Emerge

Evolve #1

by S.E. Hall

"You never have to be without me, Laney, never."

Evan's words- Evan's lies- rang hollow in my head as I left for college.

And though change is an inevitable, scary part of life, just lying in wait around the corners and milestones you thought you had a lock on, there's no way I could've known just how much change, that would never change back, I was driving right toward.

But... by shutting the door to my old life, the door to my new one opened- and in strolled Dane Kendrick, awakening the wildest of dreams, delights, and desires, that I never even knew slept inside me.

And now, it's time to let the real Laney Jo Walker emerge.




Evolve & Full Circle Series suggested reading order:
*Emerge
*Embrace
*Entangled
*Entice
*Sawyer Beckett's Baby Mama Drama Guide for Dummies
*Endure
*Sawyer Beckett's Guide for Tools Looking to Date My Daughter
*Entwined
*Embody (Full Circle Series/Spinoff from Evolve Series Book One)
*A Crew Christmas
*Elusive (Full Circle Series/Princess Presley Duet Book One)
*Exclusive (Full Circle Series/Princess Presley Duet Book Two)

Genres: Romance, College, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult, Chick Lit

Kindle Edition

First published May 7, 2013

About the author

S.E. Hall is the New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of the Evolve Series, the Full Circle Series/a spinoff of the Evolve Series, standalone contemporary romances Pretty Instinct, Pretty Remedy and Unstable, and her Smokin' Hot Shorts- Laid Over and Full Body Check, published in multiple countries and languages.

Hall has also co-written with authors Angela Graham, Erin Noelle, Hilary Storm and Ashley Suzanne.

S.E. Hall resides in Arkansas with her husband of 23 years, and together, they have four amazing daughters, ages 28, 23, 17 and 16, and three beautiful grandchildren. 

Stay connected with S.E. Hall:

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/S.E.HallAuth...
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**Professional Inquiries**
S.E. Hall is represented by SBR Media; any questions/interest regarding Hall's work(s) can be directed to Stephanie Phillips via email at stephanie@sbrmedia.com

Reviews

[Toski Covey · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS AND AWESOMENESS-- READ ONLY AFTER READING EMERGE!!!!!!

It's happened..

The day has come that FINALLY someone is tied sitting pretty at #1 with Kellan Kyle.. KK had a LONG 14 month run all by his lonesome as #1.. Some have come close.. But just not *quite* there.. You should know before moving on- I rate ALL Book boys on a Kellan Kyle scale.. So this is HUGE. HUUUUUUUUGE accomplishment. Not just ANY amazing book boyfriend can get to this level.. And let me tell you.. After reading Emerge- my KK scale is freakin tipping over and I am at a loss for words.. <- yea, can you believe that I just said that OUTLOUD!


So, this book wasn't really on optional read.. I mean, I got added into this book group and ALL the girls were raving and asking Team Evan or Team Dane... So naturally, being the love triangle lover I am -- jumped in feet first.. I had no expectations, although I was warned I would doubt my KK love.. (secretly- I laughed, knowing this is impossible and NO BB will be him..) BOY, was I wrong..

The story starts introducing us to Laney Walker.. A tomboy 10 year old little girl being raised by her single father.. She gets in a scuff at school and the principal calls her dad in only to find out not only did his little princess fight, but a boy name Evan Mitchell Allen (their neighbor boy) had defended her as well..This soon flashes forward 8 years and Laney and Evan (who had remained best friends) are now seniors in High School..

After finally getting the nerve Evan asks Laney on a real date.. The best way to describe Evan Allen in book boyfriend reference is he is a Will Cooper (This girl- Colleen Hoover) .. He is THE perfect best friend & boyfriend you can possibly ever want and I immediately fell head over heels in love with Evan.. I already hurt knowing there is going to be another guy.. There CAN NOT possibly be a better boyfriend for Laney than Evan..

At this point- I have to go back to the "group page" and vent out my pain... yes, my group girls were there with me the whole way - holding my hand, cheering me on, telling me - it will be ok.. So, I continue on..
Evan and Laney share a love for Disney movies as they grew up together having "Disney" marathon movie nights..


Let me give you some examples of the kind of guy Evan is.. I need to paint the whole honest picture here::


"Laney, you're THAT girl.. the one guys make up in their head when they put all the parts together to make one perfect girl. "

"I've dreamed of kissing her since I was 10 years old..I knew it wouldn't be the same when and if it ever happened.. It isn't."

"He's like the perfect song, all said for me"<-- Laney's thoughts to herself

and you ready for it?? THIS IS WHERE I FELL IN LOVE WITH EVAN::::::
"I love her more than any man has ever loved a woman.. I am sure of it. I've loved her since the first time her little tomboy A$$ smarted off to me, when she was all dirt and elbows.. and now, she's a goddess."

^ See, total Will Cooper - sweet baby Evan is a Real Life Disney Prince and I am convinced at this point.. There will NEVER be anyone better..

And then- they end up at seperate colleges so Laney and Evan come to agreement that they aren't going to hold each other back.. They still love each other, but won't hold each other back from happiness while apart.

Laney moves in where her new Dorm Roommate Bennett... who I quickly LOVE and her high school bestie Kaitlyn is at the college where Evan attends so she and Bennett instant friends


After Bennett ( WHO IS REAL LIFE ARIEL) forces her to go to a college event.. She meets him.. The guy who changes everything.. I am still convinced I am Team Evan.. I WILL NOT FALL FOR ANYONE ELSE. EVER.

Dane Kendrick.. Unlike Evan who is "all american jock with light brown shaggy hair and blue eyes - you know the really "cute-hot" guy.. Dane is just beautiful.. Dark hair, dark eyes, tanned skin.. perfection..

I am getting scared now... I mean, you know when a guy has the good faithful girl thinking dirty thoughts- it's getting ready to get cray cray..She describes him as " The world's sexiest reason to drop you panties.."
Well crap.. my Team is now Team Fence.. Splinters or not- I am sitting here and NO ONE can make me move.. I want both. Laney needs both... So screw these teams.. I am making a new one..

And then..I discover.. He's a winker, a nicknamer, and a musician and my damn fence comes crashing down.. hard.. Poor Evan... I am sorry sweet baby.. We had a good run. But Dane.. yea- He's McDreamy..

and A nicknaming winking McDreamy musician trumps Prince Eric.. ALWAYS.

"Disney" and Dane ( that is his nickname for her) have such a strong connection- it is radiating thru my kindle screen.. My fingers are on FIRE.. My heart is about to burst.. and I know at this point.. I am a goner- along with Laney.. Hook, line, and sinker - I AM SUNK....

I should explain at this point that Laney and I are one in the same.. The way she looks, her personality, her love for disney and music, and I connected to her like no other female character ever.. I loved her as much as I loved the guys.. Her and Bennett had the kind of friendship us girls all want...


So, back to Dane--HO-LEE-I have swooned and went to kellan kyle Heaven.. This man is beyond perfection.. There really is not a word I can use to describe other than that. Let me show you what I mean:::

"I want you to be my girlfriend.. I want you to be my baby.."

"Oh God baby it's going to be good one day.. You and me...explosive."

" Baby its so hard it hurts"<--- My note-- HO-lee hotness Disney -get it on or I am going to jump in this book and get it done for you.."

