| Title | : | Wanting What You Get (Stepp Sisters Trilogy, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0821776134 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780821776131 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 352 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 2004 |
But Ellie has always had a crush on Mason Sweet, and when they find themselves paired off at her sister's wedding, Mason is flirtatious. Ellie can't imagine what a popular mayor would want with a dowdy librarian, but Mason is drawn to her curves, unruly blonde curls, and big, blue eyes.
Unfortunately, both of them start this new relationship with enough baggage for several couples. Because of the secretive nature of Mason's courtship, Ellie's already low self-esteem hits rock bottom, and Mason drowns his sorrows in alcohol.
Wanting What You Get (Stepp Sisters Trilogy, #2) Reviews
-
With the exception of the first 30% and last 10%, this book was dangerously approaching a 2 star rating. The premise sounded great and I love seeing the shy/wallflower type landing the unattainable male. I was actually excited to read about Mason and Ellie as they played pivotal roles in the first book, 'Getting What You Want'. Parts of this actually reminded me of 'Devil in Winter' by Lisa Kleypas, where we saw the socially awkward and shy wallflower, Evie, land the notorious philanderer and ladies man, Sebastian St. Vincent. Difference is, Evie had much stronger convictions and never let Sebastian walk all over her...in other words, she had a backbone.
So, Ellie Stepp is the town librarian. While her sisters Abbie and Marty left Millbrook after high school for more ambitious ventures, she stayed back to care for her now deceased grandmother. Living in the same house she grew up in, Ellie is the shy and reserved Stepp sister. She's also always loved Mason Sweet, the town's mayor, since forever. He was the golden boy in school, popular, gorgeous and smart. Her sister Abbie is getting married to chase ( they had their story in the first book of this series ), and as luck would have it, Ellie is to be Abbie's maiden of honor to Chase's best man, Mason. This wedding changes everything for Ellie. First off, it appears Mason is flirting with her and insinuating some seductive ideas for the two of them. But Ellie refuses to make more of what Mason is saying, because hey, he couldn't actually...want her, could he?
Anyways, a proposition is made and accepted between these two and while things are electric between them, Mason is suffering. He has a drinking problem that he denies and it soon becomes the debilitating factor in his relationship with Ellie. I think the author portrayed his addiction well. Mason's constant justification for drinking is a hallmark sign of abuse and his denial was of course hurting everyone around him.
My problem with this book lies in two things: firstly, Mason wanted to keep his relationship with Ellie a secret. He did have valid reasons--AT FIRST--but soon things became quite intense with them. Throughout this, I felt Ellie was a doormat. She kept letting Mason get his way and never said a damn thing, although it hurt her having to lie to those around her. She was so weak and timid at times it pissed me off. The second thing was Mason's back and forth with telling people about him and Ellie. One minute he's about to tell the world, the next he's refusing to be seen together, argh!! MAKE UP YOUR MIND!
Only at about 90% in did Ellie finally grow a pair and tell Mason to eff off. FINALLY WOMAN! Mind you, I did feel for Mason and his denial. He also wouldn't admit to himself how deeply he felt for Ellie which only compounded his problems. When he finally does hit rock bottom, he does so in a very sad and resigned manner. That scene where he finally admits to himself he has a problem and admits how much he cares for the one woman that actually mattered, killed me.
The ending was awesome and the epilogue was perfect, which saved this book for me. So it was sweet and I loved how Mason really came around, but it wasn't as good as the first book. Looking forward to the last book in this series about Marty Stepp. -
4 stars after third reading (updated from 5 stars)
Saying that Wanting What You Get is one of the best romance books I've read this year doesn't mean much, since it's only January 9, 2010 - so I will go ahead and say it's one of the best I've read in two years, if not more.
AVAILABILITY
This book is very hard to find - out of print on Amazon, so only used copies are available and they start in the $20 range, PaperbackSwap.com didn't have any, neither did my local library system, and I finally resorted to buying a used copy on Amazon.co.uk (no new ones there either). It cost me a total of $16, but oh was it worth it!!
MY REVIEW
There are too many good things to say about this book and frankly, I don't want to say too much since you should just read it and see for yourself. Mason and Ellie are wonderful leading characters. They are three-dimensional, complex, and both flawed, but wholly lovable and they are --- surprisingly --- perfect for one another. I especially love books where the quiet/shy/wallflower girl gets the guy, and this is definitely that type of book.
