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Shifting #1
Escape the Doubt
Is taking a chance with your heart worth the escape, or was it better to have never loved at all? Can forgiveness really set you free?
After the unexpected death of her Dad, and the haunting manner in which he died, Riley Shaw built invisible walls around her heart. Barriers she created to protect her from splintering into broken pieces that couldn’t be repaired. She was unable to move forward from her past letting the guilt of her parent’s mistakes dictate her own choices.
Dean Warren was safe. Being with him was innocent and peaceful, because she didn’t truly love him. His words held her captive in a false sense of security. His eyes were deceptive, and his promises of never pushing her beyond what she was willing to give were broken, leaving Riley in a state of regret and doubt.
Joshua Parker had the power to take what was left of Riley’s splintered pieces and ruin her completely or make her whole again. He was her best friend, her next-door neighbor - everything she wanted and settled on never having. Loving him was as easy as breathing air. The fear of losing him forever was more real to her than the feelings she couldn’t escape.
When faced with the very thing she feared the most, and in the arms she thought were safe, Riley finds herself questioning every decision she has made over the past two years. When she finally escapes the doubt in her head, and accepts the truth in her heart, is it too late?
“I'm so close to the edge of the cliff that I know with one more breath, one more inch, I could fall.” -Riley Shaw
Warning: Not recommended for anyone under the age of 17 due to underage drinking, sexual content and adult language.
After the unexpected death of her Dad, and the haunting manner in which he died, Riley Shaw built invisible walls around her heart. Barriers she created to protect her from splintering into broken pieces that couldn’t be repaired. She was unable to move forward from her past letting the guilt of her parent’s mistakes dictate her own choices.
Dean Warren was safe. Being with him was innocent and peaceful, because she didn’t truly love him. His words held her captive in a false sense of security. His eyes were deceptive, and his promises of never pushing her beyond what she was willing to give were broken, leaving Riley in a state of regret and doubt.
Joshua Parker had the power to take what was left of Riley’s splintered pieces and ruin her completely or make her whole again. He was her best friend, her next-door neighbor - everything she wanted and settled on never having. Loving him was as easy as breathing air. The fear of losing him forever was more real to her than the feelings she couldn’t escape.
When faced with the very thing she feared the most, and in the arms she thought were safe, Riley finds herself questioning every decision she has made over the past two years. When she finally escapes the doubt in her head, and accepts the truth in her heart, is it too late?
“I'm so close to the edge of the cliff that I know with one more breath, one more inch, I could fall.” -Riley Shaw
Warning: Not recommended for anyone under the age of 17 due to underage drinking, sexual content and adult language.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2013
5 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Michelle
24 books161 followersAuthor Bio:
Once upon a time in the boot of Louisiana, a young girl made a mess of things and began writing dark poetry to cope. She often found herself daydreaming and creating stories in a far away land that didn't exist and was always out of her reach. Her mission was to move on, find love and a reason to believe in the beautiful things in life. She didn't expect to be counting her blessings daily for all that she has found since then. Her once dark poetry became colorful and bright—it became music. She found purpose and her make believe stories slowly vanished away. Her poetry also sat in the backseat, as more important things took priority. However, life can catapult you in the blink of an eye. A long forgotten coping mechanism of writing would once again become her escape. This time, though, she realized that this escape where she created stories was not a curse, but a gift. Embracing her voice, she breathes life into her characters and poetically weaves together stories for readers to enjoy. She is no longer the young girl who feared the unknown, but is stronger and has faith that beautiful things will always be in reach. She is married to her best friend, and is a mom to three beautiful daughters who are her favorite cheerleaders. She is excited to have the opportunity to share her love of writing with readers. The stories are fictional, but they are real to her. She has always felt things passionately and this new journey as an author is no different. She is no longer looking back, but looking ahead to this amazing adventure with all of you. She invites you to connect with her if you desire to do so.
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Once upon a time in the boot of Louisiana, a young girl made a mess of things and began writing dark poetry to cope. She often found herself daydreaming and creating stories in a far away land that didn't exist and was always out of her reach. Her mission was to move on, find love and a reason to believe in the beautiful things in life. She didn't expect to be counting her blessings daily for all that she has found since then. Her once dark poetry became colorful and bright—it became music. She found purpose and her make believe stories slowly vanished away. Her poetry also sat in the backseat, as more important things took priority. However, life can catapult you in the blink of an eye. A long forgotten coping mechanism of writing would once again become her escape. This time, though, she realized that this escape where she created stories was not a curse, but a gift. Embracing her voice, she breathes life into her characters and poetically weaves together stories for readers to enjoy. She is no longer the young girl who feared the unknown, but is stronger and has faith that beautiful things will always be in reach. She is married to her best friend, and is a mom to three beautiful daughters who are her favorite cheerleaders. She is excited to have the opportunity to share her love of writing with readers. The stories are fictional, but they are real to her. She has always felt things passionately and this new journey as an author is no different. She is no longer looking back, but looking ahead to this amazing adventure with all of you. She invites you to connect with her if you desire to do so.
*Would you like email notifications about book releases, sales and events? Subscribe to my newsletter.
http://eepurl.com/bjTQKv
Andrea Michelle's social links:
Blog: http://authoramichelle.blogspot.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/AuthorAMichelle
Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/author/andreami...
FB Friend: https://www.facebook.com/andrea.miche...
FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/booksbyandre...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/AndreaMic...
