For the love of Ash by Taylor Lavati

**I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review**

4/5 Stars

Synopsis per Goodreads:

Maggie Larken is a reformed party girl. After her parent’s death, she’s left to raise Asher, her nine-year-old brother. 

Luke Wilson has done everything his parents have ever asked of him. A new teacher, Luke constantly questions where is life is headed. 

When Luke and Maggie meet, neither is in the market for a relationship. But sometimes life has other plans. Both navigate new waters as they try to decide where their priorities should lie, while also seizing what they want. 

In this heartbreakingly real tale of love, Maggie and Luke discover what being a family truly means. 

*This book is a standalone and NOT part of a series. This book contains mature content

I enjoyed this book, the main character wasn't a simpering idiot, she was strong, she took care of her brother and adopted him as her own, despite her young age, and is doing everything in her power to raise him right.  She does a better job than most single moms out there.  I loved it.  I love a strong main character.  This book was easy to read, and was also well written, good world building and character building.  I loved the characters and world building, the cover was beautiful.

Luke was a strong male character as well, with family burdens on his shoulder too, though in this day in age the burdens he has to bear, are easy enough to resolve with a phone call, it was never fully explained to me why things didn't get reported.   I liked how he stepped up though, both for his family and for Maggie.

Some of the substories with other minor characters in there didn't really have a good resolution, which kinda irritated me, and the ending felt really rushed, but other than that, I do recommend the book.