Ellie has serious body image issues, since she's always been slightly overweight, and Love deals with this issue very well. You really see the transformation that Ellie undergoes as Mason shows her that what she expects/thinks he wants and what he actually wants are two very different things and she begins to see herself through his eyes. It's especially realistic because it's gradual, so you don't have one week of Mason telling her she's beautiful and Ellie suddenly puts aside 30-years of self-consciousness and self-doubt --- instead, as Ellie becomes more comfortable and secure with Mason and his feelings for her, she also becomes more comfortable with herself and her own body.
Mason has the extremely serious issue of alcoholism to deal with and I thought that this was well incorporated into the book. The way that it affected their relationship, his refusal to admit he has a problem, how everyone deals with it and what ends up happening and changing things around seemed, again, very realistic. The fact that the two main characters are dealing with real everyday problems instead of some evil psycho-murderer or plan-spoiler in the background trying to ruin their lives made the book that much more enjoyable since you can actually imagine all of this truly happening.
In addition to Ellie and Mason being amazing characters on their own, the relationship that develops between them is absolutely wonderful and just writing about the book in this review makes me want to pick it up and read it again. There are so many scenes between them where your heart will go seriously pitter-patter and the banter, as well as serious conversations, that take place really make their romance one of love, not just lust. There's also a lot of humor, which is a must, and the lingerie-bathroom scene had me literally laughing out loud.
"STEPP SISTERS" SERIES
1)
Getting What You Want - Abby and Chase
2) Wanting What You Get - Ellie and Mason
3)
Wanting Something More - Marty and Nate
BOTTOM LINE
If you're a romance reader, give yourself a late holiday present and somehow get your hands on a copy of this book!!! It is fabulous (*****^*) and I can't wait for the next time I read it. -
I couldn't get past the fact that Ellie and Mason have such little self respect for themselves AND each other.
Ellie has been painfully shy and insecure her whole life. She's the short, chubby librarian in town and feels completely insignificant. She can't fathom why a hottie like Mason would be interested in her---even when he tells her numerous times how attracted he is to her, how much he wants her, likes her, etc. I confess I have little patience with virgin wallflower heroines to begin with so maybe I'm being too harsh on Ellie, but it annoyed me that the author didn't give her even the tiniest smidgen of self-esteem.
Mason comes from a prestigious wealthy family and has sidled up the ranks to town Mayor. He wants Ellie. Bad. So when she comes asking to support funding for the library instead of a new football field, he agrees---if she will sleep with him. Tactlessness aside, this may not have been a big deal if Ellie was that kind of girl. But she's not. She's awkward, shy Ellie who agrees to the proposal because she feels Mason is throwing her a bone and she'd be a fool to pass it up. This infuriated me.
Turns out Mason was drunk when he made Ellie that offer. Did I mention he has a drinking problem? Yep, Mason's got his own insecurities that he drowns with alcohol. He's also in denial that he has a problem. Oh, and Mason doesn't want anyone to know they are a couple because "he can't give her anything more than sex."
Thus begins the pattern of M & E's affair---having a great time together when he is sober and him treating her like shit when he is drunk-- threatening to end the relationship, then always coming back the next day spouting a lameass apology and wanting more sex. Meanwhile Ellie just sits back and lets him walk all over her. Good lord woman, grow a backbone. Please! Mason, you know you're being an asshole, DO something about it!!!
They break up, and she finally does realize she deserves better than his constant douchebaggery, when she becomes pregnant. How convenient. Let's not deal with our problems and work them out, let's throw in a plot ploy. Wait, it gets better. When Mason finally admits to himself 'omg I am a bastard AND an alcoholic!', he seeks help via counseling, and Ellie overhears his confession of love through the overhead speaker. Because again, let's not talk face to face like adults, ridiculous convenient loopholes are so much easier.
Clearly, I have issues with this book. I didn't like the way Mason had to treat Ellie like crap in order for him to come to terms with his addiction. More infuriating was how Ellie LET his behavior towards her slide because she was too timid to know better. I get that their problems are not uncommon, that people are unhappy and life can be sucky most of the time, that relationships like this exist. If the author left out contrived plot ploys and brought about their HEA in a more dignified manner I would have had a lot more respect for the story. As it is, I hated it. Sorry! -
Many years have passed since high school, but librarian Ellie Stepp is still the short, dumpy "ugly Stepp sister" -- at least in her own mind. So when her former -- only -- crush Mason starts to get interested in her, it's like a dream come true. But there's a dark side to Ellie's fairy tale: not only is Mason wary of committing to her, but it becomes increasingly clear that his biggest commitment is to alcohol.
