Better than most in this genre

If You Stay by Courtney Cole
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Another dysfunctional hero is saved by a heroine who embodies all that is good.

Despite having read a lot of books with this theme, I enjoyed this one more than most. Pax is not the usual "dark and brooding" hero, and has to work hard to overcome a shocking and very disturbing childhood experience.
Mila, whilst clearly the catalyst to the healing process, is not solely responsible for his recovery. My only real criticism is that the secondary characters, Mila's sister and Pax's father are not very believable - almost uneccessary additions to the story.

Favourite quote:

"You must be talented. Sometimes, the past doesn't want to sleep."

That's true," I admit. "You're right. Sometimes, at the least opportune times, the past is an insomniac, alive and well."