Trice Under the lights, amongst the jazz shoes, blistered feet and caked faces of the dance troupe, you pretend you’re someone else. The melody begins and your body responds. You allow it to weave into your skin until it’s made itself home in your soul. It is that dance that drives you. It is that dance that will continue to save you. It is that dance that will release you.
Until him.
Until your heart can no longer shut him out, even after he’s pushed you away. You can’t let him in again, can you? There’s only so much of your heart left to give.
Alex She is the reason I can’t stay. The reason that the covered bruises, the lies and the hurt are too much. I am no good for her. But when I see her again, I can’t stay away. Like Dante said, “The path to paradise begins in hell.”
M R Field is an author from Australia and has completed a Bachelor's degree with Honours from Melbourne. After growing up with the river at her front door, she returned back to her hometown after many years of living in the city. She now lives a tranquil lifestyle with her husband, two young children and effervescent dog.
M R Field has always held a love for writing, filling journals as a child which progressed to more eloquent pieces as an adult. After ten years of creative instruction, she decided to turn these ideas into manuscripts. She adores creating new story lines and is a big fan of a happily ever after, but believes strongly in making her characters work for it.
She has recently decided to join the independent publishing world with her debut novel, Fragments, which released late 2014, alongside its subsequent novel, Splinters that released in 2015. Fractures released on October, 25th 2016. Do Not Respond, a standalone sexy office romance novel is set for release mid 2018.
Fragments is an emotional story that spans years of heartbreak, friendship, and love. Beautifully written, the characters leapt off the pages and into my heart.
Beatrice (Trice) the daughter of immigrant parents, struggles to ignore bullies while immersing herself in her passion for dance. She feels betrayed when her brother Robbie's best friend Alex who she has always been close with, starts dating mean girl Stacey.
"What did you do when one of your closest friends broke your heart? You avoided them. You ignored them. You pushed yourself to try to forget that they were ever a part of your life."
Alex, the boy next door, tries to hide the physical and emotional abuse that he suffers at the hand of an alcoholic father, but it has been drilled into him that he is worthless. He loves Beatrice but doesn't want to do anything to lose the friendship they have.
" I could think of any moment and see him weaved throughout it. It was as though his soul was interwoven with mine."
This story drew me right in. I want more of this world, of these characters, Trice, Alex, Robbie, Hazel, Trin, and Theo. I've already fallen in love with all of them!
“But you are my forever, Bea. You were destined to be mine. Even if we took forever to get here, I wouldn’t change a thing. We weren’t ready before, but we are ready now. Every inch of my soul was born to love you. I’d travel through hell to get to you. You are my paradise.”
“The love that moves the sun and the other stars.” ~ Dante
I have been in love with M.R. Field’s writing ever since I read Fractures last year. Her writing is poignant, flawless, and so full with emotions I was swallowed whole and immersed as well as fully invested in her characters. This talent of drawing in the reader while maintaining a beautiful, strong, and sophisticated prose is something I do not see often. Miss Field is definitely one of those authors who will allow you to forget your surroundings while you immerse yourself into the story and the characters—something she proved again with Fragments; her debut novel.
Trice and Alex do not have it easy, that’s for sure. They both have their struggled to overcome, a past to let go of, and a future to embrace. Having grown up next door to one another, and Alex being Trice’s brother’s best friend, means they have known one another all their lives, but it also means they cannot easily avoid one another.
Cruel circumstances and insecurities tear them apart when all they want to do is hold on, breaking their hearts in the process. However, fate has a way to work itself out and bring these two back to one another, and this time Alex is not letting go again.
“If you keep running, I’ll keep chasing. You are as much a part of me as I am of you.” ~Alex
I loved every word written in this beautiful book. The story line kept me hooked from page one, wondering if they would eventually figure out their lives or if they kept breaking my heart. And these characters—they were perfect in their imperfections. Miss Field made them relatable and believable in their flaws. Alex and Trice aren’t perfect by a long shot, yet, they are perfect for one another. The development of their relationship, as well as each individual character arc, was perfect and I couldn’t get enough. Not only do we receive great main characters, but also amazing and intriguing side characters are presented in Fragments.
