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Holding On
A coming of age story that will bring you back to your high school days and remind you what it felt like the first time you fell in love. For five years Becca has been struggling to hide her feelings for her best friend, Brad. Now she finally has a chance to move on. She’s in a new city, she’s attending a new school, and she’s met the first guy besides Brad who’s held her attention in a long time. Not only is Ethan attractive, he’s an amazing tennis player, and he might just be Becca’s match on and off the courts. Brad has loved Becca for as long as he can remember. Now that Becca’s family has moved two thousand miles away, Brad may finally be ready to lay his heart on the line and do whatever it takes to hold on to Becca. But is Brad too late? Or will Ethan’s secret drive Becca back into Brad’s arms? Torn between her love for Brad and the promise of something new and exciting with Ethan, Becca has an almost impossible choice to make, the choice between letting go or holding on.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2013
422 people are currently reading
1601 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Brownell
65 books982 followersI'm a Michigan girl, born and raised. My addictions include: coffee, chocolate, coffee, avoiding adulting, coffee, and coffee.
My favorite season is fall. My favorite color is teal. And my favorite genre to read and write is romance.
I refuse to 'stay in my lane' when it comes to my books. You'll find I write everything from young-adult to sweet contemporary to steamy new adult.
#noregrets
Looking for a place to start with my books? Check out A Moment Too Late (small-town second chance romance) or The Lake State University series (new adult, steamy college romance).
Thanks for being here and happy reading!
My favorite season is fall. My favorite color is teal. And my favorite genre to read and write is romance.
I refuse to 'stay in my lane' when it comes to my books. You'll find I write everything from young-adult to sweet contemporary to steamy new adult.
#noregrets
Looking for a place to start with my books? Check out A Moment Too Late (small-town second chance romance) or The Lake State University series (new adult, steamy college romance).
Thanks for being here and happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 2, 2014
This book was seriously a needed change of pace for me……I started it one evening and made it about 3 chapters in before I put it down, the next day I just felt like I needed to pick it back up and honestly I never put it down until I was finished a few short ours later.
This story is so easy to relate to because honestly what teenage girl hasn’t struggled with which guy she likes more…… I felt like Becca really had 2 great guys that loved and cared for her…..this was actually 2 love stories involving one girl, she unfortunately had a very tough choice to make….The guy she thought was her best friend or the guy that she has an incredible connection with who she has only known for a short time.
There was a very unexpected twist close to the end of the book and I just about lost my mind wondering what would happen next….. I will say that this book was a well spent 3 hours out of my day….I can’t wait to read more from this Author
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review
This story is so easy to relate to because honestly what teenage girl hasn’t struggled with which guy she likes more…… I felt like Becca really had 2 great guys that loved and cared for her…..this was actually 2 love stories involving one girl, she unfortunately had a very tough choice to make….The guy she thought was her best friend or the guy that she has an incredible connection with who she has only known for a short time.
There was a very unexpected twist close to the end of the book and I just about lost my mind wondering what would happen next….. I will say that this book was a well spent 3 hours out of my day….I can’t wait to read more from this Author
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review
January 24, 2015
I am going to talk about what I did not like first.
There were so many grammatical and spelling errors in the book, I'm not sure if it was edited. I mean, the wrong form of "to" was used many times.
The plot seemed to jump from one point to another very quickly and it just seemed a little lazy on the author's part, as if she did not feel like moving the plot up to that point and would rather jump right into it without a transition.
Now, the plot itself. The main character seemed very juvenile despite being 17 years old. The character seemed to think her life was full of drama, when, to be quite honest, they were minute problems or were not problems at all, but they always seemed to be stress-inducing which was rather frustrating. You can't exactly connect to a character and what they're going through when they aren't exactly going through anything. And she was always crying, over nothing. Now I know very emotional people, but they don't cry every second of the day, and it just got to be annoying.
There was no character development whatsoever. The main character is stuck between loving two guys but I didn't feel for either of the two. There was no time to really get to know either of them. All we knew was that she loves both and she can't choose.
This book had really great points though. First of all, the plot had great potential. Aforementioned, the main character loves two guys and it really kept me going trying to figure out which guy she would choose. The way it was delivered was just lacking.
