There are so many authors in this book world that I love. But, there are a few that really write life changing stories. MK is one of those authors. Every time I read one of her books I fall so in love with them. She has this air about her witting that is just so different. Not only do you become one with the book, you feel like you are the character in the book. I felt like I was living life right alongside Jason. Just the blurb alone made me happy sigh, because I knew this was going to be amazing

From the moment we met Jason I knew this would be different. The way he described these dreams, I was soooo curious. Aunt Rose had me curious too, but I knew at some point we'd find out a little more about it. It's when Jason finally found Scarlett, that is when I knew I was sucked in completely. These two were the most natural couple. They could talk for hours and their chemistry was out of this world. I loved that Jason knew so much about her, so he knew how to love her. 

And Scarlett, she was something else. She was truly one with the island. She was so fierce, but also so sincere. She is truly one of those beautiful people inside and out. When she and Jason started seeing each other, it was like he found his home. She was his calm place and she helped to make him a better person. In reality, she probably helped everyone become better people. Her life with Russell and Tommy was something so special too. This band of friends was everything someone would want in friends. I can't talk about them too much, but they were so special. I loved how Russell was super protective of Scarlett when Jason is around. He got super growly and it made me laugh and go "aw" all at the same time! 

There are so many more things I loved about this book, that I just can't talk about without spoiling it. I really could talk for days about it! From Aunt Rose to Scarlett, to Anna, to everyone in this book, everyone made a difference. Every character was complete, they had their own personality and brought something to the story. Her character development is one of my favorite things about her writing. There isn't ever just a "somebody", each person means something. And then her use of the scenery, I give a dreamy sigh here. There are a lot of special places in this book, from a spot near the water, to the diner. Everything is written in such a special way, that you truly feel these are just as special to you. I could go on and on, but I hope you get the point by now =]

Paranormal, New Adult, Contemporary Romance

First person; only hero-POV

"The first year of the sea turtle migration is called the lost year because no one knows what they do, despite all the technology we have to track them, but I have my theories…
I think they might be searching for what’s missing."
by Scarlett

WHAT HAS REALLY WORKED FOR ME

Addictiveness: 3.5/5 This was an interesting story that kept jumping from reality to dreams so it took me some time to get used to the pace. But the story intrigued me and kept me going until the end. As addictive as melted cheese!

Character: hero 4.5/5, heroine 4/5, secondary characters 5/5, growth 4/5, real 3/5 Very complex characters with lots of depth. Because the story took the readers through a journey from childhood until now, it offered a full background into the characters. Beautifully done!!!

Jason Flynn was the main character here. This is his journey, told by his point-of-view. What a roller coaster he took me into. But it was easy to connect and love him.

Scarlett was Jason’s love. He had a very strong connection with her. She was beautiful, sweet, artistic and loyal.

So many interesting and important secondary characters that helped shaped the plot of this novel. Tommy, Russel, aunt Rose, Anna, his father, Keith and Bob.

The antagonist took me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting he had such a huge role in the story until out of nowhere I got shocked!!!

These characters were multidimensional, but easy to love, connect and understand.

Cover: art 5/5, title 5/5, color-font 5/5, buy 5/5  I’m obsessed with book covers. I love to find snippets of the stories within the art. This cover is perfect for this book! I can see the couple, I can feel their love and happiness for being together. The beach as setting is works really well. The title is amazing and the subtitle really adds to the story. I would buy this book by its cover, without needing to read the blurb!

Freshness: 5/5 This book is definitely one-of-a-kind!!! So crazy and out-of-the-box that made this very unique.  As fresh as a cold bottle of water in the middle of the desert!

Plot: believable 3/5, conflict 5/5, dialogue 5/5, ending 5/5, enjoyment 4/5, opening 3.5/5, pace 3/5, setting 5/5, subplots 5/5, twists 5/5  Interesting opening and amazing ending. An unbelievable plot that has been very well written that convinced the reader that is plausible. Dialogues well written, in a not-so-fast-paced tale filled with mystery and interesting subplots. Great small town setting and a few unexpected twists that elevated this story into another level. Great level of satisfaction!!!