"I can tell you how happy it makes me.. How little you gave him ... and THAT will be all mine" <-- Yep, her V card is ALL HIS..

86%--- heartbreak... I am about to throw up .. nervous, my belly hurt and my heart is going to explode..


90% "Your choice..Bedroom or right here"<--- OMG I AM FANNING MYSELF.. HOT HOT HOT

"you dont' kiss like that off you're still on the fence..." <--- you're right.. I burned that FENCE TO THE GROUND DANE!!!! That fence- it was gone at first wink;)

"I'm not sure what kind of love you mean baby but if you mean do I want you to be with me forever that I can't bear the thought of being without you as my lover, my best friend, my whole world.. one day my wife, baby mama(he winks) then yes, I love you - love you.. <------ A wink and calling her a baby Mama.. I am so far tipped on my KK scale - there is no hope of coming back.. DANE KENDRICK, you just took a step above my KK..


"Cosmic.." MOTHER OF ALL LOVE SCENES I LOVE DANE KENDRICK ..LOVE MORE THAN KELLAN KYLE ... OMG.. I JUST SAID THAT OUTLOUD.. YEP, IT HAPPENED.. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE.. AND DANE IS FREEDOM..



So, at this point.. I know that Evan.. Prince Eric - has to be let go.. Not that He and Laney are "together" but their hearts are bound..

Cut my guts with a dull knife "Merry Christmas Princess.." <-- FULL ON UGLY TEARED SNOTTY CRY HOLD ME NOW FRIENDS BECAUSE I NEED LOVE AND CODDLED...


I rate this book at the BIGGEST 5 STAR RATING YOU CAN RATE.. IT IS NOTHING SHORT OF PERFECT, AMAZING, A REAL LIFE FAIRY TALE ROMANCE THAT YOU WONT PUT DOWN.. I started this book at 11:00 om and finished at 3 am .. Admitted to my girls at 2:46 CST that Dane is KK's successor.... Dane has romanced his way right past Kellan Kyle.. and I don't ever think anyone can take that .. Because YES, he is THAT AMAZING..

This is in my top 3 books of all time.. To say I LOVED it... Is not enough..

DANE KENDRICK AND EVAN WILL SHOW YOU WHAT BOOK BOYFRIENDS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE.. BELIEVE ME.. YOU MUST MEET THEM.. SOON.. LIKE TODAY.. RIGHT NOW.. HERE IS THE LINK:: JUST TO MAKE IT EASY ON YA:::

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_...

[Tessa Teevan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hovering between 2.5-3 stars. Loved Evan. Hated everything else.

First, I'd like to say that CLEARLY I'm in the minority on Goodreads, so don't just my take my word for it.

Locking myself in a closet and not coming out until I get a certain HEA in the next book.

Warning: My review may be seen as slightly spoilery because there's not really any way saying how I feel without possibly giving something away. So DO NOT READ if that'll bother you.





Laney and Evan have been friends for as long as they can remember, being as close as two people can be. So it's no surprise when during their senior year of high school they finally admit their feelings to each other. They spend their final summer together before they're headed off to separate colleges hours apart. Evan wants to stay together but Laney thinks its best to go their separate ways, unattached so that they won't hurt each other. Teenage girl logic at it's finest. Evan's resistant, but reluctantly agrees.

When Laney gets to Southern where she's playing softball on a scholarship, she becomes quick friends with her roommate, Bennett. One night during a Hall Crawl, they meet roommates Tate and Sawyer, and Tate's brother Dane. Dane and Laney instantly hit it off and it's not long before Dane's pursuing more than a friendship. As they spend more time together, Dane makes it clear that he has feelings for her. Laney's confused by her own feelings and she's consumed with guilt because even though she feels something for Dane, she still loves Evan. Who and how will she choose?
*****
To be quite honest, Emerge is a hard book for me to review upon immediate finish. This is the third book in a row that's ended in a different way than I wanted, so I'm having a really hard time staying objective. I'm a selfish reader, but I guess we can't win them all, right? I suppose it's realistic to not always get what the heart wants.

I fell totally, 100% head over heels for Evan in an instant. Everything about him screamed "ultimate book boyfriend" which made it that much harder for me to feel anything for Dane.

Dane, while sweet and sexy, just didn't do it for me. And maybe that's Evan's fault. If Evan had never made an appearance, I probably would've felt a bit more for Dane, but I just couldn't feel it. It bothered me that Dane wasn't very open with Laney even though she'd practically bared her soul to him. I didn't ever feel that their attraction was more than physical, especially when Laney knew nothing about Dane for almost the whole book. That bothered me. By looking at other reviews, I know I'm in the minority. Again, I think that's because I fell so hard for Evan that there could be no other for me. I felt like Laney set herself & Evan up to fail from the very beginning, so maybe she didn't love him the way that he truly deserved. That's just me.

All that being said, Emerge is a very well written book and I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it. In fact, it's pretty amazing that I was so upset with the outcome, but I can still say that I liked the book. That definitely says something about the author's ability. S.E. Hall has a very easy, flowing writing style and I could hardly put the book down. I'll be waiting on pins and needles for book 2 to come out.

ARC was kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Joan (official heroine hater) · Rating 1 out of 5]

God this book was annoying! I have no idea how I managed to finish it-I guess curiosity to see how it all ended up. The first few chapters of the sample I read were pretty decent-I should know by now that samples can be deceiving, when will I ever learn?
I absolutely hated just about every character in this book. Let’s start with Laney, our heroine. Biggest dick-tease I’ve ever read! Now I hate that term and hate it when guys use it, but I’m sorry, Laney was the very definition of a dick-tease. The back and forth-I love Evan and I don’t want to hurt him…or no, I love Dane and I don’t want to hurt him. Oh, but I’ll just mess around with both of them and get their hopes all up. Non-stop “woe is me” and “my life is so hard” and tears galore. UGH! The best part of the whole book was when her friend, Bennett, went off on her and told her what a selfish bitch she was-that had me smiling!
Then we have hero #1-Evan. What a weenie-he spent the entire book apologizing and saying “I’m sorry” to Laney. And for what?? I have no clue, he never really did anything wrong except fall for her and get yanked around on her chain. Grow a pair Evan….
Hero#2-Dane. I didn’t get the appeal of this guy at all. I guess he was supposed to be Mr. Mystery Man, but I wasn’t falling for it. We never really get to know him, even with the chapters from his POV. I have NO clue what he saw in Laney and why he was suddenly so in love with such a useless blob. He also had the worst case of winkitis I’ve ever seen. This guy was “winking” at least once or twice a chapter. Was that supposed to be hot? It was starting to creep me out and by about 50% I was ready to poke him in the eye with a sharp object. I actually thought he was going to end up being the stalker with all the creepy winking and possessiveness. Course, that little plot line is finally revealed at the end…lame.
So, it goes without saying, that I won’t be bothering to read the rest of this series. I see that the next one is Evan’s story and reading an entire book about that ball-less wonder just doesn’t appeal to me.

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

FREE on Amazon US today (5/25/2016)

Triangle. Stand-alone book 1, but H/he are featured in (epilogue) novellas. Series is complete.
***If you don’t want to know who ended up being the hero, don’t read past blurb for book 1.

BLURB:
“You never have to be without me, Laney, never.”

He lied…my everything I ever knew, trusted, wanted…I am, in fact, without him.

On my own and out of my shell, I learn new things about life, friendship and…myself.