Over all, it was an okay book, I just wouldn't recommend if you are trying to really get into something.
There were so many grammatical and spelling errors in the book, I'm not sure if it was edited. I mean, the wrong form of "to" was used many times.
The plot seemed to jump from one point to another very quickly and it just seemed a little lazy on the author's part, as if she did not feel like moving the plot up to that point and would rather jump right into it without a transition.
Now, the plot itself. The main character seemed very juvenile despite being 17 years old. The character seemed to think her life was full of drama, when, to be quite honest, they were minute problems or were not problems at all, but they always seemed to be stress-inducing which was rather frustrating. You can't exactly connect to a character and what they're going through when they aren't exactly going through anything. And she was always crying, over nothing. Now I know very emotional people, but they don't cry every second of the day, and it just got to be annoying.
There was no character development whatsoever. The main character is stuck between loving two guys but I didn't feel for either of the two. There was no time to really get to know either of them. All we knew was that she loves both and she can't choose.
This book had really great points though. First of all, the plot had great potential. Aforementioned, the main character loves two guys and it really kept me going trying to figure out which guy she would choose. The way it was delivered was just lacking.
Over all, it was an okay book, I just wouldn't recommend if you are trying to really get into something.
December 4, 2013
I really enjoyed this book! I don't often read YA novels but when a good one like this comes along I am left wondering why I don't read them more often.
Aahh, the teenage years... this book tells the story of Becca who has had feelings for her best friend Brad for many years. She moves cities and finds another guy to fall for...Ethan. Both Brad and Ethan were great characters and so when Becca has to choose between them, it's a hard choice.
This was an easy book to read and I liked the author's writing style. She has created some wonderful characters in this story - I liked both guys which is often not the case when there is a bit of a love triangle in a book. I would have had a hard time choosing!
So, if you enjoy a good YA read I highly recommend this one.
Aahh, the teenage years... this book tells the story of Becca who has had feelings for her best friend Brad for many years. She moves cities and finds another guy to fall for...Ethan. Both Brad and Ethan were great characters and so when Becca has to choose between them, it's a hard choice.
This was an easy book to read and I liked the author's writing style. She has created some wonderful characters in this story - I liked both guys which is often not the case when there is a bit of a love triangle in a book. I would have had a hard time choosing!
So, if you enjoy a good YA read I highly recommend this one.
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October 25, 2013
(This review is posted in its entirety on my website: kristenbrockmeyer.blogspot.com.)
I haven't read a YA novel in a long time. Well, since my 33rd birthday is looming large next month, let's just say it's been a couple of years. Holding On took me right back to high school, though, and in the best way possible. It's not just because Becca, the main female protagonist, went to school in Michigan like I did. It's because the author created such a tangible and complex emotional struggle, drawing out those same feelings that I had as a mixed-up teenager who once had a crush on her own best friend, but hated the thought of the relationship-destroying potential that came with that crush.
The character development was really interesting for me. The story is in first person, so, of course, we see everything develop through Becca's eyes. And I found myself really relating to Becca. Her emotions were so well crafted that I was automatically drawn in, and really felt the conflicted impulses along with her. Because, boy was there conflict. Both guys, Brad and Ethan, really have a lot going for them, and to be honest, I'm not sure that I would have known which one to choose either. I'm glad it wasn't my decision--I could see why she was drawn to each of them. But without spoiling anything, the one she ended up with was the one that she needed--he brought out the best in Becca, in my opinion. Together, I thought they were stronger, and really complemented each other. But you'll be guessing on which one that was until the end.
And lest you think this was all teenaged angst and emotional upheaval, it wasn't. There was external conflict, too, and one scene in particular that came out of left field so hard, it literally made me flinch when I read it. In a good way. Plus, the attraction between characters--it just simmered. Hot stuff, but tastefully done, and I wouldn't hesitate to let my 16 year-old read it. In fact, since Holding On's official release date is December 3, I intend to use a little of my Christmas bonus to grab a copy for said 16 year-old.
The only negative I found in the book, and I only mention because of the whole "fair and impartial" thing, was that there were some editing issues--some past/present tense inconsistencies and a couple of really minor typos. But unless you're anal-retentive and the type to send snarky letters to the newspaper about that misplaced comma in the third paragraph of section A6, it will not detract from the power of this story.
