Breaking Lauren (Lauren, #1)

May 05, 2012 Jen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-s, male-pov

Breaking Lauren is what you get when danger and innocence collide creating one intense ride! The sheer brokenness of these characters pulled at my heartstrings from the very beginning and kept me reading until I was finished. Danny and Lauren are each damaged in their own way and at times I wasn't sure either of them could be helped. When they're forced together through unexpected circumstances they discover that they're more similar than different and they might actually be able to help each ot...more Breaking Lauren is what you get when danger and innocence collide creating one intense ride! The sheer brokenness of these characters pulled at my heartstrings from the very beginning and kept me reading until I was finished. Danny and Lauren are each damaged in their own way and at times I wasn't sure either of them could be helped. When they're forced together through unexpected circumstances they discover that they're more similar than different and they might actually be able to help each other.

Danny is caught up in a world of darkness that feeds off of his pain and while he doesn't enjoy it per se, he sees no way out. He's tried playing by the rules in the past, even standing up for what's right but that only ended badly. Still shouldering the guilt, he does whatever necessary to dull the pain, knowing the relief is only temporary. When he meets Lauren, he wants nothing to do with her initially, but can't seem to fight their connection. Her innocence unnerves him because he doesn't feel worthy of her yet she seems to be the one person who understands him. The more time he spends with her, the stronger his need to protect her is. His feelings for Lauren have the potential to save him or send him over the edge.

Lauren has always lived in the shadow of her siblings, but when a series of events forces her family to relocate to California, she gets a chance to reinvent herself. She dreams of a picture perfect life, the kind her mother tries to foster at home but like anything kept under a plane of glass, it can shatter if not handled with care. She's consumed with becoming a cheerleader liker her sister and mother were, and longs to be part of the popular crowd. Josh Miller, the reining "it boy" is the guy all girls are crushing on and Lauren is no exception. When he turns his attention to her she can hardly believe her luck. Josh and Danny are at opposite ends of the social spectrum and she's convinced that by going out with Josh, she'll have the life she wants.

Lauren discovers soon enough that no one is who they seem and everyone has secrets. Despite the feelings she has for Danny, she continues to focus on her warped sense of reality which made me not like her very much sometimes. She gets so caught up in appearances that she fails to see what's right in front of her. Like magnets drawn together by unseen forces, Danny and Lauren continue to find themselves in each other's company. He makes her feel things she's never felt before and "gets" her in ways that Josh doesn't. How long can she fight her feelings for Danny before she loses everything she's trying so desperately to hold onto?

This book is an intense roller coaster of emotions and left me wanting the next book NOW!

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Nov 04, 2012 Dani GR Motherfuqqer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: i-won-this-yay

The whole entire book rode on Danny's shoulders. It was because of him that I even finished reading it. That fidiot butthole Lauren alone lowered the rating with her being just a complete dumbass.
Ok away from the story, I can't deny it the writing is good. I've read books that evoked no emotion in me whatsoever and some that piss me off as well as give me the happies. On the scales, one side is happy love feelings, the other is pissing me off. There was more pissing me off otherwise the ratin...more The whole entire book rode on Danny's shoulders. It was because of him that I even finished reading it. That fidiot butthole Lauren alone lowered the rating with her being just a complete dumbass.
Ok away from the story, I can't deny it the writing is good. I've read books that evoked no emotion in me whatsoever and some that piss me off as well as give me the happies. On the scales, one side is happy love feelings, the other is pissing me off. There was more pissing me off otherwise the rating would have been higher.
I'm not sure if it's the fact that Lauren overdoes the damsel in distress who can't make up her mind thing. Or that she keeps fainting over the smallest of situations. Everytime she fainted I'd imagine those drama queens that you see in movies with huge hoop skirts talking about getting the vapors and overacting for attention. She was weak and selfish and it pissed me off that she was a sophomore in high school and thinking she needed to be with the wrong guy because she's going to marry him and she needed to be in a relationship like her parents, who btw weren't happy and her dad cheated and Mom is an overbearing nag bitchface. Ugh!
Yes the author can invoke the bitch in me. It's like seeing an actor in a movie who can piss you off to no end you wish someone would punch them in the throat. I tend to step away from the movie and say, "ok wow, that's a good actor they made me hate them so much, I wanted to slap them upside their head into a table", yeah like that. So much respect for being able to do that for me, for a character.
The author caught my sympathy and compassion for Sara and Danny. Sara was such a sweet and caring person. She wanted everybody to be happy and to find out that douchebag Josh, aka the other guy, hurt Sara so badly I just hated him. I felt bad for what Danny went through to try to get Lauren's attention, but by the end of the book, I believed he deserved so much better than Lauren.
A girl who doesn't go with her feelings and especially for a guy who's willing to change himself for you to become a better person, ugh! Most girls spend years trying to change a guy and you already know those relationships won't ever work. He's the one for you if he wants it himself and does it on his own. Lot of girls never find that guy because they're too busy with the idiot they're trying to mold into something for themselves. Lauren just pissed me off. So yeah, it was a good book but Lauren can go suck a funky toe.(less)

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Oct 24, 2012 WovenMyst rated it 5 of 5 stars

Never have young adult readers been introduced to an edgy series with such an emotional impact! Jordan Deen breaks boundaries in Breaking Lauren, the first book of a new contemporary series.