Like what you’ve always known may not be what you’ve always wanted.

Dane Kendrick awakened things within me that I never knew existed, unraveling and uncovering the real Laney Jo Walker.

I’m a NEW adult…so is my story.

FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Emerge-Evolve-...


FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 500 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5--I'm just going to pretend like that last chapter page wasn't even there--Stars!!!

Wow! Really, really liked this one. It pretty much grabbed me from the first page and NEVER let go.

Evan and Laney go from being BFFs to first loves. They were so sweet and cute together how could you not root for them. At this point of the story I am 100% Team Evan. There isn't anyone that could possibly sweep in and take his place. But just as soon as their love begins, Laney and Evan find out that they will be going to separate colleges.



They agree that despite the way they feel about each other they don't want to go to college as a couple. Knowing that distance and the college life could tear them apart and ruin their friendship. They don't want to hold each other back.

So Evan heads off to UGA (with Laney's BFF Kaitlyn) and Laney heads off to Southern. Both Evan and Laney struggle with being apart from each other, yet wanting to experience college and have fun. Laney feels guilty for wanting to meet new people and have new experiences. One of those being Dane....*sigh* Delicious Dane.

At this point, I didn't want to like Dane! At all. I was in love with Evan and Laney. But then Dane wormed his way in and there was really no choice. How could there be when you have a guy who says stuff like this...

"I won't share you, Laney. Not your lips, not your thoughts, not your body, and especially not your heart. You don't have to give it all to me just yet, but give me nothing if any of it belongs to him."

"Open your eyes, Laney, look at me. Make damn sure you know it's me kissing you, and don't you ever hide from it."

Laney constantly struggles with her feelings for Dane and not wanting to hurt Evan. But she soon realizes that what she has with Dane is unlike anything she experienced with Evan.

But Evan's not going to go down without a fight and bless his heart he Never. Gives. Up.

Laney's BFF Kaitlyn....



Past betrayals are revealed, secrets are kept and choices are made.... changing EVERYTHING.

The last freaking chapter....more like the last freaking page!



I mean really?!?! You're going to go there?? WTH?? That was just wrong on so many levels. Listen, you better not fuck things up with Dane and Laney!

[Jess-i-ca ~Sometimes a Gif Witch~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

9/30/13 FREE ON AMAZON TODAY!


4.5

The very last few pages made me











This book was cute and cheesy in parts but sucked me in....At first I was pulling for Evan, then I was pulling for Dane, then I didn't know who to pull for! I totally wasn't expecting what happened....AGHHHH

[Kellie Maddox-Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

There seems to be mixed reviews on this one.
Personally I really liked it.

Yes the heroine in this story Laney seems to have beer flavoured nipples, Ok so she doesn’t but she may as well.
Typical tomboy girl who doesn’t realise how hot she is… until she gets to college. Everyone falls madly in love with her and likes her immediately. Is a shy virgin etc etc etc Hence *beer flavoured nipples*

Ok I’m being a bit harsh cos I actually liked Laney.. But you know the NA Heroine’s I’m describing? Well that’s Laney… except she plays softball and likes sports.

A lot of stuff happens in this book. I’m not going to go into detail about it all as I want you to be surprised and enjoy it.
But Disney does make a big appearance in this book. Whether it be character references, Laney’s choice of movies. Dane’s nickname for her. So if I mention something about Disney that’s why. lol

It's written from all 3 POV's but mainly Laney's.

I do want to mention..
THERE IS NO CHEATING IN THIS BOOK!

Yes there is lying… well no.. there isn’t really… but not telling someone something is a lie by omission right?

I know what you’re thinking…. How can it be a triangle if there is no cheating?!
Someone always cheats…
Well not in this one…

The Guys are too awesome!

Well the answer is simple…

Evan and Laney were together.. The decision was made they would go to college as single best friends not lovers.

When Laney meets Dane, Dane is told about Evan.
Laney tells Evan about Dane as well

That’s the thing that really got to me about this book…

One guy is always your typical man whore – bad boy tattoo’d pierced biker kinda guy

One is a preppy, good boy boy next door…


Evan Allen

is AMAZING
I loved him from the start…
I mean how could you not with things like this come out of his mouth:

“Laney, your that girl. The one that guys make up in their head when they put all the best parts together to make one perfect gitl. The man who gets you to actually pay attention, well, he’ll be the luckiest guy on the planet, and he’ll know it.

* * *
“I’m done with that, and I’m done not kissing you. All you have to do is say no, precious girl. But please, please… say yes.”
* * *
"It's nothing but space Laney. It means nothing. I'm still yours."
* * *
"I've waited half my life to take my princess to the ball, and it's been perfect. I want tonight to last forever, for everything to be that of her dreams."
* * *
"You never have to be without me, Laney, never. All I want is you; all I've ever wanted is you."
* * *
“I loved her since her little tomboy ass smarted off at me, when she was all dirt and elbows. And now she is a goddess.

See sigh…
He seems like a clean cut kid. Football Quarterback. Good grades.
He treats Laney like a Queen.
Then we get inside his head! He is not as “good guy” as we think. We get his thoughts and feelings….
He really does love Laney and was miserable about his choice to go to school instead of being with her.
He loves her.
He is just trying to keep her heart.

The other team player is

Dane Kendrick –

*sigh* is also AMAZING (And I need to let you know that Dane has brown eyes, but If I was going to think about 2 hot guys I was making them my 2 fav young hotties)

The Mysterious guy. He avoids questions about his personal life.
He doesn’t actually got to College at Southern, just hangs out there cos of Tate.
He is an amazing guy.
He tells Laney he wants to get to know her better and wasn’t lying.
He never pressures her, is the perfect gentlemen and spoils her rotten!
Even takes the lucky bitch to Disneyland for her birthday and doesn’t try anything!
NOT ONE!
Oh and he is Rich.. Did I mention that?
And amazingly beautiful!
Oh and he wants to win her heart!
He says things like


"Seriously, where were you when I was 10?"
"Off somewhere, waiting for you."
* * *
"I'm not sure what kind of love you mean baby but if you mean do I want you to be with me forever that I can't bear the thought of being without you as my lover, my best friend, my whole world.. one day my wife, baby mama(he winks) then yes, I love you - love you
* * *
“I won’t she you, Laney. Not your lips, not your thoughts, not your body, and especially not your heart. You don’t have to give all to me just yet, but give me nothing if any of it belongs to him.”
* * *
“I will never kiss another man’s girl… but you’re not his, Laney. You’re not mine.. yet. But you’re not his, either. So the way I see it you’re kissable.” …………… “Last chance, Disney. Once I get a taste, I’m coming after you with everything I got.” He leans into me and I close my eyes.
“ Open your eyes, Laney, look at me. Make damn sure you know it’s me kissing you, and don’t you ever hide it.”
* * *
“It’s gonna be so good one day. You and me, explosive.”

Who does she choose?
The Guy she has known her whole life?
Or the guy that she doesn’t know much about, the guy that makes her feel alive.

I do need to say that we are left with a kinda cliffhanger…
Laney does make a choice and one of these amazing characters are crushed and the other elated beyond belief… and then BOOM hello horrible last page!

But yeah.. There is going to be another book… I don’t know if it will be so that, that person can get their HEA or whether the triangle will continue. I really hope it doesn’t!
OH and what the hell is with Whitley hanging around?! I hope that's answered too!

