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Riverdale #1
Pieces
Jake Lanza is one of Riverdale New York’s favorite sons. He owns a tattoo parlor in the small upstate town and prides himself on being a fun-loving, live by the seat of your pants type of guy. He has everything he wants in life, a thriving business, a great family and a best friend with whom he could never live without.
Cara Sloane weaved her way into Jake’s life when they were fifteen years old. After her life fell apart at such a young age, Jake helped her heal, and began to pick up the pieces of her fallen life. His unconventional ways slowly had him becoming the anchor in her life.
Now fourteen years later Jake begins to see Cara in a new light. The things he thought he never wanted, he suddenly began to yearn for. The only problem was they were both too frightened to lose the greatest love either of them has ever known. Can Jake convince Cara there is more for them than just a friendship? Is he willing to take that gamble himself?
Cara Sloane weaved her way into Jake’s life when they were fifteen years old. After her life fell apart at such a young age, Jake helped her heal, and began to pick up the pieces of her fallen life. His unconventional ways slowly had him becoming the anchor in her life.
Now fourteen years later Jake begins to see Cara in a new light. The things he thought he never wanted, he suddenly began to yearn for. The only problem was they were both too frightened to lose the greatest love either of them has ever known. Can Jake convince Cara there is more for them than just a friendship? Is he willing to take that gamble himself?
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
50 people are currently reading
1232 people want to read
About the author
Janine Infante Bosco
93 books1,797 followersJanine Infante Bosco lives in New York City, she has always loved reading and writing. When she was thirteen, she began to write her own stories and her passion for writing took off as the years went on. At eighteen, she even wrote a full screenplay with dreams of one day becoming a member of the Screen Actors Guild.
Janine writes emotionally charged novels with an emphasis on family bonds, strong willed female characters, and alpha male men who will do anything for the women they love. She loves to interact with fans and fellow avid romance readers like herself.
She is proud of her success as an author and the friendships she's made in the book community but her greatest accomplishment to date would be her two sons Joseph and Paul.
Janine writes emotionally charged novels with an emphasis on family bonds, strong willed female characters, and alpha male men who will do anything for the women they love. She loves to interact with fans and fellow avid romance readers like herself.
She is proud of her success as an author and the friendships she's made in the book community but her greatest accomplishment to date would be her two sons Joseph and Paul.
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July 30, 2017At 70% I decide to stop reading this one after I checked out the third book in the series to see what happens in this one. If you are curious it's under the spoiler below!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2015
NOT ENOUGH WINKIN' EYEBROW WAGGIN' JAKE LANZA STARS!!!! WOW, I'm choking here. My heart has been chewed up and spit out. I'm definitely not one to write spoilers (I hate that, which of course I don't read, why would someone want to?!) I also don't like to know if it is a HEA! Why would I want to read then? Anyway I only like to try and comment using "codes" that only someone who has read knows what I'm referring to. THIS BOOK MY FRIENDS IS WORTH EVERYTHING IN MY OPION! The Lanza's are hilarious (especially Joe (their dad), JAKE is in a class of his own and hot damn he's drool worthy! Cara, one lucky girl and their friendship~ahhhhh. I didn't see several things coming and that's what I love, I just don't know what else to say ecept gosh darn it this has become a favorite of mine. On to book #2
April 8, 2018
I'm so broken hearted right now! I absolutely loved this story. Two friends finally realize they belong together... just a little too late. Jake Lanza is literally the best book boyfriends you can find. Cara was pretty perfect too. She was strong willed and very loyal to the Lanza family. As sad at the end of this that I am, I have a feeling the next book and possibly the third, will be just as sad. However, it's a story I've fallen in love with and won't mind crying over. It's wonderful to find a little known author/book and know you've discovered a gem. This is one of those examples. I definitely recommend this book!
pass-not-interested-stay-away
November 29, 2016NOPE not touching this book.
April 15, 2014
Marie's Tempting Reads Review:
This was a very well written contemporary romance. I really enjoyed the fact that Cara and Jake were best friends that became lovers. I think these two knowing so much about each other for so long just made things that much better as they went from being best friends, to being a couple too. They were perfect together and just so sweet. Heck I wish I could just hop inside the book and take their picture because I can see clearly that they would look A-M-A-Z-I-N-G together.
This story fell together so nicely. I was pleasantly surprised how much I actually liked it. At first I thought maybe it would be really boring and just..I don't know, blah, but it WASN'T! It was catchy, sweet, sexy, romantic, and just plain interesting. I am looking forward to the next book eagerly.
Jake and Cara looked super good together at the race track. I enjoyed reading how much Cara enjoyed Jake kissing her. I could practically feel the heat coming off the pages as I read. WOW! I was however a bit scared along with Cara when Jake started having issues after doing is stunt on his motorcycle. But it kind of makes things worse when it has been happening a LOT for Jake throughout the book, but I think it added to the story because the whole time I'm reading it I keep thinking, "what's wrong with him?" then I would bite my lip nervously. I usually don't get that into a story but when I do, I know it is a spectacular book.