Join her Support Group (for fun): https://www.facebook.com/groups/Andre...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 25, 2014
Book – Escape the Doubt (Shifting #1)
Author – Andrea Michelle
Publication Date – November 19, 2013
Type – Stand-Alone Series
Genre –Romance, Young Adult
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Book provided by Author (Release Blitz) in exchange for an honest review.
Review
I am not a big fan of Young Adult books but this book took the genre and twisted it in a way that made me feel I was reading a story about more responsible and mature characters. I feel in love with Joshua’s character and the love he carried in his heart for Riley.
This was more than a love story – this was a “coming of age” story for Riley. She lived with the guilt generated from her parents and everything in her life revolved around this guilt to a point where Riley would give up her own happiness believing that she didn’t deserve any goodness in her life.
Yes, there were points in the story that it became somewhat redundant when she would use the excuse of the “sins of her parents” to accept Joshua’s love but once she broke through that wall – this love story burnt a spot in my heart.
Dean? What can I say about Dean? Asshole – Douchebag? The list can go on and on and to think that Riley was going to continue to stay with that scumbag?
This was the type of story where I BECAME the story – I was there during the heartbreak and the joy of realizing the innocence of true love.
For full review, Free E-books and Giveaways
Author – Andrea Michelle
Publication Date – November 19, 2013
Type – Stand-Alone Series
Genre –Romance, Young Adult
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Book provided by Author (Release Blitz) in exchange for an honest review.
Review
I am not a big fan of Young Adult books but this book took the genre and twisted it in a way that made me feel I was reading a story about more responsible and mature characters. I feel in love with Joshua’s character and the love he carried in his heart for Riley.
This was more than a love story – this was a “coming of age” story for Riley. She lived with the guilt generated from her parents and everything in her life revolved around this guilt to a point where Riley would give up her own happiness believing that she didn’t deserve any goodness in her life.
Yes, there were points in the story that it became somewhat redundant when she would use the excuse of the “sins of her parents” to accept Joshua’s love but once she broke through that wall – this love story burnt a spot in my heart.
Dean? What can I say about Dean? Asshole – Douchebag? The list can go on and on and to think that Riley was going to continue to stay with that scumbag?
This was the type of story where I BECAME the story – I was there during the heartbreak and the joy of realizing the innocence of true love.
For full review, Free E-books and Giveaways
November 7, 2013
3.5 hearts!
"Escape The Doubt" was an emotional read that centers around Riley and Josh, best friends since they were 5 years old. When they are young teenagers, tragedy strikes both of their families causing Riley to second guess all the feelings she has developed for Josh.
Switching between their POVs, "Escape The Doubt" will take you on a roller coaster of events that can only happen when you are dealing with two teenagers realizing they have found their best friend, soul mate and love of their life.
To read the rest of my review, please visit the blog at A Love Affair With Books.
"Escape The Doubt" was an emotional read that centers around Riley and Josh, best friends since they were 5 years old. When they are young teenagers, tragedy strikes both of their families causing Riley to second guess all the feelings she has developed for Josh.
Switching between their POVs, "Escape The Doubt" will take you on a roller coaster of events that can only happen when you are dealing with two teenagers realizing they have found their best friend, soul mate and love of their life.
To read the rest of my review, please visit the blog at A Love Affair With Books.
October 12, 2013
Escape the Doubt
I received an ARC copy from the author to write a review for the book Escape the Doubt.
I crying and laughed while reading this story and just loved how Josh and Riley’s younger sisters pick up on her the two of them really feel towards each other just by watching how they act around each other. People say that you don’t have to want out for you younger brothers or sisters. Trust me they pick up a lot of stuff that we miss. There is one part in the story towards then end that I was crying so hard but I will not give that a way you need to read and learn what I am talking about.
This is a story about love, family pain caused by an accident and teenagers growing up in high school.
Riley and Josh are next door neighbors and have been since one week before she turned five years old. They have feeling for each other, but Riley won’t allow herself to love Josh due to her father causing an accident that takes his life as well as Josh’s mothers life, because of drinking and driving.
Riley get together for two years with a guy named Dean who she has known since they were all in kindergarten together. Dean is not even close to the guy he claims to be; he has cheated on Riley due to her not want to have sex with him. So to get what he wants he has slept with many of the girls they all know.
Emily had a crush on Dean her freshman year of school but he wanted nothing to do with her because he wanted Riley. Emily and Riley end up being really good friends due to her getting to know her better.
Laiken and Preslee are two trouble makers who try anything and everything to make it look like one or the other has something going on the Josh at one time or the other.
Josh has never been with any of the girls Riley has seen him with because the one and only girl for him has and always will be Riley. No matter what goes on with or between then He loves her and he will do anything to protect her from everyone that try to hurt.
I don’t want to go anymore into the story, but I suggest reading this for sure. You can learn what happens with Riley and Josh do they end up together or not. Does she ever learn the truth about Dean? Learn what happen to Preslee when you have unprotected sex just one time.
I received an ARC copy from the author to write a review for the book Escape the Doubt.
I crying and laughed while reading this story and just loved how Josh and Riley’s younger sisters pick up on her the two of them really feel towards each other just by watching how they act around each other. People say that you don’t have to want out for you younger brothers or sisters. Trust me they pick up a lot of stuff that we miss. There is one part in the story towards then end that I was crying so hard but I will not give that a way you need to read and learn what I am talking about.
This is a story about love, family pain caused by an accident and teenagers growing up in high school.