So all in all summing up.. I love both Evan and Dane… The secondary characters are all awesome especially Sawyer.
Sexual tension is huge and the “lovin” scenes are not graphic but are slightly detailed before fading to black.

[Angela Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book about a girl coming into her own and realizing there is more out there than she ever gave thought to. The characters were very well fleshed out and I was quick to build up a fondness for them. The story was sweet and at times tugged at my heart.




Laney is the girl next door that I wanted to hug and tell her it would be alright. Although there were times where I wanted to shake her and yell at her to go out and live life.She's real, going through the motions of growing up and that is what makes this story so intriguing. Never once did I not connect with her.
As for the men in the book, you won't be disappointed. Evan and Dane are both gorgeous and opposite of each other in alot of ways, which I adored! Something for everyone. Wether you enjoy the sweet boy next door that she loved growing up as her best friend, or the man she's instantly attracted to and finds herself being pulled toward.
So many amazing reasons to read this book!

[Sammy ⭐️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Emerge is the first book in the Evolve series where we meet Laney, Evan and Dane

So Laney and Evan have been best friends and inseparable since they were 10 years old. Just before going off to different collages Evan decides it's time to face up to the fact that he's in love with Laney.

"I've dreamed of kissing her since I was 10 years old. I knew it wouldn't be the same when and if it ever happened....it's isn't."

But with the thousands of miles that will be between them throughout their collage years Laney thinks it's best to stay as friends and if its ment to be they will find a way back to each other.

I really liked Evan he was such a sweetie and would do anything to protect Laney, he's the perfect best friend.

"Laney your THAT girl...the one guys make up in their head when they put the parts together to make one perfect girl"

Once Laney goes off to collage she meets her room mate Bennett who starts to bring Laney out of her shell and encourages her to get involved in a collage event this is where she meets the swoon worthy Dane who is everything Evan isn't.

There was something about Dane that made me like him instantly and from that moment I was Team Dane all the way, he was kind and caring but still rough around the edges with his wash board abs and just sexed hair.

"Baby" I say as I drop a kiss on her forehead "You can plan out dates, tell me what to wear, run the radio" I wink "You can even name our kids one day...after Disney characters even. But in the bedroom, the hot tub, against the wall, or basically anywhere I have you naked and wet...let me lead."

The supporting characters were great I loved Sawyer and im looking forward to hearing more about the crew.

The only reason I dropped half a star for this was because I got the last page and was like WHAT Nooooo I need more!!!! I can't wait for book 2 to see how it all pans out for Evan.

[Crazies R Us Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

A coming of age, NA romance with sexual content (mature audiences recommended)

Emerge is Laney Walker's story; an 18 yr old quick witted, athletic, southern girl who lets few get too close and uses her sarcastic zingers to deflect most situations. This is her coming of age journey...starting at a new college, with a new softball team and a quirky roommate, all while living in a co-ed dorm.

One night.
Dane Kendrick.
It changes all which she thought she knew and awakens something, someone, within her that she didn't know existed.

A tale of friendship, loyalty, first love, primal love and...life.


I must say that I wasn't sure what to expect from this book and I was NOT disappointed! I was hooked from the very beginning and I must say that I would have had a hard time being in Laney Walker's shoes. The book starts out by learning that Laney was raised by her father. Her mother had walked out on them when Laney was young. She had three people in her life that she counted on, her father, her best friend, Kaitlyn, and her very best friend, Evan. Laney & Evan had been close since she was 10 years old and that friendship grew into more than a friendship her Senior year when Evan declared his love for her. They would soon be leaving for different colleges and they both were dreading being separated. Evan & Kaitlyn would be attending the same college at UGA & Laney would be attending Southern. Her heart was broken when she learned she wouldn't be attending UGA with her two best friends. She finds out later that she could have attended college with her two best friends but someone sabotaged that for her.

Laney settles in at Southern and makes some really good friends...friends she will keep for a lifetime. One night during a meet & greet in her dorm, she comes face to face with the most gorgeous guy she thinks she has ever seen. Well, Evan is right up there with him and his name is Dane Kendrick. Dane & Laney become close and this scares her a little because it took her years to let Evan get close because of all the walls she had built. But Dane is getting under her skin & she feels so comfortable with him. Laney is very mature for her age and she is completely honest with both guys eventually, once she starts figuring out her feelings.

Laney was a beautiful girl with a promising future ahead of her. She matured through the book and she realized that there is more to life than just her little circle of friends she had back home. She found true friends, true love but most important she seemed to find herself. I really loved this book and my heart broke for her. I was torn in the beginning about who I wanted Laney to end up with BUT it didn't take long for me to figure that out. I was NOT disappointed in her choice.

Everyone should read this touching story and there is going to be a book #2...squeeeeeee. Hopefully, we won't have a long wait!!

5 Stars!!

This book had me hook, line & sinker from the get go.

Kim's Review - Cami's is coming later ;)

[Jacqueline's Reads]

Now FREE - http://amzn.to/1Dl1klG

[Jesey ~ Schmexy GIrl~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laney is the innocent, tomboyish, raised by a single father, girl next door. Evan is the sweet, all American, football player, boy next door. Seems perfect doesn't it? They thought so too. Being separated for college is not what they expected to happen to them. Laney thinks it is best for them to return to being best friends instead of boyfriend/girlfriend, she doesn't want anything to ruin the friendship they have had since they were 9 years old.

As Laney settles in at her school she easily becomes friends with her new roommate. They attend a getting to know you event in their dorm and they meet Dane.

"His eyes are big and brown and he smiles all the way through them. His skin is dark, like he's tan all year round, and he carries himself with a kind but yeah, I know you're looking air."
Laney is trying to find the balance between her new friends, the mystery that is Dane, and her life with Evan. She is not technically with Evan but she still feels guilty for the feelings she has developing for Dane. Dane is sweet, protective, understanding, respectful....he does not push Laney into anything and he takes his time with her.

"It means, Laney, that I want to get to know you better."

Meanwhile Evan is trying to stay connected to Laney, wanting so much more than to just be friends. When obstacles get in their way he fights to make things right and get to the bottom of things.

Laney is confused about Evan's feelings for her because of their agreement to be friends and their distance.

" 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder' my ass. How about 'absence makes the head dizzy and fills the heart with aching bewilderment'."

Emerge (Evolve Series) is written from multiple POVs, allowing the reader to see this story from different angles. Most of the book is from Laney's POV however the snippets from Dane and Evan made it hard to choose sides. Both of these boys truly care for and love this girl. The flow of their story is well written, it is not all over the place but it still keeps you wondering....

....who will give up everything for Laney, and at what cost? Read Emerge (Evolve Series) and find out!
I could not get enough of this story and I would love your feedback as well....go buy it today, read it and comment below!

For more of my reviews check out my site
http://www.schmexygirlbookblog.com
Thanks and have a Schmexy Day!

[Aestas Book Blog]

Holy high ratings! I dont know much about it (I think there's a love triangle?) but am intrigued by all the 5 star ratings...



Laney Walker is a quick witted, athletic, southern tomboy who lets few get too close, using her sarcastic zingers to deflect. She also has no idea how others view her, Evan having protected and coveted her since they were children. But college puts a gap between Laney and Evan that neither of them were prepared for- old relationships are tested, new ones are formed and nothing will ever be the same.