This was a very good, very readable contemporary romance, one that's realistic without being too painfully gritty. It skirted close to the edge of genuinely scary for me a few times, because Mason does some freaky things that are undoubtedly on the "how to tell if your lover is an abusive fruitcake" list, like breaking into Ellie's house. And Ellie is such a humble and giving character, I was afraid Mason would walk all over her, and she would always be shortchanged in their relationship. She shows that she can be strong when it counts, though, and they end on a satisfyingly equal footing. -
A wonderful book about realistic people with realistic problems. The heroine, Ellie, is a shy librarian. Why are librarians always shy? Seriously is no one else ever shy? Perhaps a veterinarian's assistant or a dispersing clerk? But I digress. Anyhoo, she is a nice woman who has had a crush on the high school hottie, Mason, for years. Mason is divorced and is now the mayor of the small town where they grew up. He is an alcoholic who is in denial. They start a relationship which is eventually sabotaged by his drinking.
Well written with well developed characters. Good dialog, good pacing. All around, a joy to read. -
"But I will stay sober not only for myself but for her too."
I'm going to file this book under my "inspiring" shelf because I love the way how the hero (who's an alcoholic ) learns how to overcome his addiction.
Look, we all have addictions in our life. Some are just more "dangerous" than the others. I have a book addiction and it's perfectly safe except for my wallet, while others have it with alcohol, cigarettes and abusive people. I know that to beat it, you have to accept that you have a problem and want to stop it yourself.
"She asked me if I would get help. If I loved her enough to get help." Mason said, his voice low and filled with pain. "Such a simple question, with such a simple answer."
I love how this story ends. It made me love how the characters have real-life problems instead of superficial ones. The way it was portrayed that alcoholism, which may not be easy to defeat, is still doable is perfect and it touched my stone cold heart.
-
clichè, i stopped reading after he said he would only help her if she slept with him.
-
3.5
-
I forced myself to finish this book. I just felt that it portrayed the disease of alcholism as easily curable. It also infuriated me that Mason kept driving while intoxicated and that Ellie didn't stop him or call someone or whatever. Then we find out that his past DUI was totally swept under the rug? WTHeck?? Okay, you are the MAYOR of the town and get a DUI and it is hidden from everyone? Maybe his DUI was a misdemeanor and not a felony so that makes it okay? But blaming his DUI on the fact that he was depressed after his divorce even though he admits that he didn't really love his ex-wife?
Ellie was a total twit, at 30 and a librarian she should have a better head on her shoulders. Her constant indecision and lack of self esteem got old quick. She's always loved Mason and when the library is in trouble she approaches him for help because he is the mayor after all and he tells her he will help her if she sleeps with him! What? I expected her to smack him a good one, but she didn't! Of course Mason was supposedly drunk when he asked her that and regretted it the next day so that makes it all okay, because he asked her that when he was drunk. It took Ellie FOR-EV-AH to figure out Mason had a drinking problem, then she keeps second guessing herself.
Oh, and Ginny, the town crier, knows everything there is to know about anything. Except she never knew her boss, the mayor, got a DUI? How does that happen when she herself admits she knows everything that goes on?
Of course eventually Mason realizes he is an ass and an alcoholic after he learns that he got Ellie pregnant, so he goes to AA for 6 months and the town embraces him for it, in fact, let's make him the town hero!
After that, the town keeps him as mayor, the library is saved, him and Ellie marry and even Mason's strained relationship with his dad is fixed. HEA.
Total wall thrower for me.
-
3 1/2 stars.
This is the second book in the Stepp Sisters trilogy. Ellie is the middle sister who is short and a little round in the middle. She really doesn't have any self-esteem at all. She doesn't think any man would be interested in her.
After her sister Abby's wedding (book 1 heroine), her new brother-in-law's best friend, and her secret forever crush, Mason Sweet, finds himself fascinated by Ellie. He can't stop thinking about her, but he doesn't think he is the right man for her. She is sweet and innocent and the town librarian. He is a divorced, bitter about love, looking for a good time mayor.