Riley and Josh are next door neighbors and have been since one week before she turned five years old. They have feeling for each other, but Riley won’t allow herself to love Josh due to her father causing an accident that takes his life as well as Josh’s mothers life, because of drinking and driving.
Riley get together for two years with a guy named Dean who she has known since they were all in kindergarten together. Dean is not even close to the guy he claims to be; he has cheated on Riley due to her not want to have sex with him. So to get what he wants he has slept with many of the girls they all know.
Emily had a crush on Dean her freshman year of school but he wanted nothing to do with her because he wanted Riley. Emily and Riley end up being really good friends due to her getting to know her better.
Laiken and Preslee are two trouble makers who try anything and everything to make it look like one or the other has something going on the Josh at one time or the other.
Josh has never been with any of the girls Riley has seen him with because the one and only girl for him has and always will be Riley. No matter what goes on with or between then He loves her and he will do anything to protect her from everyone that try to hurt.
I don’t want to go anymore into the story, but I suggest reading this for sure. You can learn what happens with Riley and Josh do they end up together or not. Does she ever learn the truth about Dean? Learn what happen to Preslee when you have unprotected sex just one time.
October 10, 2014
" You are my girl, my only girl, and I will love you, only you forever."~ Josh
Riley and Josh are neighbors, the best of friends. They share a love for music and brownie mix.
I just LOVE best friend romances! There is just something so sweet about best friends from childhood evolving into something more. Andrea Michelle did a beautiful job depicting the love shared between Riley and Josh. Her words made you understand and feel the love Josh had for Riley and the fear Riley had in trusting Josh with her heart.
Riley carried so much guilt inside her. She blamed herself for Josh and his family's heartbreak and loss. She felt that she didn't deserve the amazing person that Josh was so she fought against her own heart and body to keep her distance from him. As hard as she tried to believe otherwise, she just couldn't free herself from the pain of that tragic night.
I loved Josh! He was the neighbor...the best friend any girl would die to grow up with. He was beautiful on the outside, if not more on the inside. All Josh ever wanted was for Riley to be HIS. Josh was able to see past the forced smiles and the fake laughs and just see HER, his girl. He wanted nothing more than to make her happy and to love her as boyfriend and girlfriend.
"Please believe me when I say...every day since we were five years old, you have been a crucial part of my life, a piece that I had to have to be complete. I have spent years loving you. Yes, that's right. I fucking love you, Riley. I always have and I probably always will." ~ Josh
Escape The Doubt was a super cute, well written novel with a couple of surprise twist. This is my first book by Andrea Michelle and I really, really liked it! I love the storyline, the integration of a music playlist, and I felt it had great character development. There are also a few supporting characters that you will love and hate. I especially enjoyed that before each chapter, the author wrote a paragraph or two from the thoughts of the character. I thought this was really cool and unique to her writing. I also enjoyed that Andrea wrote in both Riley and Josh's POV's which I personally love when authors do that. I can not wait to start book 2, Embrace The Moment. I am excited to read more of Riley and Josh's love story, but...I am so nervous about Dean's plans to keep them apart. If you have not read any of Andrea's books, don't delay any longer! I would definitely recommend this series to fans of Alison G. Bailey's Present Perfect Series and to anyone that loves a sweet love story.
~Lys
Riley and Josh are neighbors, the best of friends. They share a love for music and brownie mix.
I just LOVE best friend romances! There is just something so sweet about best friends from childhood evolving into something more. Andrea Michelle did a beautiful job depicting the love shared between Riley and Josh. Her words made you understand and feel the love Josh had for Riley and the fear Riley had in trusting Josh with her heart.
Riley carried so much guilt inside her. She blamed herself for Josh and his family's heartbreak and loss. She felt that she didn't deserve the amazing person that Josh was so she fought against her own heart and body to keep her distance from him. As hard as she tried to believe otherwise, she just couldn't free herself from the pain of that tragic night.
I loved Josh! He was the neighbor...the best friend any girl would die to grow up with. He was beautiful on the outside, if not more on the inside. All Josh ever wanted was for Riley to be HIS. Josh was able to see past the forced smiles and the fake laughs and just see HER, his girl. He wanted nothing more than to make her happy and to love her as boyfriend and girlfriend.
"Please believe me when I say...every day since we were five years old, you have been a crucial part of my life, a piece that I had to have to be complete. I have spent years loving you. Yes, that's right. I fucking love you, Riley. I always have and I probably always will." ~ Josh
Escape The Doubt was a super cute, well written novel with a couple of surprise twist. This is my first book by Andrea Michelle and I really, really liked it! I love the storyline, the integration of a music playlist, and I felt it had great character development. There are also a few supporting characters that you will love and hate. I especially enjoyed that before each chapter, the author wrote a paragraph or two from the thoughts of the character. I thought this was really cool and unique to her writing. I also enjoyed that Andrea wrote in both Riley and Josh's POV's which I personally love when authors do that. I can not wait to start book 2, Embrace The Moment. I am excited to read more of Riley and Josh's love story, but...I am so nervous about Dean's plans to keep them apart. If you have not read any of Andrea's books, don't delay any longer! I would definitely recommend this series to fans of Alison G. Bailey's Present Perfect Series and to anyone that loves a sweet love story.
~Lys
February 2, 2014
Although I don’t fit the demo, Mature YA is one of my favorite genre’s and Escape the Doubt fit the bill! It was a book that gripped me at the very beginning and really made it hard for me to put down.
