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The Lonely #1
The Lonely
19+
The truth is subjective to what the lonely lets in.
Emalyn Spicer has lived with it for a long time. She thinks it goes back further than her memories do. She knows it goes back further than the OCD.
When she arrives at college, her OCD's and the lonely refuse to let her have her wish to be normal.
When she meets Sebastian and starts to fall for him, she lets herself believe it's possible to outrun the things chasing her from the past. But how to you get away from the things inside of you? How do you run from yourself?
Just as she gives up and succumbs to the lonely, the unthinkable happens. She finds herself once again trapped in the dark, once again held against her will.
This time she meets the lonely head on. In the darkest corners of her mind, she discovers there is more to her world than she ever imagined. She discovers that the lonely was there for her, protecting her from herself and her secrets.
How far would you go to find yourself?
This is a dark and captivating novel, tread lightly
The truth is subjective to what the lonely lets in.
Emalyn Spicer has lived with it for a long time. She thinks it goes back further than her memories do. She knows it goes back further than the OCD.
When she arrives at college, her OCD's and the lonely refuse to let her have her wish to be normal.
When she meets Sebastian and starts to fall for him, she lets herself believe it's possible to outrun the things chasing her from the past. But how to you get away from the things inside of you? How do you run from yourself?
Just as she gives up and succumbs to the lonely, the unthinkable happens. She finds herself once again trapped in the dark, once again held against her will.
This time she meets the lonely head on. In the darkest corners of her mind, she discovers there is more to her world than she ever imagined. She discovers that the lonely was there for her, protecting her from herself and her secrets.
How far would you go to find yourself?
This is a dark and captivating novel, tread lightly
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2013
About the author
Tara Brown
99 books2,386 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Pen names for Tara Brown
- Tara Brown for science fiction and fantasy (primary author name)
- Sophie Starr for darker books
- Amy March for romantic comedies
- A.E. Watson
- T.L. Brown
- Erin Leigh
- Meg Browne
Caution: Author uses multiple pen names on the same book (different releases/editions). GR policy dictates that the name on the first release remain primary on all subsequent releases. The secondary name would be whatever name is on the cover, if different.
Pen names for Tara Brown
- Tara Brown for science fiction and fantasy (primary author name)
- Sophie Starr for darker books
- Amy March for romantic comedies
- A.E. Watson
- T.L. Brown
- Erin Leigh
- Meg Browne
Caution: Author uses multiple pen names on the same book (different releases/editions). GR policy dictates that the name on the first release remain primary on all subsequent releases. The secondary name would be whatever name is on the cover, if different.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 485 reviews
October 6, 2013
5 MILLION MIND=BLOWN STARS!!!!!!
Attention all lovers of mindfucks!!!! Read this book! I’m begging you!
First, let me pause to sanitize:
Now…
This feel:
This feel: (This could be swooning, melting, a weeping puddle, losing myself…all of the above)
Lots of this feel: (There’s a reason for all of the Amelie gifs)
Oh yeah, don’t let me forget this one because…dayum:
I honestly can’t talk much about the plot because I would spoil the book, which makes this book even more brilliant. I have never read this story. It’s unique. And the writing???? Amazing!!! I highlighted half of this book. The supporting characters were just as strong as the main characters.
Oh yeah, even though it was a mindfuck, this book also made me LAUGH and GIGGLE and SWOON!!!
The image of him standing in the elevator doors, in his silver dress shirt and dark grey dress pants wiping me off his lips, is the sexiest and most devastating thing I’ve ever seen.
My _____ (I can't tell you his name!)
My Em:
There are technically 3 parts/phases to this book. Of course, I loved every single one.
PART 1:
The first part is where Emalyn meets Sebastian. She is trying to be “normal,” and go to college, fall in love, etc. all while dealing with a debilitating OCD issue. This part was cute, mysterious, and completely entertaining. I had so many questions in this part. I was captivated from the beginning.
It’s what I call the lonely. It creeps up whenever I’m uncomfortable. It freezes me up. I feel it enter new places with me, like it’s the bag I packed. The broken bits of whatever it is inside of me.
I don’t cry for other people. I don’t cry unless I’m in pain, horrid amount of physical pain. I refuse to allow myself the weakness of the tears forming in my eyes. The tears in my eyes don’t come out. They stay in there like tiny kaleidoscopes, trying to make the world the way I need it to be.
I’m not broken. I’m ruined. My brain holds all he reasons why I’m ruined behind a wall. I don’t ever get to see them. But I know they’re there.
PART 2:
Emalyn is kidnapped. This part ROCKED ME!!! I did not see this coming at all! It is so twisted. Of course, I’m a psycho who loves mindfucks, so I loved every second of the captivity. Em is taken to the brink of insanity. She is thrown in a dark cell, beaten, starved…you know the drill. And her captor is playing mind games with her! Yes! Love me some mind games! Sorry if I spoil this part for some. It's not really a spoiler to me. You just don't see it coming. And I want people to read this! So I had to talk about this part just a little!
I want you to cry for me. Please cry.
PART 3:
This is the part after the kidnapping. That’s literally all I can say without giving something away! All I can is that it was HOT and HEARTBREAKING!
…someone who loves you so much he would hurt himself to break down the walls you have built.
I want him to be whole too. Not just save me. Save himself.
He made the touching and feeling, a good thing. It was dirty in a way I allowed. Like I controlled the filth that was all over me.
His eyes look dead. Like how mine used to look, before he beat the ever-loving hell out of me and woke me up.
ARC provided by author via NetGalley for an honest review.
I’m off to read the sequel right now
!!!! Well, after I get some sleep…
Attention all lovers of mindfucks!!!! Read this book! I’m begging you!
First, let me pause to sanitize:
Now…
This feel:
This feel: (This could be swooning, melting, a weeping puddle, losing myself…all of the above)
Lots of this feel: (There’s a reason for all of the Amelie gifs)
Oh yeah, don’t let me forget this one because…dayum:
I honestly can’t talk much about the plot because I would spoil the book, which makes this book even more brilliant. I have never read this story. It’s unique. And the writing???? Amazing!!! I highlighted half of this book. The supporting characters were just as strong as the main characters.
Oh yeah, even though it was a mindfuck, this book also made me LAUGH and GIGGLE and SWOON!!!
The image of him standing in the elevator doors, in his silver dress shirt and dark grey dress pants wiping me off his lips, is the sexiest and most devastating thing I’ve ever seen.
My _____ (I can't tell you his name!)
My Em:
There are technically 3 parts/phases to this book. Of course, I loved every single one.
PART 1:
The first part is where Emalyn meets Sebastian. She is trying to be “normal,” and go to college, fall in love, etc. all while dealing with a debilitating OCD issue. This part was cute, mysterious, and completely entertaining. I had so many questions in this part. I was captivated from the beginning.
It’s what I call the lonely. It creeps up whenever I’m uncomfortable. It freezes me up. I feel it enter new places with me, like it’s the bag I packed. The broken bits of whatever it is inside of me.
I don’t cry for other people. I don’t cry unless I’m in pain, horrid amount of physical pain. I refuse to allow myself the weakness of the tears forming in my eyes. The tears in my eyes don’t come out. They stay in there like tiny kaleidoscopes, trying to make the world the way I need it to be.
I’m not broken. I’m ruined. My brain holds all he reasons why I’m ruined behind a wall. I don’t ever get to see them. But I know they’re there.
PART 2:
Emalyn is kidnapped. This part ROCKED ME!!! I did not see this coming at all! It is so twisted. Of course, I’m a psycho who loves mindfucks, so I loved every second of the captivity. Em is taken to the brink of insanity. She is thrown in a dark cell, beaten, starved…you know the drill. And her captor is playing mind games with her! Yes! Love me some mind games! Sorry if I spoil this part for some. It's not really a spoiler to me. You just don't see it coming. And I want people to read this! So I had to talk about this part just a little!
I want you to cry for me. Please cry.
PART 3:
This is the part after the kidnapping. That’s literally all I can say without giving something away! All I can is that it was HOT and HEARTBREAKING!
…someone who loves you so much he would hurt himself to break down the walls you have built.
I want him to be whole too. Not just save me. Save himself.
He made the touching and feeling, a good thing. It was dirty in a way I allowed. Like I controlled the filth that was all over me.
His eyes look dead. Like how mine used to look, before he beat the ever-loving hell out of me and woke me up.
ARC provided by author via NetGalley for an honest review.
I’m off to read the sequel right now
!!!! Well, after I get some sleep…
February 16, 2017
1.5 Stars...
Oh boy. ...I truly detest giving books low ratings, I really do. I know how hard authors work and can imagine how difficult it must be to put their work out there for others to enjoy and potentially 'judge'...but in the end, I must be honest with my reviews.
The good: There were dark moments in this story that captivated me with their intensity and suspense. The story was a puzzle and I had fun trying to sort out the pieces. I felt the author did a nice job in bringing mental illness and phobias to life, for the majority of the story. I did enjoy the element of comedy, (I'm assuming that was intentional) and I appreciated that the main character, who suffered these debilitating anxieties, was able to sort of make fun of herself....and her one-liners were truly comical.
The bad: I do love mystery in a story—but unfortunately, I found there to be a little too much confusion present. I was able to decipher the twists, but the execution was sort of all over the place. I also felt no connection to the characters at all—at any time during the story. It felt as if I were merely an observer and was left unaffected by the occurrences. The flow of the writing felt choppy and inconsistent.
And the ugly: Ok, so there was some ugly. There were moments that had me fairly disgusted—and not at all because I'm faint hearted, but things became a little ridiculously unbelievable and left me stranded with my 'What was that?' thoughts. In fact, I asked myself that quite often, and the final outcomes were never as good as the build up.
Book Stats:
▪ Genre/Category: Romance/NA
▪ Steam Caliber: Moderately steamy
▪ Romance: Complex
▪ Characters: Flatly executed, but fairly intriguing.
▪ Plot: Interesting concept/shaky execution. Holds mystery. Twist in plot.
▪ Writing: Engaging but choppy and awkward.
▪ POV: 1st Person: Heroine
▪ Cliffhanger: None
Oh boy. ...I truly detest giving books low ratings, I really do. I know how hard authors work and can imagine how difficult it must be to put their work out there for others to enjoy and potentially 'judge'...but in the end, I must be honest with my reviews.
The good: There were dark moments in this story that captivated me with their intensity and suspense. The story was a puzzle and I had fun trying to sort out the pieces. I felt the author did a nice job in bringing mental illness and phobias to life, for the majority of the story. I did enjoy the element of comedy, (I'm assuming that was intentional) and I appreciated that the main character, who suffered these debilitating anxieties, was able to sort of make fun of herself....and her one-liners were truly comical.
The bad: I do love mystery in a story—but unfortunately, I found there to be a little too much confusion present. I was able to decipher the twists, but the execution was sort of all over the place. I also felt no connection to the characters at all—at any time during the story. It felt as if I were merely an observer and was left unaffected by the occurrences. The flow of the writing felt choppy and inconsistent.
And the ugly: Ok, so there was some ugly. There were moments that had me fairly disgusted—and not at all because I'm faint hearted, but things became a little ridiculously unbelievable and left me stranded with my 'What was that?' thoughts. In fact, I asked myself that quite often, and the final outcomes were never as good as the build up.
Book Stats:
▪ Genre/Category: Romance/NA
▪ Steam Caliber: Moderately steamy
▪ Romance: Complex
▪ Characters: Flatly executed, but fairly intriguing.
▪ Plot: Interesting concept/shaky execution. Holds mystery. Twist in plot.
▪ Writing: Engaging but choppy and awkward.
▪ POV: 1st Person: Heroine
▪ Cliffhanger: None
February 22, 2013
Ok where to start....
This book made my emotions go everywhere! I was confused, angry, sad, happy, appauld, shocked, wanted to stop reading, couldn't stop reading, I was sick for liking it, sick and hated it.... literally go everywhere.
Just for the record I would like you to know that by my opinion this book is YA/NA only because the characters have around 20 years! Nothing about this book is YA/NA... nothing at all!
