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The Unloved

by Jennifer Snyder (Goodreads Author)

3.57 of 5 stars 3.57 · rating details · 689 ratings · 83 reviews

Sometimes the love our heart needs to heal can be found in the familiar eyes of a childhood friend...

Julie Porter learned the hard way that trust is something which must be earned and not something to be given out lightly, those who say they love you are those who hold the power to hurt you most, and best friends can help you survive anything—until they move away.

Nick Owen...more

Paperback, 263 pages

Published July 30th 2012 (first published July 28th 2012)

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Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 2,123)

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Apr 11, 2013 JennRenee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: challenge-2013-spring-read

Review:

I had this book on my TBR since the tour last summer when the book was released. I am glad I finally had the chance to read it. Its a sweet romance between childhood friends who once lost each other, but now found their way back. It was a book full of hurting, healing, and hope. I enjoyed the book and closed the last page with warm fuzzies and a smile.

Long Story Short:

Julie and Nick are broken. Julie lives with a drugged up stripper mother, who brings home different creeps almost every n...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 28, 2012 Rachmi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, bully-abuse-dysfunctional-family, contemporary-romance

I have guilty pleasure reading books about dysfunctional family. Those books always sad yet feel real, because after all life is never easy.

The Unloved is one of that book. I liked the way Snyder wrote it, harsh yet honest. I enjoyed Nick & Jules' rollercoaster relationship, on and off a couple of times but in the end always forgive each other mistake. I also liked Nick and Jules' friends, their life wasn't easy but they have friends whom they can count on although it was a simple thing to m...more

4 likes · like · see review

May 22, 2013 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

This story tugged at my heart from the very beginning. I loved how Nick and Jules were each others rocks when they were young and living lives that children should not have to endure. It broke my heart when Nick was sent away. I loved that he was able to come back. Although as much as I thought Jules' life was going to get better because he came back, that was not the case. Their journey together was rough and my heart broke for the situations they kept getting put in. The ending redeemed itself...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 16, 2012 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mature-young-adult

A bittersweet story of the power of true love, The Unloved will leave you shaken, and hopeful.

The Unloved... it was quite a story. This heartbreaking, sweet book pulled me through the wringer, lifted me back up, sucker punched me, kicked me while I was down, then picked me back up, dusted me off, and hugged me. Sounds turbulent, yes? That's an understatement.

Rarely do you find a story as unflinchingly honest, and brutal, as The Unloved. Julie and Nick have been subjected to hard lives from a yo...more

3 likes · like · see review

Sep 15, 2012 Kristina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-egalley-for-review

The Unloved is not your happy kind of book. The characters go through real, emotional stuff. It's honest and raw, and I loved every minute of it.

Julie and Nick are neighbors who were best friends growing up. Between Nick's abusive dad and Julie's druggie mom, the two of them only had each other. Two years ago, Nick was sent to live with his Aunt and Uncle, leaving Julie to deal with everything at home by herself. Nick's mom finally kicks the dad out, and Nick is able to come home. Nick is bigger...more

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 18, 2012 Tracy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Rekindling a friendship that has survived a 2 year gap Nick and Julie (Jules) have much to catch up an also learn about one another

Nick at 15 was sent away by his Mom because of his abusive alcoholic father. When his Mom finally kicks the ass out she brings Nick back an he's 17

Jules lives across the street. Her mom a stripper who spents all her money on pills an drugs, the mom who doesn't care if there is food in the house or that all the 'slims balls' she brings home could/would be trying to fe...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 26, 2012 Mary Jackson rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this authors style of writing. I am tickled that she is giving us another great book to read. I will by it in ebook form also in paperback form.I have read all of her books,everyone of them are unique in there own way. I can't wait to read this on

3 likes · like · see review

Sep 30, 2012 ✿ℎazℯℓ✿ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: new-adult-ro

3.5 stars

This one's very much like Callum and Harper by Fisher Amelia and Sophie and Carter by Chelsea FIne.

The thing with this kind of novel is that it totally bothers me.. in a good way and in a bad way.