Neighbors Riley and Josh have been best friends since Kindergarten, but as they get older, their feeling deepen, yet they are never able to tell each other. At one point they kiss, the first time for both, and it was so well written, I could feel tingling throughout my body. No doubt, one of my favorite book kisses. Whenever they seem to connect though they are always ripped apart.
One of these incidents is a tragedy that strikes both their families when they are in their early teens. Riley suffers from a lot of self doubt after this, mostly surrounding the actions of her father. It does cause her to pull back from Josh, but thankfully he doesn’t allow her to.
Riley dates another boy, Dean, for almost 2 years. She doesn’t have to give her heart to him so she feels safe. Sadly, she finds out the truth about who he really is. She is now free to finally pursue her feelings with Josh, but another girl in their high school is making things extremely difficult for them. Although there is no sex in the book, the tension between the two throughout the book is intense. There are a lot of misunderstandings throughout but I was constantly rooting for them to get together.
My one and only disappointment was with the ending of the book. It felt like the author had just stopped writing. I had really hoped for a nice epilogue, because Josh and Riley deserved it. With that said, there will be a book 2, Embrace The Moment, so I’m sure we’ll be seeing them again. Escape the Doubt was an excellent debut by author Andrea Michelle, and I will most definitely have her books on my tbr from now on.
An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
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Neighbors Riley and Josh have been best friends since Kindergarten, but as they get older, their feeling deepen, yet they are never able to tell each other. At one point they kiss, the first time for both, and it was so well written, I could feel tingling throughout my body. No doubt, one of my favorite book kisses. Whenever they seem to connect though they are always ripped apart.
One of these incidents is a tragedy that strikes both their families when they are in their early teens. Riley suffers from a lot of self doubt after this, mostly surrounding the actions of her father. It does cause her to pull back from Josh, but thankfully he doesn’t allow her to.
Riley dates another boy, Dean, for almost 2 years. She doesn’t have to give her heart to him so she feels safe. Sadly, she finds out the truth about who he really is. She is now free to finally pursue her feelings with Josh, but another girl in their high school is making things extremely difficult for them. Although there is no sex in the book, the tension between the two throughout the book is intense. There are a lot of misunderstandings throughout but I was constantly rooting for them to get together.
My one and only disappointment was with the ending of the book. It felt like the author had just stopped writing. I had really hoped for a nice epilogue, because Josh and Riley deserved it. With that said, there will be a book 2, Embrace The Moment, so I’m sure we’ll be seeing them again. Escape the Doubt was an excellent debut by author Andrea Michelle, and I will most definitely have her books on my tbr from now on.
An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
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January 24, 2014
This book was given to Book Worms as an ARC for an honest review.
Book Worms gave this book 5 Stars.
Lindsay a Book Worms Reviewer left this review.
Thank you Lindsay.
Escape the Doubt by Andrea Michelle
"I am stopping you right there because you are already wrong Riley. Everyday for the rest of my life if I'm lucky enough to keep you that long will I see the accident. I will see a beautiful girl who is lost in a sea of uncertainty but wants so badly to dive in but thinks she can't but you can and I will hold your hand when you do. I will see my best friend and the girl that I am desperately in love with. I will see you Riley. Just you."
Riley Shaw and Joshua Parker have been best friend since grade school. Always wanting to be each of others firsts. Until on a drunken night, Riley's dad runs Josh's mom off the road and they are both killed.
Riley living with the guilt of what her parents have done believes that her heart is broken beyond repair nor does she believe that she should love because of the guilt she feels. Josh and Riley soul mates. Can Josh convince Riley that he has never blamed her for her father and that he has always known she is the one for him? Can Riley ever forgive herself! her mom and dad to believe that she has a chance at love with josh, who she has loved for years?
Andrea Michelle has created a heart wrenching story of love, guilt, and regret if you don't "Escape the Doubt" and let your love be beautiful. This story had me in tears.
Thank you Andrea for your beautiful book and for sharing it with us! We look forward to reading more from you in the future<3
August 10, 2016
I adore the story of Josh and Riley. Two best friends who grew up together that develop feelings over time. After a tragic incident that happens between their families though Riley feels as though she doesn’t deserve to be anything more than friends with Josh so they remain best friends over time despite their deep feelings for each other.
Riley chooses a safe route and begins a relationship with Dean. She has it engraved in her brain that love is just a joke. Her mom has been taught that all men cheat and it’s had an effect on Riley. Riley chose Dean because she didn’t want the disappointment from Josh because all relationships are set up to fail. Little does she know…. What she thought was a ‘safe’ relationship with Dean turns out to be anything but that.
Josh has done nothing but love Riley through the years. Of course he has gone out with a couple of girls but things have never gotten really serious. Riley was his first kiss, first dance and he wants her to be his first everything. She is holding back though and doesn’t admit to her true feelings towards Josh. He tries to help remind her of everything between them and gets her to open up a couple of times but them a misunderstanding always seems to come back and blow up in his face. If only he could get Riley to open up and see the truth and not the lies.
“Sometimes the beauty of what can be is hidden underneath a bad situation or an ugly emotion like doubt.”
“…sometimes the truth is hard to believe because the lies before overshadow them. Find the beauty behind the ugly.”
This truly is a heartfelt story of young first love and overcoming the past, writing your own journey instead of hiding behind the mistakes that others made before you. There comes a time when you must let go of all fears and learn to live and love or it will be too late and you will never have that chance again.
Riley chooses a safe route and begins a relationship with Dean. She has it engraved in her brain that love is just a joke. Her mom has been taught that all men cheat and it’s had an effect on Riley. Riley chose Dean because she didn’t want the disappointment from Josh because all relationships are set up to fail. Little does she know…. What she thought was a ‘safe’ relationship with Dean turns out to be anything but that.