Ultimately, Fragments is an amazing story of forgiveness, redemption, and a love strong enough to endure and survive the most devastating circumstances. After Fractures, M.R. Field was already a favorite of mine, but this book just cemented her position on that list for the rest of my life.
It is not every day you come across a debut novel that sings as well as Fragments. M. R Field is a regional author from country Victoria; something which resonates with me as a reader. I felt like I was being pulled into the story of a young Italian girl named Beatrice and her journey of life, love and getting through a rough high school. Fragments is the kind of novel you decide to read before bed, then in the blink of an eye you are halfway through the novel and its three in the morning. Fragments is first and foremost a romance novel, however it touches on many issues that young women face. For example Trice experienced bullying by her school peers who not only emotionally bullied her but also physically. She faces the pressures of a traditional Italian immigrant family in an Australian community. She tries to come to terms with racist remarks and understand them. The story takes place in a small riverfront town, Trice’s house sits facing a beautiful lake where she and her friends swim in summer. Trice’s older brother Robbie often brings friends around as well… leading to romance between the guys and girls. This is where Trice meets Alex. The tall dark and mysterious boy next door. Love between Beatrice develops on their long runs together but is broken by careless words and other characters meddling. Trice is then faced with a strong desire to leave her home and pursue her passion for dancing. Trice leaves her small town for Melbourne in order to follow her dreams and dance in a prestigious academy. After several years in Melbourne Trice decides to live with her brother Robbie, and his roommate Alex; her childhood sweetheart. Sparks fly and romance once again blossoms. Field has the ability to create a world for her readers to enjoy. She paints the picture of tranquil lakes, beautiful bushlands and running tracks, and is able to portray the highly charged emotions between Alex and Beatrice. This is the kind of book that hooks you from the beginning and you physically cannot put it down. An amazing first novel, certainly looking forward to the next instalment.
I found that M.R. Field's debut novel was...amazing. It held so much within it and I can't wait for Robbie and Hazel's story (next year. Well, it had better be) Thank you for entertaining me, I HIGHLY suggest for anyone to buy this novel, you'll laugh, smile, get angry and annoyed. But you will love it!
Wow! What a story! Absolutely beautiful! Sometimes you don't realize what you need until it's too late. Trice and Alex grow up together and are friends. Things are going great until after one night when you think that finally things are going to move to the next level as boyfriend and girlfriend Alex cuts ties and moves away without so much as a reason to Trice. Years later when Trice is off to school and needs a place to stay she moves in with her brother and his roommate who happens to be Alex. I can't even begin to tell you what a journey these two will bring you on. You will be happy , sad and yes even cry. In fact I cried several times for different reasons. It amazes me that this is M.R.'s debut novel! She writes and tells a story like a seasoned pro who was been doing it for years! If I could buy this book and gift it to all of you I would because I believe in it and know what a truly special reading experience it is. If I could give it one world I would say that it was phenomenal! A story that will make you believe in forgiveness , second chances and give you hope for when things seem over you always have to have faith that things will always end up the way they are meant to be. Sorry to be so vague but I don't want to spoil anything for you. I want you to experience the full effect of the book and the ride that it will bring you on. Congratulations M.R. on your debut novel! Thank you for opening your heart and pouring it into your work. I can't wait for what's next from you!
When I first saw this book I thought "What a beautiful book"! Then I read the blurb and thought "Ohh well, maybe some other time". Then a week ago or so M. R. Field was so kind to give me an ARC for an honest review... So here goes!
HOLY HECK!!! I have been missing out, like MISSING OUT!!! M. R. Field you are my new Godess of Love <3 I don't read YA/NA romance usually, I can't deal with the drama and angst. I don't read books containing flashbacks (in lack of a better word) for no specific reason - I just don't like them much. But this book shot down all my preconceived notions... This book is so well written, its focus is on the story, the emotions aren't drawn out painfully. "Fragments" is as perfect and beautiful as its cover...