Danny Cummings lives on the wrong side of the law and shuns emotional ties with everyone except a few choice relatives, and eventually, Lauren McIntosh. Lauren is timid and living in the aftermath of her parents’ declining relationship. Yet, she still bases her romantic and future dreams on the perfect, happy...more

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Sep 06, 2012 Ellen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, blog-tours

When I read the synopsis for this book I immediately thought it would be something that I would really like. I mean the idea is great and there's nothing I love more than a misguided bad boy. I totally fell for Danny. His character was great. Loved everything about him, the good, bad, and ugly. I was really proud of him and how he progressed throughout the book. Lauren, however, was a different story. In the beginning, I thought she must have something really special about her for the hot bad bo...more When I read the synopsis for this book I immediately thought it would be something that I would really like. I mean the idea is great and there's nothing I love more than a misguided bad boy. I totally fell for Danny. His character was great. Loved everything about him, the good, bad, and ugly. I was really proud of him and how he progressed throughout the book. Lauren, however, was a different story. In the beginning, I thought she must have something really special about her for the hot bad boy and the high school quarterback to both have their eye on her, especially since she kept referring to herself as a little overweight, but unfortunately, I never saw what that was. As the book progressed, I found her character to lack the depth and appeal that Danny's had. I actually kind of wanted to slap some sense into her a couple of times and tell her to get a grip and look what's in front of you. For the benefit of the doubt, she was very young and had "vain imaginations" that she felt she had to live up to. Given the shamble that her parent's marriage was in, I couldn't understand why she would be so insistent on having the same thing.

The idea behind the story was really good, but I felt like Lauren's denial of her feelings for Danny went on too long and I would have liked to have seen her and Danny get past that hurdle by the time the book ended. The ending....WOW......major cliff hanger. I was a little disappointed. If you're a cliff hanger lover, then this is right up your alley. I don't mind cliffhangers, to a point. I can handle hanging off the Smokies on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but this was like dangling by your fingertips off of Mt. Everest, and despite what I thought of Lauren, I have got to see what happens next. Please, please let it finally be a happy ending. I guess I am a sucker for those.

Overall, for me this book was okay. I didn't love it, but I didn't dislike it either. Again, the concept and idea behind the story was great, the way it was executed just didn't do it for me, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't be something that you would enjoy, and I would encourage you to check it out for yourself. I will be reading the next book in the series when it is available because I have to know what happens with Danny and Lauren. I am crossing my fingers that she will grow up and come to her senses, but I'll just keep hanging on the edge until that book becomes available. (less)

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Sep 05, 2012 Marissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

What I really liked about this story, were the characters. They are younger, in high school, but in ways I felt like I could connect with Lauren in a few ways. I think she was a relatable character: wanting to have a fresh new start in a new state, new high school, and not known as the little sister of her popular older siblings. As she does get acclimated, even meeting a boy that she most definitely wants to know, and is ready to fall for, her eyes land on Danny the known mysterious, bad boy, t...more

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Sep 04, 2012 Tee loves Kyle Jacobson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-must-reads, aug-2012, arc-books, atomr-book-tours

First I have to give a HUGE THANK YOU to AToMR Blog Tours for allowing me to read and review an ARC copy of Breaking Lauren. I have to tell you I saw the book cover and said to myself I need to read this book. The cover is plan and simple but after reading the blurb I said dam I have to find out what the heck happened.

Lauren and her family are run out of town after a scandal happened involving her family. She has never been more embarrassed or stressed. So when they move to CA Lauren gets to sta...more

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Sep 04, 2012 Pragya rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, review-request, own-kindle

1.5 stars

The book started off great and I fell in love with Danny. Who doesn't love a bad boy, huh? I guess all of us, girls admire bad boys even though we may want a good one for life. Danny is no different. Brawny, handsome and strong. *sigh* For me, he was the only character that made me keep reading and finish this book.

The story had substance, the characters were well sketched in the beginning but soon it all began to go downhill. The main character, Lauren turns insensible and repetitive,...more

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May 18, 2012 Margay rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a book that let me with mixed feelings. On the one hand, the story really sucks you in and before you know it, you'v been up all night when you should be sleeping and still, you want to read more. On the other hand, it didn't really have much of a resolution, which left me feeling empty and craving more. It's one of those situations where the answers to questions just inspire more questions. Frustrating!

The story is told from the first person point of view of the two main characters, Lau...more This is a book that let me with mixed feelings. On the one hand, the story really sucks you in and before you know it, you'v been up all night when you should be sleeping and still, you want to read more. On the other hand, it didn't really have much of a resolution, which left me feeling empty and craving more. It's one of those situations where the answers to questions just inspire more questions. Frustrating!

The story is told from the first person point of view of the two main characters, Lauren and Danny, and at first, this might seem a little jarring, but after a couple of times, you manage to settle into the rhythm. Lauren is fifteen, the new girl in town, wanting to put a troubling incident in her family's recent past (which spurs the move) behind her and reinvent herself in the image of her more popular older sister, under whose image she languished back home. Though her sister (and equally popular older brother) is in college back in their home state and doesn't make an appearance in the story physically, she still plays a significant role in Lauren's life and her creation of the perfect image/life. Danny doesn't figure into that perfect life. For one thing, he's been to juvie, he gets into fights, he likes to drink and has a string of girlfriends. So of course the two of them finding themselves drawn to the other.

But there are many complications along the way. One is Lauren's insistance on becoming the girlfriend of the most popular jock in school and she will stop at almost nothing to get him, despite all of the warnings Danny gives her about him. But Lauren doesn't listen because alll she can see is how perfect Josh is and how well he fits into the new life she's imagined for herself. So it comes as kind of a shock to Lauren that her straight-laced mother prefers Danny over Josh. Another complication is the people Danny surrounds himself with, namely, his sister Sara and cousin Jess. Lauren really likes them and likes spending time with them, but she's not crazy about Danny's friend, Brandon, who tries to warn her away from Danny.