Josh has done nothing but love Riley through the years. Of course he has gone out with a couple of girls but things have never gotten really serious. Riley was his first kiss, first dance and he wants her to be his first everything. She is holding back though and doesn’t admit to her true feelings towards Josh. He tries to help remind her of everything between them and gets her to open up a couple of times but them a misunderstanding always seems to come back and blow up in his face. If only he could get Riley to open up and see the truth and not the lies.
“Sometimes the beauty of what can be is hidden underneath a bad situation or an ugly emotion like doubt.”
“…sometimes the truth is hard to believe because the lies before overshadow them. Find the beauty behind the ugly.”
This truly is a heartfelt story of young first love and overcoming the past, writing your own journey instead of hiding behind the mistakes that others made before you. There comes a time when you must let go of all fears and learn to live and love or it will be too late and you will never have that chance again.
January 23, 2014
3.75 out of 5 stars...
It’s really no secret that I love YA fiction. It kind of started with Twilight and has spiraled out of control to a guilty pleasure. I guess I like to relive high school with some of my favorite book characters! There high school years seem to be way more drama filled and action packed than my own.
Escape the Doubt is a book about high school senior, Riley Shaw. Riley has so many ghosts in her past that she can’t let go and allow herself to be happy. She is stuck with a jerk of a boyfriend, Dean, but her heart has no feelings for him at all. Riley is so busy blaming herself for other people’s mistakes that she can’t seem to move on in life.
Josh Parker is Riley’s best friend. They have basically grown up together and have a tragedy that will link them forever. Josh can’t stand Dean and knows what a horrible person he is but is torn as to whether or not to reveal it Riley.
Josh is a fantastic character. I love how romantic and sensitive he always is to Riley’s feelings. He seems to get into some predicaments that had me screaming at the book, but so did Riley. Sometimes I wanted to slap some sense into her! For someone to be so smart, she really had me frustrated at times. I loved the change in POV from Riley and Josh, it’s always nice to be in the other persons head. Overall, I think this book is a really good read. I would recommend it. I am really excited to read the sequel and see what else will happen between these two! Andrea Michelle is a very talented author and I am so happy that I signed up for this arc and blog tour!
http://romancerewind.blogspot.com/201...
It’s really no secret that I love YA fiction. It kind of started with Twilight and has spiraled out of control to a guilty pleasure. I guess I like to relive high school with some of my favorite book characters! There high school years seem to be way more drama filled and action packed than my own.
Escape the Doubt is a book about high school senior, Riley Shaw. Riley has so many ghosts in her past that she can’t let go and allow herself to be happy. She is stuck with a jerk of a boyfriend, Dean, but her heart has no feelings for him at all. Riley is so busy blaming herself for other people’s mistakes that she can’t seem to move on in life.
Josh Parker is Riley’s best friend. They have basically grown up together and have a tragedy that will link them forever. Josh can’t stand Dean and knows what a horrible person he is but is torn as to whether or not to reveal it Riley.
Josh is a fantastic character. I love how romantic and sensitive he always is to Riley’s feelings. He seems to get into some predicaments that had me screaming at the book, but so did Riley. Sometimes I wanted to slap some sense into her! For someone to be so smart, she really had me frustrated at times. I loved the change in POV from Riley and Josh, it’s always nice to be in the other persons head. Overall, I think this book is a really good read. I would recommend it. I am really excited to read the sequel and see what else will happen between these two! Andrea Michelle is a very talented author and I am so happy that I signed up for this arc and blog tour!
http://romancerewind.blogspot.com/201...
January 28, 2014
Escape the Doubt is a story about love and loss. Riley and Josh have been best friends since birth, but somewhere along the way, things have "shifted". They see each other as something else and not the little boy or girl they played with all those years next door. However, expressing their feelings is not so easy. They also find that there are many obstacles in their way of finding happiness. That is, if they are meant to be.
The characters were definitely young, naive and a bit stubborn at times, but I did fall in love with them. I couldn't blame Riley for being so guarded since she experienced so much hurt in her young 18 years. I think by the time we see her in the next book, she will have matured and gained a lot of confidence. Josh made me want to throw my Kindle at times. As hot and sweet as he is, he needed to open his mouth and stand up for himself and what he wanted. He was very frustrating but finally came around.
This Young Adult book was very well written. I liked the alternating POV of Riley and Josh. I enjoyed the poems and thoughts at the beginning of each chapter. I like how it combined their love for music and song writing. It gave a nice glimpse into their heads. This is not my usual genre, but I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who likes young romances, drama and emotional roller coasters. Looking forward to the next book in this series!
" Don't let the past swallow you up to where you can't live in today or see a better future. Find the beauty behind the ugly baby, even if you have to dig deep to get to it and just let it be its own kind of beautiful."
The characters were definitely young, naive and a bit stubborn at times, but I did fall in love with them. I couldn't blame Riley for being so guarded since she experienced so much hurt in her young 18 years. I think by the time we see her in the next book, she will have matured and gained a lot of confidence. Josh made me want to throw my Kindle at times. As hot and sweet as he is, he needed to open his mouth and stand up for himself and what he wanted. He was very frustrating but finally came around.
This Young Adult book was very well written. I liked the alternating POV of Riley and Josh. I enjoyed the poems and thoughts at the beginning of each chapter. I like how it combined their love for music and song writing. It gave a nice glimpse into their heads. This is not my usual genre, but I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who likes young romances, drama and emotional roller coasters. Looking forward to the next book in this series!