This lovestory that unfolds between Trice and Alex is full of heartache. And you ACHE with them, boy do you ache. Not only because of what is done to them separately, but what they do to each other because of their wounds. It is a story of young love, but this story is also so realistic, that it could have happend to any of us, which in turn make it hit so much harder...
I am not giving away any spoilers, I am just going to say - thank you M. R. Field, for the feels and especially for the music!!! I adore this book!
Fragments by M.R Field Review by: Kayla Synopsis: Trice Under the lights, amongst the jazz shoes, blistered feet and caked faces of the dance troupe, you pretend you’re someone else. The melody begins and your body responds. You allow it to weave into your skin until it’s made itself home in your soul. It is that dance that drives you. It is that dance that will continue to save you. It is that dance that will release you. Until him. Until your heart can no longer shut him out, even after he’s pushed you away. You can’t let him in again, can you? There’s only so much of your heart left to give. Alex She is the reason I can’t stay. The reason that the covered bruises, the lies and the hurt are too much. I am no good for her. But when I see her again, I can’t stay away. Like Dante said, “The path to paradise begins in hell.” Review: I was given a copy of Fragments by Love Romance books blog and the author for an honest review. I enjoyed this Fragments and its characters and storyline. It was well written and I liked it! Trice and Alex are each other’s homes. Alex thinks he’s no good for Trice but Trice has Alex weaved through her skin and their souls are connected. Alex has had a tough life and he doesn’t want to hurt Trice. They have a hard time staying away from one another because they are meant to be together. Trice tried to push him out of her heart but could she do it? She only has so much left to give and she is trying to make it work without getting hurt. I would recommend this book to my friends. I give Fragments 4 out of 5 stars!
I was lucky enough to be given this book to read by my friend & author of this book MR Field & how lucky I was to be given the opportunity! I loved this book from the start to end and everywhere in between, I could feel the pain and emotions that Bea went through and could relate to a lot of the things that happened in this book. I laughed, I cried, I got angry and then I cried & laughed again. It's a beautiful story about love and believing in yourself. The only downfall I have is that I have to wait for book two!!! Great Debut MR Field can't wait for the rest.
This story captured me from front cover to the back page. It's so beautifully written and one of my favourite reads of 2014. The powerful story of a love from a young age and all the trials and tribulations to go through to an even more powerful love as an adult. The stories from both the characters and their own stories is amazing. A huge well done to this author for her debut and is now an author that I will always be a guaranteed one click for me. :-)
I've always been a fan of 'boy-next-door' stories, but this one surpassed my expectations. Alex may appear to be a brooding bad boy, but wow! He's so much more than that! This is one of those books I could read over and over (which I fully intend to do). It's an amazing debut novel for M.R. Field, and I can't wait to see what she does next!
Wow! First impressions really do matter I fell in love with the covers for this series. I’ve never read this authors work before, but I love her writing style. Fragments has a great storyline, raw, angsty, relatable characters and those moments when you want to stand up and boo or cheer with the audience. There were pieces of Italian thrown in here and there. If you’ve ever spent time around Italian’s you’ll recognise that when they speak in English they often revert to their native tongue especially when they are feeling passionate about something. Sometimes although something is right under our noses it is unreachable. Alex had a thug for a father, a terrified sister and a spineless mother. He was taken under the wing of his grandfather who was a very wise man. His best friend and neighbour Robbie has a younger sister Beatrice and they do everything together. Alex is closer to the Vera family than he is his own. Trice and her friends are bullied at school but she takes the brunt of it. Not wanting to cause trouble for her family she tries avoiding these cruel girls until she doesn’t. Dancing has been her solace and she stay’s focused and do what is needed to join an academy in Melbourne. Alex has feelings for Bea but he keeps hearing his fathers words “You are a piece of s*#t.” So he tries to stay out of her life to give her a chance to find the man she deserves.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and she has me interested in reading more. I am very interested in seeing what happens with Beatrice's friends--Hazel, Trinity, and Theo--even though a bit was given away in the Epilogue as to who ends up with who. I quite enjoyed the read.