After reading Holding On, I've been inspired to broaden my little primarily Romantic Suspense/Historical bubble. I'll be checking out some more YA offerings (recommendations are welcome!), as well as watching for Unglued, the sequel to Holding On, because this book was awesome.
Disclaimer: Rachael provided me with a free copy of Holding On, in exchange for a fair and impartial review.
I haven't read a YA novel in a long time. Well, since my 33rd birthday is looming large next month, let's just say it's been a couple of years. Holding On took me right back to high school, though, and in the best way possible. It's not just because Becca, the main female protagonist, went to school in Michigan like I did. It's because the author created such a tangible and complex emotional struggle, drawing out those same feelings that I had as a mixed-up teenager who once had a crush on her own best friend, but hated the thought of the relationship-destroying potential that came with that crush.
The character development was really interesting for me. The story is in first person, so, of course, we see everything develop through Becca's eyes. And I found myself really relating to Becca. Her emotions were so well crafted that I was automatically drawn in, and really felt the conflicted impulses along with her. Because, boy was there conflict. Both guys, Brad and Ethan, really have a lot going for them, and to be honest, I'm not sure that I would have known which one to choose either. I'm glad it wasn't my decision--I could see why she was drawn to each of them. But without spoiling anything, the one she ended up with was the one that she needed--he brought out the best in Becca, in my opinion. Together, I thought they were stronger, and really complemented each other. But you'll be guessing on which one that was until the end.
And lest you think this was all teenaged angst and emotional upheaval, it wasn't. There was external conflict, too, and one scene in particular that came out of left field so hard, it literally made me flinch when I read it. In a good way. Plus, the attraction between characters--it just simmered. Hot stuff, but tastefully done, and I wouldn't hesitate to let my 16 year-old read it. In fact, since Holding On's official release date is December 3, I intend to use a little of my Christmas bonus to grab a copy for said 16 year-old.
The only negative I found in the book, and I only mention because of the whole "fair and impartial" thing, was that there were some editing issues--some past/present tense inconsistencies and a couple of really minor typos. But unless you're anal-retentive and the type to send snarky letters to the newspaper about that misplaced comma in the third paragraph of section A6, it will not detract from the power of this story.
After reading Holding On, I've been inspired to broaden my little primarily Romantic Suspense/Historical bubble. I'll be checking out some more YA offerings (recommendations are welcome!), as well as watching for Unglued, the sequel to Holding On, because this book was awesome.
Disclaimer: Rachael provided me with a free copy of Holding On, in exchange for a fair and impartial review.
December 29, 2013
Review posted at: http://bookcrushbookreviews.com/2013/...
Rating: 4 stars
Let me start off by saying..BRAD IS MINE, ladies!!! Insert drama with a capital D in this one folks. Our main character, Becca (Rebecca) continues to find herself in sticky situations when it comes to the men in her life. Insert Brad and Ethan. Brad has been her best friend since middle school and Ethan is the first boy Becca meets upon their fresh start after a big move. Love triangles always throw me for a loop and I go with my heart and who's feelings and intentions I connect with the most. For me, that was Brad. Brad is honest with Becca: sharing his deepest inner thoughts and feelings, he puts himself on the line for her and doesn't back down by showing the truth to his words with action, he's her rock through very difficult times, and he's her comfort and strength. So I'm biased because we see and know all of this before meeting Ethan. Enter Ethan and he's all sexy, supportive, comforting, and sweet talkin. He's got Becca's back and he supports her friendship with Brad which I definitely give him kudos for. Gah, I wouldn't want to be Becca to have to decide, although as an outsider looking in, I find how easily I'd make my choice. What didn't sit well with me is how secretive Ethan is, just come out with what you want to say. Also, I wish that Becca and her friends wouldn't put things on the back burner and would communicate better with one another instead of letting issues fester. I know this is part of the build up, the angst, which Rachael does well, but it could also be related to the age of the characters. I enjoyed Becca's story and the ending OMG I wanted to drag it on, that moment was perfect, and therefore, I'm anxious to read the next in the series to see how things progress. Give this a try!!