" Don't let the past swallow you up to where you can't live in today or see a better future. Find the beauty behind the ugly baby, even if you have to dig deep to get to it and just let it be its own kind of beautiful."
January 24, 2014
I receive an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. Check out the complete review: Book Worm Soul
This is a beautiful, heartbreaking love story about two teens struggling for their love towards each other while coping with their other life dilemmas at the same time. Everyone has gone through that particular phase where we fell in love for the first time and our times during high school. We can relate well with the story and characters because it happened to most of us at some point in our life.
Andrea Michelle has painted a realistic teenage story with angst, love, and relationship issues. The emotions and actions carried by the characters are true to what teenagers would do. Once you start the book, you are guaranteed on a ride full of emotions- happiness, sadness, grief, anger..it's sure is a breakthrough debut for Andrea and I have to give her two thumbs up!
Nicole @ Book Worm Soul
This is a beautiful, heartbreaking love story about two teens struggling for their love towards each other while coping with their other life dilemmas at the same time. Everyone has gone through that particular phase where we fell in love for the first time and our times during high school. We can relate well with the story and characters because it happened to most of us at some point in our life.
Andrea Michelle has painted a realistic teenage story with angst, love, and relationship issues. The emotions and actions carried by the characters are true to what teenagers would do. Once you start the book, you are guaranteed on a ride full of emotions- happiness, sadness, grief, anger..it's sure is a breakthrough debut for Andrea and I have to give her two thumbs up!
Nicole @ Book Worm Soul
October 15, 2013
While not usually a fan of young adult fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a tale of young love, family betrayals, teen angst, and a young girl's struggle to forgive and accept herself and her feelings.
Riley and Josh have lived next door to one another and been best friend's since one week before Riley' s fifth birthday. Both families suffer a horrendous loss in an accident - Riley' s father kills Josh' s mother in an accident while driving drunk. Her guilt forces Riley to push any romantic feelings she may have for her best friend aside because she feels unworthy of being loved.
As the story progresses we are taken on the sometimes painful, often endearing and funny, journey of self discovery, growing up, peer pressure, and - most
importantly - learning to love and be loved. I fell in love with Riley and Josh and am very much looking forward to finding out how their story plays out!
Riley and Josh have lived next door to one another and been best friend's since one week before Riley' s fifth birthday. Both families suffer a horrendous loss in an accident - Riley' s father kills Josh' s mother in an accident while driving drunk. Her guilt forces Riley to push any romantic feelings she may have for her best friend aside because she feels unworthy of being loved.
As the story progresses we are taken on the sometimes painful, often endearing and funny, journey of self discovery, growing up, peer pressure, and - most
importantly - learning to love and be loved. I fell in love with Riley and Josh and am very much looking forward to finding out how their story plays out!
January 2, 2014
Escape the Doubt is Andrea Michelle's debut novel and also book one in the Shifting series, its a young adult romance and its fantastic. Josh and Riley have been friends since they were five years old. They are completely in love with each other and have been for a long time, however things always got in the way Josh was dating some other girl usually and Riley having a long term boyfriend. Then Riley's dad died and took Josh's mom with him, Riley instantly built up walls and pushed all thoughts of Josh as anything other than a best friend out of her mind. She has trust and love issues due to her parents past issues and she's finding it very difficult to get over that. Josh does everything he can to help but in the end being her best friend will never be enough. Its a bittersweet novel of love, loss and its full of misunderstandings caused by youth and I thought that it was written very well. I can't wait for book two of Riley and Josh's story. Absolutely brilliant 5 stars!
March 26, 2014
Why would you want to be in Love?
People hurt each other. They lie to you. They betray your trust. They tear you a part limb from limb. Being in Love is complicated. At least to Riley Shaw it is all that's above, and more.
The only problem? Riley IS in Love, and she's holding herself back from finding the beautiful part in letting yourself fall deeply for someone.
Joshua Parker has been lying. He's deceived everyone he knows into believing he is a love 'em, and leave 'em play boy. He never gets in deep with a girl, because they aren't her. They will never be his best friend. They will never be Riley.
Tempers will race, as rumors run rampant. Hearts will ache, and secrets will surface. What you think you know, isn't always what it seems.
Is Love real? Or is it everything Riley has grown to believe?
A Lie.
Find out when you one-click Andrea Michelle's first book in her Shifting series.
Full review at www.herjuicyreads.com
People hurt each other. They lie to you. They betray your trust. They tear you a part limb from limb. Being in Love is complicated. At least to Riley Shaw it is all that's above, and more.
The only problem? Riley IS in Love, and she's holding herself back from finding the beautiful part in letting yourself fall deeply for someone.
Joshua Parker has been lying. He's deceived everyone he knows into believing he is a love 'em, and leave 'em play boy. He never gets in deep with a girl, because they aren't her. They will never be his best friend. They will never be Riley.
Tempers will race, as rumors run rampant. Hearts will ache, and secrets will surface. What you think you know, isn't always what it seems.
Is Love real? Or is it everything Riley has grown to believe?
A Lie.
Find out when you one-click Andrea Michelle's first book in her Shifting series.
Full review at www.herjuicyreads.com
May 5, 2014
My favorite part of Escape the Doubt was how the author was able to translate her words into feelings. I lived and breathed the emotions with Josh and Riley until I became them. Riley with her insecurities and fears and Josh with his unrelenting love and loyalty.