I’d bought this book some time ago but somehow never picked it up – which turned out to be a huge mistake! ‘Fragments’ is such a well written and beautiful young adult love story that touches so many emotions.
Trice has long had feelings for her brother’s best friend Alex but he doesn’t look at her that way – or so she thinks. The truth is Alex has long vowed to keep his feelings distant and keep her away from his world of pain.
Both Trice and Alex suffer from their own tormentors and want to escape to the big city. Alex is repeatedly beaten by his abusive and alcoholic father while Trice is physically and emotionally abused by bullies from school. For Trice, the only way to escape is through dance. When she’s dancing she can pretend she is someone else and forget all the horrible things that have happened to her. And dancing is also the thing that will take her away to the big city and away from the bullying.
After finally coming together one night which is followed by both hurting the other, a wedge is created between them and they chose to keep their distance. But unexpected circumstances bring them together once again.
I won’t give away any more of the storyline but I will urge you to read ‘Fragments’. M.R. Field is such a talented writer who can add so many layers to a story and is able to draw out so many emotional responses. And this is only her debut novel! I can’t wait to read more of M.R. Field’s work.
Lastly, I will say that I will never be able to listen to Counting Crows’ song Colorblind again without thinking of this book and one scene in particular in which Trice is dancing her heart out at an audition. The scene was so heartbreaking yet beautiful at the same time and it was so well written that you could truly envision her dance and truly feel her pain.
First thing first: the cover is so beautiful. And so symbolic. Once you’d started the book, you’ll understand.
Now, the story: What more can I ask, when the author writes with such a perfect style, such a passionate love story, with such appealing characters, with all kinds of moments: moving, funny, sensual and hottttt? Hooked from the first page, I was under the skin of each character, feeling each emotion, giving each step forward the undeniable attraction, the ineluctable spark that would start it all and explode…
I’m speaking about consistent New Adult stories here, no shallows characters / blurb with several sex scenes added to the mix. Nope. Characters are consistent, emotions really well delivered, with human reactions and…. Human decisions, some of them really frustrating, and its heartbreaking consequences, but also so much tenderness, humor and passion…
And it feels so damn good to read New Adult good stuff!!! Besides, Trice and Alex are surrounded by others characters/friends that are also very well written, and they will have their own love story in the next books of the series.
I loved the realism of this book. First, because the author touches very sensitive subjects, like the alcoholism of a father, the passivity of a mother who should have protected her children, the emotional consequences of domestic alcoholism in victim’s lives, bullying at school, racism, and double culture of immigrants children.
And also I loved the way the events unfolded: this love story is not an easy one, there are wrenching moments, wrong decisions, big moments of frustration, but like Dante said “The path to paradise begins in hell »
There are also many poetics references (after all, Trice got her name beau of Dante’s Beatrice).
This book (I’ve devoured it in two days) has been a wonderful reading, and an excellent surprise, because it was my first MR Field’s book. I can tell I’ve discovered a great author and I can’t wait to read the next books, Splinters and Fractures, or any other book she’ll write in the future.
***ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review***
I received an ARC of Fragments in exchange for an honest review Fragments is wonderfully written book about two friends who grew up with each other, who end up falling in love. It takes place over a few years time span but that doesn't take away anything from the book.
Trice is the younger sister of Robbie, and has always had a close friendship with Robbie's best friend Alex. Growing up together, they had good banter as well as could confide in each other their hopes, dreams and even worries. Alex had a bad home life so coming over to his friend's house was his little safe haven. Man, my heart broke for what Alex had to go through in his younger years and how that unfortunately affected him as he grew up, but Bea was his savior, his guardian angel helping through the rough times.
As they grew up, their feelings for each other intensified but they never once told each other until one night. One night, they gave in to what they were feeling and BOOM connection made, or so you think - demons haunting Alex drives a wedge between them and before you know it, they have taken 10 steps backwards.