Rating: 4 stars
Let me start off by saying..BRAD IS MINE, ladies!!! Insert drama with a capital D in this one folks. Our main character, Becca (Rebecca) continues to find herself in sticky situations when it comes to the men in her life. Insert Brad and Ethan. Brad has been her best friend since middle school and Ethan is the first boy Becca meets upon their fresh start after a big move. Love triangles always throw me for a loop and I go with my heart and who's feelings and intentions I connect with the most. For me, that was Brad. Brad is honest with Becca: sharing his deepest inner thoughts and feelings, he puts himself on the line for her and doesn't back down by showing the truth to his words with action, he's her rock through very difficult times, and he's her comfort and strength. So I'm biased because we see and know all of this before meeting Ethan. Enter Ethan and he's all sexy, supportive, comforting, and sweet talkin. He's got Becca's back and he supports her friendship with Brad which I definitely give him kudos for. Gah, I wouldn't want to be Becca to have to decide, although as an outsider looking in, I find how easily I'd make my choice. What didn't sit well with me is how secretive Ethan is, just come out with what you want to say. Also, I wish that Becca and her friends wouldn't put things on the back burner and would communicate better with one another instead of letting issues fester. I know this is part of the build up, the angst, which Rachael does well, but it could also be related to the age of the characters. I enjoyed Becca's story and the ending OMG I wanted to drag it on, that moment was perfect, and therefore, I'm anxious to read the next in the series to see how things progress. Give this a try!!
September 4, 2016
4.5 pennies out of 5
Holding On by Author Rachael Brownell is a well written account of how love can be denied and lost for the sake of preserving friendship. This story was beautifully written, with great character development and a very realistic story line.
This book engaged me from page one. The way that Becca handled the news of her impending move 2000 miles away showed a level of maturity that was missing in many of the YA books I have read. While she had her moments of frustration with her mother over the decision, she accepted it and handled herself with grace.
It was enjoyable to read a character that takes her situation and looks for positives. Understanding her strengths, she uses them to make new friends, work out frustrations and create opportunities for herself and her future.
Her back and forth between the boy who loves her from back home and the boy she is falling for in her new town reveals the depth of her ability to love and allow herself to be loved. She wants the best of both worlds, but knows it is not possible and that someone will get hurt when she is forced to decide.
Equally refreshing was the fact that these characters came from middle class families with believeable backstories. It was pleasant to read a YA book where the characters were not self absorbed twits, the parents were active in their children’s lives and trust boundaries were not breached.
Rachael is definitely an author who’s books will be on my TBR list.
Holding On by Author Rachael Brownell is a well written account of how love can be denied and lost for the sake of preserving friendship. This story was beautifully written, with great character development and a very realistic story line.
This book engaged me from page one. The way that Becca handled the news of her impending move 2000 miles away showed a level of maturity that was missing in many of the YA books I have read. While she had her moments of frustration with her mother over the decision, she accepted it and handled herself with grace.
It was enjoyable to read a character that takes her situation and looks for positives. Understanding her strengths, she uses them to make new friends, work out frustrations and create opportunities for herself and her future.
Her back and forth between the boy who loves her from back home and the boy she is falling for in her new town reveals the depth of her ability to love and allow herself to be loved. She wants the best of both worlds, but knows it is not possible and that someone will get hurt when she is forced to decide.
Equally refreshing was the fact that these characters came from middle class families with believeable backstories. It was pleasant to read a YA book where the characters were not self absorbed twits, the parents were active in their children’s lives and trust boundaries were not breached.
Rachael is definitely an author who’s books will be on my TBR list.
October 28, 2013
***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***
It is hard enough to be a teenage girl who's best friend is a teenage boy. It is even harder when you may or may not have more than "friendship" love for each other, and refuse to acknowledge it. To make matters worse Becca's mother takes a job in Arizona, so not only does Becca have to leave her home in Michigan, but her best friend Brad. News of her moving is what finally gives Brad the courage to own up and tell Becca his true feelings. Now she has to face her own feelings for him. There are two big problems, she is two thousand miles away, and she doesn't want to lose her best friend. Well, make that three problems. Once she gets to Arizona she meets Ethan. Becca and Ethan are almost instantly drawn to each other. I wouldn't want to be in Becca's shoes, not only does she have to deal with moving to a new state, a new school, new tennis team but trying to figure out her true feelings for both Brad and Ethan. Just when you think that she has everything figured out and everyone is going to be happy, BAM curve ball!!!! I had a hard time putting this book down and I can't wait for the next book to come out. Can't wait to see what is in store for Becca, Ethan, and Brad! I am giving Holding On 4.5 stars and since I always round up 5 stars it is!