I would not recommend this book for nobody that can not stomach abuse and torturing women.
The sex was graphic enough.
From the beginning this book is an effing mystery and an effing mindf*ck! The only thing you know for sure that the main heroine has an OCD.
So it is very hard for me to write a review without spoilers so i'll put it in a huuuuuuuuuge spoiler :)
SO IF YOU WANT TO READ THIS BOOK DO NOT OPEN THIS SPOILER! I REPEAT DO NOT OPEN IT!!!! HUGE SPOILER ALERT!
THE BIGGEST WTF MOMENT I HAD EVER HAD WHILE READING A BOOK!!!!!! I MEAN SERIOUSLY?!?!?!? REALLY?!?!?!?
I was really frustrated during reading this but I did like it and I was debating between 3 and 4 stars but sorry I just can't get over that plan how to cure her... that was seriously not right and seriously twisted .. sorry :(
This book made my emotions go everywhere! I was confused, angry, sad, happy, appauld, shocked, wanted to stop reading, couldn't stop reading, I was sick for liking it, sick and hated it.... literally go everywhere.
Just for the record I would like you to know that by my opinion this book is YA/NA only because the characters have around 20 years! Nothing about this book is YA/NA... nothing at all!
I would not recommend this book for nobody that can not stomach abuse and torturing women.
The sex was graphic enough.
From the beginning this book is an effing mystery and an effing mindf*ck! The only thing you know for sure that the main heroine has an OCD.
So it is very hard for me to write a review without spoilers so i'll put it in a huuuuuuuuuge spoiler :)
SO IF YOU WANT TO READ THIS BOOK DO NOT OPEN THIS SPOILER! I REPEAT DO NOT OPEN IT!!!! HUGE SPOILER ALERT!
THE BIGGEST WTF MOMENT I HAD EVER HAD WHILE READING A BOOK!!!!!! I MEAN SERIOUSLY?!?!?!? REALLY?!?!?!?
I was really frustrated during reading this but I did like it and I was debating between 3 and 4 stars but sorry I just can't get over that plan how to cure her... that was seriously not right and seriously twisted .. sorry :(
October 11, 2016
FOUR & A HALF STARS
Hmm...I do not want to spoil this for anyone who did not read this book. To summarize the story, it went from sad & slightly disturbing to heart pumping thrilling to total mindfucks to smexiness to heifer say what?! to HEA.
Things are not all as it seems though one major plot twist I guessed along! (I was all proud of myself) If you try this book out you definitely will want me to keep my lips zipped.
Is it the darkest book I've ever read?
I've read darker and grittier. In fact I was a little put out it was not as graphic for certain areas but I guess it's that new/ young adult rating. I think if everyone was aged by 5 more years, it might have been knocked out the park (I mean jet setting, money dropping young twenty-somethings...*shrug*)
I was not disappointed with the romance aspect of it as some fellow readers, that part I bought- I didn't question it nor the intensity. There were editing/grammatical errors but it didn't detract from getting the story across. And I like epilogues but I felt this one wasn't necessary really.
Best character? Hands down the best friend Michelle. She's a ride or die bitch, the friend you always would want in your corner and was really just great for the heroine.
Heroine - aww she's so sad and lonely. So lonely, she's even named it...The Lonely. She's all screwed up in the head, Purel-ing herself away to psychosis. I am happy she found her happiness, seriously this girl needs it. (I'll even forgive her teensy fool ways including that running away habit)
I actually didn't see her having an actual romance. Then things got bright and shiny for a minute. But then I get thrown for a loop. I'm basically going:
And
Basically from 20% to about 60%
Then we get to: The SMUT
Let me say that elevator scene? Scorching!
Then we learn more of the dark and twisted that are the main characters and pretty much the darker questions are answered.
And happily it doesn't go all unicorns and rainbows at the end. It wouldn't have been believable. (I had 1 or 2 questioning moments- I swear)
Let's just say I am very happy with the end results for the heroine and the hero.
Are you curious enough to read? I think you should-you just might like it too. ;P
Hmm...I do not want to spoil this for anyone who did not read this book. To summarize the story, it went from sad & slightly disturbing to heart pumping thrilling to total mindfucks to smexiness to heifer say what?! to HEA.
Things are not all as it seems though one major plot twist I guessed along! (I was all proud of myself) If you try this book out you definitely will want me to keep my lips zipped.
Is it the darkest book I've ever read?
I've read darker and grittier. In fact I was a little put out it was not as graphic for certain areas but I guess it's that new/ young adult rating. I think if everyone was aged by 5 more years, it might have been knocked out the park (I mean jet setting, money dropping young twenty-somethings...*shrug*)
I was not disappointed with the romance aspect of it as some fellow readers, that part I bought- I didn't question it nor the intensity. There were editing/grammatical errors but it didn't detract from getting the story across. And I like epilogues but I felt this one wasn't necessary really.
Best character? Hands down the best friend Michelle. She's a ride or die bitch, the friend you always would want in your corner and was really just great for the heroine.
Heroine - aww she's so sad and lonely. So lonely, she's even named it...The Lonely. She's all screwed up in the head, Purel-ing herself away to psychosis. I am happy she found her happiness, seriously this girl needs it. (I'll even forgive her teensy fool ways including that running away habit)
I actually didn't see her having an actual romance. Then things got bright and shiny for a minute. But then I get thrown for a loop. I'm basically going:
And
Basically from 20% to about 60%
Then we get to: The SMUT
Let me say that elevator scene? Scorching!
Then we learn more of the dark and twisted that are the main characters and pretty much the darker questions are answered.
And happily it doesn't go all unicorns and rainbows at the end. It wouldn't have been believable. (I had 1 or 2 questioning moments- I swear)
Let's just say I am very happy with the end results for the heroine and the hero.
Are you curious enough to read? I think you should-you just might like it too. ;P
February 21, 2013
I love when I can go into a book without any preconceived notions of what to expect and just enjoy the ride and this story was one hell of a ride! All I had to go on was the small blurb and a few reviews, however since my gr friend, Emmy said ‘Wow’- I decided what-the-heck; I needed a darker and different read and this story hit the mark in that department.
From the very opening of the story “I assumed I was on the set of the remake of 1984. Surely Big Brother was watching me.” to the
“OCD isn’t just a sickness, it’s a way of life” I knew our heroine, Em had some serious issues, I just had no idea how deep and dark her issues and secrets were.
So… Em and her best girlfriend, Michelle are in Boston for college and their tuition, room and board and personal driver are all being covered by Em’s mysterious benefactor or ‘Uncle Daddy Dude’ as Michelle likes to refer to him. The only contact Em has ever had with him is via phone, mainly texting and she is required to text him a lot… pretty much her every move, or so she believes… weird much?
Okay… I am notorious for retelling the storyline in my reviews and I know it is a bad habit. I just get carried away when I like a book and want to share it. This one I absolutely have to reframe from doing so and can only give a glimpse or two as I want the reader, as I was able to be totally and completely immersed, shocked, sickened, sad, worked-up and satisfied with this story.
I will say that I adored the secondary characters; Michelle is a hoot and the best friend Em could ever have, I fell completely in love/lust with Sebastian even though he really was too good to be true (I believe there is more to his story) and Stuart, the personal driver was an interesting character for more reasons than one. You will discover much, much more about Uncle Daddy Dude... so I will not touch on him.
If you are looking for a very different type of romance story with surprises and twists that lead to a very disturbing and painful personal back-story but a past that can be conquered with the appropriate albeit unconventional technique, give this book a read. The story is well-developed and deep as well as unbelievably believable-these things happen in real life and I think the author did a fantastic job of detailing the events and struggles of the victims.
Of course I must disclose the fact that there are several sex scenes and my personal favorite was the one in the elevator. I can’t say anything else about it but I will leave you with a visual of my expression after reading it…
I give this book:
3.5 hand sanitizing pumps-
February 22, 2013
For me, this sums up what the book was all about to me, even if it didn't feel that way for, well, almost the whole thing.
I have a confession. I'm a warm and fuzzy girl at heart. I like everything to be tied up in a nice HEA bow and presented to me with a flourish at the end. My taste for the drama and angst leading up to that final serving can vary, but I alway, alway want that final *sigh* of satisfaction, where I can relax, knowing that my characters are going to be happy together.
This wasn't that kind of book for me. Don't get me wrong. There is a ...well... "Happy as they can possibly be"ever after ending.
For those of you who got your feed bogged down with my 1000's of status updates on this book, I apologize. I promise I tried to hold back, but I just couldn't. It just made me that crazy.
The beginning of the book, geez, I was just totally drowning in the crazy that is Em. She doesn't just have issues, she has a whole flippin' libraries worth of subscriptions, and she has earned every damn one.
I was completely obsessed with trying to figure out who Mr. Uncle Daddy Benefactor was, and wanting desperately to know what the heck had happened to Em to make her this way.
Then, it happened. If you've ever seen the movie from dusk 'til dawn where the first half of the movie is this this creepy kidnaping movie, and then all the sudden they are at this bar in Mexico and there are vampires and you are just like WTF just happened here? That's kind of how I felt. It's not quite so disconnected. I mean looking back I can see the crumbs that were left (to make another movie illusion, like in the sixth sense where, after its revealed, it makes sense that the kid has been talking to dead people all along.). but i totally did not see it coming. The greater story arch made sense, but how we got there, no, that flat out will never make sense to me. at all. Ever.
There was a good portion of the book were I just wanted to tell Em to run for the hills and get away from everyone.
I don't even know what I can say about the rest of the book that won't be a huge spoiler. I was completely immersed and invested in the story. It made me seriously uncomfortable a lot of the time. I didn't get warm and fuzzies - ever. After reflection, I think I'm happy thing with way it ended. I'm glad I read it. I will read the companion book the day it comes out. I won't forget this one for a long, long time.
February 18, 2013
Rating: A ... Heat: Hot
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review.
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How do you review a book you can't say anything about? Where every single thing is a spoiler and you don't want to ruin the experience for anyone by saying too much? Because, seriously, I went into The Lonely knowing next to nothing… and I'm very glad. It was a wild, emotional, topsy-turvy ride and I couldn't put it down and I didn't want it to stop! I stayed up till nearly two in the morning to finish this and it was completely worth the lack of sleep.
So. What to say, what to say…
Our wonderful, quirky and emotionally damaged heroine is Emalyn Spicer. When the story opens, she's moving into her dorm with her best friend Michelle. New school, new state, and (she hopes) a new Emalyn. Which would be easy enough for the average girl, but Emalyn is anything but average. She suffers from a near-crippling OCD. Things must be neat, they must be clean. It's simply a way for her to cope with the stress, the… fears from her past. Cleaning. Disinfecting. There's no such thing as mental bleach but there is hand sanitizer and Lysol.
Emalyn also comes with a mysterious benefactor, who Michelle lovingly refers to as Mr. Uncle Daddy Weirdo. Her benefactor cares for her, protects her. Guides her. Shelters her. Pays for everything--and I do mean everything. He only requires she keep in constant contact with him via texts and regular phone calls. Not a bad deal for an orphan who previously had no one in her corner. And even though her benefactor is a tad controlling and, yeah, he can come across insensitive at times… He captivated me. Enthralled me. I had a major crush on the voice at the other end of the line. The whole time I wanted Emalyn to meet him, find out who he is, why he's doing what he's doing. (Okay, yes, and fall in love. I am a hardcore romantic after all.)
Also there to protect and care for her is Michelle, who is pretty much a sister to Emalyn. Michelle tries to gently nudge her. Help her grow and turn over a new leaf. Gets her to occasionally do things outside of her comfort zone and is also there to help her cope if it goes too far outside of her comfort zone. I adored Michelle. She's an awesome friend and I loved the way the two girls interacted and leaned on each other. I love seeing strong female friendships and this was the epitome of a great friendship.
Michelle and Emalyn's new college life doesn't go quite as they had planned or hoped though. The ever-present wall in Emalyn's mind, the barrier shielding her from a past she can't and doesn't want to remember, is starting to show cracks. And, when her past becomes her present… again… Emalyn is forced to confront all of the darkest parts inside of her. Also known as the lonely.