In a good way - There are people who care.. no matter what you say or feel. According to Mencius, "human beings are fundamentally good". While reading this, you have to believe in that philosophy.

In a bad way - These novels show that not everyone experiences a good family life. Some has it bad...more

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 04, 2012 Hrtnsoul28 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

“So, I have to ask, what is it that you have against a guy giving a
girl flowers?” Nick asked with a smirk.

“Seriously?” I raised an eyebrow at him. Wasn’t it obvious why?

“Seriously.”

“Well, think about it for a minute. A guy tells you that he loves
you and then turns around and buys you flowers…or worse, tells
you that he loves you with flowers. Cut flowers die. They die in a
few days after being cut…and this is what you guys choose to use
as proof of your love? Something that dies in a few days? To m...more

3 likes · like · see review

Apr 11, 2013 Monaliz rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tour, ebook, for-review, read-2013

My rating: 3/5 stars
Remember to stop by my blog!

May contain some spoilers
Like I've mentioned so many times earlier, I have a thing for sad and even disturbing stories. So I was absolutely thrilled to read this book!

Jules and Nick have always had it hard, but together they stayed strong. Until one day Nick was gone and Jules was left all alone against the world. But now it's two years later and Nick is back.

Like I said, I had some high hopes for this, and I wasn't really disappointed. In occasio...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 12, 2013 Atmika rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tour, chick-lit, contemporary, kindle, new-adult-2012, romance-love, sequel-please, swoon-worthy-hero, young-adult, yes-i-cried

Nick had an abusive father and Jules had an alcoholic, absent mother with perverts for boyfriends. They both escaped from their horrible home lives and found comfort and safety with each other. They looked out for one another. But then Nick had to move away to live with his aunt and uncle. Jules was left behind and still had to fight off the hands of her mother's groping boyfriends. She started wearing baggy clothes, hiding herself from everyone.

After two years, Nick is back and the story starts...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 11, 2013 RO Mejia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, adult-content, blog-review-shelf, blog-tour-shelf, contemporary, romance, ya-bound-tours

The Unloved, by Jennifer Snyder is one of the best books I've read this year. I rank it up there with Hopeless, by Colleen Hoover. This novel is the story of two young teens, Nick Owen, and Julie (Jules) Porter, and is written in dual narration from each of their perspectives. Nick and Jules share a common bond, the shame in their lives, and don't tell a soul other than one another. They grow to care deeply for each other, and share their mutual hiding place in an old abandoned house next door t...more The Unloved, by Jennifer Snyder is one of the best books I've read this year. I rank it up there with Hopeless, by Colleen Hoover. This novel is the story of two young teens, Nick Owen, and Julie (Jules) Porter, and is written in dual narration from each of their perspectives. Nick and Jules share a common bond, the shame in their lives, and don't tell a soul other than one another. They grow to care deeply for each other, and share their mutual hiding place in an old abandoned house next door to Nick's house, where they confide their deepest secrets and fears to each other.

Nick is living in a dysfunctional home, with his alcoholic father, and a loving mother. Nick and his mom take turns getting beatings on a regular basis. His mother doesn't know how to leave, or have the strength to get out. Jules lives across the street in a similar state of dysfunction. She lives with her stripper mother, who brings home the flavor of the week, pops pills, while her children starve, because there is never food in the refrigerator. Jules' friends never know, because her and her brothers have made a pact never to allow their friends in the house to see how they live.