I enjoyed this story. Although it is a little contrite and predictable. Both characters are flawed and the self-deprecation could be overwhelming sometimes--even though it seems true to life.
I am looking forward to reading the last installment in the trilogy. -
This is the second in the Stepp Sisters trilogy. I read the first one a couple of years ago and quite enjoyed it so I was looking forward to this one. However, I was quite disappointed. I did not like the "hero". It's not that he did anything really bad for most of the book. He was just thoroughly selfish and I really felt sick for the heroine for a good part of the book. I guessed what was going to happen and by the time he did his nasty bit, I already didn't like him. I actually had to force myself to finish the book to see how it worked out. I guess he did redeem himself at the end, but it was too little, too late for my tastes. It was a shame because in general I like her books. Hopefully, the third book will be better and the series will end on a good note.
-
I thought Love did a good job dealing with Mason's alcoholism, but it's so hard to like a hero who is drunk for a good portion of the story.
-
I can't endorse this book because of severable offensive incidents that appear to be accepted by the main character. A 30 year old female librarian who considers herself to be fat and totally undesirable asks the handsome mayor for help in saving the library. But since he has been attracted to this woman since high school, believing her to be curvy and sexy, not fat, his immediate response is - I'll help you if you sleep with me. I probably should have put the book down right then, but I am not one to give up easily.
It is somewhat fortunate that Mason, the mayor, quickly repents and tells Ellie he will help without strings. Apparently he was drunk when he made the proposition. Ellie's response is - I want to sleep with you anyway. This despite the fact she is a virgin. Mason tried to do what is right and avoid her physically, but it doesn't last long. He gets drunk again and goes into her house uninvited while she is out. Instead of acting sanely, Ellie takes Mason to her bed where he proceeds to partially undress her and then pass out. Great start, right? I think this is roughly 1/3rd of the book. I say "Run, Ellie, Run." Later the next day, they complete what they started and begin a non-relationship. Mason tells her from the start that it is only sex, and he will never be in a real relationship.
This story is about two very hurt and messed up people. I quickly developed a lot of compassion for Ellie. The first scene in the book is how she was mistreated in school including a scene where she is picked last in gym for a game, complete with insults from many of the other kids. Throughout the book, Ellie repeatedly tells herself that no one could ever think her attractive, or love her. As a reader, I come to accept that she really believes this and that it is a hurt that goes to the core of her being. Despite all of this, Ellie is an extremely generous and loving young woman.
I found it hard to ever like Mason at all despite the presentation that he is a slave to his drinking problems, and to his libido. Despite all the stupid and even criminal things he does that I described above, he begins to treat Ellie really well, except perhaps when he is drinking. For me, that does not at all excuse how their "non-relationship" began. The rest of the book is about the affection developing between the two, and how is constant drinking is a continuing problem.
My own personal opinion is that I did not buy into the choices of either main character. I did not buy that this woman was so eager to act in direct contradiction to her established life-style. What's worse, I submit that this whole idea is a perpetuation of the rape myth. "Even the shy virgin wants it." Not only that, but she is willing to submit to blatant sexual harassment and have her house invaded and be humiliated in bed the first time, just so "she can get some". (I have put these statements in quotes because I do not at all believe them.)
Even Mason's alcoholism does not fit with what I have seen and what I have read. His need for drink is inconsistent. He usually does not drink at work, or during the working day. He appears to have been able to function as mayor without drinking, most of the time, and has done so for two years. Perhaps this man is an exception. It could be that his addictive personality is satisfied by sex with Ellie. The sex is certainly compulsive for him.
It may be obvious, but there is explicit sex in this story. -
The story of an unrequited love that is finally returned.
Ellie has been in love with Mason since high school, where she was the chubby girl everyone made fun of and he was the popular quarterback. She grew up to become the town's librarian and Mason is the mayor. She retains her optimism but he has turned into a cynic after a failed marriage among other hardships of life.
The two have been in each other's lives for years, but it is only during the wedding of Ellie's sister and Mason's best friend that Mason finally sees her as a woman, and one he discovers he finds extremely desirable.
They start a secret affair that they intend to keep simple, but it doesn't really work out that way. .