The Lonely is amazing. Such a surprise. The mystery, never knowing where the story was going, what would happen next, why things were happening… Miz Brown has written a powerful and provocative story here. Don't miss this book. Especially if you're a fan of dark romances (ala C.J. Robert's Dark Duets series), where the heroines and heroes are beautifully broken. Where you see all of their cracks and imperfections. And, because of those imperfections, they are dark and delightfully depraved.
The hero of this book (who I refuse to name because it's a spoiler, in my opinion) is oh so delightfully depraved. The man gives me the shivers. I am so beyond happy we get more of him in the next book, a companion novel, The Lost Boy. Bring on the paddles and the blindfolds!
Favorite Quote:
The silence isn’t awkward anymore. It’s full of sexual tension. He grabs my hand and places it over his beating heart and holds it there. It’s like he’s giving it to me maybe. I pull off my shirt and do the same with his hand over my sports bra. My gesture might not mean the same to him but it means a lot to me.
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review.
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November 25, 2013
Review posted on Way Too Hot Books
When I picked up this book, I didn't have any idea what should I expect. I knew it was new adult, romance, with few steamy scenes like in all NA books and main heroine with serious problems. I usually troll around Goodreads looking trough my friends' updates and reviews which leads to very bad thing - I figure out everything about books I want to read or end up with such a high expectations that I always end up feeling disappointed because it's never good as I expect it to be. Thank you God, I didn't do that with The Lonely.
If you read my reviews here or on Goodreads, talked with me about my favorite books, than you know that I love, but seriously, love - twisted, dark, erotic stories with hints of capture-bonding and all other kink that goes with it. I could smell Stockholm syndrome after first ten pages. My inner perv was jumping all over the place and screaming: "Hell, yes! Finally! I am sick of all those lovey-dovey nonsense you've been feeding me lately."
Oh, thank you holy father Soren for all the dark and fucked up bastards! Now you are thinking what the hell am I talking about and how does Soren, our dearest kinky priest, fits in this story. Well, he doesn't, but that man put all the standard must-haves for sadistic main characters we love so much. Tara Brown gave us one of those in her book. His name is Eli and you are going to kiss the ground he walks on.
The story may confuse you, but keep reading. I was lost for a moment while I was reading The Lonely. Why? After that initial euphoria about captive motif, I started losing hope that anything would happen along that lines. I was so wrong. My advice - do not read reviews with lot of synopsis details (we all know too well that some reviewers may get too caught in fangirling mode and they just can't help themselves - I am barely holding my wits together, I'm dying to tell you all). Just take the book in your hands and start reading. You will be surprised to see where it will take you. Also, you just might want to be alone while reading some parts. Your flaming red face might tip you off in front of your mother, not a nice conversation to have - trust me.
Lost Boy. The companion novel to The Lonely, Lost Boy, was published in July this year. It is told from Eli's point of view and I heard that it is something that you should not miss. I am hyped to see what went trough his crazy head and I'll be reading it soon.
***Copy of this book provided by publisher and author via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.***
When I picked up this book, I didn't have any idea what should I expect. I knew it was new adult, romance, with few steamy scenes like in all NA books and main heroine with serious problems. I usually troll around Goodreads looking trough my friends' updates and reviews which leads to very bad thing - I figure out everything about books I want to read or end up with such a high expectations that I always end up feeling disappointed because it's never good as I expect it to be. Thank you God, I didn't do that with The Lonely.
If you read my reviews here or on Goodreads, talked with me about my favorite books, than you know that I love, but seriously, love - twisted, dark, erotic stories with hints of capture-bonding and all other kink that goes with it. I could smell Stockholm syndrome after first ten pages. My inner perv was jumping all over the place and screaming: "Hell, yes! Finally! I am sick of all those lovey-dovey nonsense you've been feeding me lately."
Oh, thank you holy father Soren for all the dark and fucked up bastards! Now you are thinking what the hell am I talking about and how does Soren, our dearest kinky priest, fits in this story. Well, he doesn't, but that man put all the standard must-haves for sadistic main characters we love so much. Tara Brown gave us one of those in her book. His name is Eli and you are going to kiss the ground he walks on.
The story may confuse you, but keep reading. I was lost for a moment while I was reading The Lonely. Why? After that initial euphoria about captive motif, I started losing hope that anything would happen along that lines. I was so wrong. My advice - do not read reviews with lot of synopsis details (we all know too well that some reviewers may get too caught in fangirling mode and they just can't help themselves - I am barely holding my wits together, I'm dying to tell you all). Just take the book in your hands and start reading. You will be surprised to see where it will take you. Also, you just might want to be alone while reading some parts. Your flaming red face might tip you off in front of your mother, not a nice conversation to have - trust me.
Lost Boy. The companion novel to The Lonely, Lost Boy, was published in July this year. It is told from Eli's point of view and I heard that it is something that you should not miss. I am hyped to see what went trough his crazy head and I'll be reading it soon.
***Copy of this book provided by publisher and author via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.***
January 20, 2014
5 Stars
Holy Hell This book is CRAZY!!!!
Like … dark… twisted… wickedly yummy
I did know a few things about The Lonely, I read a spoiler and I regret reading it, but I don’t think I would have picked up on it if I had not read it. Don’t worry I won’t tell you.
First off, I will have to say there are three parts to this book (well I have broken it down into three parts).
The first part is really light. You get a bit of an introduction to Emalyn Spicer and the first thing you notice is her severe case of OCD. It’s not as annoying as I thought it would be, I actually did feel for her and wondered what her deal was. What caused her to be the way she is? She meets a boy named Sebastian and she desperately wants to be “normal” so she can purse a relationship with him.
BUT there is always a little hitch right? So there’s the case of her benefactor… a what? Yes, a man who supports her, as in pays for her college, bills, and her life style. It doesn’t seem as shady as it sounds. The only communication Emalyn and her benefactor has, is through the phone and texts. This was probably one of my favorite parts of the book because the benefactor was so “controlling” and mysterious. I couldn’t get enough.
The Second part is a HUGE shift. The book goes from light to SUPER DARK and you are like, oh holy H, this is what EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT.
I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH. I WAS JUST GLUED
It felt like there was this huge puzzle you had to figure out and I was kind of slowly piecing it all together.
The last part and final part is the resolution and tension. I really liked this part because the first two parts were just so extreme, this last section of the book kind of meshed the two together and it really got into the nitty and gritty of the story. Mysteries were discovered, past were uncovered and MY MIND WAS LIKE WHAT?!
I had no expectations for this book, expect for the extreme reviews. I didn’t know if I would be a lover or a hater, but I’m glad it was a hit for me. I am not sure if I will move on to The Lonely Boy, only because I’m going away from companion novels, but it would be nice to see the alternative POV.
My only negative comment… the cover is awfully ugly, but I love the Lost Boy cover. I’m a cover whore, what do you expect?
Holy Hell This book is CRAZY!!!!
Like … dark… twisted… wickedly yummy
I did know a few things about The Lonely, I read a spoiler and I regret reading it, but I don’t think I would have picked up on it if I had not read it. Don’t worry I won’t tell you.
First off, I will have to say there are three parts to this book (well I have broken it down into three parts).
The first part is really light. You get a bit of an introduction to Emalyn Spicer and the first thing you notice is her severe case of OCD. It’s not as annoying as I thought it would be, I actually did feel for her and wondered what her deal was. What caused her to be the way she is? She meets a boy named Sebastian and she desperately wants to be “normal” so she can purse a relationship with him.
BUT there is always a little hitch right? So there’s the case of her benefactor… a what? Yes, a man who supports her, as in pays for her college, bills, and her life style. It doesn’t seem as shady as it sounds. The only communication Emalyn and her benefactor has, is through the phone and texts. This was probably one of my favorite parts of the book because the benefactor was so “controlling” and mysterious. I couldn’t get enough.
The Second part is a HUGE shift. The book goes from light to SUPER DARK and you are like, oh holy H, this is what EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT.
I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH. I WAS JUST GLUED
It felt like there was this huge puzzle you had to figure out and I was kind of slowly piecing it all together.
The last part and final part is the resolution and tension. I really liked this part because the first two parts were just so extreme, this last section of the book kind of meshed the two together and it really got into the nitty and gritty of the story. Mysteries were discovered, past were uncovered and MY MIND WAS LIKE WHAT?!
I had no expectations for this book, expect for the extreme reviews. I didn’t know if I would be a lover or a hater, but I’m glad it was a hit for me. I am not sure if I will move on to The Lonely Boy, only because I’m going away from companion novels, but it would be nice to see the alternative POV.
My only negative comment… the cover is awfully ugly, but I love the Lost Boy cover. I’m a cover whore, what do you expect?
February 21, 2013
This book was like... reading two books. I was into the first one, which was really dark and edgy and stuff. At exactly halfway point it turns into this college BDSM drama and kind of similar to another book I read - which was so weird and I... didn't like it.
I feel like I should review it as two books, too, but I just don't have it in me right now. Ultimately, I was disappointed with the turn of events. It's more of a 2.5 read and I am rounding it up because... I don't even know why. Maybe I'll come back to it and change my mind.
Seriously, the first half of it was easily a five star read. It was messing with my head, it freaked me out completely. There was this whole mystery about the benefactor, I was rooting for Sebastian so much, the author did an awesome job about Em's OCD and I felt just as paranoid as she did. Then when the whole thing happened I was horrified because talk about mind games - and also because I didn't exactly expect dark erotica? But it was so good and I wanted to know what was going on and I would have happily read a whole book like that.
Then the second part of the book makes an 180 degree turn and goes into mopey-teenager-wants-the-emotionally-distant-hot-guy-wannabe-Dom, but-he's-been-in-love-with-her-forever. He takes and uses her any way he wants her, and she lets him. I don't even know. I just didn't enjoy this part as much, and I hated on both Sarah and Eli at times, and I mean... the book just plummeted. Sank. Compared to the first half. It was such a weird thing to witness. It's not that it's bad, I think I might have enjoyed this story if it weren't all that buildup for...NOTHING.
I think the author just tried too hard to pass one of the boys as a red herring, to play with your emotions and have you love one and then switch sides. I didn't switch sides. For a second I thought I did, but then the whole aftermath of the thing happened and I was just... meh. Meh. Meh.
But the writing is good, especially in the first half. And I will say that the story is at least a bit more original than what we see today in NA books.
I did catch a couple of spelling mistakes, some sentences were awkward, but overall you could tell it was worked on.
I really liked Michelle and Stuart, and Jake and Lyle! Michelle was a really good best friend, the two of them have their ups and downs but you can tell it was a friendship full of love for each other and they were really close.
There are a lot of twists and turns in there that make you do a double take and say "did that really just happen?" I applaud the author for this because I didn't see any of it coming.
And to call this dark would be... it coupled with the second half it wasn't that dark. Sure, it was playing with my mind at times, but overall it was just a romance book with a love triangle and a creepy vibe.
A couple of graphic sex scenes in there. It's actually pretty vanilla, there's some spanking but that's it. I thought it was... okay. That first sex scene was hot. I think.
I don't know. Do I recommend it? I think I do, at least the first half of it.
I feel like I should review it as two books, too, but I just don't have it in me right now. Ultimately, I was disappointed with the turn of events. It's more of a 2.5 read and I am rounding it up because... I don't even know why. Maybe I'll come back to it and change my mind.
Seriously, the first half of it was easily a five star read. It was messing with my head, it freaked me out completely. There was this whole mystery about the benefactor, I was rooting for Sebastian so much, the author did an awesome job about Em's OCD and I felt just as paranoid as she did. Then when the whole thing happened I was horrified because talk about mind games - and also because I didn't exactly expect dark erotica? But it was so good and I wanted to know what was going on and I would have happily read a whole book like that.
