Be With Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the second book of the Wait For You Series. There is a book in between, but I am not sure if it is exactly part of the series or more like a filler. Anyways, after reading the first book, Wait For You, it was pretty easy for me to pick a new book from the same series. This young adult/ new adult focuses on Teresa Hamilton and Jase Winstead.
Teresa is Cam’s sister, who was introduced in the first book with Jase. Teresa is starting life afresh after a rough year. She takes admission to the same college as her brother. Jase is her brother’s best friend. She has secretly crushed on him for years, but one night a year ago, they share an amazing kiss. Teresa was over the moon, but Jase has spent the last year since then, keeping his distance from her. Now that they are in the same college, their paths cross inevitably.
Jase is pretty mysterious as a character in the beginning. He is intense, and there is definitely some emotional baggage. Teresa and Jase are very attracted to each other, and he is sweet to her most of the time. But, when they start getting closer, he backs off even though he is clearly interested. There is a tug and pull within him about Teresa and how to deal with his feelings for her. Teresa has crushed on him for a long time, but her relationship was physically abusive. She wants to make sure, that she is never made to feel that way again by anyone, even Jase.
Teresa has to find a way to confront her past when she sees signs of an abusive relationship in her friend’s life. She has to relive her trauma, but this time she deals with it differently than in the past. I like that though Jase helps her, she saves herself and stays brave when in danger. Jase’s secrets are slowly revealed, and his behavior starts to make sense within the context. Sometimes, he pushes Teresa away too hard, and she doesn’t just let it go but makes sure he understands how his behavior affects her. As I said, it is not an easy breezy romance for them.
I think both characters really complement each other well. The first book has a background about Teresa’s characters, which plays a part in shaping her arc in this book. Jase and Teresa don’t have an easy way to a happy ending. Their chemistry and connection are pretty evident from the start, but it also develops into something solid as the story progresses. They accept each other as they are, but Jase has trouble making peace with his past. I feel because they have had troubles, they can relate to each other and understand. It makes you root for them individually, and of course, for them to be together.
Be With Me is a good addition to the series. There are familiar characters and also new ones, which balances it out. Jennifer L. Armentrout makes her characters complex, and Teresa and Jase are no exceptions. Although, Jase has a bigger redemption arc. I loved the romance, the characters, and the story. It maintains a good pace, and I really didn’t want to stop reading, but it was getting late. It’s sweet, romantic, and engaging. I enjoyed reading this book.
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