Nick's mom decides to send her son away for two years to his Aunt and Uncle's house, till his father gets his act together, (she is forever hopeful.) Jules is completely destroyed when Nick is sent away, and feels alone, and helpless. Nick is allowed to return in his senior year of high school, and he and Jules are reunited, but not without a lot of conflict along the way. Not only does Jules live with the shame of her mother's chosen profession, but also the shame that comes from living in a small town, and everyone knowing your business. The towns people think she is awkward, and white trash, because of her mother. Her mother pimps herself out for drugs, and her boyfriends take turns, as they come along making advances and groping Jules, which her mother refuses to believe. Jules has two brothers, the elder of the two, Logan, that got the hell out at 18, and a younger brother, Cole, that is still at home. Jules' plan is to graduate this year, and move out as soon as possible. When Nick returns, he recognizes Jules immediately. She is as beautiful as he remembers. Especially her big green eyes. Yet, her appearance is disturbing to him. She wears baggy clothes, hoodies, and very large sweaters to cover her lithe shape. Jules dresses this way, because she doesn't want to call attention to herself. This is the consequences of her mother's perverted boyfriends. Jules recognizes Nick's beautiful hazel eyes, but doesn't remember where she's seen them before. Nick's bulked up, good looking appearance doesn't resemble anyone she knows, and she doesn't understand why he keeps staring at her.

The Unloved, was filled with an abundance of disturbing content, such as, child abuse, starvation, battery, assault, self-loathing, humiliation, rape, drug-dealing, and loneliness that resulted from Nick and Jules feeling unloveable. All of these subjects I found very disturbing, yet, I couldn't put this book down. The reader is able to get alternating perspectives, is given the full picture, and an explanation of why there are misunderstandings throughout the book. I sobbed in so many parts of The Unloved. It was emotionally draining. There were so many twists in this book, and it was gut-wrenching. The Unloved, tore at my soul. Ms. Snyder does it to me every time. She describes the feelings between Nick and Jules so intriquitly, and when Nick looks at Jules so tenderly, with his heart full of love, you will feel it too. She knows how to tug on my heartstrings, and she will tug on yours too.

This is a must read book!!! Don't be afraid because of the content. This love story has so many messages, such as hope, faith, redemption, love, courage, survival, loyalty, and never giving up on your dreams. Put it on your TBR list! I guarantee that it will stay with you for a very long time to come. I give The Unloved, by Jennifer Snyder 5 love-starved, star-crossed, constant-yearning for love and acceptance stars!
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1 like · like · see review

Oct 31, 2012 OceMei Belikova♥ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bullying, ebooks, education, read-in-2012, young-adult, friendship, rape

"We were the unloved - you by your mom and me by my dad - and now it's our time to finally be loved." - Nick

Jules and Nick are both victims. Who wants to have an alcoholic father that has a habit to beat the shit out of you and your mother when he got drunk? And who wishes to have a mother a.k.a stripper that has an addiction in pills? Clearly not every single person in this world.

Can you imagine to live your life like that? I feel bad for them instantly after I read the first page. It feels so...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 25, 2012 Jasna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: best-romance, i-have

Well I wanted a short romance book and I found it. The Unloved is great. I read it in practically one sitting. Noah and Jules bot had a tough childhood, because of their parents. Now they are older and things aren't exactly different. I absolutely liked their friends, beacuse they were always supportive and didn't ask questions. The only thing that annoyed me sometimes, was Jules's irresolution.

1 like · like · see review

Apr 07, 2013 Shreya (CCReviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars

*A copy was provided for review purposes*

You will not believe the number of times I cooed and gushed over many of the scenes in this book. But don’t be fooled as the cooing and gushing did not make up the entirety as there were also some pretty horrifying scenes at which my eyes were watering. I have to say that this book surprised me with the amount of emotion that the author conveyed through it. Even if a person attempts at writing a book about serious matters such as drinking or abuse, it’s r...more *A copy was provided for review purposes*

You will not believe the number of times I cooed and gushed over many of the scenes in this book. But don’t be fooled as the cooing and gushing did not make up the entirety as there were also some pretty horrifying scenes at which my eyes were watering. I have to say that this book surprised me with the amount of emotion that the author conveyed through it. Even if a person attempts at writing a book about serious matters such as drinking or abuse, it’s really hard to give that writing enough meaning that it makes a significant impact on the reader. And to be honest, that’s exactly what Snyder did when she put together this heart-felt and disturbed world in which two troubled teenagers find love with each other and make it through the harsh realities in their lives together.

