Review: In Honor

Title: In Honor
Author: Jessi Kirby
Source: Purchased

Goodreads Summary and Cover:

Honor receives her brother’s last letter from Iraq three days after learning that he died, and opens it the day his fellow Marines lay the flag over his casket. Its contents are a complete shock: concert tickets to see Kyra Kelly, her favorite pop star and Finn’s celebrity crush. In his letter, he jokingly charged Honor with the task of telling Kyra Kelly that he was in love with her. 

Grief-stricken and determined to grant Finn’s last request, she rushes to leave immediately. But she only gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen him in ages, thanks to a falling out between the two guys, but Rusty is much the same as Honor remembers him: arrogant, stubborn . . . and ruggedly good-looking. Neither one is what the other would ever look for in a road trip partner, but the two of them set off together, on a voyage that makes sense only because it doesn’t. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn--but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

My Thoughts:
Sooo, this book. This book... Well...

In Honor...such a roller coaster! If you've read the synopsis, you know our main character is Honor. Honor lost her brother while he was serving in the Marines. The book opened with his funeral. Sobfest!

After she got home from his funeral, she saw a letter that was delivered a couple of days prior and she opened it to read it. It's a letter and concert tickets. Finn, her brother, wanted her to go to this concert before she started college. He was that kind of big brother! He wanted her to go to the singer's last concert and joked with her to pass on the message about how good looking he was.

As Honor was getting in the car the next morning, Finn's ex-best-friend, Rusty, shows up...drunk. He passed out in the car and Honor had to take him along. Plus, he did mention about possibly needing help while on the road. That's enough to get any girl to agree to let someone tag along!

As they were driving, we found out more stories about Honor, Finn, and Rusty. Honor can't help but notice how hot Rusty is, but she's always kind of thought that he was cute. However, Rusty can't seem to keep his eyes off of Honor and realizes she's grown up. The prom dress story? Hilarious, yet possibly the sweetest thing EVER! Why Finn didn't take his full scholarship and enlisted in the military? Gut crushing!

They did end up having a little trouble with the car, but after a little accident...with a cactus. Hah! They made it to Rusty's mom's house and spent a couple of days until it could be fixed. Then, back on the road to California for the concert!

They made it to California and got to stick their feet in the water; one of her brother's wishes for Honor. However, with some police trouble and frustrations, the concert...well, I'll stop here. You need to read the ending for yourself! It's a GREAT ending!!!

I saw on Goodreads that Shanyn (ChickLovesLit) called Rusty "Tim Riggins." If you have ever seen Friday Night Lights, he is the epitome of Tim Riggins! YUM! :)

I really loved this book! Jessi Kirby created very interesting and lovable characters...even the characters who are around just a short time. The faith, trust, and guts that Honor had to take the trip were amazing! I adored the bond that she had with her brother. He was always looking after her.

My Rating:

Such a sad, yet hopeful, book. Amazing story! Rusty and Honor? I approve!

In Honor satisfies part of the Standalone Reading Challenge!