Then the second part of the book makes an 180 degree turn and goes into mopey-teenager-wants-the-emotionally-distant-hot-guy-wannabe-Dom, but-he's-been-in-love-with-her-forever. He takes and uses her any way he wants her, and she lets him. I don't even know. I just didn't enjoy this part as much, and I hated on both Sarah and Eli at times, and I mean... the book just plummeted. Sank. Compared to the first half. It was such a weird thing to witness. It's not that it's bad, I think I might have enjoyed this story if it weren't all that buildup for...NOTHING.
I think the author just tried too hard to pass one of the boys as a red herring, to play with your emotions and have you love one and then switch sides. I didn't switch sides. For a second I thought I did, but then the whole aftermath of the thing happened and I was just... meh. Meh. Meh.
But the writing is good, especially in the first half. And I will say that the story is at least a bit more original than what we see today in NA books.
I did catch a couple of spelling mistakes, some sentences were awkward, but overall you could tell it was worked on.
I really liked Michelle and Stuart, and Jake and Lyle! Michelle was a really good best friend, the two of them have their ups and downs but you can tell it was a friendship full of love for each other and they were really close.
There are a lot of twists and turns in there that make you do a double take and say "did that really just happen?" I applaud the author for this because I didn't see any of it coming.
And to call this dark would be... it coupled with the second half it wasn't that dark. Sure, it was playing with my mind at times, but overall it was just a romance book with a love triangle and a creepy vibe.
A couple of graphic sex scenes in there. It's actually pretty vanilla, there's some spanking but that's it. I thought it was... okay. That first sex scene was hot. I think.
I don't know. Do I recommend it? I think I do, at least the first half of it.
February 22, 2013
Jenny 4.0 Stars
Gitte:4.0 Stars
Jenny: Well Gitte, didn’t this turn out to be a book that packed a punch!!! This is such a hard book to review. How do you review it without giving anything away? Practically anything you say about this book could be a spoiler. I will say that this book was a rollercoaster ride and a half. I don’t even know where to start. I do know that I could NOT put this book down until I finished it. It pretty much consumed me until the end and I am questioning myself for loving Eli! Am I nuts Gitte?
Gitte: I have to say I loved it Jenny because yeah…it hit you over the head whilst reading it, leaving you conflicted and confused. It was absolutely compelling. We went into this story knowing nothing about it didn’t we, which is how this story should be read and yeah it was a pretty twisted, scary, strange and intriguing journey that’s for sure. It was different, it was original, it was painful and it was disturbing. Oh and yeah how much did I love Eli!!! I know I shouldn’t…is it crazy that we love him Jenny? Probably…do we care…no!!
Jenny: So glad we knew nothing going into this because that only added to the anticipation throughout. And you’re right….we love Eli and we don’t care if we’re crazy! We meet Emalyn Spicer. Emalyn is damaged. She is shut off emotionally and has decided to start somewhat of a new life at college with her one and only friend Michelle. Emalyn has OCD brought about by something grievous in her past that she has buried deep in the recesses of her memory. Everything must be clean, neat and germ free. Anything short of this sends her into a panic. She is shut off physically and emotionally and resigned to a life without love or relationships. A life where she can never be “normal”. She considers herself to be a freak.
She is cared for by a mysterious benefactor who is an enigma indeed. Who is this man and why does he care for her and how did he come to be part of her life?
Gitte: Poor Emalyn….her life is ruled by her OCD…her horrific past…her benefactor. This girl is so messed up and has such little control and normality. She lives with the lonely. She knows her life isn’t right but she is unable to heal, to change and to just let go.
Jenny: Emalyn meets and starts to fall for Sebastian. She thinks Sebastian may be the answer to her moving forward and hopes to be able to find some sort of normalcy with him....maybe even a relationship with him.
Then, the unthinkable happens and she finds herself once again trapped and held against her will.
“The dark is a quiet place. Reflection and contemplation are the only things to do in it. Well that, and imagine the worst things possible.
I don’t have to reflect or contemplate or any of those things. I know what the worst things possible are. I know about the things that hide in the dark. Insanity is the least of them.” Emalyn
What ensues is one of the craziest rides I’ve ever been on. This is one dark, twisted, emotionally crazy read and I loved every minute! It was different and it certainly kept me on my toes throughout.
The writing is fast, sometimes a bit too fast and you have to mentally slow it down to keep up with everything that is happening. Some of the scenes are way out there and will leave you scratching your head but you will love every minute of this insanity.
This book will play with your mind. You will wonder what the hell could happen next and it will keep you guessing and the surprises will keep coming. It's hot, suspenseful, tragic and messed up.
I can’t wait for Eli’s book! That is one crazy ride I’m looking forward to jumping on. He is one messed up man and oh I do love him so!
Gitte: Emily needs love…normality is love, kissing and holding hands; being able to go to a restaurant and not worry. Love is not obsessive stalker behaviour, aggression or pain. But how do you find that normality when you cannot come in contact with anything without some serious scrubbing and a scalding hot shower? Germs are everywhere! And who would want a freak like her…a burden to everyone…a burden with so much baggage the actual person disappears beneath it. Though, who she is not even she knows. Not really.
Then yeah Sebastian happens and you know what Jenny I thought he was such an amazing guy my heart hurt for him, it really did! However, when suddenly the unthinkable happens, the unbelievable crazy bit, where I literally shouted WHAT????as I was reading, I knew something incredible and disturbing was about to happen. Did I expect the story to go as it did no…was I gobsmacked? Hell yes….but I loved it because of that.
Oh and then Eli happened…I loved Eli….I want more Eli!!
I was thinking on how to sum it up..struggled a bit so all I’ll say is that it’s Dark, Disturbing, Confusing, Erotic, Ugly, Heart-breaking & Frustrating…It was such a well written surprise and I am still thinking about it days after finishing!
Gitte:4.0 Stars
Jenny: Well Gitte, didn’t this turn out to be a book that packed a punch!!! This is such a hard book to review. How do you review it without giving anything away? Practically anything you say about this book could be a spoiler. I will say that this book was a rollercoaster ride and a half. I don’t even know where to start. I do know that I could NOT put this book down until I finished it. It pretty much consumed me until the end and I am questioning myself for loving Eli! Am I nuts Gitte?
Gitte: I have to say I loved it Jenny because yeah…it hit you over the head whilst reading it, leaving you conflicted and confused. It was absolutely compelling. We went into this story knowing nothing about it didn’t we, which is how this story should be read and yeah it was a pretty twisted, scary, strange and intriguing journey that’s for sure. It was different, it was original, it was painful and it was disturbing. Oh and yeah how much did I love Eli!!! I know I shouldn’t…is it crazy that we love him Jenny? Probably…do we care…no!!
Jenny: So glad we knew nothing going into this because that only added to the anticipation throughout. And you’re right….we love Eli and we don’t care if we’re crazy! We meet Emalyn Spicer. Emalyn is damaged. She is shut off emotionally and has decided to start somewhat of a new life at college with her one and only friend Michelle. Emalyn has OCD brought about by something grievous in her past that she has buried deep in the recesses of her memory. Everything must be clean, neat and germ free. Anything short of this sends her into a panic. She is shut off physically and emotionally and resigned to a life without love or relationships. A life where she can never be “normal”. She considers herself to be a freak.
She is cared for by a mysterious benefactor who is an enigma indeed. Who is this man and why does he care for her and how did he come to be part of her life?
Gitte: Poor Emalyn….her life is ruled by her OCD…her horrific past…her benefactor. This girl is so messed up and has such little control and normality. She lives with the lonely. She knows her life isn’t right but she is unable to heal, to change and to just let go.
Jenny: Emalyn meets and starts to fall for Sebastian. She thinks Sebastian may be the answer to her moving forward and hopes to be able to find some sort of normalcy with him....maybe even a relationship with him.
Then, the unthinkable happens and she finds herself once again trapped and held against her will.
“The dark is a quiet place. Reflection and contemplation are the only things to do in it. Well that, and imagine the worst things possible.
I don’t have to reflect or contemplate or any of those things. I know what the worst things possible are. I know about the things that hide in the dark. Insanity is the least of them.” Emalyn
What ensues is one of the craziest rides I’ve ever been on. This is one dark, twisted, emotionally crazy read and I loved every minute! It was different and it certainly kept me on my toes throughout.
The writing is fast, sometimes a bit too fast and you have to mentally slow it down to keep up with everything that is happening. Some of the scenes are way out there and will leave you scratching your head but you will love every minute of this insanity.
This book will play with your mind. You will wonder what the hell could happen next and it will keep you guessing and the surprises will keep coming. It's hot, suspenseful, tragic and messed up.
I can’t wait for Eli’s book! That is one crazy ride I’m looking forward to jumping on. He is one messed up man and oh I do love him so!
Gitte: Emily needs love…normality is love, kissing and holding hands; being able to go to a restaurant and not worry. Love is not obsessive stalker behaviour, aggression or pain. But how do you find that normality when you cannot come in contact with anything without some serious scrubbing and a scalding hot shower? Germs are everywhere! And who would want a freak like her…a burden to everyone…a burden with so much baggage the actual person disappears beneath it. Though, who she is not even she knows. Not really.
Then yeah Sebastian happens and you know what Jenny I thought he was such an amazing guy my heart hurt for him, it really did! However, when suddenly the unthinkable happens, the unbelievable crazy bit, where I literally shouted WHAT????as I was reading, I knew something incredible and disturbing was about to happen. Did I expect the story to go as it did no…was I gobsmacked? Hell yes….but I loved it because of that.
Oh and then Eli happened…I loved Eli….I want more Eli!!
I was thinking on how to sum it up..struggled a bit so all I’ll say is that it’s Dark, Disturbing, Confusing, Erotic, Ugly, Heart-breaking & Frustrating…It was such a well written surprise and I am still thinking about it days after finishing!
Want to read
May 9, 2014FREE today on Amazon US (5/8/2014).
http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Tara-Bro...
http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Tara-Bro...
June 28, 2016
So happy that I dove into my "UNREAD" folder and found a good one! This book was totally unexpected and a complete break from the same old romance I have been reading. The Lonely is a psychological thriller with ups and downs, twists and turns, and a bit of taboo heat. It is like a well shaken cocktail with one hell of a punch!
I devoured this read in one day and felt like I never knew what was about to happen. With murder, kinappings, excessive OCD behaviors consuming her past and present, Emalyn/Sarah is trying to turn over a new leaf. She is at college and living free, but protected by a secret benefactor. She had her best friend "Shell" and her driver/bodyguard Stuart daily but it seems as if the annoying and dominant texts and calls from her benefactor are the only things keeping her going. Who is the man? What does he want? Why does he infuriate her yet make her smile at times?
I would love to answer just one of these questions but HELL NO! The whole story would be ruined with just a small tid-bit of too much info. All I can say is that I really enjoyed the journey of Em/Sarah and loved the craziness of if all. I want so badly to 5* the hell out of this but I had one nagging issue that I just couldn't look past and that was the on and off feelings, if you can call them that, of a normal man - Sebastian who just wanted to love her. There are so many mixed connections in this story and he truly was a good man...he just should not have had a chance at a heart that was already owned. I could have done without the intimacy that they shared...it kind of cheapened the building romance of Sarah and her true love.
I know that I will 100% be reading the companion to this tale...I need to know what was in the head of that mysterious benefactor. I know his version of the tale will be so much more warped!
I devoured this read in one day and felt like I never knew what was about to happen. With murder, kinappings, excessive OCD behaviors consuming her past and present, Emalyn/Sarah is trying to turn over a new leaf. She is at college and living free, but protected by a secret benefactor. She had her best friend "Shell" and her driver/bodyguard Stuart daily but it seems as if the annoying and dominant texts and calls from her benefactor are the only things keeping her going. Who is the man? What does he want? Why does he infuriate her yet make her smile at times?
I would love to answer just one of these questions but HELL NO! The whole story would be ruined with just a small tid-bit of too much info. All I can say is that I really enjoyed the journey of Em/Sarah and loved the craziness of if all. I want so badly to 5* the hell out of this but I had one nagging issue that I just couldn't look past and that was the on and off feelings, if you can call them that, of a normal man - Sebastian who just wanted to love her. There are so many mixed connections in this story and he truly was a good man...he just should not have had a chance at a heart that was already owned. I could have done without the intimacy that they shared...it kind of cheapened the building romance of Sarah and her true love.
