Someone I Used to Know

by Blakney Francis

Adley Adair's ex-boyfriend did more than just write an international bestseller about their failed relationship. He exposed all her dirty little secrets to the world, and locked all her demons into print, masquerading it as a love story.

Three years removed from the relationship that changed her life, Adley is just a college student who wants nothing more than to forget the whole thing ever happened, but when the studio making Cam's book into a movie makes her an offer she can't refuse, Adley finds herself back on a plane to California and the life she thought she'd left behind.

Now, she's not just dealing with the only man she's ever loved, but also the Australian movie star who refuses to let her hide from a past that she can't change.

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

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2013

About the author

Blakney Francis was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where she developed an unhealthy obsession with college football but never once had the urge to marry a cousin as the stereotypes of the South might suggest.

To contact her for interviews or if you're interested in featuring one of her books on your blog please email BlakneyFrancis@gmail.com
"Like" her on facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blakne...

Reviews

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute gem among the literary treasures, this story holds a special place in my heart. It's a tale that radiates with a light and sweet essence, brimming with a refreshing originality that instantly captivated me. Among the cast of characters, Cam and Declan shine brightly, but it's the beautifully flawed and intricately layered Adley Adair who truly stole my heart.

As someone who has a soft spot for the classic 'regular girl falling for the Hollywood hunk' narrative, this book not only met but exceeded my expectations.

In the end, this story is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to whisk us away into worlds we never want to leave. It's a reminder that amidst the ordinary and extraordinary, love, growth, and imperfections intermingle to create something truly extraordinary. If you're seeking a read that dances on the edge of heartwarming and heartrending, look no further – this book is a masterpiece in every sense.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover of this book really doesn't do it justice, and neither does the summery, which also doesn't truthfully give you an idea of what this book is about.
I've been reading a lot of books lately, but I know this one & Me Before You will stay with me for a long time.

Adley Adair has been doing everything in her power to try and forget her past, but that is not so easy when there's a book written about you. Adley has never read the book as it is too painful for her to remember the sacrafices and decisions she had to make to get to where she is now. She'd been doing a great job at trying to forget, minding her own business and not attract to much attention to who she is... But all of that is about to change when her ex-boyfriend Cam (who is also the writer of the book about her) calls to ask her help with the movie adaption.
Adley doesn't want to go, but she desperately needs the money, so she agrees to do it anyway. And what is waiting for her is far more than Adley could have ever expected. Especially Declan Davies, who seems hellbent on making her life more miserable than it already is.

For 547 pages I found Adley extremely unlikeable most of the time, but not to the point where I couldn't read about her anymore. I just didn't like the choices she made, the way she kept people at bay, even when they were desperately trying to find a way into her life. She was was acting like a bitch, and I just couldn't understand why. They might have been good reasons to her, but to me it seemed a little cold.... So for 547 pages I found myself silently judging this character, whishing for her to stop being so annoying and cold. Trying to pretend her past doesn't exist/ignoring everything that happened before.
And then it dawned on me: I am Adley Adair. Sure, her backstory is nothing close to mine, if anything my backstory is more similiar to Cam than to Adley. But boy do I act like Adley a lot of the time.... Keeping my distance from people I love/loved me, 'running away', shutting people out. Once that realization sank in I realized I wasn't so much hating on Adley, I was hating my own choices really.

It might have taken a lot of time for Adley to accept the past for what it is and move forward, I am not there. But this story surely gave me a lot to think about when it comes to my own demons.

“I think that pretending your hand isn’t broken doesn’t make it any less broken. How can you heal if you won’t even accept that you’re broken?”

[Louyse · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a public service review on behalf of Australians. In fact if there were such a thing as the slang police - I would be reporting the author. We do NOT speak like Declan.

This book sounded like an some light fun and being an Australian, I was looking forward to an Aussie character.

The author clearly must have discovered an Aussie slang dictionary from the 1970's or earlier because the supposed sexy, sophisticated, educated, super famous Australian actor character (Declan)'s speech was liberally (ie over the top) peppered with outdated and misused slang. For an Australian it is so distracting, I've found it really hard to get into the story and I'm very disappointed as a result.

I'm cringing as I read.

there are so many occurrences, for example women being referred to as Sheila's kinda died out in the '70's (Okay, maybe way, way out west ie remote and isolated sheep/cattle stations there are a couple of old shearers or ringers who may still use the term?) but seriously NO-ONE here speaks like that. The mis-use of the vernacular is ruining his credibility ie Declan, the supposed super, sexy hero use the term "doodle" in reference to his penis (some children under the age of 5 would, but an adult, never), in a sex scene? no, no, no, nooooooooo that would be like him calling it his winkie in a hot sexy scene.