Over the years, they keep their distance away from each other - looking in on one another life from a distance but always remembering that one night with the rain. Unforeseen circumstances mean that Trice is now moving in to the spare room of Robbie's & Alex's house. Will the tension between them finally be forgotten? Or will they just agree that they are in fact better off Apart?
M R Field definitely keeps you on your toes with this one, every time you think "YES finally!", she throws a spanner in the works and they are back at square one. Honestly, I am not one for delaying the inevitable, however with this , I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen. I started reading Fragments, at 11pm with every intention of just reading for 30 mins then going to sleep - next thing you know, it's 1am and I am still reading!
I loved every individual factor in this book - from the Italian terminology to the references to Dante. Every single character in this book just jumped out at me, and I can not wait to read for the rest of the Running on Empty series to release. Bring on Robbie & Hazel's story :)
She is Beatrice, Trice to most of her friends, and Bea to a special friend. Her brother is Robbie, their parents are Italian, they were born in Australia, where anyone who is not dark haired and brown eyed it looked upon as outsiders, no matter if they were born there or not.
He is Alex, his older sister is Lily. They come from a dysfunctional home, with an alcoholic father and a mother who does not even try to protect them from him. Only Bea knows, about the beatings, or does she? Who else knows? She is sworn to secrecy. Grandfather tries to protect them. Nonna loves them.
The Lyle family considers Alex and Lily part of their family. How do these children survive in school and at home. From topics of bullying, to domestic violence, to school performance and university. What happens when Bea moves into the Apartment that Robbie and Alex share. Do they get their friendship back? Uh uh, not going to tell you what happened to lose the friendship, you will have to read and find out. Can they mend their relationship?
This book is aptly named Fragments because it seems like things are so fragmented between these two in so many ways from their own family dramas, to their dramas, to school dramas and just life in general. Be prepared for flash back scenes, and reminders of things that have happened or have not happened.
Be prepared for guilt, and anger, frustration, and pure craziness (in a good way). This book truly covers what it means when you are coming of age, from drinking, sex, relationships of all kinds. It is a must read book. It is well written and brought about a myriad of emotions as I read it, including cheering, biting my cheek and even crying at points.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
“In shock, my mouth opens slightly and he uses that advantage to push his tongue through, tasting mine. I grip his shoulders and the towel falls to the ground. Pulling on his shirt, I rub myself against him, eager to get as close as I can. I’m hot and I’m shaking, and I want to climb into his soul.”
4 beautiful stars!! This is a great debut novel from M. R Field. The story is unique and isn’t overworked. I really loved this book from page one!
Trice Under the lights, amongst the jazz shoes, blistered feet and caked faces of the dance troupe, you pretend you’re someone else. The melody begins and your body responds. You allow it to weave into your skin until it’s made itself home in your soul. It is that dance that drives you. It is that dance that will continue to save you. It is that dance that will release you.
Until him.
Until your heart can no longer shut him out, even after he’s pushed you away. You can’t let him in again, can you? There’s only so much of your heart left to give.
Alex She is the reason I can’t stay. The reason that the covered bruises, the lies and the hurt are too much. I am no good for her. But when I see her again, I can’t stay away. Like Dante said, “The path to paradise begins in hell.”
Trice and Alex grew up together and were close friends. They are happy and just when you think, they are going to progress to an actual relationship, Alex leaves without any notice or warning, leaving Trice brokenhearted. Several years later Trice is off to college and has nowhere to stay, her brother offers her a place, little does she know her brothers roommate is Alex, the boy who broke her heart. After that fireworks erupt and this book will make you laugh, cry, want to throw you kindle. It’s a rollercoaster of a ride!! You definitely won’t be disappointed while reading!!
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club.**
Fragments is a story based in Australia and right from the beginning, it is Australian (and thank goodness for the translations in the front of the book!), even after living so close to Australia, visiting Australia and knowing people from Australia, many of the slag terms were new to me. Don't let the new language deter you however, it is not different to the very first time I wondered why American characters ate their biscuits with gravy!