I know that I will 100% be reading the companion to this tale...I need to know what was in the head of that mysterious benefactor. I know his version of the tale will be so much more warped!
February 27, 2016
Review: Surj
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Tara Brown's "The Lonely" is one of only a hand full of books that have left me at odds with myself in terms of how I feel about the story that unraveled before me. Sure there were bits that had me glued to the pages, but equally there some pretty left field moments too that resulted in a whole lot of confusion which had me going back and making sure I hadn't missed anything. Yup, this was quite the addictive yet crazy read that I can't decide if I loved, liked or simply tolerated so that I could get to the end and find out what all the random bizarreness was all about.
For me, "The Lonely" was a book of two halves. The first half I absolutely loved even though the first few pages had me thinking I'd walked into some parallel book universe. It was like Emalyn's story had started without me and with all these characters making an appearance and very obviously already a part of some bigger picture, I felt a little lost and very late to a party that appeared to be in full swing. Fear not though because the more I read, the more I got used to this and found myself desperately trying to connect the dots. I needed to find out more about these people. Who were they? What role did they play? What was their relationship to the other characters? How had they all met? Why were they in each other's lives? What was their motive? What were they hiding? See, so many questions that needing answering and my inquisitive nature meant I wouldn't not be putting this book down until I had all the answers.
The second half of the book for me was a little bit of a let down. With a lot of stuff out in the open, this was more a journey of self discovery. It was about learning to let go of the past and embracing the future. It was ok but I did find myself rolling my eyes a few times and equally wondering whether the main character would do some of the things she did. As for Emalyn's benefactor.. Uncle Daddy weirdo.. his character definitely intrigued me. He was dark and mysterious and I couldn't wait to find out more about him. Let's just say he was as f**ked up as Emalyn which meant this definitely made for car crash reading.
The premise for "The Lonely" was a good one but I guess for me, some of the execution was a little random and as a result, parts of the story was a little disjointed. This story is dark and it is twisted. The sex scenes are hot, heavy and definitely on the erotic side and the author does touch on many a sensitive subject matter so you have been warned.
All in all, I'm still struggling to work out how I felt about this book. Would I recommend it? I think I would just to get someone else's perspective.
I rated "The Lonely" ❤️❤️❤️
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Tara Brown's "The Lonely" is one of only a hand full of books that have left me at odds with myself in terms of how I feel about the story that unraveled before me. Sure there were bits that had me glued to the pages, but equally there some pretty left field moments too that resulted in a whole lot of confusion which had me going back and making sure I hadn't missed anything. Yup, this was quite the addictive yet crazy read that I can't decide if I loved, liked or simply tolerated so that I could get to the end and find out what all the random bizarreness was all about.
They don’t really know him, not the dark and scary parts, but then again they don’t know those places in me. Only he does. Only he has seen the darkness. Only he embraces the darkness inside of me and turns it into love and light.
For me, "The Lonely" was a book of two halves. The first half I absolutely loved even though the first few pages had me thinking I'd walked into some parallel book universe. It was like Emalyn's story had started without me and with all these characters making an appearance and very obviously already a part of some bigger picture, I felt a little lost and very late to a party that appeared to be in full swing. Fear not though because the more I read, the more I got used to this and found myself desperately trying to connect the dots. I needed to find out more about these people. Who were they? What role did they play? What was their relationship to the other characters? How had they all met? Why were they in each other's lives? What was their motive? What were they hiding? See, so many questions that needing answering and my inquisitive nature meant I wouldn't not be putting this book down until I had all the answers.
The dark is a quiet place. Reflection and contemplation are the only things to do in it. Well that, and imagine the worst things possible. I don’t have to reflect or contemplate or any of those things. I know what the worst things possible are. I know about the things that hide in the dark. Insanity is the least of them.
The second half of the book for me was a little bit of a let down. With a lot of stuff out in the open, this was more a journey of self discovery. It was about learning to let go of the past and embracing the future. It was ok but I did find myself rolling my eyes a few times and equally wondering whether the main character would do some of the things she did. As for Emalyn's benefactor.. Uncle Daddy weirdo.. his character definitely intrigued me. He was dark and mysterious and I couldn't wait to find out more about him. Let's just say he was as f**ked up as Emalyn which meant this definitely made for car crash reading.
The premise for "The Lonely" was a good one but I guess for me, some of the execution was a little random and as a result, parts of the story was a little disjointed. This story is dark and it is twisted. The sex scenes are hot, heavy and definitely on the erotic side and the author does touch on many a sensitive subject matter so you have been warned.
He smiles and the world is okay. It feels like it grew a tiny bit. Like I let him into the small corner where I live.
All in all, I'm still struggling to work out how I felt about this book. Would I recommend it? I think I would just to get someone else's perspective.
I rated "The Lonely" ❤️❤️❤️
March 26, 2013
All throughout reading this book, my feelings about it went back and forward.
It certainly had enough potential but for me the highlight of the book was between 40-50% and with that the book could've been done for me.
From that point on, my annoyance increased steadily. The typos, the grammar, the way Sarah and Michelle spoke to each other, the inconsistency of Sarah's behavior: it all started to annoy the hell out of me.
I liked the premise of the story, the OCD aspects and made for a good topic and one that's without a doubt hard to write about.
For me, the characters lacked depth. There was no real chemistry between Em and Sebastian or even Sarah and Eli. I constantly felt like the author wildly threw in new topics to make the story more exciting but hasn't really thought it out, too much of it just didn't make sense.
And how Sarah goes from OCD to is totally beyond me but that's an example for what I mean with inconsistency. It really got on my nerves, but I'm no doctor and I don't know much about the topic which doesn't mean I have to like it though.
The random plot with Dr. Bradley and Eli was just that: random. It made absolutely no sense unless the goal was to create unnecessary drama in which it succeeded. Like I said, too many random plots thrown together. And let's not forget that the good doctor and her methods are completely nuts, someone like that probably wouldn't have a license in real life or would at least be on the best way to losing it.
The last nail in the coffin was that the author got her own facts wrong. For example
In the end there were too many things that overshadowed the great passages and thus I'll go with 2 stars.
It certainly had enough potential but for me the highlight of the book was between 40-50% and with that the book could've been done for me.
From that point on, my annoyance increased steadily. The typos, the grammar, the way Sarah and Michelle spoke to each other, the inconsistency of Sarah's behavior: it all started to annoy the hell out of me.
I liked the premise of the story, the OCD aspects and made for a good topic and one that's without a doubt hard to write about.
For me, the characters lacked depth. There was no real chemistry between Em and Sebastian or even Sarah and Eli. I constantly felt like the author wildly threw in new topics to make the story more exciting but hasn't really thought it out, too much of it just didn't make sense.
And how Sarah goes from OCD to is totally beyond me but that's an example for what I mean with inconsistency. It really got on my nerves, but I'm no doctor and I don't know much about the topic which doesn't mean I have to like it though.
The random plot with Dr. Bradley and Eli was just that: random. It made absolutely no sense unless the goal was to create unnecessary drama in which it succeeded. Like I said, too many random plots thrown together. And let's not forget that the good doctor and her methods are completely nuts, someone like that probably wouldn't have a license in real life or would at least be on the best way to losing it.
The last nail in the coffin was that the author got her own facts wrong. For example
In the end there were too many things that overshadowed the great passages and thus I'll go with 2 stars.
February 27, 2013
Wow! This is a dark, mysterious, addicting book that I could not put down. It's about a 20 year old damaged, orphaned girl that has found herself with an anonymous benefactor that she has never met and only communicates with via cell phone. He is very demanding and controlling and knows her every move. I loved this book for several reasons: It was really well written and I was able to connect so well with all the characters, especially the h and her issues. I thought I had some ideas of what was going on, but the way the story unfolds, I was never sure what was going to happen and I couldn't wait to get to the bottom of it. I love the unpredictable in a book and this book book takes you places you don't expect or see coming.
About mid-way through, it changes directions and although I didn't know what was ahead, I was pleasantly surprised that the book went in this direction. There are so many "series" and "to be continued" books out there right now, I jumped for joy that this turned out to be a stand alone, when it easily could have been marketed into a series. The secondary characters were full of life and I can easily see another book written focusing on any one of them. If you're in the mood for something fresh and different, with a dark, mysterious, slightly erotic edge, definitely give "The Lonely" a try. Thank you so much Lisa for recommending this, what a great find!
About mid-way through, it changes directions and although I didn't know what was ahead, I was pleasantly surprised that the book went in this direction. There are so many "series" and "to be continued" books out there right now, I jumped for joy that this turned out to be a stand alone, when it easily could have been marketed into a series. The secondary characters were full of life and I can easily see another book written focusing on any one of them. If you're in the mood for something fresh and different, with a dark, mysterious, slightly erotic edge, definitely give "The Lonely" a try. Thank you so much Lisa for recommending this, what a great find!
October 11, 2020
The heroine cheated on the hero so 2*.
If not for that trope, I'd have liked it better as I really enjoy it when MC are mental
If not for that trope, I'd have liked it better as I really enjoy it when MC are mental
May 31, 2015
4.5 STARS
UNPUTDOWNABLE… HAUNTING…. DARK…. WONDERFUL
Son of a butterflying biscuit! That was amazing!
$1 won't buy you much these days, it won’t even get you a ride on the subway in Boston, but it WILL buy you one of the best books you will read in a long time!!!!! That’s all I paid for this: $1, ONE DOLLAR, 100 pennies, 4 quarters, and I FEEL LIKE I AM STEALING! Tara Brown I need your address because I need to send you some money. THERE IS NO WAY A BOOK THIS SPECTACULAR CAN BE ONLY 100 PENNIES!!!!
I found this through a recommendation from a friend. I didn't know much going into it. She wouldn't say anything other than "this book, this book". Now I know why!!!! It was the best thing she could have done. That is the whole point of this book!
The story follows Emalyn, a broken and damaged girl with a debilitating case of OCD brought on by her tragic past. She wants nothing more than to be “normal”. Between trying to deal with her OCD, events of her past she tries desperately to bury, and a mysterious benefactor, being normal proves to be almost impossible. Emalyn decides that college is the answer. She and her best friend move thousands of miles away to Boston in order to turn over a new leaf. But Emalyn’s attempt at a new leaf doesn’t go as planned. Unexpected things happen, and her past catches up with her and stands right in front of her seriously blocking her path to normal.
Even though I can't say much more about the story itself, I can tell you this is F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S! It's a dark, mysterious, powerful , and mind-blowing experience. This is chock full of great writing, dialogue, and endearing characters.
Whatever you THINK you know about this book...... throw it out the window because you have no idea. I looked over my reading progress updates and at any given point it always included “omigod omigod omigod”. I found myself re-reading parts just to make sure I was reading it right because I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES! It was unbelievable. When I finally "got it" I was still saying “omigod omigod”.
This will have your jaw hitting the floor. I swear I was sitting with my mouth hanging wide open for a good portion of it. You will probably find yourself saying the following on more than one occasion like I did:
Wha... wh... whaaaaat?!?!?
@&!%^?%!#$^$!*&@!^%?^&?!)(!(&?
What just happened?
Are you serious????
What the hell???!!?!!
Shut the front door!!
Son of a butterflying biscuit!
This is some seriously C-R-A-Z-Y messed up stuff!
You will want to punch someone HARD. You will be gasping in surprise at the events. You will be elated and angry at the same time. When I started this, never in a million years did I expect to be smiling and clapping my hands by the end.
I DO want more. I want the story to continue, but at the same time I don't. I want it to continue the way I imagine it in my head, and if it didn't......well, I'd be so upset. But regardless, the story as written does feel complete but having fallen in love with the characters I'd selfishly like to see it continue.
If you’re a fan of The Dark Duet (by CJ Roberts) and the Consequences Series (by Aleatha Romig), this is definitely for you!!!! This was an amazingly unbelievable experience.