There are many twists and turns in this book. It often goes in a direction that I didn't foresee (which is a good thing), but that makes total sense. It is a true slice-of-life story written in an ogten gritty style that really captures the essence of teen life and how difficult that can be at times. It reminded me a lot of the style of Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles. So if you like that book (which I did), you will probably like this one, too, which I did. The only real issue I had with it was the ending, but it ended in such a way that I had to wonder if it's going to be part of a series. I certainly hope so. Otherwise, that was a terrible place to end! I want to know more!
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May 17, 2012 Bodea rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs, netgalley

This review is a little raw, so to speak, because I wasn't initially sure how to rate this and I have a lot of mixed feeling on plot development and the characters.

Ultimately, I’m going to go with 2 stars. While I really liked Danny, everything else about the story really worked my nerves. Breaking Lauren started off promising, but that didn’t last and not much happens in the way of progress until the last third of the book. Though there were a few grammar and sentence structure issues, the aut...more This review is a little raw, so to speak, because I wasn't initially sure how to rate this and I have a lot of mixed feeling on plot development and the characters.

Ultimately, I’m going to go with 2 stars. While I really liked Danny, everything else about the story really worked my nerves. Breaking Lauren started off promising, but that didn’t last and not much happens in the way of progress until the last third of the book. Though there were a few grammar and sentence structure issues, the author is talented no doubt. I just think the story could have developed in a smoother manner. Some of the issues with the characters could have been fleshed out more. Some characters were well developed while others kind of meandered or disappeared.

After I got a little over a third of the way through, things got way too dramatic. Everything about the story that initially pulled me in just started to unravel. Lauren became an absolutely annoying and indecisive drama queen. Any amount of common sense I thought she had just sort of started to disappear and her character development, at a certain point, starts to flicker in and out. Also, the issues with her parents were supposed to be a huge reason why she was so torn and intent on being someone else, but the story doesn’t play to that nearly enough. Speaking of her parents, dad got no development and mom was just unbelievable (in terms of how a parent would act)at times.

Danny is this books saving grace for me. I had my issues with him (view spoiler), but I enjoyed him more often than not. I thought the author did a good job of developing him and showing us what made him tick. We get a good sense of what he values and why he is the way that he is. Although, I have no idea what he sees in Lauren and his intensity and long term plans with her were just a bit much at times. The side characters were ok. I liked Sara, Danny's sister. Like all of the other secondary characters though, she could have used a little more development.

The romance, sigh. It had potential, but I feel like the author did a disservice to that element by making Lauren so fickle and intent to hang on to her warped sense of what she wanted. Yes, I understood it up to a point, but I would have liked to see her grow throughout the story. I also felt like it was more tell than show.

The plot needed more meat in my opinion. The story consisted mostly of Lauren and Danny going back and forth, sleepovers, and Lauren going on and on about Josh. Outside of the development with Danny, I didn't feel like anything significant happened. Also, some scenes lasted way too long.

Last but not least, the fact that so many important story points were dropped or not fully developed didn’t go unnoticed by me. What happened with the situation with Danny and his uncle. He just stopped and everything was ok? What happened with mom and dad? I felt like the issue there was under developed and a simple plot device. Also, the ending was way too abrupt. I figure perhaps there will be more books in this series, but I still think these plot points could have been handled better.

All in all, Breaking Lauren was just okay for me. It had a lot of potential, but it never quite lived up to it. Still, I think this story will appeal to young adult readers.
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May 13, 2012 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

Full Review: http://simpleloveofreading.blogspot.c...

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Sep 04, 2012 Kathleen rated it 4 of 5 stars

A bad boy meets a good girl ... both have troubled pasts ... can their different lifestyles and mutual attraction for each other lead to something good or can it lead to disaster?

Fifteen year old Lauren McIntosh's family has moved from Fairview, Illinois, to Mountain View, California, after a series of family incidents forced them to move from their hometown. After twenty years of marriage, her father allegedly cheated on her mother, and her mother allegedly retaliated by burning down their home...more A bad boy meets a good girl ... both have troubled pasts ... can their different lifestyles and mutual attraction for each other lead to something good or can it lead to disaster?

Fifteen year old Lauren McIntosh's family has moved from Fairview, Illinois, to Mountain View, California, after a series of family incidents forced them to move from their hometown. After twenty years of marriage, her father allegedly cheated on her mother, and her mother allegedly retaliated by burning down their home. Now the new girl in a new school, Lauren starts her sophomore year at Mountain View High School, and she is determined to reinvent herself: she wants to be a cheerleader and become popular.

Seventeen year old Danny Cummings is a boy with a troubled past, now leading a bad boy lifestyle that his uncle John has introduced him to: drinking, gambling, fighting, sex, and being the enforcer for his uncle's bookie / loan shark business.

When Lauren and Danny meet, it is like opposites attract ... there is a like-dislike thing going on between them, but neither can deny the mutual attraction for each other. Can Lauren take a chance and walk on the dark side for a bad boy, or should she stick with the in-crowd and high school jock? Can Danny turn his life around and be the type of boy that Lauren wants?

Breaking Lauren is an entertaining YA contemporary romance story about the intense relationship between a bad boy and a good girl. Written in the first person narrative with alternating points of view by Danny and Lauren, the reader is taken on an intense emotional roller coaster ride as they follow along with Danny and Lauren's story. The author weaves an intriguing tale full of drama and suspense, the complications of having a mutual attraction is enticing for both Danny and Lauren, but is it worth it? This story has so many twists and turns, it keeps the reader engaged and wondering what will happen next, and just when you think you know how it will work out for Danny and Lauren, the author ends the story with a cliff hanger, only to leave the reader waiting in suspense for the sequel. Written in a gritty and realistic style, this story will remind you what it was like to live through the complicated teen years.