Such a shame coz the story could be really enjoyable without that distraction.

[Isha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't reviewed a book in quite a while, so sorry if this isn't eloquently written.
Actual Review: 3.5 Stars

I first decided to read the book because, obviously, the storyline intrigued me. I went in expecting Adley Adair, the main character, to be dealing with the consequences of her past and the unwanted fame that came with the publishing of her past relationship. Instead, what I got to read was her coming to terms with her past decision, with the help of oh-so-sexy Aussie movie star Declan Davies.

In the end, I honestly wasn't sure how rate this book. I couldn't really understand the seemingly (excuse my language) half-assed reasoning behind Adley's actions in the past. Her making decisions for everyone else without anyone fighting her was hard to grasp without lifting an eyebrow, but I realize that this particular character flaw was a driving force behind the novel's events. Besides this, I thought the book was interesting and well written; a nice, albeit drama-filled novel about learning to accept the past and embrace the present.

One particularly nice aspect about the book was how the reader isn't just told Adley's entire life story in the beginning. Instead the reader is shown two sides of the past--Adley's through her narration, and Cameron's through the scenes filmed on set. The story itself is written between Adley and Declan's POVs. Declan's focuses on his perception of Adley (how different an 'Adley' she is from the one he read about in Cameron's book), and his determination to get her to come to terms with her past. Adley's focuses on her past and her constant need to run away from it.

Each character contributes something to the story, whether to shed light on another character's personality, or to offer advice (as several do) to Adley. I came to like all the characters; each played a part in transforming Adley.

The ending was nice, but I wished we were able to learn more about Cameron, not only in the end but throughout the story. I also wanted to know if Adley ever went to see her daughter, as Cameron had.

[Mattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was so much more complex and emotionally involving than I expected based on the synopsis. I was instantly drawn into the story and loved the glimpses we got into the characters' pasts, the complicated relationships that seemed so real. I love this type of romance--the whole famous guy in love with a normal girl thing, but the best thing about this book was how extraordinary the heroine really was, and how realistic and flawed her choices were, even as she demonstrated strength and integrity. In so many romances, I am left wondering what exactly it is that draws people to the heroines--so often they can be cookie-cutter Mary Sue types with self-esteem issues that everyone sees as cute or irresitable. In this case, the heroine was fascinating, not just to the love interests, but to the reader. I wanted to know more about her. I cried with her, I laughed with her, and by the end, I just wanted to have a martini with her and give her a hug.
Everyone should read this book; I know I will read it multiple times. I can easily see this becoming a life-long favorite. I can't wait to see more from this author.

[L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

NO. I'm sorry, but, no.

There is a scene where the supposed love interest of the poor girl (who had previously put her child up for adoption) TAUNTS her, simply trying to get a rise out of her for the sake of it, by asking things like, "Do you even know what color [your child]'s hair was?", and "What could it have hurt, seeing her for ONE more day in the hospital?"

And then, the very next scene? She screws him for the first time.

I'm no prude, and I'm not someone to generally complain when something is slightly politically incorrect. But just the fact that this ass of a character was using the most traumatic experience of a girl's life to bully her into some twisted form of flirtation, which the book seemingly had no issue with? Disgusting.

Oh, and, even before this scene? This book was full of utterly repulsive views of male "romantic" intentions (he despised her because she dared to call him out on his arrogant behavior, and as such, he wanted to have sex with her until she begged for forgiveness? Really, book?). Don't even bother with this one.

[TSN ☮ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read September 2019
Re-read June 2017

This book is SO freaking good!

This is a really beautiful and deep story that you can't help being touched by. It is sad, happy, cute and, then sad again before a wonderful HEA ending.

Normally I have this problem with epilogues - I absolutely hate them.
But when an author writes this in her epilogue...

"All an epilogue really is, is an excuse for the author to draw things out as long as possible."

Well, it made me laugh out loud! And I loved it.
Besides, this epilogue really finalized the story in the best way.


Original review:
Wow, it is a long time since I have been so pleasantly surprised!
It just got better and better and better ... 5 giant stars.

[Poliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous!
It was not a new story but the way it was told was refreshing. All the characters were well portraited, and though, some dense topics were being discussed the book has a light way to approach them.
Adley Adair is an intriguing figure and I just wanted to understand her and Cam as much as Declan.
I loved the fact that we can't know exactly everything, 'cause in real life we never know.
The book has great quotes and beautiful momentts. Of course, there is some spice and romance, but for me the best was Adley's journey into becoming a new her.

I recommend this book for anyone in search of something funny, spicy but at the same time with a real story to be told.

[Simone Almeida · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book to read because I thought it would be a fun, flirty book. Boy, was I wrong!!!

However, I'm glad it blew away my assumptions. Don't get me wrong; it has its fun, flirty moments but it was much more than that.

I don't know how to review this book without giving away its plot, but I will say this- the book made me stop and think and there aren't many books that can do that for me.

[Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was such a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed the author's writing style. A unique storyline which was SO refreshing in a world filled with cookie cutter books and often-repeated story lines. The characters were believable and I was thoroughly engaged in this the whole way through.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a love-hate relationship with Adley. She's complicated but she made the book really interesting by her always wanting to runaway. Then comes in Declan Davies. Sigh. But to be honest, it's kind of my first time to read a book that had so much mhhhm scenes in it. I was kind of skipping it so yeah. But nonetheless, i enjoyed the book completely. Cameron, ugh. His relationship with Adley is something i would like to have. It's like your still bestfriends because you know each other so well but you're exes.

I kind of hope that Ms. Blakney Francis included the part where she sees her parents again or like a family reunion. But the Thomas scene was touching. I agh. So much feels.

This book gave me so much emotions while reading it and after I read it. I kind of hope there's a sequel to this. I adored all of the characters here because they each gave the book something. Yes, even Madeline.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb to the book caught my attention, but did not necessarily make me want to read this book. Looking for a new book to read, I stumbled upon this book again and took a chance, and I am so glad that I did. The blurb and cover do not do this book justice.

It is a beautiful read about college student Adley Adair's painful past that has been turned into an international bestselling romance novel and the next hollywood "it" movie.

I loved Adley Adair. She is a beautiful person who does her best trying to survive in a world where everyone knows her demons that she is not yet willing to confront.

Both the leading men, Cam and Declan, stole my heart. Both have equal amounts of swoon-worthiness.

Someone I Used to Know made me laugh and made me cry (more like uncontrollably sob). Most definitely a must read.

I am looking forward to reading future books from Blakney Francis.

[Adina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lovely surprise to me. Having just finished reading a rather bland story that featured a Mary Sue heroine, who was so perfect in every way that she was simply impossible to empathise with or for, Adley Adair with all her flaws and guts was a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed her story immensely. I was hooked from the very first page and the story simply refused to let me go, or even go to sleep :) Adley and all the supporting characters were well written and interesting. No cardboard cut-outs here. Highly recommended.

[Vera Cruz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this book. Reader reviews were enthusiastic. The story was self-contained and sequel-less (which I thought showed promise). However, I found it such an unappealing read.

The author set out to create a unique storyline. Had she succeeded in making it work through and through, this would have been a great standout in a sea of repetitive YA romance novels. But the fact that she never delved that deep into the inescapable trauma, regret, and resentment caused everything to fall a bit flat.

In between what I thought were Beginner 101 observations on love, life and choice, she inserted this inevitable-attraction meaningless-sex relationship thing. I guess that worked so well that I never for a second believed its progression into substantial romantic love.

Adley and Declan were unimpressive human beings. Hinting at how good, selfless and lovable they were isn't the same as showing us. It's not enough to flat-out loud state it. That's just not artful enough.

Now, Cam's character had real potential. A half-heartbroken, inscrutable writer type? I wish he hadn't been absent for 99% of the text. I also wished this very juicy monologue (which I'm about to quote next) had been a touchstone that was worked upon earlier and more extensively:

But when did you stop being in love with me? I didn't agree to that... I let you go. Isn't that what you're supposed to do? If you love someone, then let them go. You were supposed to do what you needed to do, to move on from what happened, and get back to being who you are. You weren't supposed to fall in love with someone else!

But what I really hated was the insta-resolution of Adley's issues. One unbelievably convenient conversation is all it took for her to heal herself and work through her issues. No. No. Doesn't work that way.