Especially when in walks one Dane Kendrick, not at all the familiar, southern charmer of home, but an animal all his own.

A story of growing up, friendship, loyalty, first love, primal love...and life.

Mature content.

[Alexis *Reality Bites*]

I saw this on Facebook! This book is rated pretty high and has people saying they loved it! I must say..my interest is piqued.

[Lydia's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review will be posted July 10th, day of Blog Tour Stop on HEA Book Shelf.

For now, I'm gonna say: read this book!! I could not put it down!


~*~
BLOG TOUR STOP!!! SEE COMPLETE POST HERE: http://heabookshelf.blogspot.com/2013...


I had a very hard time putting down this book. In fact, my husband had to come into our room and literally take my Kindle away because I was neglecting a bunch of important things I HAD to do. True story. So yes, it's that good!

For the first time, during a "love triangle," the female character didn't piss me off with her indecision or confusion. I actually felt sympathy for Laney and understood her hesitations. Evan was her best friend, her everything, since they were ten years old. He was the typical boy next door, hot, and an athlete. Very swoon worthy if I do say so myself. He was all she ever knew. Finally, during their senior year in high school, Evan came clean regarding his true feelings for Laney.

"Laney, you're that girl.. the one guys make up in their head when they put all the parts together to make one perfect girl."

Everything was perfect... until graduation. Their plan to go to the same university went out the window. Evan accepted a football scholarship to their dream university while Laney never got her acceptance letter.

Being a very 'realistic' person, Laney decided to break things off (relationship wise) with Evan. But they still decided to keep in touch has best friends.

At her new school, Laney meets her super awesome friends a.k.a 'The Crew' whom I absolutely LOVED! Their dialogue definitely added humor to the story line. One of those new friends, was the one and only, Dane - total opposite of Evan. Well, minus the smokin' hot part, of course. He had the not-so-boy-next-door thing going on.. in more ways than one. He was very sweet with Laney yet not too sweet when need be. *wink*

"Um, Dane, have you been checking me out?" I blush.
"Only when I'm breathing."

Still having Evan in her life and now, Dane, Laney enters the emotional roller coaster of her life. And the way this book was written, I felt like I was right there with her.. right.. there.
Having ALL point of views through out the book was a huge plus! I connected with all the characters.. Laney, Evan and Dane. Which, now that I think about it, in a way, it kind of made it worse when it came down to picking a side!!! hahaha! I went from Team Evan to Team Dane to Team Evan to Team Dane... all-through out-the-book

The things Evan said and did??? *sigh*

"I've waited half my life to take my princess to the ball, and it's been perfect. I want tonight to last forever, for everything to be that of her dreams."

"You never have to be without me, Laney, never. All I want is you; all I've ever wanted is you."

and then there was Dane.. *deep sigh*

"I want to take care of this girl, hold her, and make everything better. I want to be the reason she laughs, smiles, gasps.."

"You are a princess. I'll always see to that."

Holy mother of God!! Do you see??? For the life of me, I could not choose!!!! I love them both!!! oh, the pressure!!!! *even deeper sigh*

But yes, it all comes down to one. Laney... chooses... one.

And OMG! that ENDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All I can say regarding that is.. my heart??? yeah.. it SUNK!!!!!! Like literally, SUNK all the way down to my butt! Because even thought there is no relationship cliffhanger, holy hell, there is a HUGE plot cliffhanger!!

I-NEED-BOOK-TWO!!!!

"I love you. I didn't know what that really meant until I met you. You were made to be my other half and I yours."

"Emerge" by S.E. Hall is a MUST READ!

[Reanell Tisdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 I'm team Dane 100% stars

I have seen so many amazing reviews for this book, and when I was approached about reading it in exchange for my honest review I jumped right on it. Once I started it, I was hooked! S.E. Hall's writing style is fabulous. I couldn't get enough of it.

Laney was a tomboy all her life, she played softball and was content to just be herself as long as she had her best friend Evan, life was just great for her. Until finally Evan started showing her he was into her as a girlfriend as well. She couldn't have been happier.

Then college interrupts the happy bubble because they didn't get into the same colleges. So Laney does what most girls are afraid to do. She breaks up with Evan for fear of what might happen. She can't deal with the worry of 'what if' and she wants to experience college and wants the same for Evan. Her other best friend Kaitlyn also gets into the same college as Evan.

Laney's roommate Bennett talks her into doing a Hall Crawl, its where the girls go to the guys room and they offer drinks and mingle to get acquainted. Evan of course doesn't want her to go, but Laney won't let Bennett go alone. And cue the music, here is where we meet Dane, this man is just, wow, he is just wow! Laney's reaction to him had me laughing out loud. "This guy seriously belongs on the cover of "World's Sexist Reasons to Drop Your Panites."

And this is where things get complicated, because all of a sudden things get real. Evan suddenly isn't as reachable as he was before, and he lies to Laney which only proves to her that she did the right thing by breaking up with him. But of course she just goes on and doesn't hold it against him. This allows Dane time to wiggle his way into her heart(and mine).

"Full frontal awareness hits me--I've gone from never having a boyfriend to a full-on love triangle, head first."


"I will never kiss another man's girl...but you're not his, Laney. You're not mine..yet. But you're not his either. So the way I see it, you're kissable."

I am a full fledged Team Dane maniac! Everything this man does is absolute perfection! He knows exactly what Laney needs and wants and does everything in his power to make her happy! And the best friend Kaitlyn, I wanted to cut a bitch!

This book is beautiful, its heart-wrenching, and its swoon-worthy! You don't want to miss this, so go grab your copy now!

[Carrie Sims Schutze · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm SOOOO mad at myself right now! I know better than to just start reading a book without first making sure it is part of series, which is what I didn't do with this book and now I'm kicking myself!

This book was utterly fabulous! I literally stayed up half the night to finish this it because I could not put it down. I've been reading a lot of books lately regarding love triangles and I am usually able to pick a side a stick with it, but not in this book! I'm still torn between these two guys because they are both amazing and flawed in their own ways and they both love Laney with all they have and it isn't fair that she has to pick one! Plus I find myself mad when she leans towards one because I feel sorry for the other one and vice versa! It's awful! I actually feel sorry for her, and while I'm mad that she wasn't more honest with Evan about everything, I understand there was a lot of extenuating circumstances that caused her to distance herself some and I can see why she did some of the things she did. Then the ending.......broke my freaking heart! Evan's gift to her was so selfless! UGH! Now I have to wait until the fall to find out what is going to happen and I'm not sure how I would like to see things turn out! I'm so torn it's ridiculous!

[Anne OK · Rating 5 out of 5]

S.E. Hall delivers an impressive debut in "Emerge." I gobbled it up in one sitting and was wishing for the next book in the Evolve series. It's one of the best coming of age stories I've read and the three main characters (yes, there's a romantic triangle) are well-defined and won't disappoint -- even when you get to the end.

FULL REVIEW SOON

[Kelli Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win a signed copy from the author - and WOW. This book sucked me in, chewed me up, and spit me out in a matter of hours.

Emerge is the story of Laney and Evan. Best friends since kids, are everything to each other, and can't imagine being apart. Evan and her dad are all Laney has had since her mother left when she was young. We see them as best friends and then finally, as two who realize they can be and want more. This discovery is shattered when Laney isn't accepted into their college of choice. About to be separated my miles instead of feet, they decide that it's important to remain friends, but with every hope and intention of ending up together. Once Laney gets to college, she begins meeting new people and making new friends. She is immediately drawn to the sexy Dane Kendrick. Now she's torn as to who/what she wants.