The plot in this book revolves around two teenagers, Nick and Julie. They were both neighbors and were best friends once in their lives until Nick had to move. This left Julie devastated at the loss. But two years later, Nick comes back and tries to enter Julie’s life once more. The problem is, is Julie ready to let him in and be ready for another possible heart-break, or will they find themselves walking towards the path of love?

I have to say that as much as I loved the plot-line in this book, what really appealed to be were the characters. The raw emotion and depth I felt behind much of the dialogue between Nick and Julie in this book was truly heart-warming yet bittersweet at the same time. They both had tough childhoods to deal with and even tougher lives as teenagers. What they go through in their lives is something I would never wish upon even the worst or most spoiled of a teen today. Julie has to live with a mother whose attitude clearly displays her instability when it comes to responsibility, inability when it comes to parenting, and lack of maturity through her actions. She doesn't for one instance, think about how her actions might affect her daughter. Instead, she’s constantly bringing home a number of boyfriends who seem to take on a disgusting interest in Julie, leaving her feeling uncomfortable in her own home.

Nick on the other hand, shares a loving and caring relationship with his mother, but a nightmarish one with his abusive father. Growing up, Nick and his mother have had to deal with both the taunts and the constant drinking and physical abuse ever since Nick can remember. What troubled me the most about what Nick went through was the amount of helplessness that he developed growing up. Yes, as a grown up teenager now he’s developed the strength and outer exterior to fight back at his father and try to get even for what he had done to Nick and his mother, but that doesn't erase the pain of what was. Nick will forever remember his father, who should’ve been one of the most important people in his life, as a man who never loved him. And behind all the abusive behavior, that’s what probably hurts Nick the most.

I can’t say that this book is a jolly ride in the park because it doesn't even come close to touching that. This book is a constant flow of lies, betrayals, sad truths, abusive behaviors, and horrifying cases of violence. It covers so much of what goes unnoticed in our world today that it’s hard not to be spellbound and struck by the reality of the entire situation. But there’s also the innocent and magical relationship that it shared by the main characters of this book which hints that even through the darkest times, there’s someone out there for you and you don’t need to feel alone. I know that this all of this sounds very dramatic but it’ll probably surprise you to know that the emotions I’m describing right now are only a fourth of what you will feel when actually reading the book. Snyder is truly amazing. Her ability to weave together a tale this beautiful and bittersweet is one that should definitely be applauded. I’ll be wishing for anyone who is stuck with the same situations that this book displays to find what Julie and Nick have found in each other.(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 03, 2012 Dee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favourites

Lovely, sad, real- and seemed a life that was just unfair. Emotional read. (sighs)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 10, 2013 Book Angel Emma rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: new-adult

I have to mention at the beginning that this did remind me very much of Sophie and Carter by Chelsea Fine (which I still have to do the review for) but I am not going to do a compare and contrast for them I only wanted to mention it is a very similar basis.

Told in dual first person narrative giving insight and understanding in a way that wouldn't be possible with a single perspective. Nick and Julie, live next door to each other and have truly terrible home lives; Julie's mother is a stripper an...more I have to mention at the beginning that this did remind me very much of Sophie and Carter by Chelsea Fine (which I still have to do the review for) but I am not going to do a compare and contrast for them I only wanted to mention it is a very similar basis.

Told in dual first person narrative giving insight and understanding in a way that wouldn't be possible with a single perspective. Nick and Julie, live next door to each other and have truly terrible home lives; Julie's mother is a stripper and addicted to prescription drugs while Nick is physically abused by his alcoholic father. They have always taken comfort in each other when hiding out from their problems (not in a physical way).

Both are very ashamed of their home lives and try to keep it hidden from people at school. After a particularly bad incident at home Nick is sent to life with his relatives leaving Julie without the comfort she has come to rely on. While she withdraws into herself at home and tries to be unnoticeable she does have some wonderful friends at school although they are unaware of the problems she has at home.