Romance: believable 5/5, chemistry 5/5, description 5/5, development 5/5, steam 5/5  This is a love story. From the first moment, we felt Jason’s love. The author beautifully wrote a love so big, so true and pure that lasted a lifetime. The couple had chemistry and the steamy scenes were great. Love to write sonnets!!!

Writing Style: 4.5/5 This was an extremely well written book. This story was very unexpected, nothing like I imagined. This is not a very long book, but the author took us from childhood until the twenties. I will definitely read more from the author.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER

Pace… I found the beginning of the book a bit slow. It was hard to understand what was happening for a while.

Voice… I know, I even have heard from an author that not always both voices “speaks”to them, but I got used to first person dual point-of-view and I’ve missed Scarlett’s voice.

MY THOUGHTS

"I’d never forget the trauma of the lost years. They would remind me to look at each day with gratitude. What was lost sometimes gets found."
by Jason Flynn

Do you know when you start a book having certain expectations from the blurb? Well, this book was totally different from what I’ve imagined. Really! I’m still shocked for all the twists and surprises. What a great and unexpected finish!!!

31/35 STARS –  4 STARS (between 28 stars and 31 stars)

Addictiveness: 3.5 Character: 4 Cover: 5 Freshness: 5  Plot: 4 Romance: 5 Writing Style: 4.5

Action 3/5

Angst 5/5

Darkness 1/5

Humor 1/5

Romance 5/5

Suspense/Mystery 4/5

Would I recommend? Yes. For anyone that likes their read with the unexpected, a bit of paranormality.

Would I re-read this book? I think so, specially after finally understanding what was going on.

Would I read more from the author? Can’t wait for more!!!

You MAY read this because you like new adult romance; you SHOULD read this because you enjoy unexpected reads; you MUST read this to be shocked!!!

Ok. I totally did not see that coming. Big twists in this story but it all worked in the end.  I admit having some running theories as the story progressed. Did not come close to the truth.  Just jump in this one and enjoy the ride. 

Flynn and Scarlett are soul mates forever and I loved how they just clicked. Their hearts knew each other.  Great set of supporting characters as well.  Beautiful setting.  I can't say much more about the story without spoilers. I recommended just letting go of any expectations and just immerse yourself in the story. 

This is my first time reading this author but I am now intrigued.  I will be checking out her back list.

“Wow! OMG I’m speechless! I’m still processing the amazing story I read! Everything about this story was perfect and magnificent. Lost Years was definitely a unique and special story. The perfect mix of mystery, love and unexpected moments. I absolutely loved that we read from Jason’s POV. 

Jason and Scarlett’s story made me remember how butterflies feel like. A story about the magic of love and the inevitable encounter of two destined souls. A sweet, delicate and beautiful romance what will take your breath away. 

You’ll fall easily for this story and their unique characters. This was a great story and I highly recommend it to you.”

This book was addictive, heart-wrenching, emotional, and so much more.. The story begins with Jason arriving in Serenity, TX for a surprise visit with his aunt Rose. Although it’s not really a surprise visit, he’s had dreams off and on forever about a girl, a place, and he's finally trying to sort things out. Not long after arriving in Serenity, he sees the girl of/from his dreams – Scarlett – and thus begins a tumultuous and emotional love story.
  I loved all of the imagery and vivid descriptions in her writing that made it so easy to be transported to Serenity and feel like a part of the story, rather than an outsider just reading about it.. I thought I had things figured out, things flowed smoothly and then I realized that I was completely wrong and pleasantly surprised by the author’s plot twist!
  This is not a novel I will go on and on about because it will ruin the story and spoil everything. However, if you are a fan of soulmate stories or books about fate and people being meant-to-be, then I highly recommend this novel. There is a wonderful cast of characters that bring this unique and fresh novel to life, with the secondary characters being just as amazing and significant as main characters Jason and Scarlett. There are endless surprises and twists, there are a lot of tears, but also a lot of smiles and swoon-worthy moments. Be prepared to fall in love with Lost Years, this is a great one!