The author has created a cast of characters that are realistic, complex and easy for the reader to relate to. I absolutely loved Danny, his bad boy persona totally won me over because I knew deep down inside was a real sweetheart lurking beneath the surface. I couldn't help but feel for him, even with his troubled past and bad boy lifestyle, I knew he really was a good guy trying to be a better person. Lauren on the other hand was the typical teenage high school girl who is impressionable and innocent, determined to be popular and a part of the in crowd, but not sure which direction she should go in when it comes to the boy-girl relationships. I felt like shaking her at times, while at other times laughing at her typical teenage girl complexities. The dialogues and interactions between the characters enhanced the storyline and made it a more dramatic and entertaining read.

Breaking Lauren is a sweet contemporary YA romance story that has a mixture of teenage drama and suspense of a love triangle that will keep you entertained. With a love triangle between a bad boy, a good girl and a high school jock, can you ask for anything more? Breaking Lauren is the first book in a series, so be prepared for a cliff hanger ending that will leave you in suspense.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by AToMR Book Blog Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...(less)

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Sep 08, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, review-on-blog

Breaking Lauren doesn't hold anything back. It is raw and gritty and I loved that about it. I fell in love with Danny and I felt for him so many times throughout the book. I liked Lauren too but I wanted to shake her a few times. Danny is this misunderstood badboy, but what I liked the most about him was that he was honest with himself. He had no illusions of what he was and what he wasn't. However, he did make some real efforts towards growth throughout the story. I was so proud of him. He did...more Breaking Lauren doesn't hold anything back. It is raw and gritty and I loved that about it. I fell in love with Danny and I felt for him so many times throughout the book. I liked Lauren too but I wanted to shake her a few times. Danny is this misunderstood badboy, but what I liked the most about him was that he was honest with himself. He had no illusions of what he was and what he wasn't. However, he did make some real efforts towards growth throughout the story. I was so proud of him. He did seem to like Lauren pretty instantly, but it didn't bother me because it wasn't like typical insta love- they had a whole set of obstacles to overcome and we still don't know where they stand.

Danny was so protective of Lauren, which is something he is not used to. I found it so endearing. It is a large part of the reason that I loved Danny so much. I hope to see a little bit more growth in Lauren in the next book, because you can tell that she likes Danny too. They share these adorable moments, moments I can't wait to see more of in the next book, but then she pushes him away because she doesn't think she wants him for whatever reason or excuse she has handy.

I have to say, I am not the biggest fan of the cover. I don't hate it, but it just doesn't do anything for me. If you share my opinion, don't let that stop you from reading the book! The writing is fantastic and the characters are amazing. I connected with Danny, and I want things to work out for him so bad!

Breaking Lauren is great for fans of realistic contemporaries. This is not one of those books where everything is light and fluffy and everyone is smiling the whole time. This book deals with issues of fighting and alcoholism, and it handles them so well. I was so drawn into the story that once I started the book I simply could not put it down. I wanted to know what was going to happen so bad. The ending was intense, and I am super curious to see what is going to happen next. I hope it is at least a wake up call for Lauren. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the Lauren series. I just know I am going to love it!(less)

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May 21, 2012 Kelley rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: People that actually liked Hereafter

Recommended to Kelley by: I did this to myself

Shelves: accepting-yourself, egalley, messed-up-family, realistic-fiction-without-the-reali, romance, run-on-series, well-now-i-need-the-next-one

This review also appears on Reading to Stay Alive

After reading this novel, I took it upon myself to actually read the blurb, and I found I would have been duly warned about this novel before I read it, had I been thorough when I requested this on Netgalley. So, it is my fault, I put the blame on myself. To be honest when I first read the blurb I skimmed the first paragraph so quickly that I thought we were talking about a girl named Danny who has been to juvi, and I was like "Heck yes, B.A. girl...more This review also appears on Reading to Stay Alive

After reading this novel, I took it upon myself to actually read the blurb, and I found I would have been duly warned about this novel before I read it, had I been thorough when I requested this on Netgalley. So, it is my fault, I put the blame on myself. To be honest when I first read the blurb I skimmed the first paragraph so quickly that I thought we were talking about a girl named Danny who has been to juvi, and I was like "Heck yes, B.A. girl in the house." Well the story is the complete opposite of that.

Danny is the tough guy, and has fallen into the enforcer gig for his uncle's bookie business. He is all business, money, sex, and alcohol. Told from alternating perspectives, Lauren is the goodie-goodie to the EXTREME. She recently moved from a small po-dunk town in Illinois to Cali, where she plans on reinventing herself so she can become popular and be a cheerleader. (You know, every girls dream!) Well when they first spot each other across the quad, it is love at first sight. Danny catches one glimpse of her and he is ready to throw his wild lifestyle of girls and money away, without ever even talking to her. Luckily for Lauren, she has a few cheerleaders right next to her and they warn her away from the bad apple that is making eyes at her. Still she is intrigued, but she wants the perfect life just like her mother and father, (you know what I mean, the one where her father cheats on her mom, and her mom commits a felony by burning down their home, she wants that.)

So, instead of going with her love at first sight, insta-love, she goes after the wide-receiver of the football team, yummy, handsome Josh. *wiggles eyebrows* But it just so happens that Danny's sister dated Josh way back when and he broke her heart, so instead of telling Lauren about the upsets that Josh is sure to cause her, we let this play out and let Lauren learn her mistakes for herself.