Well before I give the WHOLE book away I better stop while I'm ahead.
Rating this book was simple. I gave this glorious piece of work a FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS! Its an engrossing read that I HIGHLY recommend.
This was a very well written contemporary romance. I really enjoyed the fact that Cara and Jake were best friends that became lovers. I think these two knowing so much about each other for so long just made things that much better as they went from being best friends, to being a couple too. They were perfect together and just so sweet. Heck I wish I could just hop inside the book and take their picture because I can see clearly that they would look A-M-A-Z-I-N-G together.
This story fell together so nicely. I was pleasantly surprised how much I actually liked it. At first I thought maybe it would be really boring and just..I don't know, blah, but it WASN'T! It was catchy, sweet, sexy, romantic, and just plain interesting. I am looking forward to the next book eagerly.
Jake and Cara looked super good together at the race track. I enjoyed reading how much Cara enjoyed Jake kissing her. I could practically feel the heat coming off the pages as I read. WOW! I was however a bit scared along with Cara when Jake started having issues after doing is stunt on his motorcycle. But it kind of makes things worse when it has been happening a LOT for Jake throughout the book, but I think it added to the story because the whole time I'm reading it I keep thinking, "what's wrong with him?" then I would bite my lip nervously. I usually don't get that into a story but when I do, I know it is a spectacular book.
Well before I give the WHOLE book away I better stop while I'm ahead.
Rating this book was simple. I gave this glorious piece of work a FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS! Its an engrossing read that I HIGHLY recommend.
January 20, 2016
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***There may be some spoilerish stuff in this review, you have been warned. I generally don’t like to do spoliers, but in this one I think I have no choice.***
This book is a sweet and steady romance laced with heartbreak. I am an emotional reader but it takes a lot for me to cry in a book. I’m not ashamed to say I cried when I read the end. I was able to predict this ending with confidence, although I don’t think it was meant to be a secret. The foreshadowing in this book did its job. I must point out that there were so many commas throughout this book. Generally, I don’t rate on grammar because I’m lazy to be honest. But this book has loads of them; beware if this is an issue for you.
These characters had a long and close history from the beginning. Cara is sweet and saucy in her interactions with Jake. They have a great banter between them. Every heard the term love is blind. There is a second part to that saying. Love is blind, friendship closes its eyes. You can see they love each other before they do. It’s like peeking in on a couple when they don’t think anyone is looking. Super adorable.
A few scenes really stood out for me. Cara’s birthday was one of them. It really captured his honest love for her. Also, the scene when his family found out about his illness. I really felt his mothers helplessness. The last page was the most prominent for me. Jake wrote Cara a letter. I won’t say more than that.
If you like Contemporary Romance, this is a good book to read.
***There may be some spoilerish stuff in this review, you have been warned. I generally don’t like to do spoliers, but in this one I think I have no choice.***
This book is a sweet and steady romance laced with heartbreak. I am an emotional reader but it takes a lot for me to cry in a book. I’m not ashamed to say I cried when I read the end. I was able to predict this ending with confidence, although I don’t think it was meant to be a secret. The foreshadowing in this book did its job. I must point out that there were so many commas throughout this book. Generally, I don’t rate on grammar because I’m lazy to be honest. But this book has loads of them; beware if this is an issue for you.
These characters had a long and close history from the beginning. Cara is sweet and saucy in her interactions with Jake. They have a great banter between them. Every heard the term love is blind. There is a second part to that saying. Love is blind, friendship closes its eyes. You can see they love each other before they do. It’s like peeking in on a couple when they don’t think anyone is looking. Super adorable.
A few scenes really stood out for me. Cara’s birthday was one of them. It really captured his honest love for her. Also, the scene when his family found out about his illness. I really felt his mothers helplessness. The last page was the most prominent for me. Jake wrote Cara a letter. I won’t say more than that.
If you like Contemporary Romance, this is a good book to read.
March 4, 2015
What made me want to read this book was the blurb. I love stories about friends to lovers because the foundation of love and trust is already established, but is still far from perfect. When I got the chance to review this book for the author, I jumped at the chance, knowing I would love this story. And I did!
I usually recap what the story is about, without giving away any spoilers, but I'm not going to do that with this review. Why? Because I love this book and I think if I did that, I would give something away. So I'll just say the story is about a beautiful friendship between lifelong friends, Cara and Jake. Both have feeling for each other and this book is their story about how they step pass their fear and take a chance to see if what they have can be more.
Are they meant to be more than friends? Or will their fears keep them apart?
A beautiful story that will touch your heart. My favorite part is the ending, but I'm not saying anything more. You're just going to have to read the book and find out why!
I highly recommend this book to everyone!
I usually recap what the story is about, without giving away any spoilers, but I'm not going to do that with this review. Why? Because I love this book and I think if I did that, I would give something away. So I'll just say the story is about a beautiful friendship between lifelong friends, Cara and Jake. Both have feeling for each other and this book is their story about how they step pass their fear and take a chance to see if what they have can be more.
