Title: Charitable Contributions

Author: still_just_me

Genre / Style / Sub-Genre: Romance, Drama

Tags: #diversity, #enemiestolovers, #mentalhealth, #newadult,

#quarterback, #romance, #secondchance, #sports

#strongfemalelead

Reviewer: EvelynHail

Summary:

Losing the love of my life taught me that inactions have consequences. My new bookkeeping job teaches me that numbers don't lie, but people do.

Sharing yoga with others is my refuge from the darkness pulling me to stay home. A ginormous pro football player barging into my classes isn't in my rehab plan. Worse, it's the cocky jerk who treats me like I'm too insignificant to remember. If only I could say the same.

Sam Pearson is Houston's golden, champion-winning quarterback. He's arrogant, rude, and reckless. His agent, my brother, thinks I can rehabilitate his injured shoulder and spiraling ego to achieve a long-term contract. I think Sam needs a reality smack in his handsome face.

I should hate his rebellious distractions, but I can't stop challenging him out of his comfort zone. After losing most of myself along with my other half, Sam's woken me up inside. He challenges me, irritatingly, which is exciting and scary. He's dangerously close to cracking open my closed-off heart, revealing the secrets holding me back. And yet, he might also be the second chance at love I thought I didn't deserve.

Review: Wow. Just wow.

"Charitable Contributions" is a heartwarming and incredibly poignant love story that will take you on a journey of exploration, as it underlines the themes of loss, healing, and, I'd say, above all, the power of human connection.

The authoress, still_just_me, masterfully weaves together a tale of two individuals who find solace and love in each other's company.

The protagonist, Amelie, is a complex, yet at the same time very relatable character. She's deeply grieving the loss of her partner, Nathan, while simultaneously trying to rebuild her life. Her journey is marked by both pain and resilience, as she navigates the challenges of her new job as a yoga instructor for a professional football team.

Yet, her life story takes quite an unexpected turn when she meets Sam Pearson, our male lead: a charismatic and arrogant, arsehole-ish quarterback.

Initially, as is to be expected, their interactions are filled with tension, but as they spend more time together, a deep and meaningful emotional connection begins to form.

The authoress beautifully captures both the nuances of grief and the healing power of love. The relationship between the protagonist and Sam, tender and passionate, and their chemistry is undeniable. Talk about the heat level in some chapters! *fans self*

Another aspect of the book that I truly loved were incredibly well crafted supporting characters, such as Sam's family and the football team members. I think they add depth and humor to the story and I hope you, dear reader, will agree with me.

Last, but not the least important, if I had to underline one of the most compelling aspects of the book, I'd say it's the exploration of personal growth and self-discovery. Amelia finds love, learns to let go of the past and embraces the future, while Sam learns to be vulnerable and open his heart. Many readers will surely be able to relate to a lot of what people are going through life and how mental health affects them in so many different situations. The book is a learning experience too, and teaches us how to move on in life after having suffered from a horrible loss, as well as how to overcome survivor's guilt.

Hop into a story of Sam and Amelia, and stay for the wonderfully written characters, the wit, their humorous banter, and above all the passion which they exude.

To the Author: I'm positive that many readers have already commented something similar, but I believe that you could consider a serialization of this gem of a book! I did not want the story to end, which is due to your writing believable characters that feel like they could be your friends and family. Thank you for sharing "Charitable Contributions" with us!

About the Author: This Wattpad Creator and Originals writer is a master crafter of flawed heroes, feisty heroines, and her entire opus has a whole lot of heart. When you delve into still_just_me's books, do expect slow-burn romances that will leave you breathless, and always, an inevitable happily ever after.