Go grab it!!! It will be the best DOLLAR you ever spent!!!!!
UNPUTDOWNABLE… HAUNTING…. DARK…. WONDERFUL
Son of a butterflying biscuit! That was amazing!
$1 won't buy you much these days, it won’t even get you a ride on the subway in Boston, but it WILL buy you one of the best books you will read in a long time!!!!! That’s all I paid for this: $1, ONE DOLLAR, 100 pennies, 4 quarters, and I FEEL LIKE I AM STEALING! Tara Brown I need your address because I need to send you some money. THERE IS NO WAY A BOOK THIS SPECTACULAR CAN BE ONLY 100 PENNIES!!!!
I found this through a recommendation from a friend. I didn't know much going into it. She wouldn't say anything other than "this book, this book". Now I know why!!!! It was the best thing she could have done. That is the whole point of this book!
The story follows Emalyn, a broken and damaged girl with a debilitating case of OCD brought on by her tragic past. She wants nothing more than to be “normal”. Between trying to deal with her OCD, events of her past she tries desperately to bury, and a mysterious benefactor, being normal proves to be almost impossible. Emalyn decides that college is the answer. She and her best friend move thousands of miles away to Boston in order to turn over a new leaf. But Emalyn’s attempt at a new leaf doesn’t go as planned. Unexpected things happen, and her past catches up with her and stands right in front of her seriously blocking her path to normal.
Even though I can't say much more about the story itself, I can tell you this is F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S! It's a dark, mysterious, powerful , and mind-blowing experience. This is chock full of great writing, dialogue, and endearing characters.
Whatever you THINK you know about this book...... throw it out the window because you have no idea. I looked over my reading progress updates and at any given point it always included “omigod omigod omigod”. I found myself re-reading parts just to make sure I was reading it right because I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES! It was unbelievable. When I finally "got it" I was still saying “omigod omigod”.
This will have your jaw hitting the floor. I swear I was sitting with my mouth hanging wide open for a good portion of it. You will probably find yourself saying the following on more than one occasion like I did:
Wha... wh... whaaaaat?!?!?
@&!%^?%!#$^$!*&@!^%?^&?!)(!(&?
What just happened?
Are you serious????
What the hell???!!?!!
Shut the front door!!
Son of a butterflying biscuit!
This is some seriously C-R-A-Z-Y messed up stuff!
You will want to punch someone HARD. You will be gasping in surprise at the events. You will be elated and angry at the same time. When I started this, never in a million years did I expect to be smiling and clapping my hands by the end.
I DO want more. I want the story to continue, but at the same time I don't. I want it to continue the way I imagine it in my head, and if it didn't......well, I'd be so upset. But regardless, the story as written does feel complete but having fallen in love with the characters I'd selfishly like to see it continue.
If you’re a fan of The Dark Duet (by CJ Roberts) and the Consequences Series (by Aleatha Romig), this is definitely for you!!!! This was an amazingly unbelievable experience.
Go grab it!!! It will be the best DOLLAR you ever spent!!!!!
February 21, 2015
"It's what I call the lonely. It creeps up whenever I'm uncomfortable. It freezes me up. I feel it enter new places with me, it's like in the bag I packed. The broken bits of whatever is inside of me, the lack of trust maybe, have never healed. Nineteen years of life, almost twenty, and I can't get past it. It's part of who I am"
Wow. What an emotionally charged book. I'm so glad I decided to re-read it and write an actual review on this because I don't think my previous review of "I loved this book" really does it justice.
This book was emotional and raw. There aren't many authors who can effectively pull mental illness in a character the way that this author did. In the beginning of the book, Em is clearly suffering by OCD, panic attacks and the lonely (which I assumed to be depression). The reader gets a peak into the inner torment that goes on in her mind and let me tell you, it's heartbreaking. The relationships she has with the people in this book really reflect how she views herself. She claims she doesn't deserve love and she struggles with that throughout the book. She also claims she isn't sure if she's friends with her best friend because she likes her, or if she really just wants to be like her. This poor girl was clearly held captive by these disorders and it was to the point where it almost destroyed her. She no longer sees herself as a person, she see's herself as her disorders.
"I won't ever be normal and have a family or any support or anything. I can hardly be in a room with more than a few people before I start plotting my exit. If I have to cross an area rug, my feel have to touch the same number of lines. I have to have everything even and balanced and controlled. I'm okay with it because it's always been my reality...I know what I am"
Her quest for "normalcy" throughout this book is something that most people who suffer from these disorders often struggle to achieve. She is a very realistic portrayal of someone who is completely lost in their mind; wrecked with these thoughts and feelings that control many aspects of their lives.
This book begs the question what is normal? Throughout the book, Em struggles to define what it would mean to be normal, and it's amazing to see the growth in her character when she realizes the definition of normal is not what she's always thought.
"There is no normal. I wish you could see that. You are normal. Normal is being screwed up, but being able to work with it and appear calm."
And let's face it:
January 25, 2019
5 Amazing Book Stars
This book messed with my head completely. I could not put it down. I have never read one like it before and was not sure what to expect from it. It is well written and addictive. It is intense and takes you to very dark places. There is little you can say without giving away spoilers , but this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. It is quite unique I think.
Be prepared for a dark , heart wrenching, painful and disturbing story but also be prepared for some magnificent characters who surprise you with their strength and vulnerability. This is not a light and fluffy chick lit novel. It leaves you thinking about it long after the last page is read. Take a chance on this amazing story. Excellent finish and I am looking forward to reading 'The Lost Boy' next.
This book messed with my head completely. I could not put it down. I have never read one like it before and was not sure what to expect from it. It is well written and addictive. It is intense and takes you to very dark places. There is little you can say without giving away spoilers , but this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. It is quite unique I think.
Be prepared for a dark , heart wrenching, painful and disturbing story but also be prepared for some magnificent characters who surprise you with their strength and vulnerability. This is not a light and fluffy chick lit novel. It leaves you thinking about it long after the last page is read. Take a chance on this amazing story. Excellent finish and I am looking forward to reading 'The Lost Boy' next.
October 8, 2013
Captive in the Dark meets Fifty Shades
**I received a copy of this title in exchange of an honest review.
"What do you call a girl in a dress and Uggs?" she giggles. I frown. "Eski ho."-Michelle
Dude, this is a sweet ride.
Dude.....everyone likes that.
I'm just so annoyed with your Uncle Daddy Dude.
I was stressed about bringing you here dude.
Really? He hit on you? Uhhhh, no. Dude. Ho's before bro's.
You're acting nuts dude.
It's me dude. Stu.
Maybe he is the dude.
Dude, I'm sorry.
You have to take your bra off dude.
"Do I ever speak to you that way?"-Eli
"Let's not discuss the things you do to me."-Emalyn
**I received a copy of this title in exchange of an honest review.
This is probably the hardest book I've ever had to rate. The first half the book I was confused but interested in what was happening. The last half of this book was a mess and gave me whip lash. It was like someone threw 2 different books together to make one. Separate these stories would have been phenomenal but put together it was confusing and frustrating.
There were a lot of things about this book that I enjoyed. I really liked Stuart and Michelle. Michelle was funny and a loyal best friend when most people would have left Emalyn and ran as fast as they could. I also enjoyed the intensity between Emalyn and Eli. They definitely were made for one another and even though they were both hot messes I really wanted them to find their happily ever after. Unfortunately the road to get there was painful for the reader as well as the characters.
"What do you call a girl in a dress and Uggs?" she giggles. I frown. "Eski ho."-Michelle
If I were rating this book strictly on the first half of the book I would give it 4 stars. Unfortunately the last half of the book was not what I expected and I really contemplated quitting this book a couple of times. The biggest thing I hated was the love triangle. Every synopsis and review I read on this book is so vague that I really didn't know what to expect. This love triangle (I hate them to begin with.) really frustrated me. Emalyn went back and forth from Eli to Sebastian so many times that it made my head spin. I don't like love triangles but I can tolerate them if I have too and they are done right. This one was definitely everything that is wrong with love triangles.
Another pet peeve that I had with this book was the overusage of the word "DUDE." Are we in the eighties again? Why would everyone in this book use that term in every other sentence? It really annoyed me. The term dude or dudes was used 40 times in this book!
Dude, this is a sweet ride.
Dude.....everyone likes that.
I'm just so annoyed with your Uncle Daddy Dude.
I was stressed about bringing you here dude.
Really? He hit on you? Uhhhh, no. Dude. Ho's before bro's.
You're acting nuts dude.
It's me dude. Stu.
Maybe he is the dude.
Dude, I'm sorry.
You have to take your bra off dude.
So you get the picture on my dude annoyance. I am not even going to name who said those quotes because every character in the book overused the word dude and it just annoyed me.
This book reminded me of a Fifty Shades of Gray meets Captive in the Dark with a little bit of something else I can't even begin to name thrown in. It wasn't at all what I expected but my favorite part would have to be Eli. I liked Sebastian but you could just tell that he was not cut out to be in the damaged world that Emalyn lived in. Eli had a roughness and edginess about him that really sucked me into the story. I was rooting for him even before I knew who he was.
"Do I ever speak to you that way?"-Eli
"Let's not discuss the things you do to me."-Emalyn
This book is not for everyone. It has some very dark parts but it was worth the read. Very frustrating and a little messy but it kept me interested. I would say if you like Captive in the Dark but would like something not quite as dark this might be the read for you.
March 13, 2013
4.5 Stars.
When I bought The Lonely, I thought I was going to read a book about a nice girl, who struggles with her OCD that goes away to college with her best friend. At college, she was going to meet a hot guy, date him and fall in love with maybe a little bit of drama here and there. Yeah, maybe it started that way, but it did not continue that way. About 33%, the book took a 180 degree turn and my brain had to “adjust” to what was happening. How did we go from a nice contemporary romance to THIS?
That is what made this book awesome. The author did not wait until the typical 51% to get to the main plot of the story. It happens when you least expect it.
If you want to know what the story is about, here is what I think I can give you.
We meet Emalyn Spicer who lives with “the lonely.”
“It’s what I call the lonely. It creeps up whenever I’m uncomfortable. It freezes me up. I feel it enter new places with me, like it’s in the bag I packed.”
She wants to be “normal” and decides to go away to college with her best friend, Shell, for a New Leaf. Emalyn has a Mr. Uncle Daddy Benefactor that takes care of her. He pays for her school; he hires a driver to take her anywhere and everywhere, he texts and calls her anytime she make a move without letting him know first, he knows where she is day and night, BUT she has never met him in person.
“Maybe he is Big Brother and I am in 1984.”
While at college, Emalyn meets Sebastian. Sebastian is kind, loving and everything “normal” she is looking for. However, then all the darkness that she has been hiding inside her brain comes out to the surface and again the unthinkable happens to her.
“All of this has been planned to free you. You were never going to get better.”
FOUR words….this book was AWESOME!!!!!
I didn’t know what was going to happen even though I read several reviews. However, I was captured by Emalyn’s emotions and what she was going through.
“I can’t help but wonder if there was ever love and peace inside of me? Was I always so filled with fear and pain? Was there ever a time when someone held me in their arms and made me feel safe?”
I loved the writing style. I loved that even though it was written in first person, there was NO unnecessary inner dialogue. There are so many wonderful quotes, I wish I could share more, but it would give away the story and I do not want to do that.
The author took me on an amazing ride. I laughed, I cried, I held my breath. Not a dull moment in this book.
To Tara Brown: Thank you for writing this amazing story and I cannot wait for the companion/sequel.
Did I skim? No. I took my time reading this book. I did not want to miss one word.
Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes. Many times, my heart broke into a thousand pieces.
Will I reread? Yes, probably before the sequel comes out.
Pace of the story? Perfect.
Positives: I did not know where the story was going. With so many twists and turns, I had no idea how it was going to end. I love that in a book.
Negatives: I didn’t understand why certain things happened the way they did, but I am hoping a lot will be answered in the sequel. I can’t say what they are since I do not want to give anything away.
Do I recommend? Yes. Read the book!