Okay, I want to start this off by saying how deceptive this cover is. Just looking at it you probably think it's a paranormal story. Nope. It's an adorable coming of age tale but more than that, it's a girl caught between two men and two kinds of love. I loved Laney! She's a quiet, shy, athletic girl who loves Disney movies. She reminds me a lot of myself at that age. She has very few close friends and is absolutely refreshing to read about. And Evan... Oh, Evan Mitchell Allen!! That sexy man burrowed into my heart and refuses to leave. The star football player who falls in love with his best friend. Is there anything sweeter? Not really. He's absolutely adorable in every way. And his relationship with Laney was beautiful to watch. Then there's Dane. Sexy, hot and a little bit of mystery. We don't learn much about him in the beginning, but there is much to infer. The blaringly obvious is he is extremely wealthy. Oh yeah, and he can play the guitar. And the piano. Damn. I loved him too! I didn't envy Laney having to choose between the two. This is probably the first love triangle where it took me awhile to figure out who I wanted the girl to choose. I went back and forth depending on who she was with in the story. Both are sweet and have their own strengths and drawbacks. I loved the way Evan asked her to prom. I loved what Dane did for her birthday. But certain things just meant more coming from one of the guys (and the only reason I'm not saying which is because by the last 25%, I made my choice and by the end of the review, it would spoil the ending). That's just my opinion.

Evan: "I am yours, always have been, always will be."

Dane: "Last chance, Disney. Once I get a taste, I'm coming after you with everything I've got."

Seriously, I can't even imagine having these two "fight" over me. But eventually, I'd have made a choice - though mine would've been opposite hers.


This book and its events all come down to one *MAJOR* catastrophic event. Had it not been for this act of betrayal, EVERY damn thing would have been different and I'd have gotten the HEA I wanted. And yes, I'm pouting. It's not often I read a book and feel I got the wrong ending. I knew the very moment that Laney had made her choice, even if she hadn't. I still held out hope that my man would win, though. S.E. Hall made me love two boys, but one of those two just wouldn't let me go. The ending absolutely squeezed my heart until all I felt was the pain of our shattered hopes. The gesture at the end had my heart racing and them plummeting. I was in tears for my man!!! And it's been awhile since I cried over a heartbreak in a book. My stomach was in knots and I couldn't see past the blur of tears in my eyes. I just hope he gets a happy ending now (even though I'm bummed it's not with Laney) because that was a craptastic way to find out you are being left behind.

Emerge was brilliantly beautiful. It's got a little of everything - romance, humor, drama, and even a few suspenseful twists I didn't see coming. I adored this one, folks.

[Kelly 'Perusing Princesses blog' · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW: Emerge (Evolve, #1) – S.E. Hall

Most girls go their whole life without meeting a man as wonderful as Evan or Dane, let alone finding themselves sandwiched in between two of them. The age old love triangle only seems cliché and trite until you actually find yourself in one, then it becomes agony.

Emerge tells the tale of Laney Walker, an innocent 18 year old who finds herself in one hell of a predicament. This is a coming of age story that focuses strongly on the solid foundations of friendship, built gradually over time. Her best friend Evan planted himself firmly into her life at the age of 10 and they have remained joined at the hip ever since, these two sweet kids shared every first experience together, from fishing, to first kisses, to falling in love.

Now eighteen, with college placements and scholarships becoming a fast reality, Laney is devastated when she gets offered a place at Southern and not her first choice at UGA. Her solid tri-unit is about to be broken as Evan and Kaitlyn attend the same college, with Laney left to venture into the unknown without her rock, and the love of her life.

Laney is a realist, she doesn’t want to hold Evan back, she loves him too much and for this reason she decides to cool off their blossoming romance. Distance playing a pivotal role in her decision with ‘college temptations’ a possibility, she sets him free, both promising to find their way back home to one another when college is over.

Feeling isolated and alone, Laney finds solace in her new roommate, Bennett. A fun-loving and quirky redhead who successfully manages to coerce Laney into taking part in a Southern College tradition – a dorm hall crawl.

Making new friends is imperative but its also a headache, none of the guys at Southern could ever come close to Evan, the void of his loss so palpable, impossible to fill. And yet, the night isn’t completely wasted when the room down the hall provides comforting joviality in the form of Tate, Sawyer…and Dane.

Dane Kendrick is Tate’s Brother and regular visitor to the dorms. He’s beautiful, successful, rich and everything Laney doesn’t need. But with Evan so far away and depression chomping at her heels, she finds solace in her new friend as she tells him with open honesty about her life and her love for Evan. Gradually, they form a close relationship but the air has a habit of shifting, and its not long before friendship turns into unspoken sexual attraction between the pair.

With a new solid group of friends, Laney is not short of advice and people to lean on, especially Zach, who lives across the hall as he provides her a crutch in times of need.

”It’s okay for you to be confused, Laney, that doesn’t make you a bad person. Just be honest, Laney. Don’t stray from that beautiful heart of yours okay?”

Laney starts to question herself, as she explores her true feelings, and stumbles incessantly with which direction she needs to take.

Follow Laney in her journey as she struggles to make the biggest decision of her life.

*

This college-based romance exceeded every expectation. Hands down its got to be one of my favourites as I loved every character in this book...well, all apart from one.

This may have strong elements of a triangle but it's certainly not a sordid cheat fest in any shape or form. I felt Laney' s pain, it was impossible not to because I fell in love with both Evan and Dane too. Yes...Okay, I am officially waving my cougar card, but what the hell... You only live once and I will forever regret not attending college so I am living precariously through New Adult literature. Don't judge me!

Unlike other NA college drama’s, many seem to be rather predicable but this book wasn’t at all. It could have gone either way.

Book two cannot come fast enough! Sign me up S.E. Hall, this cougar needs her Evan and Dane fix.

Brilliant!

4.5 Stars.

[Jac K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I reread this series over Christmas vacation when I didn't feel like tackling anything new. It wasn't that long ago that I read these (maybe 5 yrs) but my reading tastes have changed significantly. The characters are in college, but they act (especially Laney) like teenagers.

Laney made me CRAZY. I found her immature, selfish, and self-centered... and removed the star I was hesitant to last time around. :) I think both dudes deserved better, but unfortunately only one of them (who she didn't pick) gets an upgrade. The first two books really need to be read together as the story continues, and both are from the 3 (Dane, Laney Evan) POV's.

This sits squarely in the older YA/NA lane. Laney flip flops the majority of the book and doesn't make her decision until late in the game. (85%) I think Dane should've told her to suck it, and she should have had to grovel some for her choice's love. IMO, she got off way to easy. When she does make her choice that relationship goes from wavering to forever in a snap.


*****Original Review***
Re-read and I want to take a star away, but I never change my initial rating.

This book follows HS sweethearts (well more like BFF’s and L’s forever crush they don’t get together until Sr year) Laney and Evan as they head to separate colleges.

Once there Laney meets a new group (the original Crew:) of friends including Dane whom she feels an instant connection. The book has great secondary characters which follow throughout the rest of the series.