How can I describe Josh so that others can fully grasp what an amazing human being he is? In a world where we want our prince charming but are drawn to the bad boy, Josh was a refreshing REAL person. His qualities weren’t over exemplified. He made mistakes, which only endeared me to him further.
And Riley. Her pain was so raw, it hurt me to my core. Her desire to trust and not be able to break from her own prison was beautiful and heartbreaking.
The innocence of the young love between two best friends who are only just starting to really know who they are and what they’re capable of left me wanting so much more. I can’t wait to read Embrace the Moment!
How can I describe Josh so that others can fully grasp what an amazing human being he is? In a world where we want our prince charming but are drawn to the bad boy, Josh was a refreshing REAL person. His qualities weren’t over exemplified. He made mistakes, which only endeared me to him further.
And Riley. Her pain was so raw, it hurt me to my core. Her desire to trust and not be able to break from her own prison was beautiful and heartbreaking.
The innocence of the young love between two best friends who are only just starting to really know who they are and what they’re capable of left me wanting so much more. I can’t wait to read Embrace the Moment!
December 30, 2013
I received Escape the Doubt from Roses Book Snobs for an honest review.
Escape the Doubt is an enchanting love story between two teenagers, Josh and Riley. Best friends from a young age, they enter their teens and are both struck by an unimaginable tragedy. Facing their fears whilst still trying to be "normal" teenagers seems daunting for them both.
After two years in a relationship that was doomed from the start, Riley realizes what time she has wasted. Josh on the other hand has made himself to be someone he is not. They come together to help one another deal with their insecurities and learn more about life than they have ever imagined.
A sweet story. Definitely a YOUNG adult novel. A bit too "high-school" for my taste.. But that said, a must read for a helpless romantic young adult..
Escape the Doubt is an enchanting love story between two teenagers, Josh and Riley. Best friends from a young age, they enter their teens and are both struck by an unimaginable tragedy. Facing their fears whilst still trying to be "normal" teenagers seems daunting for them both.
After two years in a relationship that was doomed from the start, Riley realizes what time she has wasted. Josh on the other hand has made himself to be someone he is not. They come together to help one another deal with their insecurities and learn more about life than they have ever imagined.
A sweet story. Definitely a YOUNG adult novel. A bit too "high-school" for my taste.. But that said, a must read for a helpless romantic young adult..
January 28, 2014
This is a delightful story of the teen relationship between Riley and Josh. They had been friends for years and as they entered high school, were almost ready to commit to their feelings. Tragedy struck when Riley’s father was the drunk driver that killed Josh’s mother. Riley decided then that she did not deserve Josh’s love although his feelings for her remained unchanged. The story is about friendship, loyalty, finding ones’s way through the tumultuous teen years, and ultimately love. Although there is a HEA in the end, the author is going to be continuing their story as they go to college in her next novel. The book is well written, the characters very likeable (and realistic), and we are given some great secondary characters that add so much to the story. I will definitely read the next installment in this new series.
January 25, 2014
I received Escape the Doubt from Roses Book Snobs for an honest review.
Escape the Doubt is an enchanting love story between two teenagers, Josh and Riley. Best friends from a young age, they enter their teens and are both struck by an unimaginable tragedy. Facing their fears whilst still trying to be "normal" teenagers seems daunting for them both.
After two years in a relationship that was doomed from the start, Riley realizes what time she has wasted. Josh on the other hand has made himself to be someone he is not. They come together to help one another deal with their insecurities and learn more about life than they have ever imagined.
A sweet story. Definitely a YOUNG adult novel. A bit too "high-school" for my taste.. But that said, a must read for a helpless romantic young adult.
Reviewed by Jacqui
Escape the Doubt is an enchanting love story between two teenagers, Josh and Riley. Best friends from a young age, they enter their teens and are both struck by an unimaginable tragedy. Facing their fears whilst still trying to be "normal" teenagers seems daunting for them both.
After two years in a relationship that was doomed from the start, Riley realizes what time she has wasted. Josh on the other hand has made himself to be someone he is not. They come together to help one another deal with their insecurities and learn more about life than they have ever imagined.
A sweet story. Definitely a YOUNG adult novel. A bit too "high-school" for my taste.. But that said, a must read for a helpless romantic young adult.
Reviewed by Jacqui
February 8, 2014
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review**
Escape the Doubt, good story and characters.
The concept is good and the emotions of the characters are easily felt.
The author did a really great job on makingthe characters easy to love and relate with.
The characters, they are good.
I love how they have their won characteristic that made them memorable.
Riley, sweet girl but sometimes didn't see her worth to feel happy and be with someone who she truly loved.
Josh, great friend and I love his loyalty.
Both of these characters left a mark on my heart.
Their pain, loss and love are easily felt throughout the story.
Loved it!
The story, it's really good.
I love how the author brought each scenes to life andthe emotions are easily felt.
The way the story ended, I loved it!
And the surprise? I didn't expect that coming!
Can't wait to read more of this series!
Escape the Doubt, good story and characters.
The concept is good and the emotions of the characters are easily felt.
The author did a really great job on makingthe characters easy to love and relate with.
The characters, they are good.
I love how they have their won characteristic that made them memorable.
Riley, sweet girl but sometimes didn't see her worth to feel happy and be with someone who she truly loved.
Josh, great friend and I love his loyalty.
Both of these characters left a mark on my heart.
Their pain, loss and love are easily felt throughout the story.
Loved it!