It is hard enough to be a teenage girl who's best friend is a teenage boy. It is even harder when you may or may not have more than "friendship" love for each other, and refuse to acknowledge it. To make matters worse Becca's mother takes a job in Arizona, so not only does Becca have to leave her home in Michigan, but her best friend Brad. News of her moving is what finally gives Brad the courage to own up and tell Becca his true feelings. Now she has to face her own feelings for him. There are two big problems, she is two thousand miles away, and she doesn't want to lose her best friend. Well, make that three problems. Once she gets to Arizona she meets Ethan. Becca and Ethan are almost instantly drawn to each other. I wouldn't want to be in Becca's shoes, not only does she have to deal with moving to a new state, a new school, new tennis team but trying to figure out her true feelings for both Brad and Ethan. Just when you think that she has everything figured out and everyone is going to be happy, BAM curve ball!!!! I had a hard time putting this book down and I can't wait for the next book to come out. Can't wait to see what is in store for Becca, Ethan, and Brad! I am giving Holding On 4.5 stars and since I always round up 5 stars it is!
December 14, 2014
Given To Me For An Honest Review
Holding On by Rachael Brownell is a book that you do have to hold on to as you read. This book will grab you from page one and hold you down on the edge of your seat as you watch the pages turn and turn and turn some more until you reach the end. It has three main characters .... Becca, Brad and Ethan. This is the story of Becca and her confusion of her feelings for Brad and Ethan. Once you begin reading it you are rooting for Brad but then you are rooting for Ethan. Although it's a beautiful love story it also has a bit of a disaster too. You may need a bit of tissue while reading it. It is a contemporary romance and it is fantastic!! I just loved reading it. In fact, I will be re-reading it, I loved it that much. I gave this book 5 stars but it truly deserves 10+. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is well written and there is so much loving feelings within it. When you do get to the end, you are going to wonder, "What, that's not the end!" .... never fear ........ Sequel ... I just can't wait for it. I look for that sequel and many more writings from Rachael Brownell.
Holding On by Rachael Brownell is a book that you do have to hold on to as you read. This book will grab you from page one and hold you down on the edge of your seat as you watch the pages turn and turn and turn some more until you reach the end. It has three main characters .... Becca, Brad and Ethan. This is the story of Becca and her confusion of her feelings for Brad and Ethan. Once you begin reading it you are rooting for Brad but then you are rooting for Ethan. Although it's a beautiful love story it also has a bit of a disaster too. You may need a bit of tissue while reading it. It is a contemporary romance and it is fantastic!! I just loved reading it. In fact, I will be re-reading it, I loved it that much. I gave this book 5 stars but it truly deserves 10+. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is well written and there is so much loving feelings within it. When you do get to the end, you are going to wonder, "What, that's not the end!" .... never fear ........ Sequel ... I just can't wait for it. I look for that sequel and many more writings from Rachael Brownell.
January 25, 2015
This book was just alright. I found myself disappointed as the book went on, mostly because I am team Brad. Then it started to pick up again at the end but of course the book ended. I don't know if I'll be reading book 2. I can't say that it was bad but I can't say that it was good what I can say is that it just stick with me. The main characters had potential, the love triangle had potential, but it didn't seem to go anywhere and there wasn't really any big drama to keep my attention. Mainly I was bored.... Sorry, I really wanted to like it! It lacked passion for me, and things just seem to be so easy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I was so jealous of Becca for having Brad and Ethan in her life. Normally when I read a book I usually choose a guy I'm going for and I couldn't possibly choose in this one, both guys are truly amazing. Some female characters can annoy me when they are indecisive, but Becca didn't. She dealt with issues that are realistic. I recommend this book for those looking for a sweet story about finding love.