Fragments follows the story of Beatrice and Alex from high school into adulthood and M.R. has done a fantastic job at making the story flow even though the story covers the span of years.
Both Beatrice and Alex have experienced their own horrors throughout their high school years and M.R. has discussed these with dignity. There were times in this book when I felt utterly heartbroken, where I was too afraid to keep reading in case I ended up in tears. Despite the struggles that her characters have faced throughout this beautiful story, M.R. has allowed her characters to rise up from their struggles in a way that is both beautiful and realistic.
From the beginning I felt more then just the robotic feeling of 'these are the two main characters, they will end up together' instead, with M.R. amazing writing style I had the feeling that these characters were soul mates, more so then I have ever felt while reading any other book. Doesn't mean there were no times where I wanted to yell at the pages 'pull yourselves together' however I had faith in a happy ending and gave them the time to sort themselves out.
The only thing I would change about this story is the epilogue, while I love hearing how things wrap up after a HEA I was disappointed that it told the outcome of what happens for characters in upcoming books, so keep this in mind if you don't want spoilers for upcoming books. Even though I knew the outcome, I have still since read Splinters, the second book in the series.
This was one those word of gem reads for me. I was drawn even more upon reading the blurb and seeing that pretty cover. A story that integrates Dante and Beatrice's history is always fascinating to me. I noticed this first of all starting out. Ill admit the story started out slow I get because we needed to understand the background of the main characters. They have a deeper story than I initially thought.
Alex and Trice's story spans their younger years and as they grew up. Life growing up was a source of hardship and trials for them, they didnt always have a smooth road. But theirs is a friendship that was unique to them and one moment changed that but became their turning point. Was it the kind that is repairable? Only time would tell.
Now that they were older they needed to face their inner demons and a relationship that still had lingering feelings that needed to be sorted. Again they would be tested on that. But foe these two they had such a deep connection from before bridging that gap couldnt be avoided.
I enjoyed being part of their road to finding their path and despite the angst and hurts of the past they were strong enough to let it go and start again. Alex can be frustating it can come out not so well at times but he meant well. I felt for Trice many times too her strength came out and it was great too see her overcome the darker part of her life.
As a debut novel excellent writing and well done. It was my kind of story and something easily relatable themes. I liked the UK english/Aussie slang I guess for me I get it easily more now being familiar. Its good the author had a glossary too. I look forward to more in the series.
It is so satisfying to find a new author that you can share with fellow readers. It’s astounding when you realize you’re reading a wonderful debut novel. I’m absolutely giddy over that fact that I may be one of the initial few readers to be able to yell from the rooftops. READ THIS BOOK!
M. R. Field has written such a lovely coming of age story that includes so many life experiences (bullying, crushes, life-long friendships, abuse, heartbreak and redemption) using so many interesting facets that I can’t stop thinking about it.
To make matters even more interesting it takes place in Australia so you get a lot of cheeky language that I thoroughly enjoyed. On top of that, I personally got a huge kick out of reading about Italian immigrants who settled in Australia. The author paints such an entertaining, accurate and heartfelt picture of this immigrant family that I honestly felt at one point I was sitting in the kitchen with my own Italian grandmother. Nothing like smelling sauce while you’re reading because the spices were wafting off the page.
Take a group of young girls and a group of older guys that grew up together and what do you get? A lot of entertaining stories of the trials and tribulations of puberty, good and bad family relations, and some angst that will lead you to how they all ended up. And where they end up is very steamy at times :-)
Interesting and colorful characters will keep your attention throughout.
I look forward to reading more of M. R. Field’s work.
There are two themes that are sure to get my attention with a book…dance and the older brother’s best friend thing. Luckily for me, these are both very nicely combined into this highly addictive and very well written book.
Lead characters Trice and Alex are both very likeable and you find yourself rooting for them right from the start. Even in the earlier years when they would tease and bicker, you could feel the chemistry between them. Having the book set over a period of 8 years, you get to see the way they both grow and how their relationship ebbs and flows. Supporting characters are also very well written and developed and their interaction with both Trice and Alex, as well as each other, is natural, entertaining and intriguing.
