bones as they triumph and dash around campus, with their shinny hair and love looks.

I like the way they trusted each other since day one. They both knew there was some serious baggage in their lives but they thrive together and they wanted to be there for each other. You don’t know how much I loved them. Scarlet and Bridge have dug a big hole inside of my heart. I need more of them!

And the other characters! Jesus, Sarina makes me love everyone. Adam was so everything-I-have-ever-wanted, yes. I want him with cupcakes all over him so I can eat him all up. I am clutching my copy of Blonde Date and can see myself falling in love all over again. And the Katie’s were also great. I couldn’t hold my laughter in; they just knew what to say. I loved them.

✱LUCY. A whole paragraph just for her. *Baaaaaby* She is the little one of the book. The great cupcake lover – I think no one, NO ONE loves cupcakes more than her. And Harry Potter. She was such a joy to read. A few cries where for her and for Bridge too, their relationship is just so great and meaningful.

Now I seriously can’t wait to read The Understatement of the Year, Book 3! THIS BOOK GUYS IS GOING TO BE EPIC-DELICIOUS-DROOLS-ALL-OVER-IT. I can see it. <3

So 1-Click The Ivy Series right now!

Book 1- The Year We Fell Down

Book 2- The Year We Hid Away

Book 2.5- Blonde Date