I was upset that the author seemed to take the easy way out on this one. Danny was a love struck little boy, who was literally obsessed with Lauren. If she would have given Lauren more of a back-bone and let her be slightly intelligent and have some thoughts of her own, and given Danny more of a personality, instead of it being a personality solely revolved around Lauren, then this could have the setting of a very good book. Come on, I mean bad boy wants to be good for good girl, it is a concept that I am a sucker for.

So the entire book Danny is chasing after Lauren, trying to make himself better for her, when he isn't insisting he doesn't like her. Lauren has her little moments with Danny, but then she goes right back to Josh, because he is the good boy, the one who would never do anything to hurt her.

Now, the end is where I have to shake my head a little bit. I mean, we were all set up for the grand finale...when, it ended very abruptly on an awkward cliff hanger. I feel like I was halfway off the edge, but for some reason, I still haven't fallen yet. This is when I find out the author has planned to make this book a series, the next one is called Losing Lauren, and it comes out in January 2013.

This may be my inner masochist coming out, but I actually want to read Losing Lauren, I want to read it like right now. Because, I actually liked Danny, other than his obsessiveness over Lauren, he was the basis of the kind of character I like. So, I actually want to know what happens next. This may not have been the best books ever, and it may have also been annoying with a female character that is selfish, petty, and materialistic, but Danny was pretty cool. So I gotta find out what happens next. This is my guiltiest of pleasures.

Somebody save me.(less)

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Aug 28, 2012 Anna (Gatsby's Girl) rated it 1 of 5 stars

Considering how long the above summary from Goodreads is, I'm just going to skip straight to my very large and in charge opinions about this book (if you can even call it that). I went into this book expecting a raw, thrilling romance like Between the Lines by Tammara Webber with main characters from different sides of life. But what I got was a decent guy caught up in a truly bad situation, who is desperately trying to hold on and a popularity obsessed, spoiled, pouty, whiny, brat who is the so...more Considering how long the above summary from Goodreads is, I'm just going to skip straight to my very large and in charge opinions about this book (if you can even call it that). I went into this book expecting a raw, thrilling romance like Between the Lines by Tammara Webber with main characters from different sides of life. But what I got was a decent guy caught up in a truly bad situation, who is desperately trying to hold on and a popularity obsessed, spoiled, pouty, whiny, brat who is the source of an unimaginable obsession. Seriously, what does Danny see in Lauren? She is so melodramatic that I wanted to wring her neck at times. Especially when she finds out that her supposedly perfect popular boyfriend Josh trashed the reputation of one of her friends - and still chooses to be with him! She sticks her head in the sand a lot for someone who's family has so many issues. Even with his drug and alcohol abuse, part in his Uncle John's bookie business and family issues with his Dad, Stepmom and Sister, Danny is still more down to Earth and good-natured than Lauren by about a mile. She idolizes her parents, wanting to be a popular cheerleader like Mom and marry a guy like Dad. You know, they're just perfect if you ignore the fact that Dad cheated and Mom burned down the house in the town they moved away from to retaliate. Those two have the PERFECT MARRIAGE according to Lauren. Danny spends the whole book chasing after Lauren and trying to sober up for her, while she flat out says to his face that she'd rather have her little girl fantasy (Josh) than try to have something real with him. I practically CHEERED when Danny's sister Sara told Lauren that he was too good for her and not the other way around like everyone else seemed to think. She repeatedly shoved herself in Danny's face while trying to act like she was better than him, plus when she mysteriously gets the $500 Homecoming Dress she wanted, the moron assumes her parents changed their minds!!! WTF?!! Yeah right, her parents are going to buy a dress that costs that much for a high school dance! I actually wasn't too far behind her parent's disbelief at her utter stupidity on that one (the dress was really from Danny). Just what-the-hell-ever people. Not a good book in the least. Minus Lauren it could've been a decent book about a teenage guy with some serious issues, trying to clean up his life. With her it was a poorly written, unintelligble mess that makes me want to hurl something breakable at the wall. I'll give it ALMOST one star for Danny. That's all I owe this book.

VERDICT: 0.75/5 Stars

*I received an Advanced Reading E-book Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book was published May 24th, 2012.*(less)

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May 24, 2012 Alysson rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, ya-contemp, netgalley

View the full review on my blog!

When I first started reading this book, I didn't have very high expectations for it. I'm not saying I didn't believe it would be well written or a good book; I just thought it would be a fast read that would get me out of my reading slump with a cute love story between bad boy Danny and goodie goodie Lauren. But Breaking Lauren quickly surpassed all my prior expectations. Because you guys, this book is SO MUCH MORE than just a romance.

At first Danny and Lauren se...more

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May 29, 2012 Farrah rated it 1 of 5 stars

This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...

I didn't like it at all. Not my kind of book. I'm a fan of happy ending-in fact, I find them necessary for me to like a book.
Now, I know, with a title like "Breaking Lauren" I should have realized that happy had nothing to do with it. But, I foolishly hoped anyway.

For one thing, I felt like the situation was unrealistic. In what world do parents ground their daughter because she got an expensive present from a boy? I...more This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...

I didn't like it at all. Not my kind of book. I'm a fan of happy ending-in fact, I find them necessary for me to like a book.
Now, I know, with a title like "Breaking Lauren" I should have realized that happy had nothing to do with it. But, I foolishly hoped anyway.

For one thing, I felt like the situation was unrealistic. In what world do parents ground their daughter because she got an expensive present from a boy? I mean, seriously? And there were countless other situations like that. It got to be a little frustrating because the entire book seemed so out of the realm of possibility. People don't act like that in real life, not that I've ever seen or heard. Either I'm abnormally sheltered or the situations in this book are totally out of the realm of possibility.