November 24, 2013
A great read. This book really took me back to a similar time in my own life- and reminded me of those years filled with teenage angst. In addition, I felt the characters were well developed and found myself able to easily relate to the story. All in all, Holding On was truly a good read that I'm pretty sure won't disappoint.
Disclaimer: An ARC was in exchange for a fair and impartial review.
Disclaimer: An ARC was in exchange for a fair and impartial review.
April 22, 2014
OMG this book is amazing. I can't give away any spoilers but I was tearing up at one point! I would reccomend this book to a lot of my friends. When I first started I thought it would be boring but boy was I wrong! So glad I won this signed book off of goodreads
January 22, 2014
Words cannot express how much I freaking loved this book! The plot and characters were amazing. I would recommend it to anyone who likes NA!
August 20, 2019
This was so-so. Stuck with it bc of the love triangle. Hoping 2nd one will be better? (Need to get it onto KU, please).
*A Few Slight Spoilers Ahead*
Liked: the locales, love triangle, ages, tennis, AND...that the MC made a decision towards the end of book re "the triangle." Not something you see in a love triangle much.
Not so much:
Minimal description of two main guys:
She talked a lot about their build but not much else--Wait! I do remember something about a dimple on Ethan's cheek?
A good example of above: I get that she found Ethan attractive but it wasn't until near the end there was any mention or descriptive of just how hot he was to the rest of the population. (bummer)
Similar problem with general character development, especially secondary characters:
Would have liked to have known the two main guys beyond that they were attracted to MC; not much else there. Sadly one dimensional, especially Ethan. (bummer)
Same with the girls...Natalie was only girl to even slightly stand out, but even then she was mostly in gray-out mode. She could have been an excellent pivotal secondary character, a mixed bag of friend/mean girl, someone to really help push & direct the angst, doubt, deception, eggshells, (cocktails?). She was too nice, timid, blah--all of which didn't connect with the very few and slightly interesting descriptors the author gave her. Can't remember any other secondary girl characters other than a few names.
Angst: Coulda/shoulda had a ton, but what WAS there was all one-sided, via the MC. No one else was involved in it --with exception of Brad, who seemed to change abruptly about 1/4 way through, then again about 1/2 thru, then back again... His own angst was also oddly isolated, in a vacuum. He really started to make MC uncomfortable halfway thru book, like she was a little freaked out by him (which cued me to start questioning his character as well), and, oh yeah (WHAT was up with that last page?! Serial killer much? ).
In fact, as I think back on her (endless) inner dialogue about Brad, I don't understand why she claimed to still be struggling with an attraction to him. She actually expressed concern about being alone with him, but then she'd curl up next to him & fall asleep or was suddenly unable to stop herself from kissing him? ? (I get that love triangles are difficult, especially the longer they are spun, but some veracity/consistency in the characters is quite important.)
ZERO angst for poor neglected Ethan. Seriously? He emoted only when he was with MC and even then he was quite one-note, flat bread, naan-y about it. Waaay too nice & perfect...
except for the "I'm not telling you where I'm going to college" riff. Umm...okay? It might have even been a redeemable ploy had there... ACTUALLY BEEN A REASON FOR IT! As it was, it just made him come off as a guy who simply wanted to make his girlfriend suffer. Quite. Odd.
Lastly, the uber frequent "Crap!" references:
After the first one, enough already. It's not a good schtick or gimmick. Makes her sound (and, I imagine, look) like she has a tic or some form of Tourette's.
P.S. I love Peter Frampton!!
*A Few Slight Spoilers Ahead*
Liked: the locales, love triangle, ages, tennis, AND...that the MC made a decision towards the end of book re "the triangle." Not something you see in a love triangle much.
Not so much:
Minimal description of two main guys:
She talked a lot about their build but not much else--Wait! I do remember something about a dimple on Ethan's cheek?