When I bought The Lonely, I thought I was going to read a book about a nice girl, who struggles with her OCD that goes away to college with her best friend. At college, she was going to meet a hot guy, date him and fall in love with maybe a little bit of drama here and there. Yeah, maybe it started that way, but it did not continue that way. About 33%, the book took a 180 degree turn and my brain had to “adjust” to what was happening. How did we go from a nice contemporary romance to THIS?
That is what made this book awesome. The author did not wait until the typical 51% to get to the main plot of the story. It happens when you least expect it.
If you want to know what the story is about, here is what I think I can give you.
We meet Emalyn Spicer who lives with “the lonely.”
“It’s what I call the lonely. It creeps up whenever I’m uncomfortable. It freezes me up. I feel it enter new places with me, like it’s in the bag I packed.”
She wants to be “normal” and decides to go away to college with her best friend, Shell, for a New Leaf. Emalyn has a Mr. Uncle Daddy Benefactor that takes care of her. He pays for her school; he hires a driver to take her anywhere and everywhere, he texts and calls her anytime she make a move without letting him know first, he knows where she is day and night, BUT she has never met him in person.
“Maybe he is Big Brother and I am in 1984.”
While at college, Emalyn meets Sebastian. Sebastian is kind, loving and everything “normal” she is looking for. However, then all the darkness that she has been hiding inside her brain comes out to the surface and again the unthinkable happens to her.
“All of this has been planned to free you. You were never going to get better.”
FOUR words….this book was AWESOME!!!!!
I didn’t know what was going to happen even though I read several reviews. However, I was captured by Emalyn’s emotions and what she was going through.
“I can’t help but wonder if there was ever love and peace inside of me? Was I always so filled with fear and pain? Was there ever a time when someone held me in their arms and made me feel safe?”
I loved the writing style. I loved that even though it was written in first person, there was NO unnecessary inner dialogue. There are so many wonderful quotes, I wish I could share more, but it would give away the story and I do not want to do that.
The author took me on an amazing ride. I laughed, I cried, I held my breath. Not a dull moment in this book.
To Tara Brown: Thank you for writing this amazing story and I cannot wait for the companion/sequel.
Did I skim? No. I took my time reading this book. I did not want to miss one word.
Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes. Many times, my heart broke into a thousand pieces.
Will I reread? Yes, probably before the sequel comes out.
Pace of the story? Perfect.
Positives: I did not know where the story was going. With so many twists and turns, I had no idea how it was going to end. I love that in a book.
Negatives: I didn’t understand why certain things happened the way they did, but I am hoping a lot will be answered in the sequel. I can’t say what they are since I do not want to give anything away.
Do I recommend? Yes. Read the book!
January 1, 2014
JUST READ THIS BOOK! I don't want to say too much, but I loved it. It sucked me in and I know it will stay with me for days. Spectacular.
March 10, 2013
*4.5 stars*
So... I don't really know how I can talk about this book in a way that will give it the credit it deserves or without giving anything away. All I know is that from the second I opened up the book I was hooked, addicted, enthralled. I had read the blurb but in no way did that prepare me for what I was about to embark on.
We meet our heroine, Emalyn, in the beginning and straight away learn she has her fair share of issues. She lives with 'the lonely', has a severe case of OCD that practically runs her life and a benefactor commonly known as 'Uncle Daddy Weirdo'. "Huh?!" You say? Right, I know. We don't know who her benefactor is for a long while, and when it was practically thrown in your face as to who he was, I still wasn't sure. Em, has never met him, the only way they communicate is by phone - talking and texting. But he is there for her 24/7. He needs her, and she needs him, more than the air they breathe.
Em is at college with her best friend, and only person who really knows her, Michelle. All paid for by the benefactor. Their college experience is ALL about a new leaf. Trying to over come the OCD that has crippled her life for so long and live a new life. At college Em meets Sebastian and starts to think, maybe, just maybe, she can live a normal life with a normal relationship. But is it really meant to be when her thoughts are constantly taken over by Him?
The story carries on, in a pretty fast pace, by 30% we are thrown so far in to the dark and gritty world of Em's past that I wasn't even sure where the turn had happened, but it did and I loved it. I rooted for 'Uncle Daddy Weirdo' the whole way through, I'm not sure what that says about me, but I wanted him and Em to sort through the issues that have plagued their life.
I don't really think there is too much more to say other than this is one of the best and unexpected reads I have read all year and I just can't put in to enough words how much I loved it. If you are looking for something a little different that will keep you addicted from the start and second guessing everything, than I'd say this is for you. I had my own guesses about everything that might happen but I was wrong every time and that is one of the better kinds of read IMO.
"You can't fix me, Sebastian. I'm not broken. I'm ruined."
So... I don't really know how I can talk about this book in a way that will give it the credit it deserves or without giving anything away. All I know is that from the second I opened up the book I was hooked, addicted, enthralled. I had read the blurb but in no way did that prepare me for what I was about to embark on.
We meet our heroine, Emalyn, in the beginning and straight away learn she has her fair share of issues. She lives with 'the lonely', has a severe case of OCD that practically runs her life and a benefactor commonly known as 'Uncle Daddy Weirdo'. "Huh?!" You say? Right, I know. We don't know who her benefactor is for a long while, and when it was practically thrown in your face as to who he was, I still wasn't sure. Em, has never met him, the only way they communicate is by phone - talking and texting. But he is there for her 24/7. He needs her, and she needs him, more than the air they breathe.
Em is at college with her best friend, and only person who really knows her, Michelle. All paid for by the benefactor. Their college experience is ALL about a new leaf. Trying to over come the OCD that has crippled her life for so long and live a new life. At college Em meets Sebastian and starts to think, maybe, just maybe, she can live a normal life with a normal relationship. But is it really meant to be when her thoughts are constantly taken over by Him?
"They don't really know him, not the dark and scary parts, but then again they don't know those places in me. Only he does. Only he has seen the darkness. Only he embraces the darkness inside of me and turns it in to love and light."
The story carries on, in a pretty fast pace, by 30% we are thrown so far in to the dark and gritty world of Em's past that I wasn't even sure where the turn had happened, but it did and I loved it. I rooted for 'Uncle Daddy Weirdo' the whole way through, I'm not sure what that says about me, but I wanted him and Em to sort through the issues that have plagued their life.
I don't really think there is too much more to say other than this is one of the best and unexpected reads I have read all year and I just can't put in to enough words how much I loved it. If you are looking for something a little different that will keep you addicted from the start and second guessing everything, than I'd say this is for you. I had my own guesses about everything that might happen but I was wrong every time and that is one of the better kinds of read IMO.
"Thank you. You always will be the hands in the dark that saved me from the lonely."
July 29, 2013
A VERY FUCKED UP STORY
The blurb isn't much to go by, but because of the mystery and thriller aspect of the book not much else can be said.
I read 'The Lonely' and 'Lost Boy' along side one another. If you have never read either books, then I would say to just read 'Lost Boy'. But if you have read 'The Lonely' then I highly recommend you read 'Lost Boy' too.
I'm going to use some of my review to compare the two:
I found myself initially more confused reading TL due to the fact that the mystery aspect was hidden, whereas in LB it was more vague. LB was written from the male lead characters POV, I find a male POV much more interesting anyway, but I think you get a lot more out of hearing his story than you would hers. Her story tells us more about how she's generally feeling, but his story tells us more secrets and gives a greater understanding overall.
The books are very dark, and the characters are the most fucked up pair I’ve ever read about. I think the situations and the feelings presented in this book can be very hit or miss for a lot of readers. It's fast paced, complicated, tormented, dark and questionable. I enjoyed the ride, but I also found certain things confusing and trying.
Writing style: 8/10
Characters: 8/10
Romance: 6/10
Fucked-up-ness: 9/10
Uniqueness: 9/10
Ending: 7/10
My star ratings:
1* Complete trash
2* Waste of time really, but I carried on for some reason
3* Half decent, sometimes down to personal preferences
4* Could read this again, only a little thing is missing, maybe more humour or romance etc...
5* Would read this again and again, unique story, adore this author
The blurb isn't much to go by, but because of the mystery and thriller aspect of the book not much else can be said.
I read 'The Lonely' and 'Lost Boy' along side one another. If you have never read either books, then I would say to just read 'Lost Boy'. But if you have read 'The Lonely' then I highly recommend you read 'Lost Boy' too.
I'm going to use some of my review to compare the two:
I found myself initially more confused reading TL due to the fact that the mystery aspect was hidden, whereas in LB it was more vague. LB was written from the male lead characters POV, I find a male POV much more interesting anyway, but I think you get a lot more out of hearing his story than you would hers. Her story tells us more about how she's generally feeling, but his story tells us more secrets and gives a greater understanding overall.
The books are very dark, and the characters are the most fucked up pair I’ve ever read about. I think the situations and the feelings presented in this book can be very hit or miss for a lot of readers. It's fast paced, complicated, tormented, dark and questionable. I enjoyed the ride, but I also found certain things confusing and trying.
Writing style: 8/10
Characters: 8/10
Romance: 6/10
Fucked-up-ness: 9/10
Uniqueness: 9/10
Ending: 7/10
My star ratings:
1* Complete trash
2* Waste of time really, but I carried on for some reason
3* Half decent, sometimes down to personal preferences
4* Could read this again, only a little thing is missing, maybe more humour or romance etc...
5* Would read this again and again, unique story, adore this author
February 17, 2013
I'm giving 4 stars but this might be closer to 4.5 for me...
Wow, this was not at all what I expected! This was so well written and I had no idea what was going on and I loved it! It's definitely a darker, erotic read and I would have loved to have more of those scenes (BDSM).
I can't really give a lot of details without giving too much of the plot away, but I was riveted throughout most of the book. Basically, Em has a benefactor who takes care of everything for her but she's never met him. She has big issues in the beginning of the book and just wants to be "normal". What goes on through the rest of the book was shock after shock for me..twists that I wasn't expecting, a certain person I wasn't expecting to love so much but totally did! All in all, this was a really good book and I would definitely recommend this!
Wow, this was not at all what I expected! This was so well written and I had no idea what was going on and I loved it! It's definitely a darker, erotic read and I would have loved to have more of those scenes (BDSM).
I can't really give a lot of details without giving too much of the plot away, but I was riveted throughout most of the book. Basically, Em has a benefactor who takes care of everything for her but she's never met him. She has big issues in the beginning of the book and just wants to be "normal". What goes on through the rest of the book was shock after shock for me..twists that I wasn't expecting, a certain person I wasn't expecting to love so much but totally did! All in all, this was a really good book and I would definitely recommend this!
November 22, 2015
The Lonely
had the potential to be absolutely freaking amazing. However, with that said, I feel that the author dropped the ball. This may be because I have been into darker reads lately, which this book had the potential to be. I also believe that if Brown delved more into those darker aspects of the book it would have felt more complete or well-rounded instead of leaving me feeling as if I had read two different books – to the point where I stopped and was like ‘wtf, what did I miss?’ I cannot stress enough, that the first half or so of this book was so strong and had SO MUCH POTENTIAL that I actually started preparing myself for a complete and utter mind-fuck, but instead I felt completely let down. It was still an interesting read; I just had such high hopes…
February 20, 2015
WOW!!!!
This book was... WOW! What an amazing story of survival and love. I absolutely loved the heroine and her journey. She's so naive in some aspects but also incredibly strong. This book was gut wrenching but also empowering and incredibly beautiful.
wow.
Absolutely a 5 star read for me.
This book was... WOW! What an amazing story of survival and love. I absolutely loved the heroine and her journey. She's so naive in some aspects but also incredibly strong. This book was gut wrenching but also empowering and incredibly beautiful.
wow.
Absolutely a 5 star read for me.
February 28, 2013
Wow, just wow!!! Holy hell, I was a bundle of nerves almost the entire duration of reading this AMAZING book. I was even told I might need a bottle of wine to make it through. (You know who you are!)But have no fear, I made it through the entire thing without a lick of liquor to pull me through. I wanted to have this experience completely sober and remember every crazy/beautiful word of it).