The problem is me.

Or rather, I think the problem is that I don't connect with MK Schiller's writing for some reason.  This is my second attempt.  The covers are stellar and the blurbs make me want to dive right in.  But when I do, I lose patience quickly and this was another swing and a miss for me.

Very interesting and well written book. Some of the characters are a little unorthodox, but that is part of their charm.  I think this is defiantly a book with no rival. The thoughts, plots and characters are taken on an unexpected ride throughout the novel that almost leave the reader unsettled. Be fair warned....

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

A unique story that's based in time travel but you don't fully know that until the very end.  An intense pairing which is validated through the resolution of the story.  It's almost a second chance romance and well written.

I don’t know how to describe this book. Weird...yes. Interesting...yes. Confusing...yes. But I loved it! I was ugly crying in parts, so grab your tissues. You have a guy dreaming about a girl and two best friends and a life that seems so real but it’s not. But wait...it is real only it happened without him. He finds this girl and life when he goes to visit his Aunt Rose. She’s a pot smoking, fun lady who owns a diner. You’ll have to read the rest of the book to figure out if the dreams are real and if he gets the girl.

Although described as contemporary romance, I certainly consider there to be paranormal elements, which isn’t something I frequently read, however, this one was completely addictive, heart-wrenching, emotional, and so on. The story begins with Jason arriving in Serenity, TX for a surprise visit with his aunt Rose. Although it’s more than a surprise visit. He’s had dreams off and on forever about a girl, a place, and now he’s trying to make sense of it all. Not long after arriving in Serenity, he sees the girl of/from his dreams – Scarlett – and thus begins a tumultuous and emotional love story, unlike anything I’ve read recently. 

Lost Years is my first time reading anything by MK Schiller, but I am now a fan. I loved all of the imagery and vivid descriptions in her writing that made it so easy to be transported to Serenity and feel like a part of the story, rather than an outsider just reading about it. I will admit that I was confused a time or two in the first 20-25% of the novel. I was loving what I was reading but struggled following for awhile. Once I thought I had things figured out, things flowed smoothly – until I realized that I was completely wrong and pleasantly surprised by the author’s plot twist! 

This is not a novel I will go on and on about because it will ruin the story and spoil everything. However, if you are a fan of soulmate stories or books about fate and people being meant-to-be, then I highly recommend this novel. There is a wonderful cast of characters that bring this unique and fresh novel to life, with the secondary characters being just as amazing and significant as main characters Jason and Scarlett. There are endless surprises and twists, there are a lot of tears, but also a lot of smiles and swoon-worthy moments. Diehard romantics, prepare to fall in love with Lost Years, this is a great one!

*Thanks to NetGalley and GMB for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I love picking up books that are different but that still get you sucked into reading it. This was so different but so goood! I couldn't get enough. You get sucked into Jason's story and need to know what happens and what the mystery is. When you finally get to their his connection with Scarlett, it's explosive. You know they are meant for each other but that twists and turns to get there is what makes the story so different.

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I would gladly pay for this as MK Schiller is quickly becoming one my favorite authors.

This was my first book from this author and I was very impressed. I was captured by the characters and story from the beginning. To me the chemistry was really good but, the story was the big thing. Written very well.

Note: An ARC was given generously by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

So let's start.

The plot is really interesting with the main hero chasing after his dreams and what they meant. The hero was sweet, intelligent, and funny. 