Are they meant to be more than friends? Or will their fears keep them apart?
A beautiful story that will touch your heart. My favorite part is the ending, but I'm not saying anything more. You're just going to have to read the book and find out why!
I highly recommend this book to everyone!
July 2, 2014
I absolutely loved this book, couldn't put it down, the love story between these two best friends, was so sweet and charming, thought Jake was gonna be a bad boy, but he so was not. Fell in love with Jake right from the beginning, you could just feel that something was wrong with Jake, had tears in my eyes on numerous occasions, but the letter to Cara at the end of this book, was so heart wrenching, don't read this book in public, people will wonder why you're crying! The characters in this book were amazing and I know Sam and Nick's story is going to be just as good, but I have a feeling there is more to come for Jake and Cara as well.
dnf
November 19, 2015DNF at 69%
I was enjoying this book, until sudden unexpected turn of events caught me unprepared. And because of personal reasons, I cannot continue reading this book at the moment. I will probably get back to Pieces at some point. But I have no idea if it is going to be in month, year or 5 years...
I was enjoying this book, until sudden unexpected turn of events caught me unprepared. And because of personal reasons, I cannot continue reading this book at the moment. I will probably get back to Pieces at some point. But I have no idea if it is going to be in month, year or 5 years...
July 29, 2016
I'm not happy with that ending. Otherwise it was a good book. But that ending just tanked the book for me.
June 18, 2016
Originally posted on my blog and on Leafmarks.
I got Pieces as a free kindle book. I was immediately interested by the theme of long time friends becoming more. It's one of my favorites. I started reading it almost the same day I got it, and immediately I noticed a glaring issue.
This book was poorly edited. It's not that it was badly written, but there were typos, sometimes the author wrote the wrong name, and most noticeable - the comma abuse. Every sentence had an insane amount of commas, even where they weren't need. It fractured the sentences, broke the fluidity of the reading, and kept taking me out of the plot as I was trying to translate how the sentence should be read.
It took a lot of effort and concentration to get over that and keep reading.
But I will admit - this book is good, aside for that. It has good characters - what with both Cara and Jake being strong, funny, good people - a good romance that made you feel the both of them belonged together, and the interactions between everyone made me smile and laugh.
It was also heartbreaking, but not in a way that made me (personally) cry. Probably because my issues with the commas stopped me from being completely swallowed by the book.
However, I won't be reading book 2. Not because this book wasn't good, but because SPOILER FOR BOOK TWO & THREE
June 23, 2014
* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
From my giveaway post on www.KrissysBookNook.com :
"Pieces by author Janine Infante Bosco is the story of Jake Lanza – a Harley-riding-hot-tempered-sexy-as-hell tattoo artist in Riverdale, New York. Jake has a best friend named Cara, who is a bartender at the local watering hole, and they’ve been close since they were teenagers. Jake and Cara have flirted with crossing the friends-only boundaries very seldom in their long standing friendship, but both are starting to feel the stirrings of possibly wanting more.
Jake has a brother named Luke, and a sister named Sam. Luke’s best friend, Nick, has unresolved romantic feelings of his own for the Lanza brothers‘ little sister. Nick has been living across the country for the past six years, but has now returned home. Sam’s reaction to his return isn’t very warm and inviting. I wonder what could have happened to make her act so icy towards him?"
~*~ Spoilers Ahead ~*~
The moment Jake and Cara shared the kiss in his childhood bedroom, I knew. They were totally going to end up together. I figured there would be some bumps in the road. I mean, the author has to have SOME drama to hold your attention, right? ;)
Boy! I did NOT expect that kind of "bump in the road"!
This book is a great reminder to never hold back your true feelings. You aren't guaranteed tomorrow, so make the best out of today. My book heart broke the moment Jake was diagnosed. It broke for his family, his longtime friend, and most of all for Cara.
I loved the strong bonds of the family, both blood related, and "adopted" by the Lanza's.
It made me giggle when I read the part when Joe was learning how to "tweet" in the hospital. (he may be my favorite character!)
I give 'Pieces' 4 out of 5 "Krissy Stars".
I'm already reading book two, and will share my 'Broken Pieces' review on krissysbooknook.com when I'm done.
Xo- K
From my giveaway post on www.KrissysBookNook.com :
"Pieces by author Janine Infante Bosco is the story of Jake Lanza – a Harley-riding-hot-tempered-sexy-as-hell tattoo artist in Riverdale, New York. Jake has a best friend named Cara, who is a bartender at the local watering hole, and they’ve been close since they were teenagers. Jake and Cara have flirted with crossing the friends-only boundaries very seldom in their long standing friendship, but both are starting to feel the stirrings of possibly wanting more.
Jake has a brother named Luke, and a sister named Sam. Luke’s best friend, Nick, has unresolved romantic feelings of his own for the Lanza brothers‘ little sister. Nick has been living across the country for the past six years, but has now returned home. Sam’s reaction to his return isn’t very warm and inviting. I wonder what could have happened to make her act so icy towards him?"