Most of the book is a love triangle (with separate POV’s) of Laney, Evan & Dane. All three are like able, there isn’t a villain of the three.

Laney is a country girl softball player. She’s grown up sheltered with just her dad and is insecure about spreading her wings. I think normally she would have been a cool chick, but annoyed the ever loving shit out of me with her dragging along Evan and Dane.

Evan is also country, he’s a football player and a nice guy. He’s been her BFF since they were kids.

Dane is from the east coast and more GQ than the other two. He a total alpha male which works for him, and kind of the leader of the crew.

Spoilers ahead.. stop if you don’t want to know who she picks.....



I’m happy that she chooses Dane. I actually felt like what she had with him was grown up, and they were the better couple. And he has some swoon worthy quotes...
“I won’t share you, Laney. Not your lips, not your thoughts, not your body, and especially not your heart. You don’t have to give it all to me just yet, but give me nothing if any of it belongs to him. “

“I will never kiss another man’s girl...but you’re not his, Laney. You’re not mine yet...yet you’re not his either. So they way I see it, you’re kissable”

“Last chance, Disney. Once I get a teaser, I’m coming after you with everything I’ve got.” “Open your eyes, Laney, look at me. Make damn sure you know it’s me kissing you, and don’t ever hide from it.”

“Baby, you can can plan our dates, tell me what to wear, run the radio,” “you can even name our kids one day... after Disney characters even. But in the bedroom, the hot tub, against the wall or basically anywhere I have you naked and wet ...let me lead.”


I hated that she wasn’t honest with Evan and played with his feelings...eventually leading him to make a huge sacrifice that he wouldn’t have made had she been honest. It takes 85% of the book for her to finally choose. I also felt she was very unfair to Whitley who has a major crush in Dane. She was definitely bitchy, but L was a major hypocrite for getting pissed all the time.

The next book will be Whitley and Evan’s.

[Krystle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok where the hell do I start apart from the fact this book is OUT OF THIS WORLD AMAZING!!!!!

this book had me cry, had me shitting a brick and it also had me in goosebumps more than once!!!!!

as a lot of you know me, when I pick a team, I stay there!!! no way do u sit on that fence NO WAY!!! I pick and I stick haha not with this book. im reading and im loving Evan, so much so that I announce on fb, no one will take me away from Evan, they are beautiful together the perfect romance. the perfect everything.

laney and Evan are all they know, been best friends for forever and that's what they were until feelings got in the way and they became something better, they became the perfect couple!!!! but while all this is happening Evan gets his place at Georgia their dream to be together forever, but Laney's letter never comes. her best friend Katilyn (yuck) get a place so that just leaves laney all alone. going to southern all alone.

laney sets Evan free, but who is she really setting free??

so laney gets to college has a fab room mate and all is ok, she misses Evan but she is ok. then in walks the other team.................well hello there Dane!!!!!

then im off the green grass and jumping that fence to team Dane.

I've always been an ass man, but now i'm a Laney man

yes ladies his that hot and that smooth that ur knickers will be.....well you know how they will be!!!!

I sit on TEAM DANE for a while his that amazing all he does and says its just goosebumps!!!!!

as you can see this is a love triangle that is the most innocent triangle its heart breaking it really is!!!!

I wont share you Laney. Not your lips, not your thoughts, not your body, and especially not your heart. you don't have to give it all to me just yet, but give me nothing if it belongs to him. do you understand?


I will never kiss another mans girl...but you're not his, Laney. You're not mine either. so the way I see it, you're kissable

I could just keep going with all he says and do, because his that amazing!!! all in the background is sweet sweet evan. who we think is loving college so much that he has forgot her!!!!!

really did we think that....well yes we did, but how wrong was we..... with a bitch being a evil bitch, all they ever wanted is shattered and gone forever!!!!!

its that moment that im back on TEAM EVANS side and im crying for them OMG.

but as soon as she is back at college............yes you guessed it im back on TEAM DANES side!!! did I tell you his hot!!!

the banter between the CREW is just more genius I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of them and they actually make me laugh!!! this is truly the first time Laney has felt alive, felt like she belonged!!!! things really do happen for a reason and sometimes its for the better!!!!

its all going prefect but we know its going to change. Evan turns up, something BIG happens Evan leaves and its all a bit sad, no one is happy!!!!

and it keeps going back and forth and ur litally hanging of that chair, one hand has ur kindle the other has ur vacuum, your be taking this book to the toilet with you!!!!! trust me im not insane!!!!

so anyway it all comes to a STOP!!!!!! and yu just think HOLY FUCK!!!!! yeah there is a cliffhanger but not one that will kill ur off, just maybe go crazy and stalk the author!!!!

so whats my advice.................... STOP WHAT UR DOING/READING and buy buy buy this book!!! you will NOT regret it!!!! its amazing trust me and everyone screaming about it.xxx

[Nancy❤The❤Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

~~5 CAN'T-PICK-BETWEEN-THE-TWO HEARTS~~

This book was pure AWESOMENESS!!! This book had me at the very beginning. When I read a review on here that said Kellan Kyle was pushed aside because there was a new book boyfriend in town, I was up for the challenge. I really like Love-Triangles. I'm a sucker for them and boy did this book have a love triangle. This one was a little different for me though. Usually I'll pick a team early on, but throughout the book I was just on the fence and couldn't pick a side. I loved them both.

Evan was such a sweetheart. The boy next door, the best friend and rock, the constant in your life, and the guy that you can fall in love with in just an instant. The things Evan said and did for Laney made you fall in love with him a little more each time.

"I've waited half my life to take my princess to the ball, and it's been perfect. I want tonight to last forever, for everything to be that of her dreams. I just pray she'll love what I have planed."

"I want to take her back to the beginning of Laney and Evan, the beginning of us. I want to remind her that we're ingrained in one another and always will be."
“It's nothing but space, Laney. It means nothing. I'm still yours. I'll always be yours.”

Dane was the kind of guy you fall in love with and want to spend all your time getting to know. A little mysterious, kind, caring, big-hearted, and he made sure that you felt like you were number one.

“I'm not sure what kind of love you mean, baby, but if you mean do I want you to be with me forever, that I can't bear the thought of being without you as my lover, my best friend, my whole world....one day my wife, and my baby mama, then yes, I Love you, Love you!”

"I love you. I didn't know what that really meant until I met you. You were made to be my other half and I yours." .”

When going away to separate colleges forces Laney & Evan apart, it's a big change for Laney. Moving to a new place without her Dad & Evan which has always been a constant in her life is an eye opener for her. She has to learn to get venture out of her comfort zone. While doing just that, she meets Dane. When someone tries to sabotage Laney & Evan's relationship it forces Laney to depend on herself and face life.

Laney still can't make a decision between Evan & Dane (I couldn't either). Both men tried to be there for Laney, but one finally wins over the other. She finally makes a decision, but is it the right decision???? I'm still unsure, but I'm onto book #2 to find out what happens next.

The ending of this book did a number on my emotions. I was crying. Not just a little tear trickling kind of cry. It was a full on streaming down my face kind of cry.

Emerge is a MUST READ!

[Carrie Richardson-horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea going into this book that I would feel the emotions I do right now! I don't like this book..I absolutely LOVE it!! You hear me?! LOVED it!

Laney- tomboy,softball player,moving away from home to go to college away from her best friend, and only love she's ever known!