I am a big fan of the unrequited love trope and enjoyed it in this book as well, although I have to admit Mason's problem ruined my groove somewhat. The series continues with
Wanting Something More and the youngest Stepp sister Marty's story next. I am not particularly eager to read her story since she's paired up with Nathaniel, the unlikeable sheriff we met in this book, so I probably won't get to it any time soon.
Previous book review:
✦
Getting What You Want (Stepp Sisters Trilogy, #1) -
This is the story of a two people that each come with their own "baggage". One owns a Book Store, the other is the Mayor. One is average looking with a few extra pounds, the other is good looking, One was a wall-flower in high school, the other one was the "big man on campus". One is a virgin, the other is divorced. One has low self-esteem, the other has a drinking problem. Mason's and Ellie's romance is not smooth sailing, but their struggles will make their love stronger.
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So sweet! My favorite siblings-centered series! I love all the Stepp sisters and their journies to find love!
To say the least... this one is a bumpy ride and quite a tough read for someone who has body image issue or have witnessed or struggled with substance abuse. It was a read that left me thinking on it. But there are plenty of laughs and heart-warming moments that give you so much hope in love! -
I love Kathy because shes not afraid to test her characters. They dont have quirky problems where they just happen to trip every once in a while or their parents are estranged. They're deeply flawed people who have to work to be redeemed, and dont lose their status for admitting they have a problem and trying to fix it.
-
Interesting story ... highlighting the inequality that can exist between 2 people and how they work around it ...
I liked both the main characters; they were flawed but they tried their best ...
Sweet reading ... -
Well written but very cliche
-
DNF@56%
I disliked Mason and Ellie was so naive and desperate I just couldn’t -
You got all bristly when you thought I was checking out your date for the evening. I'd say that's right gentlemanly of you."
- Nathaniel
Nathaniel : Did it hurt?
Marty : Excuse me?
Nathaniel : Did it hurt?
Marty : Did what hurt?
Nathaniel : Did it hurt when you fell to earth? Because you must be an angel.
If you were mine, I'd never ask you to be anything different than what you are. Never.
- Ellie
Do you want to be mine?
- Mason
Men are far too annoying.
- Marty
Her life was orderly and tidy. And she had to admit it was often a little dull and lonely. It was time to lose control. To be wild. And this was the person she'd wanted her whole life. Sure, she was scared, but if she let this opportunity pass, well, it wouldn't ever come her way again.
- Ellie
You shouldn't have to apologize for realizing you made a mistake.
- Ellie
Did that count as a one-night stand if it didn't happen at night?
- Ellie
Listen, I know everything you're saying is true. Ellie does need a good man. She needs someone steady. Someone who can offer her a life full of love and security.Unfortunately, she wants me.
- Mason
if you hadn't forgotten, then I'd have been doing something wrong.
- Mason
I've died and gone to heaven.
- Mason
You don't have to worry about the other women I've been with. I can't remember a single one of them when I'm with you.
- Mason
Angel, I didn't even notice that woman because I was thinking about you. Don't you understand that I'm not interested in anyone else? I want to be with you
- Mason
I can't imagine wanting anything more than this. Being able to just lie here with you
- Ellie
I want to be with you. All I have ever wanted was to be with you.
- Ellie
People aren't going to turn on you for admitting you have a problem. They'll respect you more.
- Charlie
He didn't have a drinking problem. He had problems that required a drink or two. Simple as that.
- Mason
What if I told you I love you, that I've loved you for as long as I can remember? Would you get help? For yourself? For us?
- Ellie
Yeah, maybe, if I actually loved you, too.
- Mason
She once asked me if I would get help, not just for her but for both of us. Out of love. And I do love her. I will always love her.
- Mason
Because you have my heart.
- Mason -
Alrightey.
This one was good and almost approached the almost great area.
Rating: 3 stars, 2 Mehs.
I loved the fact that Ellie was a librarian and the contemporary setting. I've been on the hunt for good contemporaries these past few days because historicals have not been enough as of lately.
Mason was a good hero for the most part. The town mayor, guy who went to Yale, whose Dad doesn't think is good enough. The ex-wife who left him for a senator. I dig that. The drinking problem, not so much.
Mason's drinking was a big point of the story and this idiot insisting to drive when he's obviously been in the cups was enraging. And Ellie letting him? (Aw hell nah, girl! That was not acceptable.) She should've given him a good knockout punch for being a drunk idiot.