A good example of above: I get that she found Ethan attractive but it wasn't until near the end there was any mention or descriptive of just how hot he was to the rest of the population. (bummer)
Similar problem with general character development, especially secondary characters:
Would have liked to have known the two main guys beyond that they were attracted to MC; not much else there. Sadly one dimensional, especially Ethan. (bummer)
Same with the girls...Natalie was only girl to even slightly stand out, but even then she was mostly in gray-out mode. She could have been an excellent pivotal secondary character, a mixed bag of friend/mean girl, someone to really help push & direct the angst, doubt, deception, eggshells, (cocktails?). She was too nice, timid, blah--all of which didn't connect with the very few and slightly interesting descriptors the author gave her. Can't remember any other secondary girl characters other than a few names.
Angst: Coulda/shoulda had a ton, but what WAS there was all one-sided, via the MC. No one else was involved in it --with exception of Brad, who seemed to change abruptly about 1/4 way through, then again about 1/2 thru, then back again... His own angst was also oddly isolated, in a vacuum. He really started to make MC uncomfortable halfway thru book, like she was a little freaked out by him (which cued me to start questioning his character as well), and, oh yeah (WHAT was up with that last page?! Serial killer much? ).
In fact, as I think back on her (endless) inner dialogue about Brad, I don't understand why she claimed to still be struggling with an attraction to him. She actually expressed concern about being alone with him, but then she'd curl up next to him & fall asleep or was suddenly unable to stop herself from kissing him? ? (I get that love triangles are difficult, especially the longer they are spun, but some veracity/consistency in the characters is quite important.)
ZERO angst for poor neglected Ethan. Seriously? He emoted only when he was with MC and even then he was quite one-note, flat bread, naan-y about it. Waaay too nice & perfect...
except for the "I'm not telling you where I'm going to college" riff. Umm...okay? It might have even been a redeemable ploy had there... ACTUALLY BEEN A REASON FOR IT! As it was, it just made him come off as a guy who simply wanted to make his girlfriend suffer. Quite. Odd.
Lastly, the uber frequent "Crap!" references:
After the first one, enough already. It's not a good schtick or gimmick. Makes her sound (and, I imagine, look) like she has a tic or some form of Tourette's.
P.S. I love Peter Frampton!!
June 4, 2017
I really wanted to like this book more than I did, but I couldn't get passed a few things: 1) Why does this girl have so many admirers? She doesn't think she's special and the author has done nothing to suggest she's more than average. Don't get me wrong, I liked the characters. I just though all the attention was a bit unrealistic for the typical teenager. 2) The lack of difference between the two main love interests. They both have green eyes, they both love her fiercely, they both keep her safe and grounded... ect. Are we sure they aren't the same person? 3) I was really looking forward to the ending. I hoped it would bring a final resolution to the whole "will they or won't they" conflict happening throughout the whole book. However, the last sentence of the book just ruined it for me. **hard eye roll** I understand the purpose of why the book ends this way, but I'm sorry I can't do this to myself again and read the next book.
If you like stories with emotional conflict and a strong "will they or won't they" plot. You might enjoy this more than I did.
If you like stories with emotional conflict and a strong "will they or won't they" plot. You might enjoy this more than I did.
January 8, 2024
Wrapped around my finger
I loved this book so much I was having a hard time putting it down.Becca, Brad and Ethan are such great characters. I related to Becca on more than one occasion. I would find myself daydreaming and self reflecting on my own personal experiences. However, she is bold and brave. I could not go through that much heartache in such a short period of time. Now, Becca and Brad's friendship was so pure, lovely and unconditional. Becca and Ethan's relationship was complete understanding, loyalty and trust. I loved every page and was left with a small smile. Five stars all around.
I loved this book so much I was having a hard time putting it down.Becca, Brad and Ethan are such great characters. I related to Becca on more than one occasion. I would find myself daydreaming and self reflecting on my own personal experiences. However, she is bold and brave. I could not go through that much heartache in such a short period of time. Now, Becca and Brad's friendship was so pure, lovely and unconditional. Becca and Ethan's relationship was complete understanding, loyalty and trust. I loved every page and was left with a small smile. Five stars all around.
October 31, 2017
Okay, I think that I might just be getting a little too old for these teen romance books. So far the last three teen books I've read have driven me nuts! These kids are stupid and whiny and very selfish.