While this is a very beautiful book, it’s also very raw and honest, dealing with issues such as bullying, abuse, self-worth and even the ugly side of dance isn’t glossed over with the mention of the ‘one size fits all ballet body’, difficult company directors and tough, ugly feet. To me, this just added to the overall experience.
Despite this book being just shy of 300 pages, my main gripe is that it wasn’t long enough! I wanted more!!! I am very much looking forward to the release of the second book in the series, Splinters.
Wow, this story was very close to home for me. The characters, the Australian-Italian family mannerisms and traditions.
I loved finding my way through this story and relating to hundreds of things. It made me laugh and it made me cry – and in the end all you need to do is BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.
M.R Field did a wonderful job of putting this story into writing. There is so much reality in this story that it brought home memories from my own life.
It is full of emotions, heartbreak, love, friendship, finding yourself and finding your soul mate. The story was told in Trice and Alex’s POV. I adore these kinds of stories. You get to see both perspectives and it helps you understand where the characters are coming from.
For me it was an inspiring debut novel by M.R. Field. I loved being able to connect with so many things throughout this story and I loved that it was Australian. The only thing I will say is that I had a hard time with a few editing issues, but nonetheless, the story rose above all of that.
Completely awesome characters - very relatable and real situations.
This book does contain profanity and sex scenes so it isn't for everyone. Trice as she is called, short for Beatrice, has always wanted to be a dancer. She practices endlessly from the time she is young until she grows up and goes to the academy for dance. This book takes you through a lot of years from the young age until the present. Trice has always had a connection to her neighbor, Alex. Her and her brother, Robbie, and Alex always hung out together. Robbie and Alex were good friends, but Trice knew how bad Alex's life was at home. When he got beaten or needed someone he always would sneak into Trice's window and she would comfort him. Like I said this book goes over many years in their lives. As they get older Alex goes after one girl after another. He doesn't want any relationships. He only ever wanted Trice but he doesn't feel good enough for her. You will enjoy this book of love in younger years and after life has changed them both. This is a good read
First off as an Aussie I loved the glossary of terms in the front. The definition of mole had me laughing out loud. It was so polite.
Bea and Alex's story beings with them as teenagers. Bea is dealing with bullying while Alex has a difficult home life. Their good relationship doesn't last. The way Alex behaved as a teen had me fuming. So much so I put the book down for a days and read something else until I was calm enough again to give Alex a second chance. I loved Bea and I thought Alex just wasn't good enough for her. Thankfully the dumb teenage boy becomes a good man. It was worth persevering.
It was great seeing Bea and Alex grow up, mature and realise that what you want at 15 sometimes isn't what you want as an adult, and sometimes it is. Dreams change, life changes and you live, learn and adjust.
Fragments is a lovely, emotional, funny, romantic story. I'll definitely be reading the next book in this series.
Gripping, Beautiful, Intense & Emotional "You allow it to weave into your skin until it’s made itself home in your soul." This was the description of a melody in the blurb, but it is also an apt description for this book. I absolutely loved everything about this book. The myriad of emotions, the storyline, the characters, really just everything. This book just grabbed me and held on, I was totally absorbed into this story and did not want to put it down! It is fast paced and I was filled with happiness, sadness, elation, anger, and so much more. I loved that main characters and loved following their story that spanned the years. This fresh and innovative story is the author's debut novel and I will definitely be watching for more from her. I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the journey that M.R. Field takes you on as Trice and Alex's story unfolds. This journey will take time to unfold and bring it to its beautiful conclusion. Trice and Alex are both complicated characters and belong together, it just takes time for them to both end up on the same page. I loved the dance element to the story and the emotions that come out when Trice dances: beautifully described emotive dances. Once I started it I had devour it as quickly as could as I became completely invested in their story and wanted to see it through, through all their ups and downs. Major book hangover after finishing it.