P.S. - The Australian slang thing got so old so fast.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be 3.5 stars

Someone I Used to Know had a very interesting premise, and looked to be promising in the young/adult genre. I think that Ms. Francis did a great job of portraying the angst and emotions of a teenager (Adair Adley) who underwent drastic life changes. Her martyr attitude really brought back memories of those teenage years, and the way life is viewed in black and white during that stage of our lives. There was some elements that felt unreal, such as Declan Davies' response and attitude towards his costar, as well as Cam's relationship with Adair, but overall, it was an easy dramatic story that flowed relatively well.

[Alessia Crescenzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non mi aspettavo tanta bellezza da questo libro, e invece mi è piaciuto molto di più di tutti quei New Adult di autrici famose e sopravvalutate.
Someone I used to know ti trascina in un vortice di emozioni diverse: ti fa arrabbiare con la protagonista per la sua testardaggine, ti spezza il cuore quando man mano scopri la storia di Cam e Adler e ti fa innamorare di Declan.
Se la protagonista quindi ti sembrerà un po' antipatica, non potrai non affezionarti terribilmente a Cam e Declan <3

[Casey Mcmahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING! I am now reading it for the second time and it is even better the second time! This is not your average love story and it is such an intriguing book. You can't get enough of the characters or the story line!!!! It is such a fun interesting read! EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!!! I can not wait till Blakney Francis releases another book.

[Jacqui · Rating 1 out of 5]

There were so many typos in this book it was distracting. The story was fine, but kind of lost track of the plot when I kept getting hung up on "thing" being used as "think" (sounds close, but so very wrong).

[Blakney Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If everyone enjoys reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it then I will be one happy camper!

[Denifri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Great read! I could not put it down. I did not agree with Adley's decisions but somehow the writer mede me to understand her. The book made me think a lot and I will definitely read it again.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh holy wow. This book was SO much more than I'd expected. It was sad and happy and cute and then sad again before a wonderful ending. Very different from any book I've ever read, but oh so worth it!

[Jenny Levine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book that I enjoyed reading soooo much!

Again, READ IT!!! :)

[Chey · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. Heart wrenching. a must read!

[Yasmin Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

This book was very emotional, I'm shocked its not critically acclaimed. This book takes you on a journey with the life of Adley Adair.

[Lisa Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first novel! Enjoyed this book and characters very much!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well written book hooked me from the very first pages. The author's writing is honest and articulate, and it's easy to identify with her suffering, particularly if you're of the age when you start to see people around you suffering from failing memory. After a quick succession of falls, the sensation of a head half-filled with cotton wool, a fatigue she couldn't fathom, slurred words, and even her fork slipping from her grasp, she receives a diagnosis of a stroke, but that's only the tip of the iceberg. Months after the stroke, she has returned to work but can't shake the fear that her mind is slipping. She compensates by developing a reminder system of Post-It notes, but starts to notice other areas where her abilities are slipping, such as driving. She drives more and more slowly because she can't think as fast as the car moves, making it difficult to plan to make a turn. Finally receiving the diagnosis she feared, early onset Alzheimer's. The NHS system she has relied on starts to let her down. She knows there is no cure, but there really is very little information on living with Alzheimer's. She fears losing her independence and "losing a grip on what makes me me."

Mitchell starts the process of learning everything she can about this disease, how other people are living with it, what kind of support is needed, and how her daughters can help. Most of all, she wants to preserve her independence and identify as long as possible. She joins organizations and travels throughout the country attending conferences, giving speeches and creating hope among those afflicted that they can continue to live fully with the disease as long as possible. Mitchell is single and is convinced that her decline is slower than some because she has to do everything for herself. She can't simply give her care over to another person. Her energy and ability to cope are quite impressive and should give hope to anyone living with dementia or caring for another that is already suffering from the condition.

[It'S Just Me · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mniej niż zero. Książka bez większej treści tak jak i bohaterka. Jest zarozumiała, miejscami zdzirowata, robi z siebie na siłę męczennika, melodramatyczna, głupia i ignorancka. Nic poza nią i jej racją nie istnieje. A przy tym rani wszystkich dookoła bez większego zmartwienia.

[Winnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good summer read. Slightly unbelievable but likable characters overall.

[Lauren Hasenmiller · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't get through the beginning too many typos not fun to read.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.

I saw it as a different take on the typical Hollywood story. The main character is an outsider to the Hollywood scene, so I really enjoyed her take on the lifestyle.

Blakney Francis created a couple of very interesting characters, and it kept me reading the whole time. It's a light, quick read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a book that will make a good beach read or airplane book. That's where I read it-- on an airplane, and I found it helped the time pass in the air very quickly.

I look forward to reading more from Blakney, as this is her first novel. She's off to a great start.