Ryan’s Bed

by Tijan

Ryan’s Bed by Tijan

Ryan’s Bed – Tijan

CORINA’S REVIEW

I’m sitting here, still reeling from a book that was profoundly touching, raw, and emotionally moving. Being a long-term fan of Tijan did not prepare me for this tremendously beautiful story. A story that carries a message. A message that breaks hearts all over the world. A message that can easily affect you and me.

I thought Ryan’s Bed would be a typical Tijan novel, but it exceeded all my preconceived expectations. And by typical I mean that it would have everything I’ve come to love about her novels. Tijan excels at writing young adult novels that are filled with teenage angst and emotional ups and downs. She writes entertaining novels that always feature strong, and feisty heroines. They often include a group of true friends who will stand by the heroine when everything else around her crumbles, and a swoony hero that is devoted to the heroine from the very beginning. All these ingredients make for a spellbinding tale.

Ryan’s Bed had every one of the aforementioned characteristics plus so much more! So it’s not surprising that I loved and adored every single second of this novel.

And then came the punch.

WOW! It was a punch that I didn’t see coming. One that squeezed my heart and didn’t let go.

However, let’s back up for a moment. It all started when the author masterfully let her main characters, Mackenzie and Ryan open up to each other. In tiny increments, they each told their heartbreaking story. With each other, they were able to show what’s been hiding behind their public masks for so long. The brewing emotions that had been held so tightly, fought for recognition. They had been hidden away for so long, until they festered and started to rear their heads. The ensuing transformation was as healing as it was heartachingly beautiful.

The entirety of Mackenzie and Ryan’s relationship throughout this book was beautiful. Although the relationship grew out of a need and a desire to be seen, it never once was anything other than radiant with a sense of righteousness. The character’s ability to finally let go, to be themselves with each other, was what brought them together and cemented their bond. Mackenzie and Ryan are a perfect match. They saw each other for who they truly are and acknowledged how devastatingly each other ached. They can empathize with each other and understand how truly deep they were wounded.

“Don’t.” I leaned forward, catching his face with my hands. I moved so close, my eyes jumping back and forth between his, my lips almost touching his. “Don’t do that. Not to me.”

“Don’t what?”

But he knew. He so knew, and I shook my head.

“Don’t shut me out. I’m not them.”

His eyes shut again, resting a second, and his chest rose as he took in a deep breath. Then they opened, and I was seeing the real him. He just opened up for me again.

“There.” I raised my hands, cupping the sides of his temples, right next to his eyes. My forehead rested against his. “There you are.”

More pieces fit together.

The journey that Mackenzie and Ryan took was fundamentally beautiful, but also heartrending. Ryan’s Bed is Tijan’s most emotionally touching novel yet. She writes about a topic that many don’t even want to acknowledge.

I’m not ashamed to admit that I was wrecked. She made me cry and I’m not an overly emotional person at all!  However, while reading this novel, I had tears in my eyes at the end of the book. I would have given Tijan a standing ovation if it would have been possible.

And OMG that ending!!!!! It shattered my heart with its heart-aching revelation. But most of all it was utter perfection!

I could continue to gush, but I’ll just leave you with this – I loved every moment of reading Ryan’s Bed. From the bottom of my heart I give it my highest recommendation. It is a must read!

“this review first appeared on USA Today’s Happy Ever After blog”

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BLURB

I crawled into Ryan Jensen’s bed that first night by accident.

I barely knew him. aI thought it was his sister’s bed—her room. rIt took seconds to realize my error, and I should’ve left…

oI didn’t.
iI didn’t jump out.
I didn’t get embarrassed.
iI relaxed.
And that night, in that moment, it was the only thing I craved.

I asked to stay. He let me, and I slept.

The truth? I never wanted to leave his bed. If I could’ve stayed forever, I would have.
He became my sanctuary.

Because—four hours earlier—my twin sister killed herself.