Nick has constantly thought about Julie while he has been away and upon his return he is determined to prove his feelings to Julie. It did make me wonder if their feelings for each other were just a product of their situation and would they feel the same way if they had met under different circumstances.

The chapters are short and sharp adding a punch to the plot and the flow is very fast making it a very compulsive read to be devoured in a single sitting. There were a few incidents within the plot that I felt were a little like overkill and could have probably benefitted the story from being omitted, the scene at the bonfire is my prime example for those of you that have read it already. The story had an air of continual devastation, you know the saying that bad things come in threes it can certainly be applied here. Although the incidents do add to the relationship with the mutual comfort and support they gain from each other. It was heartbreaking to witness how worthless Nick and Julie were made to feel by the people who were supposed to protect and nurture them.

While I did have little niggles with aspects of the plot there are some truly swoon-worthy moments which make up for all the heart-ache and a building sense of hope. I would love to see what happens next for Julie and Nick.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Aug 03, 2012 Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of the novel Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti

Shelves: realistic, excited-for-release, first-reads, owned-ebook, boys-that-left-me-drooling

Thank You so so much to Jennifer Snyder for providing me a free copy of the novel The Unloved. The Unloved, by Jennifer Snyder was a terrific novel. The book was so deep, yet so good.

Fifteen year old, Julie Porter and Nick Owen have been best friends since forever. They share the same typical life style they were born into and they share the same secret. There home is a living hell hole. Yet, there friendship is torn apart when Nick is sent to live with his aunt and uncle. And Julie is left with...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 13, 2013 Nic rated it 3 of 5 stars

Warning*** This book should have an age-restriction to it because of contents.

This book is brutal. Well-written, yes, but brutal.
I strongly advise you,yes YOU, that if you're in a mood for a very nice and sweet romance, don't read this book. Yes, there's romance, but not the sweet and feel-good one.
This is an emotional read, and contains sexual violence - NOT FROM Nick, so chill.
It's heartbreaking. Sad. Not a feel-good read. It's heavily emotional.
I won't say I didn't like the book, but this was...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 05, 2012 Radiant rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved the book ..oh the cover is sweet and nice.

Julie's life was always messed up..with a stripper/sex crazed/druggie mom and her groping boyfriends..her one boyfriend who turned out to be pain in back...she never understood normal except for nick...her childhood friend..who left the town 2 years back.

Nick's life was always messed with his father who is a drunkard and his physical abuse is like a routine in his life ..except for jules ..his childhood friend and crushing love until he is sent t...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 13, 2013 Carmen Jenner rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2013

This review first published at Book Me!

Warning: this review contains spoilerage and a very healthy dose of reader rage!!!

Upon reading the synopsis for The Unloved, I knew it was a book I had to read! I love any fiction that pokes at the parts of us that are uncomfortable, that prods its wordy little fingers into the tender parts of our brains and unsettles us to the point of tears, heart break or fear. Is that what The Unloved made me feel? Unfortunately, not in the slightest!
I had so many, man...more

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Nov 02, 2012 Lauren rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: melodramatic, parental-issues, teenage-feelings

I had a few problems with this novel.
The main thing that irked me was an overall sense of "slut shaming". Jules did it to her mother for being a stripper, her brother slut shamed both his mom and his sister, her ex boyfriend, etc.
Jules mother has a string of boyfriends who all lust after Jules. She wears baggy clothes so men won't want her.
(view spoiler)...more

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 09, 2012 Sam Kasbrick rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, blog-tour

This book definitely surprised me. I was expecting just a cute little love story that would merely be a joyous journey through these characters finding their love for each other. But, what I didn't expect was the love story being darkened by their horrible home lives. What a mix of emotions brought on by this book! One minute I'm all happy and enjoying seeing the romance unfold and the next my heart is being wrenched out. This novel is so much more than a love story -- it has very dark elements...more This book definitely surprised me. I was expecting just a cute little love story that would merely be a joyous journey through these characters finding their love for each other. But, what I didn't expect was the love story being darkened by their horrible home lives. What a mix of emotions brought on by this book! One minute I'm all happy and enjoying seeing the romance unfold and the next my heart is being wrenched out. This novel is so much more than a love story -- it has very dark elements that just break your heart.

