Crashing Back Down" by Kristen Mazzola

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

When I first started reading Crashing Back Down, I wasn't sure I was going to actually like the story. I put this down to the fact that I usually read Fantasy books. I did find myself getting more absorbed as the book went on.

Mags McManus is a 24 year old widow whose husband was killed while he was serving in the military. The prologue provides some glimpses into Mags college years and shows us how and where she met Randy, whom she starts dating and goes on to marry. The first chapter catches up with Mags as she lies in her bed, drowning in grief. When Mags decides that she that she needs to drag herself back together, she has a good support network around her: her mother, her best friend Cali, Randy's best friend Walker and Randy's parents.
Mags' feelings for Walker start to change and she finds herself attracted to him more and more. Judging by Walker's reactions and responses, it's clear he also has growing feelings for Mags too. Guilt swamps them both as they feel they are betraying Mag's dead husband Randy.
At first you'd think this is your run of the mill love story but it comes with a dark twist that will have you gasping in disbelief.

Did I like this book? I liked the story and the idea behind it. Did I like the characters? I have to admit, I am not Mags' greatest fan. I didn't like how she treated her mother. Mags just seemed to lose her temper too easily with her and I didn't like that. Maybe I'm being too picky.
I was engrossed in the story and when I got to the end I was like "nooooooo!!!!!" because I do want to know what happens now that Walker's secret is out. I want to know does Mags turn to the bottle again as she seems to do so often (she drinks when she's relaxing at home, she drinks on girlie days out with Cali, she drinks on her nights out with her friends)

3.5 stars for a good story. I dropped 1.5 stars because I wasn't fond of the characters and couldn't connect with them.