Lauren seemed really...unintelligent, to be nice about it. Why would you ever go to a party in the middle of the night, in a bad part of town where bad things are almost guaranteed to happen? That is NOT the smart thing to do, Lauren. And repeatedly going back after almost getting beat up by some insane guy? DEFINITELY NOT SMART. She had horrible judgement about everything she did. I couldn't make myself feel bad for her because I honestly felt like she brought it on herself.

I liked Danny, and that was the only shining part of the book for me. He was sweet and tried to be a better person for Lauren, even when she banished him from her life. But there was also a creepy quality to his obsession with Lauren. A little unhealthy, I would say. It bothered me a few times, but I couldn't dislike him. Because I was too busy disliking Lauren.

The thing is, I can't say this was a terrible book. It truly just wasn't for me. I know that A LOT of people will like this book, so I don't have it in me to denounce it entirely.

My impression of Breaking Lauren was that it was a book version of one of those indie movies that get really popular among the fans of that genre. The only movie of those that I've watched is the movie "Thirteen" so, I guess if you liked that movie or movies like it, you'll like this book. But that isn't really my favorite genre, so I can't say that I particularly liked it.

So, I can only say that this book wasn't for me. It was by no means a terrible book-the writing itself was brilliant-but it just wasn't my type of book. But, I would still recommend it to anyone who likes this genre of heart-breaking, tragic, angsty books. If you like that kind of thing, Breaking Lauren is a perfect pick for you.

But for me, 1/5

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!

EDIT
So, I found out that Breaking Lauren will have a sequel: Losing Lauren. I'm definitely curious about that...maybe I'll get that happy ending :) I'll most likely read it out of curiosity and I desire to finish the story I've started. After getting invested in the characters, I want to see how it plays out for them. We'll see...(less)

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Mar 12, 2013 Esmeralda rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-won

It was a cute book. However, it could have been better. I feel that at times the couple were on different wave-lengths if you know what I mean. Their messages were crossed with something else, their messages were mixed. I also believe that the characters could have made brighter chooses; they kept making one bad choose after another. I like Daniel better but I lost him in the end of the book. The characters weren't constant. And Lauren was annoying and bratty she doesn't feel like a sixteen year...more

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May 24, 2012 Julie added it

While I'm a huge fan of Deen's paranormal romance series The Crescent, this book was OK for me. The idea behind a flawed bad boy wanting to be good for the girl and the idea of redemption is right up my alley, but the development of the plot and characters felt off to me. I still finished the book within a few hours but that was mainly because I really liked the character of Danny and was interested in how things played out for him.

I adore Danny's character but Lauren not so much. I found myself...more

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Jun 22, 2012 Karla Mae rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, contemporary, multiple-pov-s, net-galley, published-2012, series, young-adult

"What are you going to buy her?"

The world I think. I'd buy her the entire freaking world, but I don’t think she'll accept it from me. Well, not yet at least ... she's still expecting it from someone else…

Danny spends most of his nights drinking, gambling and collecting debts for his uncle. His likeness and addiction to this certain bad boy image can't be erased even with his family begging him to. But, when fifteen-year-old Lauren McIntosh stumbles into one of his nightly escapades, the self-p...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Anncleire rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: maggio-2012, netgalley, real-life, cute-guy, dealing-with-shit

“Breaking Lauren” l’ho letto in tempi brevi, al contrario di come mi capita spesso, come sempre all’oscuro della trama. Ma mi ha incantata subito perché non so dire di no ad una YA romance, dove ci sono entrambi i punti di vista e il protagonista maschile è un maledetto bad boy. Perché le ragazze dicono di volere i più sensibili e dolci ma poi si perdono dietro ai cattivi ragazzi, perché il fascino dello “stronzo” non ha prezzo.

Danny vive con lo zio John per cui fa da scagnozzo per ritirare i so...more “Breaking Lauren” l’ho letto in tempi brevi, al contrario di come mi capita spesso, come sempre all’oscuro della trama. Ma mi ha incantata subito perché non so dire di no ad una YA romance, dove ci sono entrambi i punti di vista e il protagonista maschile è un maledetto bad boy. Perché le ragazze dicono di volere i più sensibili e dolci ma poi si perdono dietro ai cattivi ragazzi, perché il fascino dello “stronzo” non ha prezzo.

Danny vive con lo zio John per cui fa da scagnozzo per ritirare i soldi agli scommettitori inservienti dopo essere stato in carcere minorile a causa di una rissa.
Lauren invece si è appena trasferita in California per sfuggire insieme ai genitori ai pettegoli che circondavano la sua famiglia nella sua città natale e inizia a frequentare l’high school di Danny. Si inserisce subito nel giro dei più popolari attirando l’attenzione del capitano della squadra di football. Ma non è il solo, anche Danny rimane affascinato da Lauren e cerca in tutti i modi di conoscerla. La diversità delle loro situazioni e la violenza che circonda Danny fanno in modo di allontanarli e getta Lauren tra le braccia del capitano. I due però provano qualcosa di forte l’uno per l’altra. Riusciranno ad essere felici? Danny riuscirà a redimersi?