The characters are extremely well done. There is a lot of depth to both main characters, Julie and Nick. Both have horrible home lives and just want to escape those lives and be happy together. But, they find it very difficult. Julie's mom is a stripper and a drug user, who always has a new boyfriend in the house. The majority of the boyfriends are creeps who try to take advantage of Julie. Nick has an abusive alcoholic as a father, who constantly beats him and his mom. There is so much depth to these characters and, if you read this book, you will find your heart breaking for them so many times throughout the book.

The writing quality is decent enough. There are quite a few mistakes, but I've seen worse. Snyder's story-telling abilities, however, are very good. She has a way of making the story seem very realistic and makes the reader feel deeply for these poor kids. The story is told through the POV of both Julie and Nick, alternating with the chapter changes. I liked this aspect, as it allows the reader to see into the minds of both characters.

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I was going to. I would recommend this book to mature young adult and adult readers who are fans of realistic YA fiction. I can't get over the unexpected dark qualities of this book and how they darkened what should have been a happy love story. Poor Nick and Julie -- it seemed as though nothing could go right for them! I just want to go on and on about how sad these kids' home lives were and how sad it is that these things actually happen in real life...but, I will stop now and let you read the book to see for yourself!

This review was originally published on SIK Book Reviews (less)

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 07, 2013 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read Jennifer Snyder's Exhale and fell in love with her book and her way of capturing a reader's attention! ;) So I went on her blog and sent her a review request for another one of her books. She was so nice, she allowed me to choose which book and gave the book to me in the ebook format I preferred. ;D So I got The Unloved since that sounded super interesting. So, thanks to Jennifer Snyder for this copy of The Unloved!

The Cover:
Sweet. Romantic. That's the feeling you get when you see it. A...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 06, 2012 Nobonita rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tour

Also posted at my blog along with excerpt post and giveaway: http://perrytheplatypus1102-3daydream...

The Unloved is an unexpectedly cute story with a beautiful ending.In this stand-alone contemporary romance novel, the author shows that there can be happy endings in real life as well,even when it seems that the world around you is falling apart.Jennifer Snyder makes this very convincing by the way she portrays her characters;Jules a stripper's daughter and Nick who,along with his mother are the...more

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Apr 28, 2013 Naomi rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have fallen in love with Jennifer Snyder’s writing after reading Exhale last month. I was totally blown away by that book and the story she had to tell. In The Unloved I fell in love with some new characters and a whole new moving story.

Julie is such a fragile girl, but she tries so hard to keep her walls up. She has an unpleasant home life and does everything she can to keep her friends separate from the awful home she has grown up in. The only person she shared her secrets with left her all...more

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Aug 18, 2012 Joanna rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

I liked it but it kinda got annoying...

1. Can you shut up please?
I actually pity Julie here. I mean she obviously likes Nick so much and she keeps pushing him away. She's saying that if he just leave her alone everything would be okay. But i know once that happens she will be miserable because she can't live without him or something. Stop whining and just accept someone who cares and loves you! You know you want it!!!!

2. Lets always be friends!
i know! Friendship is the best thing ever! Knowing...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 04, 2012 Karen Grzan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, kindle, young-adult

I love this cover!
This is a story about two kids who form a bond based on their mutual understanding of living with terrible home lives. As they grow their friendship becomes very important to them. While they hide the truth from everyone else, Jules and Nick have the comfort of each other's understanding. Nick was forced to move away for 2 years and it was lovely to see them reconnect on his return.

As is often the case, their journey wasn't a smooth one. The thing I loved most was watching th...more

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Apr 11, 2013 Annie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs-and-review-copies, blog-tour, contemporary, standalones

A review copy was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book is full of heartbreak and sorrow, but it is also brimming with hope. It shows a dark side of how the world can be, and I really enjoyed it!