Evan- sweetheart,lovable,handsome, boy next door, and best friend who tells Laney before going off to college he is in love with her. Evan is swoon worthy and I mean you will love him immediately, but then boom in walks Dane!!

Dane- Mercy sakes! I'm almost speechless and that NEVER happens! Ok..Dane he is beyond HAWT! I mean he is the best BB I have ever read about. I know it's a lot to take in but it's true! I really want to squeeze S.E.Hall for making him! He wrapped my heart up so tight I can't breathe!

Evan goes off to his college and Laney off to Southern where she meets Dane...There is an instant connection..Laney becomes torn..What will she do? Who will she choose?! Evan the hot, boy next door she has loved as her best friend almost her entire life, or Dane the hot swoon your panties off hunk of a man! <<<<< yes I said panties! I really wouldn't want to be in Laney's shoes and have to choose between two men like Evan and Dane! Ahhh! Who am I kidding?! Yes I would want to be in her shoes! You will love this book! So much angst, love, goosebumps, and stomach in knots! Ugly cried my face off! My emotions are still running high! It was worth every word! Gah! I want to read it again!!

Favorite highlights-"Um Dane,you been checking her out?" I blush."Only when I'm breathing." He winks.. <<<<< swoon city!
"Well hello, Disney."You look like walking sin," <<<<<
God don't let anyone take her. If you give me this,I swear to wake every morning, with good morning beautiful and kiss her to sleep every night! <<<<< I sobbed like a baby!

Laney has some other obstacles to overcome as well, another best friend, making a new friend and her mother leaving her years ago! She finds out who her real friends are, and overcomes one of the biggest decisions of her life! Emerge will leave you begging for more. I give it 5 HUGE bright stars!!! S.E.Hall I'm in love! Thank you for sharing!

[Linda ❤️ Sassy, Classy && a Little Bit of Nasty · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Such a cute story! I completely love the best-friends-since-kids thing. The story is so poignant and sweet at the same damn time it’s almost sickening! (in a good way).

Evan and Laney are childhood best friends. They officially ‘met’ one day after Evan beat the snot out of some kid that was bullying Laney when they were eight years old. They’ve been inseparable ever since. When senior year of high school rolls around, Evan decides that he’s going to take that leap of faith and bear his heart.

“Laney, you’re that girl. The one guys make up in their head when they put all the best parts together to make one perfect girl. The man who gets you to actually pay attention, well he’ll be the luckiest guy on the planet, and he’ll know it. All that, and the fact that you never date, is pretty damn intimidating...”

So, they spend the rest of the senior year and summer together as a couple. While Evan and Laney’s good friend, Kaitlyn, receive their acceptance letters to UGA, Laney is still patiently awaiting hers. Days tick away and she doesn’t see the letter. Looks like Laney’s not getting the opportunity of attenting UGA, with her boyfriend, but will instead attend Southern, which is less than an hour away from home. So they decide that upon departing, they will go into college single so that the other isn’t gypped of the college experience.

When Laney goes off to school at Southern and makes new friends, she finds that she’s quite comfortable with them and finds she has the unexplainable attraction to Dane Kendrick. She hasn’t felt this feeling before, even with Evan. They hit it off and on top of that, somebody is trying to sabotage what’s left of hers and Evan’s relationship/friendship.

When Evan learns of her new life, he vows to do whatever it takes to not lose her.

Torn in between the two, who will she choose????

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I really enjoyed this read. It had the right amount of light, angst and humor. Great read to pass a day!

[Roline Bautista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shiiiit!!!!! I need the next one NOW!!!!!! And as I'm writing this I'm crying my ass off!!!! I hate this feeling! OMG!!!!!! I'm heart broken!

***********************

After a night of sleep, I still feel depressed. I hate books like this. When after reading you feel heavy and ached. *sigh* but if a book can make you feel anything, it just means it did it purpose, it made you part of the story, it was effective.

I really really liked the story. At first I thought it was like Metamorphosis series because of the live triangle and the confused heroine. But as I read through the book it was totally different. It is more about differentiating platonic and romantic love. I love it when there are multiple POV, though most of the POV is from Laney, there are parts where you see Ethan and Dane's POV which makes it really hard for us readers to choose between them coz we both know the two have pure intentions for Laney. And as Laney finally chooses, its bittersweet, happy that she finally decided whom she loves, and hurt for the one she let go.

Ugh I just cant get over the ending! Why oh why does it have to make it cry, now I dont know what to read next. Counting the days till the release of the next book.

[Ivie dan Glokta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well spank me thrice and hand me to my momma!!!

This book has been awesome. As in mind-blown-and still-picking-up-the-pieces good. It has been a while since I've read a good contemporary romance that followed Beautiful Disaster. Maybe i have been reading too much of them but they all started blending in together.

This story is so sweet to begin with and stays sweet till the end. The characters are not your average college tits n' ass crew but actual people with an emotional range that is much larger and more delivering then simple lust.

I will not wax poetic about this novel or give you any spoilers. Get off yo ass and read this book. You won't regret it.

[Harper Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

<3

[Jessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely freaking loved this book! Sometimes you don't know why a book just sticks with you and sinks you into oblivion from things around you. This one did just that. When I read the last page and looked up I was like "Oh welcome back to the real world!" LOL
This is a book about wanting everything you ever dreamed of when it comes to love and planning it all out....only to find that well there are other plans in store for you and even if you try to fight them you can't help who you love. This is a story of a girl becoming a woman. A girl finding herself and her true desires. Laney comes to find out that the real world away from the comforts of home and her long time boyfriend isn't as easy as planned. She throws herself in a little bit of depression and we get to see her whiny side and self loathing side, but these are natural feelings that anyone gets when being away from home for the first time. Homesickness sucks! Laney discovers this.
The romance and sex scenes in here are hot! Actually I should say the author did an awesome job at connecting these characters together! From the first interaction we see Laney with both Evan & Dane is spot on! The feelings evoked within the book are believable and the feelings that are brought on by everyone involved are realistic. I have to give applause to that because there's nothing I can't stand more than a romance that just doesn't "feel" real.
There are twists and turns and little drama here and there to complete this book and make it one magnificent piece of work. Thank you for writing something so fantastic that I could get lost in! I give this book my thumbs up!!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay! A love triangle where I didn't want to twat punch the h!!

Ok- so I was very apprehensive to start this because of the love triangle angle. Love triangles tend to piss me off and irritate the hell outta me (thoughtless series--had a love hate relationship with that one) anyway - the h, Laney didn't annoy the hell outta me like I expected! She wasn't wishy washy and she was very forthcoming and no nonsense! I loved it!
Evan was the perfect best friend/lover combo! He was such a great guy! I don't know if I trusted him in college esp when he can't remember what happens.
Kaitlin - ugh! I wanted to twat punch her. But in the long run she def did Laney a favor.
Dane - oh my Dane. I do wanna know what captivated these guys to be all head over heels over Laney. I would say it was her golden honey, but she didn't put out. So, I guess it was her no nonsense, no bullshit attitude when it came to relationships. But man he fell and fell hard. I didn't know which one to pick so I wasn't sure how Laney was going to pick. Dane did everything right and the cards weren't playing well for Evan, but he is her best friend and long time friend--how can you walk away from that?? So who did she choose? Def need to read this one to find out! There are some twists along the way I didn't see coming!