~*~ Spoilers Ahead ~*~
The moment Jake and Cara shared the kiss in his childhood bedroom, I knew. They were totally going to end up together. I figured there would be some bumps in the road. I mean, the author has to have SOME drama to hold your attention, right? ;)
Boy! I did NOT expect that kind of "bump in the road"!
This book is a great reminder to never hold back your true feelings. You aren't guaranteed tomorrow, so make the best out of today. My book heart broke the moment Jake was diagnosed. It broke for his family, his longtime friend, and most of all for Cara.
I loved the strong bonds of the family, both blood related, and "adopted" by the Lanza's.
It made me giggle when I read the part when Joe was learning how to "tweet" in the hospital. (he may be my favorite character!)
I give 'Pieces' 4 out of 5 "Krissy Stars".
I'm already reading book two, and will share my 'Broken Pieces' review on krissysbooknook.com when I'm done.
Xo- K
December 21, 2014
Jake and Cara are childhood best friends, all grown up and fighting the inevitable - the fact that everyone and their Momma thinks they need to just make it official.
I laughed through a good portion of this book due to Jake's charisma and batted my lashes just because of who he was.
Cara was easy to love and even easier to love when she and Jake finally decided to get their heads out of their asses and proclaimed their love to one another after trying to deny it all these years.
And although I was swooning and laughing...something happens that made my damn heart drop and the tears started rolling.
Talk about taking a sharp left turn!!
I was sucked in and holding on for dear life. I really, really, really things miraculously take a turn for the better because Jake & Cara deserve a happily ever after.
I laughed through a good portion of this book due to Jake's charisma and batted my lashes just because of who he was.
Cara was easy to love and even easier to love when she and Jake finally decided to get their heads out of their asses and proclaimed their love to one another after trying to deny it all these years.
And although I was swooning and laughing...something happens that made my damn heart drop and the tears started rolling.
Talk about taking a sharp left turn!!
I was sucked in and holding on for dear life. I really, really, really things miraculously take a turn for the better because Jake & Cara deserve a happily ever after.
April 25, 2015
I loved this book. You can feel the true love between Jake and Cara, even if they try and deny it at first.
Just when you thought they were going to get their happy ever after life kicks them in the ass.
For all of Jakes bravado he's just a guy with cancer that loves a girl with his whole heart. If the treatment doesn't work he writes her a letter to read after he dies that will tear at your soul. The love within it will make you cry, it's so moving and full of love.
It makes me wish that cancer could be killed by love alone.
A well deserved 5 stars and I'm writing with tears in my eyes because of the beauty of it.
Just when you thought they were going to get their happy ever after life kicks them in the ass.
For all of Jakes bravado he's just a guy with cancer that loves a girl with his whole heart. If the treatment doesn't work he writes her a letter to read after he dies that will tear at your soul. The love within it will make you cry, it's so moving and full of love.
It makes me wish that cancer could be killed by love alone.
A well deserved 5 stars and I'm writing with tears in my eyes because of the beauty of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2015
I was pist at the end of the book. But, I have to hand it to the author because the only reason I was so angry was because I was so invested in the struggles of the characters of the book. This was a really good book, emotional but good!
April 5, 2015
Omg I have tears and really feel the love between jake and cara. It's beautifully written and touches on a topic that not many write about. I really hope jake makes it in the end of this series. I've fallen love with the whole family and can't wait to see what happens next
August 21, 2015
Jake
I'm bawling my eyes out, so it is taking forever to type this review. I WANT ME A JAKE!!!! Heartbreaking, hilarious, loving and rewarding, this story is all that and more. More than worth reading.
I'm bawling my eyes out, so it is taking forever to type this review. I WANT ME A JAKE!!!! Heartbreaking, hilarious, loving and rewarding, this story is all that and more. More than worth reading.
June 16, 2015
I'm giving this a 4.5 and let me say - the ONLY reason it's not getting 5 is because the editing was pretty bad. But the book was FANTASTIC.
June 17, 2014
**** I Love Story Time was gifted an ARC of Pieces (The Riverdale Series) by Janine Infante Bosco in exchange for an honest review****
I don't even know where to start on this review. I had to wait a few days to be able to write it so that I could process everything! If your looking for a book that has friendship...this book has many. If your looking for a book that represents family...this book has one. If your looking for a book that will make you laugh...this book will. If your looking for a book with passion...this book gives you more than enough. If your looking for a book that is heart breaking...this book will definitely make you ugly cry.
I really loved all the characters in this story. Luke, Jake and Samantha Lanza are siblings. Cara Sloane and Nick Foti are friends of the family. Cara and Nick do not come from the best of families so the Lanza family welcomes them into theirs with open arms. Jake and Cara become the best of friends and so do Luke and Nick.
Jake and Cara are so close and are always together. At the age of 15, their relationship grows as the years go by. Being the good friends that they are, they know everything about one another. Over time, Jake starts sharing all his special moments and all his special places with Cara. Cara jokes with Jake saying that he should save some of those moments and places for his wife one day. Unfortunately, Jake has a different way of thinking.......