Julie Porter has lived with a stripper mother and a string of her loser boyfriends for as long as she can remember. Nick Owen has been beaten by his alcoholic father since he was little. They became each other’s saviors and hope, finding solace in a small shed in Nick’s bac...more A review copy was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book is full of heartbreak and sorrow, but it is also brimming with hope. It shows a dark side of how the world can be, and I really enjoyed it!

Julie Porter has lived with a stripper mother and a string of her loser boyfriends for as long as she can remember. Nick Owen has been beaten by his alcoholic father since he was little. They became each other’s saviors and hope, finding solace in a small shed in Nick’s backyard. When Nick moves away, Julie is lost. But when he returns 2 years later, her life is at an all time low. Can they borrow strength from each other in their hardest times, or…

My heart broke in many pieces for both Julie and Nick. Julie lives with a horrible mother who spends all of her money on drugs and alcohol. She is very self-sufficient, which is very impressive. She takes care of her little brother. She doesn’t let many people in, and I definitely don’t blame her for keeping people at arms length. My favorite thing about her is her resilience. She doesn’t let her horrible life stop her from loving fully.

Nick has had an equally horrible life. He’s a total sweetheart. He would do anything for the 2 women in his life, his mother and Jules. He is uber protective and adorable. When he left for those two years, he bulked up in order to protect himself and his mother from his disgusting father. He is beyond sweet, and like Julie, he is full of strength.

Their group of friends were funny and supportive. They brought a comical light to an otherwise very dark book. I hated Jule’s mother for the blatant neglect she showed to her children. Anyone who spends all their money on drugs and alcohol while not being able to afford food for their kids is not okay in my book. Same with Nick’s alcoholic father who beat him. Unacceptable.

The plot was great, despite the sad topics. It moved very fast and was a fairly speedy read. It was full of some miserable and very intense things, but it has a hopeful message. The writing has both Jules and Nick’s POV, which was really nice. The chapters were a bit too short for my liking. They kept switching between Nick and Julie pretty quickly, and it was a bit hard to keep up. The romance was long developing. It was so cute hearing about how they kept each other grounded when they were younger. Their present romance was adorable. They always had each other’s back, which was crucial with their messed-up home life. They were darling, although they were rough around the edges, but they were so perfect for each other.

Even though this book was filled with some melancholy topics, it brought to light a really hopeful meaning. I definitely recommend this contemporary for anyone looking for real-life situations with a delightful romance.

Favorite Swoon-worthy Quote: My heart stopped and my breath caught in my throat as Nick continued to brush his lips across mine, urging me to react. To kiss him back. Warmth spilled through my stomach and I closed my eyes, allowing myself to become lost in the moment. My lips moved beneath his skilled ones with ease. His hands cupped my face and his kisses grew slower, softer, before he pulled away.

Rating: 4/5 Tar Heels!

See more reviews at www.tarheelbibliobabe.blogspot.com! :)(less)

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Mar 23, 2013 Valerie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads

5 stars - An emotional journey that I couldn't put down!

The test of a really good book, for me, is always how I feel when I get interrupted while reading it. If I'm like, okay bed time or sure I can help you with that, then it's probably NOT a five star book for me. If I'm like, leave me alone I'm reading, then I'm sure. This was a GO AWAY - CAN'T YOU SEE I'M STUCK IN A BOOK RIGHT NOW! So yeah, it's a five star read. And it was a fast read. Read it in one sitting over a few hours.

It's not the ki...more

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“It was during that time he made me realize the scariest part about death, about being left behind—nothing else freezes after losing a loved one besides you.” — 1 person liked it

“Well, think about it for a minute. A guy tells you that he loves you and then turns around and buys you flowers…or worse, tells you that he loves you with flowers. Cut flowers die. They die in a few days after being cut…and this is what you guys choose to use as proof of your love? Something that dies in a few days? To me it seems like foreshadowing or something, like your basically saying that our love is beautiful but only for a limited time and then it will wither away to nothing like your flowers.” — 1 person liked it

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