The story, it's really good.
I love how the author brought each scenes to life andthe emotions are easily felt.
The way the story ended, I loved it!
And the surprise? I didn't expect that coming!
Can't wait to read more of this series!
January 18, 2014
At first I didn't know what to think about this story it is softer then what I am normally use to reading in the Romance department. Anyways I really liked the pace of the story not to fast and not to slow, it wasn't all about Sex for once and that was really nice it was more about a young girl who is trying to opening herself up to love after having her parents ruin it for her. I felt myself relating a lot to the story right down to the heart tattoo on her right hip(I have a heart on my right hip from when I was 17). This is a really good love story that will have you laughing, crying and just plain thinking about how much it was like yourself.
*** I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review to check out more of my review head over to my blog on Jan 28th, 2014***
*** I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review to check out more of my review head over to my blog on Jan 28th, 2014***
September 4, 2016
This was a well written debut novel. Riley is still reeling from the events that took her father, her best friend’s mother and any belief in love away.
The friendship between Riley and Josh is wonderful. They know everything about each other.
The dual POV is great. Their story is painful to watch unfold. Best friends in love-awwwwwwwwww. Best friends in love that keep missing their chance -aagggggggghhhhh!
While Riley jumps to conclusion after conclusion Josh seems to find it impossible to stay away from and out of situations that would appear inappropriate! I wanted to choke him more than once.
But together they work. Their earnest love story is so exciting and new. Finding their way will be difficult, but I can’t wait to read more.
The friendship between Riley and Josh is wonderful. They know everything about each other.
The dual POV is great. Their story is painful to watch unfold. Best friends in love-awwwwwwwwww. Best friends in love that keep missing their chance -aagggggggghhhhh!
While Riley jumps to conclusion after conclusion Josh seems to find it impossible to stay away from and out of situations that would appear inappropriate! I wanted to choke him more than once.
But together they work. Their earnest love story is so exciting and new. Finding their way will be difficult, but I can’t wait to read more.
January 8, 2014
I received this book as an ARC through MA Book reviews. I loved that the book went by the point of views of each main character. I could not put the book down, I always wanted to know what was going to happen next. The best thing about this book is that even though there is talk of sex it's not everything and with some old school values in there as well. Love that it can also Be Continued...as I'm hoping will happen in the College Years. My only negative would be that of the third point of view in the end I could have personally done without it but it wasn't something that made me change from a 5 star review..great job to this author can't wait to read many more from her!
February 2, 2014
In Escape the Doubt, Andrea gave us a beautiful, gripping story that will warm your heart and you will have a hard time putting the book down.
The main characters, Josh and Riley have been through hell and back. They are friends who are in love with each other. They are both young and they still have a lot of things to learn.
Andrea has done an amazing job with crafting her characters and writing storyline that will have you glued to each page and reading the book until the early morning.
She nailed her debut novel.
Can´t wait to read the next book in the series.
≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦
>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<<
The main characters, Josh and Riley have been through hell and back. They are friends who are in love with each other. They are both young and they still have a lot of things to learn.
Andrea has done an amazing job with crafting her characters and writing storyline that will have you glued to each page and reading the book until the early morning.
She nailed her debut novel.
Can´t wait to read the next book in the series.
≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦
>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<<
September 11, 2013
I received this book as an ARC. This is a story about young love and teen relationships/issues. It is not the genre I usually read but despite that I found it to have a great story line. The characters are likeable and I found myself wanting to continue reading to see what was going to happen. The characters have depth and I think the emotions and actions they exhibit are true to life especially how I think a teenager would respond. Very realistic characters that I think most people can relate to. I'm ready for book 2!
December 17, 2013
I simply adored this book! Riley and Josh have been through so much together and Riley feels as if she doesn't deserve Josh, even though their younger siblings and everyone else can see that they belong together. Escape the Doubt will have you feeling alot of emotions while reading it, anger, love and sad. There were times when I wished I could reach into the book and slap some sense into the characters or throat punch Dean. All in all it was a fantastic read and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
September 13, 2013
I received this book as an ARC. I have to say that I really enjoyed it. The author does a great job of developing the characters and exposing their inner turmoil. I love the main characters Riley and Josh. Josh is the guy every girl dreams about, hot, sweet, and takes care of what he loves. Riley is the adorable, girl next door holding a lot of guilt from her fathers past. Watch out for the twists and turns, I recommend this book to anyone who likes a heartwarming love story.
October 27, 2013
I was given this book by author for honest review. Riley Shaw and Josh Parker have been best friends since childhood, but is that all they can be? This book is all about acknowledging doubts and fears in order to do all that’s possible to overcome them so that life can be lived to it’s fullest.
October 16, 2013
Escape the Doubt is a must read! The author does a fantastic job telling the story of Josh & Riley! Can't wait for book 2!
January 1, 2014
Touching story of overcoming one of the most challenging aspects of life....Trust! Full review to come....
January 16, 2014
Such a great book, I laughed i cried. I love Riley and Josh they are so good together. I couldn't put this book down, I highly recommend it. <3
January 26, 2014
ARC REVIEW
I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK JOSH AND RILEY HAD ME LAUGHING OUT LOUD, GETTING STRANGE LOOKS FROM OTHERS ON A TRAIN LOL. REALLY SWEET LOVE STORY
I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK JOSH AND RILEY HAD ME LAUGHING OUT LOUD, GETTING STRANGE LOOKS FROM OTHERS ON A TRAIN LOL. REALLY SWEET LOVE STORY
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