"Marriage is over rated and definitely not in my foreseeable future." He laughed and pressed his lips to the top of her head. "Besides, you're my person, if I don't have you to share things with, they're not as meaningful."
As time goes on, Jake and Cara's feelings start to change from friends to much more. However, both are scared to do anything about it because they don't want to ruin the friendship they both hold so close to their hearts. Cara works at a bar and Jake always goes in to hang out with her. While he's there, he realizes he does not like it when he sees Cara talking to other guys and other guys flirting with her. Jake decides that enough is enough and he wants Cara for himself. Cara has been wanting Jake for herself as well but they both know that one night together would change everything. Cara is nervous about ruining their friendship so she asked Jake to tell her that once they do this, that it won't change anything.....
"I can't do that. Because, it changes everything. We take the plunge, and see this through, that's it. No one else for you and no one else for me. You're mine and I'm yours, it's as simple as that. I want you Cara and I'm selfish enough to admit it. Not just tonight, but as long as you'll have me."
"I'm one hundred percent sure, that I want this." She murmured against his lips.
So they take the plunge and boy do they take it! Talk about Hot! Some hot scenes in this book! Cara and Jake's relationship is stronger then ever. Everyone is happy for them and happy that they have finally decided to have what was meant to be all along. Unfortunately, their relationship is not all hearts and flowers. I can not believe the strength that Cara has. Together they fight their battles never giving up....
He reached out and wiped the tears on her cheeks. "You own my heart, and always will."
"I'll cherish it forever." She whispered and smiled through her tears.
I really loved this story!! I loved everything about it. Loved the friendships, loved the relationships and I could not get enough of Joe and Deb's (Jake's mom and dad) bickering back and forth. Their relationship is too funny! Some of Joe's comments and Deb's remarks are hilarious. This book totally had it all. I LOVED JAKE!! He has the best personality and the warmest of hearts. I can't get enough of him and his wiggling eyebrows! I find my self doing that now that I've read the book! As for the ending, it did leave me with questions and I can not wait to read book 2. I would definitely give this book 5 stars!!! Probably more!!! I highly recommend it to someone who loves a truly heart warming story! Also, I love that I was able to download a new song to my "book songs playlist" on my phone...now I can listen to it and always remember this awesome book!!! Janine did a great job with this book and building the characters so that you fall in love with them!
..... he took in a deep breath, glanced down at their hands, and stared at their bands of strength
~Juls
June 15, 2014
Overall Rating: 5 Rockin’ ★★★★★
How do you know when you are in love and not just friends? This is a story about two people that have been BFF’s for thirteen years. They have been each other’s everything, always there to support and strengthen one another and have gone from being teenagers to young adults together. Jake has always been protective of Cara and felt that no one is good enough for her including himself. Cara has loved Jake and been afraid to let him see how she feels. She does not want to rock the relationship that they have, because he is all she has. Jake had rescued her from her abusive father and made her part of his family. Given her a place to live and helped her find her way in life. His parents and siblings love Cara as part of their family so how can they risk losing what they have? No one believes that there is not more than friendship between Jake and Cara.
Cara says something to Jake one night that makes him decide that it is time for them to move to the next stage of their relationship. Jake tells Cara that if they don’t find anyone else in the next five years that they will get married and have children. Things really start to change on Cara’s birthday when Jake comes to her as she visits her mother’s grave. Cara is telling her mother about how Jake is her everything and she is scared that she will lose him and his family if things don’t work out between them. Jake surprises Cara with a birthday weekend in Manhattan where their love for one another is finally expressed and a journey toward a life together is started. Jake draws a beautiful picture of Cara and it shows how his heart sees her and the love that she has for him. This is the turning point for them and they become a couple.
Everything seemed perfect! When she had asked him why he didn’t have a tattoo on his left side he had told Cara that the space over his heart was without a tattoo because it was sacred territory because it was closest to his heart. So when he had the picture he drew of her tattooed there it was so that he would have her forever a part of him. Cara was his and he was hers. Jake had promised to always take care of her and now he would be there with her forever. He is the joker that brings joy to everyone. Jake is fun loving and full of the joy of living. Now his world is compete with his best friend and the love of his life by his side. Cara finally has the one thing that she has always wanted, Jake her everything and the reason that she breathes. Will Jake and Cara have their forever or will something come between them to keep them apart? CJ
Hero –Jake Lanza: 5 stars
Heroine –Cara Sloane: 5 stars
Steam: 5 stars
Plot: 5 stars
Cliffhanger: Yes
Would I recommend this book: Yes! This is a beautifully written love story that covers so many facets of real life. It conveys the ups and downs of how a relationship developed into so much more than just happily ever after. The author made me laugh and cry as I became part of the characters’ lives. I felt like I knew them and was a part of their incredible story.