Jordan Deen ha creato il tipo di storia che io adoro leggere. Lo so lo so. Quante ne esistono di storie del genere con un bad boy dedito all’alcool e alle risse e una protagonista femminile pura e innocente che non riesce a dirgli di no perché in fondo in fondo il ragazzo non è così malvagio? Tante, e altrettante io ne ho lette ma non riesco a smettere di leggerle, perché in fondo il fascino di un bad boy super hot è irrinunciabile. Se poi la scrittrice è tanto brava da farti immergere completamente nella storia ecco che mi ha conquistata. Metteteci poi il fatto che alterna i punti di vista si Danny e Lauren, mostrandoci l’evoluzione della storia da entrambe le situazioni ed ecco che parto per la tangente. Già perché chi mi segue lo sa che io non riesco a rinunciare ad un punto di vista maschile, che sono quelli che mi affascinano di più.
Danny è un ragazzo che ha dei problemi con l’alcool, abbandonato dalla famiglia quando si ritrova in un carcere minorile viene accolto dallo zio che lo tratta in modo speciale, facendolo diventare uno del suo gruppo, il suo braccio destro. Tra risse, ripicche e vendette, Danny tira pugni senza pensare alle conseguenze insieme al suo migliore amico Brandon che è tutto muscoli e zero cervello. Brandon mi è stato antipatico fin dall’inizio perché è incapace di controllarsi e anche quando alla fine sembra redimersi non sono riuscita a farmelo andare giù. Danny è fin dall’inizio consapevole delle sue mancanze ma crede di non avere chance, perché suo padre lo ha in qualche modo rinnegato, dopo aver perso il lavoro a causa sua. Si sente solo e l’unica cosa che sembra aiutarlo è bere, bere fino a non aver coscienza di sé e di ciò che lo circonda, di quello che lo rende il fratello maggiore che Sarah, la sua sorellastra, adora. Ma non è semplice disintossicarsi, redimersi, se non si ha la voglia di farlo, di recuperare i rapporti, tornare sulla giusta strada. E Danny vuole farlo per Lauren anche se Lauren non lo vuole.
Lauren è la classica ragazza pura e semplice che non si rende conto di nulla finché non gli finisce sotto il naso e anche in quel caso può rimanere cieca. Le sue nuove amiche cercano di darle una svegliata portandola in un bar, dove resta immischiata in una rissa in cui non sa come comportarsi. Sogna la vita perfetta, essere cheerleader, avere il ragazzo più popolare della scuola, un gruppo di amici con cui uscire e sentirsi a suo agio, avere il sogno di ogni adolescente trasformato in realtà. E ci riesce pure se non fosse per il tarlo di Danny. La Deen riesce a ricreare bene la tensione tra i due che trova sfogo solo quando Danny si avvicina a Lauren. Nonostante il suo continuo negarlo, Lauren è attratta da Danny, perché diamine oltre ad essere un bel ragazzo tutto muscoli e contorni ben segnati e duri, cicatrici di guerra e spirito da badass, ha anche un cuore generoso e straprotettivo nei confronti di Sarah e non esita a buttarsi in una rissa per salvare l’onore delle ragazze a cui tiene. Naturalmente Lauren vuole avere il suo sogno di vita perfetta e Danny non glielo può dare con il suo essere così fuori le righe ma non può negarne l’attrazione.
Il finale molto in sospeso, le guerre che non finiscono solo perché qualcuno lo vuole, rendono l’attesa per il seguito ancora più difficile.

Il particolare da non dimenticare? Una rosa rossa…eh leggete leggete leggete.

Il libro è assolutamente da leggere se amate le YA romance perché la storia è intensa e trattata con spirito e competenza e Danny, beh ha fascino da vendere. Certo ogni tanto si vorrebbe spaccare la faccia a Lauren ma non si può avere tutto dalla vita…o da un libro. A fine anno dovrebbe uscire il seguito di “Breaking Lauren” intitolato “Losing Lauren” e non vedo l’ora di metterci le mani sopra perché sono curiosa di sapere come finisce la storia. Io continuo a fare il tifo per Danny.
Buona lettura guys!

Ringrazio immensamente Netgalley e Black Rose Writing per avermi concesso la preziosa opportunità di leggere questo libro in anteprima, in cambio della mia recensione.

Recensione anche sul mio blog:
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...(less)

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Sep 06, 2012 Angieleigh rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, bc11-12

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I received a review copy of Breaking Lauren from the author for my participation of AToMR's book tour.

Breaking Lauren is written in a style that I have come to love; every other "chapter" is written from the perspective of Danny or Lauren, the two main characters.

Danny is a modern day thug - "Enforcer" - whose uncle is a bookie. He, his two cousins, and best friend Brandon go around beating up on people who don't pay Uncle John. From the get go you can pretty much tell Danny doesn't like this l...more

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Sep 02, 2012 Margaret rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-books, 12-new-authors

Lauren and her family move from Illinois to California in the wake of scandal that drove them from their small town. Lauren’s father, who was coach of the high school sports teams, is accused of cheating on Lauren’s mother. Lauren’s mother, in turn, is suspected of burning down their home so they move in order to get Lauren out of the town that turned their back on the McIntosh family.

Danny is a good guy gone bad… really bad.. He gets into a fight with the high school sports hero, Josh, when he...more

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Jul 15, 2012 Cami Hensley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-romance

http://myaddictionisreading.blogspot....

This book was a pleasant surprise. It gets a 4.5 from me.

I felt that Lauren's character was likable and someone readers could instantly sympathize with. I love the aspects of high school life in this story that are more parallel to the actual happenings in high schoool. I really don't like it when authors try to sugar coat things.

The chemistry between Danny and Lauren was so great. Even thought they spend a majority of this novel arguing or even not speak...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Alysson rated it 4 of 5 stars

When I first started reading this book, I didn't have very high expectations for it. I'm not saying I didn't believe it would be well written or a good book; I just thought it would be a fast read that would get me out of my reading slump with a cute love story between bad boy Danny and goodie goodie Lauren. But Breaking Lauren quickly surpassed all my prior expectations. Because you guys, this book is SO MUCH MORE than just a romance.