But I don't know, the story itself was very confusing to read. I mean I think it touched more on a sci-fi/fantasy level more and this way would have fit into a fantasy world rather than real life, as it just clashes badly with the storyline and what it's trying to communicate with dreams and hidden meanings, lost love and reconnecting with loved ones. 

So the writing is well done, no errors grammatically, the characters are sweet and relatable mostly the guy, not the girl, the supporting characters were awesome such as the aunt and the sibling of the main hero, the romance was cute and sweet to a degree.

Overall this book isn't the best to read and neither do I recommend it on a high note but it is a tolerable read if you know what you're going into. 

Until the next page.

-J.B (Reviewer)

I don’t know how to categorize the Lost Years. It’s a second chance romance, but a most unconventional one. It’s a love story that is a true testament to the idea of soul mates, your heart knowing it’s perfect match no matter the confines of space and time and distance. 

This story is told fully from Jason’s POV, and it made me laugh, cry, rage and a smile. Anything I want to say about the story will give things away, but this book captivated me. There was a point where I just wanted to get to the WHY he knew Scarlett from his dreams but he was an essential stranger to her. The twist is certainly not one I saw coming, but it is unique and made this story one of a kind.

I received an advanced copy via NetGalley and voluntarily left a review.

This is definitely different than I could have ever imagined and that's a good thing. As an avid reader it's not often that I am surprised and this author took me to a whole nuther level. During most of the book I have to admit, I was shaking and scratching my head and I believe that was the intention of the author. The confusion wasn't bad since it kept you motivated to turn the page yet again to find out what in the world was going on. The confusion doesn't take away from the story it actually adds to it. With Rosie the joint totting aunt (who was a hoot) who was a mystery all on her own, we finally find out what's happening. Dream me a dream and make it real. That's exactly what this author does. First he dreams and while other's tell him he's crazy he takes the steps to find out and finds himself in Serenity. When things from his dream start becoming a reality or facets of reality the lines blur and reality shifts. What feels like insta love is far from it. It's something different and that helps you continue as dreams become reality and that shift changes and becomes lost. The name tells it all but you'll have to read it to understand.

This is a complicated love story. Jason tells the story of finding his lost love Scarlett. It switches between dream and reality in a sort of surreal landscape. At its core is a story of how far a boy will go for the girl he loves. The author weaves a fantastic tale about living dual lives and recapturing missed opportunities. It is also a story about friendship and family. It answers the question about the choices we would make if we could change the past and have only good things happen to the people we love.

3 stars
The concept of this book was different. I like the originality of it, but to be honest, it wasn't for me. Maybe, it was. I am still on the fence on how to write this review. It was more paranormal to me, which is ok.

This author is new to me, I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the story a lot, at first I felt a little confused, but as I progressed in reading I was delighted with the characters and the story.
very good read, highly recommended

I honestly didn't know what was coming for so much of this book.  Schiller creates a story that kept me turning pages oblivious to how the story would end.  I found it really exceptional that Flynn starts out as the stereotypical spoiled, neglected rich kid and yet I still liked him so much.  He may have more than his share of demons but the man who has a drinking problem and more ghosts than he deserves is also the man who does small kindnesses like cleaning up and taking care of Scarlett and Aunt Rose.  His affection for them both isn't stunted by the lack of love in his life.  Perhaps the love between him and his sister has been enough to overcome the literal absence of his deceased mother and figurative absence of his emotionally removed father.  

Flynn's dreams are baffling.  How can they be so lucid and yet impossible?  It's fascinating to watch them unfold.  

The premise of this story is unique and very clever.  The characters are well-written and realistic.  I quickly became invested in them all.  I loved that the ending was almost everything Flynn, and I the reader, hoped for.  I'll admit there were tears involved!

Well done.

An intriguing concept but the characters and plot pacing did not work for me.

An interesting mystery is introduced early on and we meet all the main players. However, the conflict/explanation seemed to kind of come out of left field. I wish there had been more time to explore it, too, but it felt rushed in the end.