Would I read other books by this author: Yes! My hat is off to Ms. Bosco for the unbelievable way she writes about real peoples’ lives and pulls the reader into their world with her words. I am already reading her next book!
***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***
Pieces
Janine Infante Bosco
How do you know when you are in love and not just friends? This is a story about two people that have been BFF’s for thirteen years. They have been each other’s everything, always there to support and strengthen one another and have gone from being teenagers to young adults together. Jake has always been protective of Cara and felt that no one is good enough for her including himself. Cara has loved Jake and been afraid to let him see how she feels. She does not want to rock the relationship that they have, because he is all she has. Jake had rescued her from her abusive father and made her part of his family. Given her a place to live and helped her find her way in life. His parents and siblings love Cara as part of their family so how can they risk losing what they have? No one believes that there is not more than friendship between Jake and Cara.
Cara says something to Jake one night that makes him decide that it is time for them to move to the next stage of their relationship. Jake tells Cara that if they don’t find anyone else in the next five years that they will get married and have children. Things really start to change on Cara’s birthday when Jake comes to her as she visits her mother’s grave. Cara is telling her mother about how Jake is her everything and she is scared that she will lose him and his family if things don’t work out between them. Jake surprises Cara with a birthday weekend in Manhattan where their love for one another is finally expressed and a journey toward a life together is started. Jake draws a beautiful picture of Cara and it shows how his heart sees her and the love that she has for him. This is the turning point for them and they become a couple.
Everything seemed perfect! When she had asked him why he didn’t have a tattoo on his left side he had told Cara that the space over his heart was without a tattoo because it was sacred territory because it was closest to his heart. So when he had the picture he drew of her tattooed there it was so that he would have her forever a part of him. Cara was his and he was hers. Jake had promised to always take care of her and now he would be there with her forever. He is the joker that brings joy to everyone. Jake is fun loving and full of the joy of living. Now his world is compete with his best friend and the love of his life by his side. Cara finally has the one thing that she has always wanted, Jake her everything and the reason that she breathes. Will Jake and Cara have their forever or will something come between them to keep them apart? CJ
Hero –Jake Lanza: 5 stars
Heroine –Cara Sloane: 5 stars
Steam: 5 stars
Plot: 5 stars
Cliffhanger: Yes
Would I recommend this book: Yes! This is a beautifully written love story that covers so many facets of real life. It conveys the ups and downs of how a relationship developed into so much more than just happily ever after. The author made me laugh and cry as I became part of the characters’ lives. I felt like I knew them and was a part of their incredible story.
Would I read other books by this author: Yes! My hat is off to Ms. Bosco for the unbelievable way she writes about real peoples’ lives and pulls the reader into their world with her words. I am already reading her next book!
***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***
Pieces
Janine Infante Bosco
July 19, 2015
SNS Rating: 5.0
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
In this first book, we meet and fall in love with this beautiful family, the Lanza Family. Each member has their own quirky, adorable personality, their own daily challenges. At the heart of this vibrant organism is pure unconditional love. Then a powerful force like a meteor comes from out of nowhere and strikes this pulsating, living heart and shatters it into a million pieces. Each individual is devastated because what affects one, affects all. When the fog clears, all that is standing in the aftermath is the Love. And so the surviving begins. What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Five Stars.
~~~~~~~~~~Amanda's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Words are beyond me for the review of not only this book but this whole series. It is beyond breathtaking and emotional. You will not only be laughing, but it will bring tears to your eyes. Words cannot describe the story of Jake and Cara. It will catch you right from the start. I was so caught up in it, I had to read straight through the whole series. It definitely makes you think about life and the ones you love when you finish.
~~~~~~~~~~Patricia's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This book was about a boy and a girl who became friends at an early age. Jake helped save Cara from an abusive father and moved her in with his family. These two have danced around each other for years each yearning for the other but never sharing their feelings because they was afraid if they did that if they broke up they would loose their friendship. Well when they finally do open their eyes Jake finds out that he has cancer. His whole family rallies around him to help him come through the fight and become a survivor. When he Jake finally hunks he is cured from cancer he asked Cara to marry him. Will they get their happily ever after or will tragedy strike again? This story grabs you from the very beginning to the very end. It keeps you drawn into the story line and wanting to know more it was greatly written.
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
In this first book, we meet and fall in love with this beautiful family, the Lanza Family. Each member has their own quirky, adorable personality, their own daily challenges. At the heart of this vibrant organism is pure unconditional love. Then a powerful force like a meteor comes from out of nowhere and strikes this pulsating, living heart and shatters it into a million pieces. Each individual is devastated because what affects one, affects all. When the fog clears, all that is standing in the aftermath is the Love. And so the surviving begins. What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Five Stars.
~~~~~~~~~~Amanda's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Words are beyond me for the review of not only this book but this whole series. It is beyond breathtaking and emotional. You will not only be laughing, but it will bring tears to your eyes. Words cannot describe the story of Jake and Cara. It will catch you right from the start. I was so caught up in it, I had to read straight through the whole series. It definitely makes you think about life and the ones you love when you finish.
