Ethan Who Loved Carter by Ryan Loveless

I love hearing others talk about books that changed their lives.  The other day, I was in a chat working on an upcoming blog event with some other bloggers and I just had to one click the books they were mentioning as "must read" and "life changing."  This is one of those books.

By twenty-four, Carter Stevenson has stuttered and ticced his way to debilitating shyness. Although his friends accuse him of letting his Tourette's dictate his life, Carter moves from Los Angeles to a quiet California town. He'll keep his head down and avoid people. He doesn't anticipate his new neighbor, Ethan Hart, crashing into his solitude and forcing him to get out and live.

From the beginning, Ethan makes his love for Carter clear. But he fears Carter won't see past Ethan's damaged brain, even though it makes Ethan more attuned to his emotions than most people. For Carter, there's a bigger issue: he's been burned by so-called "perfect" matches, and he won't risk his heart again.

One way or another, Ethan's determined to show Carter they belong together. Then Ethan receives tragic news. Suddenly he must turn to Carter for strength and support. Will Carter come through when Ethan needs him most?

I have absolutely loved the few books I have read by this author and this one was no exception. I loved every word of this book. It is not just trashy romance for the sake of it but a story about two people finding each other and falling in love. It demonstrates that love is not easy. It takes work, selflessness, and understanding.  In my own marriage, we've hit road blocks.  It is so easy to just go through the motions when this happens or to just call it quits but I've found that working through it (no matter how hard or painful it is) leads to something amazing.  Carter sees this too.  He helps Ethan through a very dark time and when they come out on the other end, they are so much stronger and more together.  Being with Ethan makes Carter happy and gives him some freedom from his Tourette's.  Ethan has brain damage but he doesn't let it stop him.  He is so optimistic and hopeful.  He's so strong in himself.  He and Carter play off each other and learn from each other.  Carter learns to overcome his shyness and Ethan learns about loving someone, not just having sex with them.  Every character in this book shines.  Ethan's parents.  Carter's boss and BFF.  Ethan's obnoxious but sweet little brother.  Everyone is amazing.  I also loved that Ethan learned about forgiveness in this book.  He hears some truths that he does not want to hear and he has to decide who to forgive.  This book is going to be one of my favorites for the year.  I just loved it.

You can find Ethan, Who Loved Carter on Goodreads.  You can find author Ryan Loveless on Tumblr, Facebook and Twitter.  I give Ethan, Who Loved Carter 5 Fairies for a book that made my heart soar and break at the same time.