Ellie crushing on Mason since middle school, *sigh*. The two little stories from the time they were kids was not enough! It didn't feel convincing enough. This story lacked a steady background, maybe a few more interactions in their past to cement Ellie's devotion to that dream of eventually being with Mason.
That was a nice reason to have a crush on him for years, but I think that it need MORE.
Mason's relationship with his parents wasn't much explored, shame that. It would have been more interesting seeing more of that part of Mason's life.
What saved this book were the interactions between Ellie and Mason. They were so romantic, holy hell it was hard to drop the book.
The fight toward the end was well done. Ellie's pregnancy wasn't that surprising, it wasn't hard to figure out it was going to happen.
Mason's realization of his drinking problem and the meeting at the AA in the end was a nice ending. Of course the epilogue tied everything in a nice little bow and that's the end of that. -
LEAST FAVORITE OF THE TRILOGY
This book was the least favorite of the trilogy, mostly because I felt like the author didn't show us enough of "why" Ellie and Mason fell in love.
Ellie claims to have been in love with Mason since high school (or maybe it was even middle school) yet in all those years (she is about 30) she has never really gotten to know him on a personal level. So I ask, how could she really be in love with him? Could she have a crush on him for all those years? Yes, certainly. But to claim she was in love with him without actually really knowing him...that bothered me a bit.
Even once their relationship begins, the author never really shows them doing anything together but having sex. From our viewpoint, their whole relationship is sexual. In her first book in the trilogy, you got to see Abby and Chase get to know each other; she gave them a basis for falling in love. With Ellie and Mason, their relationship felt like it was missing something for me.
And Mason was kind of a jerk. Yes, I know, that was mostly because of his drinking, but again, with him acting that way, I just don't see why Ellie would have fallen in love with him.
I pushed most of the shortcomings aside while reading the book and still enjoyed it overall, but given the glowing reviews I read about it, and the potential I thought it had, I was expecting much more and the book fell short.
Overall it's an enjoyable read but not as good as book 1 and nowhere near as good as book 3.
A note on Kindle formatting: There were assorted typos, though not nearly as many as were in the kindle version of book 1. -
If I could give a rating of 3.5 stars I would feel "right" about my rating. This is book 2 of the Stepp Sister's trilogy. I absolutely LOVED "Getting What You Want" and was eager to read about the shy, romantic, librarian Ellie Stepp. Mason was also of interest to me because of meeting him in "Getting What You Want" as Chase's best friend.
The good is that Kathy Love's writing continues to be very strong. I couldn't put this book down and it was a very quick read just like the first book was. I wish I would've liked Ellie and Mason as well as I liked Abby and Chase.
Ellie is my worst nightmare as a female. She is HORRIBLY insecure and caring for everyone else but herself. She is constantly second guessing herself and what she knows she wants. A "weak woman" would pretty much sum her up. I was waiting for her transformation....to come into her own skin and to start believing in herself and her worth...she never really did. She looked to Mason to define her beauty and worth. A very sad lady indeed...your typical codependent.
Mason was your typical alcoholic. Selfish, undependable, abusive, and totally protecting his addiction at the expense of all who were around him. His "rock bottom" comes at the end of the book and I thought his recovery was a bit rushed.
I liked this book, but Ellie and Mason both just bothered me too much to love this book. At the end they get their HEA, but I just wasn't convinced that it was one that would last. -
I suppose the story behind this one is if you go completely against type and accept an indecent proposal from someone you've been crushing on for years you can find your HEA.
I liked that the issue separating them at the end was a real doozy - I mean it wasn't a case for saying he must grovel a little and I'll take him back - Mason had to recognise that he had a problem and take concrete steps. Ellie showed real strength at that point becos I thought she was generally complacent throughout most of the book.
Mason struck me as believable - I reckon alcoholics and addicts deny their problem until the end.
Ellie's character was true to how she'd been described in the previous books.
Their history wasn't really important to the story - while the backstory between Chase and Abbie and Nate and Marty was necessary I felt that the prologue here was not needed unless at any point we had gotten Mason's memories of that time or any memories of Ellie at school. Without this prologue it still would've been believable that Ellie had a crush on the goodlooking mayor considering the samll town they lived in.
I did enjoy this and it was worth the wait to find this second hand copy which by the way is in really good condition.