~~~~~~~~~~Patricia's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This book was about a boy and a girl who became friends at an early age. Jake helped save Cara from an abusive father and moved her in with his family. These two have danced around each other for years each yearning for the other but never sharing their feelings because they was afraid if they did that if they broke up they would loose their friendship. Well when they finally do open their eyes Jake finds out that he has cancer. His whole family rallies around him to help him come through the fight and become a survivor. When he Jake finally hunks he is cured from cancer he asked Cara to marry him. Will they get their happily ever after or will tragedy strike again? This story grabs you from the very beginning to the very end. It keeps you drawn into the story line and wanting to know more it was greatly written.
July 21, 2015
So i knew i would have problems with this book 2 pages in when our H, a tattoo artist, asked a client to come back the next day to have the shading done on his tat after he had just done the outline. Ok, tattoo 101 for you, you would not be able to come back the very next day, if you didn't get everything done in one sitting you would need to wait until the outline healed first before getting the rest done otherwise it would be destroyed, also tattooing in his mums basement - super hygienic!! So why would this make me go into this book with trepidation?!? Well if one of your main characters works as a tattoo artist and you have not done even the smallest amount of research on this then i have to wonder where else corners my have been cut.
It turns out the answer was everywhere!!! The editing in this book was just abysmal. I wanted to just put this down and forget about it so many times but i tooled through, i figured I've already come this far the least i can do is get a happy ending out of it.
But wait, after wading through terrible editing, awful dialogue and a book full of so many weird little tangents, how was i rewarded - with THAT ending!!!!!
Are you actually kidding me?!? Some books can end like that and whilst its not what you would hope for, it leaves you heartbroken, devastated and wishing you read it wrong but regardless it works - it leaves you feeling and thinking about the book for hours, days, weeks afterwards. That is not what happened here - honestly i just felt kind of disappointed, like after all the handwork i put in slogging through this i was robbed of the ending i felt i deserved.
I will definitely not be reading the next book, sorry!
It turns out the answer was everywhere!!! The editing in this book was just abysmal. I wanted to just put this down and forget about it so many times but i tooled through, i figured I've already come this far the least i can do is get a happy ending out of it.
But wait, after wading through terrible editing, awful dialogue and a book full of so many weird little tangents, how was i rewarded - with THAT ending!!!!!
Are you actually kidding me?!? Some books can end like that and whilst its not what you would hope for, it leaves you heartbroken, devastated and wishing you read it wrong but regardless it works - it leaves you feeling and thinking about the book for hours, days, weeks afterwards. That is not what happened here - honestly i just felt kind of disappointed, like after all the handwork i put in slogging through this i was robbed of the ending i felt i deserved.
I will definitely not be reading the next book, sorry!
September 26, 2014
Pieces is a well written first installment in a romance series about two best friends who finally realize they are made for each other.
Jake Lanza and Cara Sloane have been best friends since they were fifteen.
Jake has always considered himself Cara's protector. Most recently he has decided that he wants Cara as more than just a friend.
We are taken on a journey with these two entertaining characters as they explore their new found relationship. Jake is funny and the ultimate prankster, Cara is his adorable sidekick. In the background we get to meet the rest of the Riverdale clan, Luke Jake's older brother and Sam their sister as well as Nick Luke's best friend. The bond they have all shared is fun to read. And there is definitely something brewing between Nick and Sam that makes me want to know what will happen next. I felt like I was part of their group and could picture hanging out at the bar with this fun loving group of people. Jake and Cara face some very emotional issues in this book that really pulled me in and made me care for these people. I look forward to reading what happens in the next installments. Highly recommend.
May 4, 2015
Pieces was a great read. In all honesty, I thought here we go again a tattoo artist and instant love but this book was so much more. I loved it even more because it was not what I expected. There was no instant love or one night stand, it was a friends to lovers type read that one can really appreciate. Jake was in no way perfect but he was oh so lovable along with the rest of his family. I enjoyed the book until the very end which left me wanting to know their end. You know how the story is going to end but after reading Jake and Cara’s story you want to see it to the end and not imagine how it ends. It’s like having to say goodbye but not knowing exactly when it happens, but knowing it’s inevitable. So, although I enjoyed the book and love the characters, the ending was a bit upsetting but I will continue the series. Even though the other books in the series are about Jake’s brother and best friend relationship, I’m hoping that I can find the closure I need for Jake and Cara in one of these books.
August 21, 2015
Five friends, pieces of their lives shown. Two brothers (Luke & Jake), their sister (Sam), their friend (Nick) and Jake's best friend (Cara) make up this unlikely ring of friends. We see pieces of what has happened with Jake, and Nick, the relationship that could have happened between two of the group, and where the friendship could go with two more. We see about pieces of their past, things that have happened, things that should nto have happened. We see heartache, tragedy, death, unrequited love, lust, friendship, and definitely a found love. Pieces of people's lives, making up this romance. The things that happen, the shock of Jake's life brought me to tears, the things that happen. Because this book truly hits home for me. Make sure you have a box of tissues with you as you read this book. It is a tear jerker.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
September 29, 2014
2.5 stars, really
This is a hard book to review. I liked the characters. I liked the story. Both quite a bit. And after reading the descriptions for the other two books in the series, I'm interested in reading them too (the third more than the second). I like the turn things are going to take.