The book revolves around a young seventeen year old girl named Becca. The book starts off with Becca coming home after receiving the great news that her shoulder has healed and she is ready to play tennis again. However her life comes to a shattering halt when she comes home to find her mother making enchiladas, the bad news meal, and finds out that she is being forced to move almost all the way across the country to a new school, a new home. Away from all her friends, most importantly here best friend, Brad whom she has been in love with forever.
However after she moves she opens a gift from Brad that basically tells her that he loves her too. (Too little too late pal) But conveniently she meets this drop dead gorgeous tennis player named Ethan and it's love at first sight.
I'm not fond of love triangles anyway, but this book seemed to be overly obnoxious about it. This book could have been so good if it wasn't for the love triangle that went on. I also wish that they had talked more about her sibling, since we saw so little of her you would think Becca was an only child.
This was an interesting read but I dont see myself finishing the series. 3/5 stars
The book revolves around a young seventeen year old girl named Becca. The book starts off with Becca coming home after receiving the great news that her shoulder has healed and she is ready to play tennis again. However her life comes to a shattering halt when she comes home to find her mother making enchiladas, the bad news meal, and finds out that she is being forced to move almost all the way across the country to a new school, a new home. Away from all her friends, most importantly here best friend, Brad whom she has been in love with forever.
However after she moves she opens a gift from Brad that basically tells her that he loves her too. (Too little too late pal) But conveniently she meets this drop dead gorgeous tennis player named Ethan and it's love at first sight.
I'm not fond of love triangles anyway, but this book seemed to be overly obnoxious about it. This book could have been so good if it wasn't for the love triangle that went on. I also wish that they had talked more about her sibling, since we saw so little of her you would think Becca was an only child.
This was an interesting read but I dont see myself finishing the series. 3/5 stars
December 9, 2017
Becca and Brad have been friends since junior high. They said they would be best friends nothing more, until Becca's mom tells her they are moving from Michigan to Arizona. Becca storms to her high school and cries. Brad finds her and they talk only to have brad tell her his true feelings and kiss her when he has a girl friend. When Becca moves to Arizona she meets Ethan and starts to fall for him. Great read. Couldn't put down till I was finished.
August 31, 2017
Good story - poor editing
This is a good story and it is a cliffhanger. However, it needs editing. There is poor grammar and spelling errors throughout the book. I usually don't say much about this kind of error, because I'm not that great at times myself. But this much makes the story really not flow smoothly. I think given proper editing it is a great story.
This is a good story and it is a cliffhanger. However, it needs editing. There is poor grammar and spelling errors throughout the book. I usually don't say much about this kind of error, because I'm not that great at times myself. But this much makes the story really not flow smoothly. I think given proper editing it is a great story.
December 2, 2018
Teen romance. Becca moves from MI to AZ her best friend Brad, a nice all around guy, declares his hidden love for her before she leaves. At her new school she meets bad boy Ethan who makes her heart sizzle. As the story progresses she must decide which guy she wants in her life as her boyfriend. A typical romance and a nice tidy ending.
September 5, 2017
Oh this sure brings you back to high school days. Becca is torn between 2 guys, most of the story is her trying to figure out what her heart wants. It's never easy, growing up, but we all have to do it. This is a great YA read, suitable for teens.
October 17, 2019
I couldn't get ito this one. It was like a school girl's fantasy of romance and not much else, with special care to detail every little encounter with the all-important guys of interest. I I learned anything from this book, it's that I don't want to be like that...
January 8, 2022
I loved this. not quite as much as Always in my heart, but close. Having to make a decision between two guys - one, your best friend that you have loved forever, or two, the hottest guy on campus that is just about perfect for you. How do you pick one over the other?
February 22, 2022
The book kept my interest well enough. Many times, I wanted to shake Becca and tell her to grow up and stop stringing poor Brad along. Great chemistry between Ethan and Becca. Definitely will read book 2.
October 2, 2017
What a great book. I laughed, I cried, and my heart went out to them all. Can't wait to read the next book!!
September 18, 2019
Several places had unfinished sentences. Good story though.
September 22, 2019
Very light YA fiction. Well written, many parts had me smiling. Oh, to be a teenager today!
October 30, 2020
2/5 Stars
March 13, 2017
Thanks to my daughter another of my new favorite authors!!
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