What can I honestly say about a book that had so many ups and downs, highs and lows and everything inbetween that could do this book any justice, because believe me The Lonely had it all and then some. Our lead girl Emalyn/Sarah was an amazingly strong, independent yet broken girl that suffered a very traumatic event that led her to live with it's crippling after-effects. In the beginning she did the best that she could and lived her life with her socially/mentally handicapping illness that ruled her in your everyday basic day to day functions, that most of us take for granted. Having OCD is no joke, and Tara hit the nail on the head with this girls everyday difficulties.
The secondary characters are stand out in this book in all the ways that they helped her through her obscurities. First off you have Michelle (best friend extraodinaire) who had been around Em so long, had grown used to her crazy idiosyncrasies and helped manage them as best as she could. Every girl needs a best friend like her in their life. Her vibrancy, carefree and quirky ways always seemed to force Emalyn out of her own dark shadows to enjoy life a bit and believe me that girl needed those moments to balance out all the others more than anything.Sebastian (hot and eager boy-toy) who for all intents and purposes had Em's best interest at heart. It seemed he fell hard and fast, but expected a little too much, a little too soon from her. He toughs it out, but not until almost the end do you know if he's gonna be the one to see her through it all. Then we had Stuart(her ever present gopher)This man was paid to be at her beck and call day in and day out and he was, it was his job, but as the story progressed it became so much more. He was like an over-protective big brother that would pull out all the stops for his girl- and he did- more than once. He was a big-headed sweatheart and though just a secondary character, captured my heart. Which leads to our mysterious benefactor, a cool, cranky bastard it seems in the beginning- but was oh so much more. Eli Oh Eli- this guy was... words can't even express him. He was everything and then some- moody, controlling- a real jack-hole for a good half of the book, but the man had a master plan all in the hopes to pull Emalyn out of her dibilitating circumstances- and he does or he tries too. The unthinkable things he does for/to Em, seem harsh and cruel,.. even inhumane but unfortunately it was something our girl needed to face the awful, cruel reality she lived with head on and defeat it (or manage it to the best of her ability). It was an awful, nail biting section of the book (seriously)and at times I had to put down my kindle and pace the floor a bit for a breather before diving back into it for some more torture. As I mentioned, a bottle of wine had been recommended to get me through it, but I toughed it out as will you. Although rough and incredibly realistic, you're gonna wanna see this book through to the very end. Once you start you won't be able to shut it down or off in your head, cause you are seriosly rooting for your girl and her crazy cast of friends and frenemies. The love story that ends up happening in this story is so beautiful (AND HOT)in all it's broken ways that you want the best for the couple in question (cause I'm not telling?) Can anyone say ELEVATOR- Uhmmm yes please!
If you want a gripping realistic book to read then this is the one for you.You won't be disappointed, I promise. Once again, Tara- you nailed it out of the park with The Lonely, as only you can. You have truly been blessed with a gift for words and story telling and I can't wait to see what else is brewing in that crazy brain of yours. Keep em' coming, girl.
What can I honestly say about a book that had so many ups and downs, highs and lows and everything inbetween that could do this book any justice, because believe me The Lonely had it all and then some. Our lead girl Emalyn/Sarah was an amazingly strong, independent yet broken girl that suffered a very traumatic event that led her to live with it's crippling after-effects. In the beginning she did the best that she could and lived her life with her socially/mentally handicapping illness that ruled her in your everyday basic day to day functions, that most of us take for granted. Having OCD is no joke, and Tara hit the nail on the head with this girls everyday difficulties.
The secondary characters are stand out in this book in all the ways that they helped her through her obscurities. First off you have Michelle (best friend extraodinaire) who had been around Em so long, had grown used to her crazy idiosyncrasies and helped manage them as best as she could. Every girl needs a best friend like her in their life. Her vibrancy, carefree and quirky ways always seemed to force Emalyn out of her own dark shadows to enjoy life a bit and believe me that girl needed those moments to balance out all the others more than anything.Sebastian (hot and eager boy-toy) who for all intents and purposes had Em's best interest at heart. It seemed he fell hard and fast, but expected a little too much, a little too soon from her. He toughs it out, but not until almost the end do you know if he's gonna be the one to see her through it all. Then we had Stuart(her ever present gopher)This man was paid to be at her beck and call day in and day out and he was, it was his job, but as the story progressed it became so much more. He was like an over-protective big brother that would pull out all the stops for his girl- and he did- more than once. He was a big-headed sweatheart and though just a secondary character, captured my heart. Which leads to our mysterious benefactor, a cool, cranky bastard it seems in the beginning- but was oh so much more. Eli Oh Eli- this guy was... words can't even express him. He was everything and then some- moody, controlling- a real jack-hole for a good half of the book, but the man had a master plan all in the hopes to pull Emalyn out of her dibilitating circumstances- and he does or he tries too. The unthinkable things he does for/to Em, seem harsh and cruel,.. even inhumane but unfortunately it was something our girl needed to face the awful, cruel reality she lived with head on and defeat it (or manage it to the best of her ability). It was an awful, nail biting section of the book (seriously)and at times I had to put down my kindle and pace the floor a bit for a breather before diving back into it for some more torture. As I mentioned, a bottle of wine had been recommended to get me through it, but I toughed it out as will you. Although rough and incredibly realistic, you're gonna wanna see this book through to the very end. Once you start you won't be able to shut it down or off in your head, cause you are seriosly rooting for your girl and her crazy cast of friends and frenemies. The love story that ends up happening in this story is so beautiful (AND HOT)in all it's broken ways that you want the best for the couple in question (cause I'm not telling?) Can anyone say ELEVATOR- Uhmmm yes please!
If you want a gripping realistic book to read then this is the one for you.You won't be disappointed, I promise. Once again, Tara- you nailed it out of the park with The Lonely, as only you can. You have truly been blessed with a gift for words and story telling and I can't wait to see what else is brewing in that crazy brain of yours. Keep em' coming, girl.
March 12, 2013
i love this book!
Yes it was twisted and disturbing but on some level it was so sweet and i got there connection!
Eli, my sexy,lovely,tortured,sweet(in his own way) "hero". He has beeen looking for her for so long that's all he's been doing for the past 14 years, he's always felt guilty for not being able to save them. He's loved her for so long and he needs to know she's ok but is he?
"I HAVE THOUGHT OF NO ONE BUT YOU FOR FOURTEEN YEARS. I CAN'T HAVE A RELATIONSHIP. IT ISN'T YOU I'M PUNISHING, IT'S ME. I DON'T DESERVE THE KINDNESS OF LOVE. I FAILED HER AND YOU. I SHOULD HAVE FOUGHT HARDER AND SAVED YOU BOTH."
She has very bad OCD and paranoia and in her head she thinks she will never get rid of the lonely. She is scarred, tormented with her past and feels like she's never going to be normal! But normal is an illusion, who is really normal? In her head she's a freak and she will never be able to find love with a normal man as a woman who is normal! Normal! All she feels is the lonely when it creeps up.
IT'S WHAT I CALL THE LONELY.IT CREEPS UP WHENEVER I'M UNCOMFORTABLE. IT FREEZES ME UP.I FEEL IT ENTER NEW PLACES WITH ME, LIKE IT'S IN THE BAG I PACKED. THE BROKEN BITS OF WHATEVER IT IS INSIDE OF ME, THE LACK OF TRUST MAYBE, HAVE NEVER HEALED. NINETEEN YEARS OF LIFE, ALMOST TWENTY, AND I CAN'T GET PAST IT.IT'S PART OF WHO I AM.
Sebastian is guy that she thinks she can become normal with. He loves her and she thinks she loves him too! He is very sweet and understanding. He truss be there for her and comfort her. He is everything she thought she wanted and needed. So why isn't she happy. He's freaking perfect. Sexyyummy, sweet, understanding, and always there for her, took things slow when she would freak out, he amazing.
Her best friend Shell is awesome she had always been there for her, and she knows her quirks, she never makes her feel weird about them. But she does try to help her overcome them.
Stuart i love love love Stuart, her chauffeur, and constant shadow wether she sees him or not. He is hired to protect her from her benefactor.
Who is her benefactor? Well now that's where this story really begins and you begin to understand both her's and Eli's story! How they intertwine and how they need each other more than they know but also how much they need to grow as individuals before they can become something!
Highly recommend! Although it did take me until 7% to really get into this story i loved it! It's dark and disturbing in very serious ways. The love they have isnt touchy feely, it's raw and there is definite issues that are there, but in a twisted sick way i love them together, they belong, there good for each other!
"YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE GIRL WHO TOOK MY HAND AND TRUSTED ME TO SAVE HER. THE GIRL WHO SAVED MY SISTER FROM A FATE WORSE THAN ANY. THE GIRL WHOSE SADNESS MATCHED MY OWN. THE GIRL WHOSE FACE HAD HAUNTED ME MY ENTIRE LIFE. YOU SAW EMALYN'S EYES, WELL I SAW YOURS. YOU ARE THE BRAVEST GIRL I HAVE EVER KNOWN."-eli
Yes it was twisted and disturbing but on some level it was so sweet and i got there connection!
Eli, my sexy,lovely,tortured,sweet(in his own way) "hero". He has beeen looking for her for so long that's all he's been doing for the past 14 years, he's always felt guilty for not being able to save them. He's loved her for so long and he needs to know she's ok but is he?
"I HAVE THOUGHT OF NO ONE BUT YOU FOR FOURTEEN YEARS. I CAN'T HAVE A RELATIONSHIP. IT ISN'T YOU I'M PUNISHING, IT'S ME. I DON'T DESERVE THE KINDNESS OF LOVE. I FAILED HER AND YOU. I SHOULD HAVE FOUGHT HARDER AND SAVED YOU BOTH."
She has very bad OCD and paranoia and in her head she thinks she will never get rid of the lonely. She is scarred, tormented with her past and feels like she's never going to be normal! But normal is an illusion, who is really normal? In her head she's a freak and she will never be able to find love with a normal man as a woman who is normal! Normal! All she feels is the lonely when it creeps up.
IT'S WHAT I CALL THE LONELY.IT CREEPS UP WHENEVER I'M UNCOMFORTABLE. IT FREEZES ME UP.I FEEL IT ENTER NEW PLACES WITH ME, LIKE IT'S IN THE BAG I PACKED. THE BROKEN BITS OF WHATEVER IT IS INSIDE OF ME, THE LACK OF TRUST MAYBE, HAVE NEVER HEALED. NINETEEN YEARS OF LIFE, ALMOST TWENTY, AND I CAN'T GET PAST IT.IT'S PART OF WHO I AM.
Sebastian is guy that she thinks she can become normal with. He loves her and she thinks she loves him too! He is very sweet and understanding. He truss be there for her and comfort her. He is everything she thought she wanted and needed. So why isn't she happy. He's freaking perfect. Sexyyummy, sweet, understanding, and always there for her, took things slow when she would freak out, he amazing.
Her best friend Shell is awesome she had always been there for her, and she knows her quirks, she never makes her feel weird about them. But she does try to help her overcome them.
Stuart i love love love Stuart, her chauffeur, and constant shadow wether she sees him or not. He is hired to protect her from her benefactor.
Who is her benefactor? Well now that's where this story really begins and you begin to understand both her's and Eli's story! How they intertwine and how they need each other more than they know but also how much they need to grow as individuals before they can become something!
Highly recommend! Although it did take me until 7% to really get into this story i loved it! It's dark and disturbing in very serious ways. The love they have isnt touchy feely, it's raw and there is definite issues that are there, but in a twisted sick way i love them together, they belong, there good for each other!
"YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE GIRL WHO TOOK MY HAND AND TRUSTED ME TO SAVE HER. THE GIRL WHO SAVED MY SISTER FROM A FATE WORSE THAN ANY. THE GIRL WHOSE SADNESS MATCHED MY OWN. THE GIRL WHOSE FACE HAD HAUNTED ME MY ENTIRE LIFE. YOU SAW EMALYN'S EYES, WELL I SAW YOURS. YOU ARE THE BRAVEST GIRL I HAVE EVER KNOWN."-eli
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