BUT.
This book is not well-written. Sentences are either too short or fragments that don't belong together linked together with oddly placed commas. And the editing, oh my god. I don't see how anyone could have done anything that could be considered editing by any definition of the word.
If the characters weren't so likeable and the story so good, I probably wouldn't even have finished. Maybe the next books will show improvement, because I'm still going to read them. It's just hard to recommend to anyone else.
This is a hard book to review. I liked the characters. I liked the story. Both quite a bit. And after reading the descriptions for the other two books in the series, I'm interested in reading them too (the third more than the second). I like the turn things are going to take.
BUT.
This book is not well-written. Sentences are either too short or fragments that don't belong together linked together with oddly placed commas. And the editing, oh my god. I don't see how anyone could have done anything that could be considered editing by any definition of the word.
If the characters weren't so likeable and the story so good, I probably wouldn't even have finished. Maybe the next books will show improvement, because I'm still going to read them. It's just hard to recommend to anyone else.
January 18, 2017
Ok, I've thought about this all day and wished I had known the direction of this series before I read it... It is well written with amazing characters and the author makes you fall in love quickly, laugh and cry (lots) however" the HEA isn't a HEA - its a sadly ever after. So if you need a HEA don't read. I'm an avid reader and read about 300 books a year and this one just won't let go.
Full of Angst
Tragedy strikes then
Tragedy really strikes
And tragedy continues to strike....
Then pieces are being picked up after you've thrown you heart and all of your hope in the toilet... It's devastating... I loved it until I didn't..
Now I have to remind myself that the characters are fictional and hope to stop thinking about soon...
It's been over 2 years and I STILL think about this book/series...
Full of Angst
Tragedy strikes then
Tragedy really strikes
And tragedy continues to strike....
Then pieces are being picked up after you've thrown you heart and all of your hope in the toilet... It's devastating... I loved it until I didn't..
Now I have to remind myself that the characters are fictional and hope to stop thinking about soon...
It's been over 2 years and I STILL think about this book/series...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2017
3.75 - 4 stars
I've had this book on my kindle for awhile but was very nervous to start it. Yes...I read some reviews and yes I took a peek at the other books in the series so I knew what would be happening. Knowing that I have the opportunity to meet this author next month, I decided to pull up my big girl panties and read it. I'm not going to lie, there were parts of the book that I chuckled at but for most of the book I had that heavy feeling of doom and was afraid at times to flip the page. The book ended pretty much how I expected but I'm now hooked and have to continue the series to see what happens next. I know the next book will probably destroy me.
On a side note, I'm not one of those readers how are really picky with editing....but there were several formatting & punctuation issues that may become annoying if you are one of those readers.
I've had this book on my kindle for awhile but was very nervous to start it. Yes...I read some reviews and yes I took a peek at the other books in the series so I knew what would be happening. Knowing that I have the opportunity to meet this author next month, I decided to pull up my big girl panties and read it. I'm not going to lie, there were parts of the book that I chuckled at but for most of the book I had that heavy feeling of doom and was afraid at times to flip the page. The book ended pretty much how I expected but I'm now hooked and have to continue the series to see what happens next. I know the next book will probably destroy me.
On a side note, I'm not one of those readers how are really picky with editing....but there were several formatting & punctuation issues that may become annoying if you are one of those readers.
January 3, 2017
The story could have been interesting to me if I hadn't gotten so bogged down with such poor editing. Someone needs to help this author on her punctuation. Sometimes it reads like she has no punctuation. Other times it reads like she has too much punctuation. Eventually I had to start skimming because the abysmal editing in this story made me not want to read the book.
And the sad part about this is that I think with some editing, this would have been a book and story-line I would have enjoyed and rated highly. But after reading the reviews of the rest of the series, it doesn't look like the rest of the books have any better editing. Sad to leave this one behind. And sad for this to be my first book of the new year. :-(
And the sad part about this is that I think with some editing, this would have been a book and story-line I would have enjoyed and rated highly. But after reading the reviews of the rest of the series, it doesn't look like the rest of the books have any better editing. Sad to leave this one behind. And sad for this to be my first book of the new year. :-(
April 15, 2014
"Pieces" was an exceptionally written novel by Janine Infante Bosco. The author's plot kept you wanting more. I was unable to put the book down! I can't wait for the second part of the series to come out!!! I truly loved the friendship between Jake and Cara and how their friendship turned into so much more!! Jake, Cara and all the other characters all have such a string bond of friendship with so many wonderful memories. The reader is able to make self to text connections while reading the novel about friendships, relationships and life.
I totally recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a great book to read!!
I totally recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a great book to read!!
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