At first Danny and Lauren seem like total opposites but we v...more

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Nov 09, 2012 Abbie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: on-the-nook

This book had potential…I had a hard time bouncing back and for from the very immature acts/personalities of the characters to the matures acts/personalities of the characters, stick with the immature and label this a tween book or stick with the more mature personalities that match what was going on with the book. The ending really got to me though….what a cliff hanger, I almost want to read the next book to see what happens but I don’t want to pay to read it like I did with this book, guess it...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Fara Nani rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-contemp-challenge, favourite, netgalley, received-for-review

Review on blog: Tumbling In Books

When Lauren moves int a new town, she figured she'd turn over a new leaf, a new life, a new identity. She wanted to be like her sister and brother, popular and accepted. And being involved with dangerous Danny ain't going to grant her that.

Breaking Lauren is one of the best contemporary reads that I've read this year. I mean, this book is TOTALLY Simone Elkeles and Katie McGarry-like. But this book is kinda creepy to me in a way.

Lauren's life is so much almost l...more

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Sep 02, 2012 Arlena rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4-stars, a-good-book, fiction, fiction-reviews, my-reviews, young-adult

Author: Jordan Deen
Published By: Black Rose Writing
Age Recommended: YA
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4

Review:

Breaking Lauren" by Jordan Deen was a YA read that took you on a very intense ride that kept my attention until I was finished. How this author was able to get these two... Danny and Lauren together with all of the problems each one had. The storyline was able to really suck you right into the the first person view of two of the main characters....Lauren and Danny.

Lauren...more

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Sep 18, 2012 Lisa (Lost in Literature) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: received-for-review

Breaking Lauren is a great look into the lives of teenagers who encounter the "normal" teenage issues that happen to so many teens. Though it's been years since I was a teen, I still remember those days very clearly. I think Jordan Deen hit it smack on with the issues they encounter in their teenage years. From drugs and alcohol to trying to fit in at school, the characters definitely experience their share of problems.

Lauren is a young, naive teenager who struggles with fitting in and being pop...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Autumn Review rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tours, review

When I got the description of this book, I definitely thought it would be something that I would like. I'm a sucker for the misguided boy types. I guess I always want to think everyone has a chance to make their life better.

I'll start with Danny. I liked Danny. Yes, he has a volatile personality, but I think he really wants to be a better person. I also believe his alcohol abuse contributed to his violent behavior. I did feel like there were a few pieces of the puzzle missing as far as his back...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Mandy (I read Indie) Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Lauren is starting her first day off at her new school in Mountain View, CA. Thankfully the popular girls take her in and she instantly falls for the hottest, jockiest guy in high school. Lauren has a goal to be popular and snag the hottie all for her very own. Yep, this is gonna be her year.

Danny is a boozer, a user, and an abuser. He is on a rocky road that leads to nowhere good. Never one for being with the same girl twice has him questioning himself when he lays eyes on Lauren. The innocent...more Lauren is starting her first day off at her new school in Mountain View, CA. Thankfully the popular girls take her in and she instantly falls for the hottest, jockiest guy in high school. Lauren has a goal to be popular and snag the hottie all for her very own. Yep, this is gonna be her year.

Danny is a boozer, a user, and an abuser. He is on a rocky road that leads to nowhere good. Never one for being with the same girl twice has him questioning himself when he lays eyes on Lauren. The innocent girl with the bright green eyes sparks something deep inside him and he has to know her…all of her. Slowly Danny is changing his ways and it’s all due to Lauren. Being around her just the little bit he has been has him wanting to be a better person; to be worthy of her.

Lauren has heard things about Danny…how he has been in juvie and a real trouble maker. But there was something about him and those blue eyes that has her tempted to throw caution to the wind and know him…all of him. But her parents, her friends, and her goal of being popular keep her grounded. She cannot chance throwing it all away. She has worked too hard to get where she is at. Not to mention he has one heck of a temper and possibly hates her. But oh lord those eyes….

I absolutely loved Breaking Lauren. It was a great read that kept my interest the entire time and I found I was quickly falling for Danny. He was exactly the type I fell for back in high school. Yep, the bad boy type. Jordan, I think I love him more than Brandon from the Crescent series. He kinda reminds me of a younger, YA version of Travis Maddox from Beautiful Disaster. Just adorbs!

And then we have Lauren…poor confused, naive Lauren. Lord help that girl for she knows not what she does…or who she is. Living in the shadows of a sister who could do no wrong…Lauren really needs this time to learn who she is. Good grief she is only 15 and claiming she is in love with a boy she has only known a couple months. Ok, I might have been a little dramatic at that age too. So I will let this one slide. But honestly, Lauren could be a little annoying letting others choose her life for her. Hopefully things get better for her as the series continues.

The one thing I didn’t understand was the fact that Lauren wants to marry a guy she loves and have the kind of marriage her parents have. Cute right? Yeah there is only one problem with that little scenario…her parents have one of the worst marriages possible. So my question is…is Lauren wearing blinders when it comes to her parents? Obviously not, since she lets Danny in on the fact that they fight all the time. I guess it’s that fairy tale belief that it will all work out in the end. I don’t know…I am just grasping for something to make it all make sense.

So then we have the ending. This one definitely goes down as the most irritating ending of 2012 for me. And I mean that in the best way possible. Cause yeah, I loved that it just left us hanging. I understand that others will be furious with it being such a huge cliff hanger but not me. It has me itching, craving for book two (Losing Lauren).

I fell in love with Jordan’s work (The Crescent) back when I had a myspace and she friended me telling me about her book. And here it is a few years later and I still heart her writing. If you are looking for that angsty-wanna-pull-your-hair-out type of contemporary fiction…Breaking Lauren is perfect. I loved it and hope you will enjoy it too.
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Breaking Lauren (Lauren #1)

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