Hollow

Perfect Little Pieces #1

by Ava Conway

Girl, Interrupted meet Beautiful Disaster in this thrilling and sexy debut novel, in which a college student learns her perfect life is a lie and finds new love where she least expects it—a mental institution.

Freaks, misfits, and psychopaths. Those are the kinds of people found at Newton Heights Psychiatric Hospital, and high-society girl Lucy White’s new home.

Freaks, misfits, and Jayden McCray. Jayden has his own set of rules for life at Newton Heights, and in this enigma, Lucy finds a way to live with the events that left her cheating boyfriend and best friend dead—and Lucy in the middle of the investigation into their demise.

The problem? Jayden makes her want things she’s not supposed to have, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality and making Lucy feel more at home in Newton Heights than she ever did at home. But this isn’t how her life is supposed to be…

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Mental Illness, Young Adult

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 11, 2014

About the author

At fourteen, Ava snuck her first romance novel into bed and read it by flashlight. There she met her first “book boyfriend” and has been hooked on reading ever since. She often prefers book-boyfriends to the real thing, and believes that a gooey, fudge brownie is a little piece of heaven on earth. When she’s not writing, she’s stumbling through her Zumba class (have to work off those brownies somehow), obsessing over the latest PINK song, or feeding her addiction for reality television.

Reviews

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read and review all the time, I also help blog tour hosts. I agreed to help promote this book on my blog http://sueandherbooks.blogspot.co.uk/ I had no intention of reading this as I have such a lot of books to read already and thought maybe I wouldn't be able to squeeze this in.

Family heart book tours sent out an email, they still needed reviewers, so I jumped into help, this is how I came across reading this book.

NOW let me tell you, I text my book buddy several times over this book [Philomena] I knew she too was going to read this, so I couldn't give her any spoilers, and I am not about to give any spoilers away now.

Its refreshing to read a book like this. Its has substance to the storyline, its unpredictable, its insightful.

We have Lucy, she is a popular girl, has a boyfriend, but she also has a domineering Mother who is trying to push her ahead in life in directions she doesn't want to go. Her Mother is doing this for her OWN benefit and prestige and not for her daughter, we have one Mother here who loves the limelight, loves the cameras, loves everything about 'being noticed' for her causes. Even at the sacrifice of her daughter.

One night, one awful fateful night, something happens which changes her world.

To keep Lucy away from the public eye she has her admitted to a psychiatric hospital.

There is so much I want to tell you about how this story goes, and what happens, and how we see patients helping each other, how we see her fall in love, and how damaged people with no fault of their own can 'grow' and overcome adversity that is most often heaped on from generations past, leaving damaged people as they go.

This was an uplifting tale.

I believe this is book 1, and I would love to read book 2.

If you want a real story, something that is [although fiction] something that does happen in life, something you can get your mind lost in, then I say, pick up this book.

I almost missed out on reading this, now I have Ava Conway on my list of BRILLIANT READS....must follow her books.

I loved how this author made the book flow so well. The ending is not a cliff hanger so you are OK with that! But it certainly leaves you wondering what becomes of Lucy and Jayden, and indeed, the other main characters that played out in this wonderful read.

[Rebekah Crain · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was just okay. Though it did grow on me a little more in the last half of the book. I guess I just had a hard time coming to terms with the family dynamic and how the main character just gave up. I realize those are two of the major components in this book and without them there'd have been a completely different story, but that's why every book isn't written for every reader. To each their own. Despite not being a full five stars for me, I'm glad I read it because I was curious and the cover for next month's new e-release grabbed my attention.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the free early review copy.

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an intense read! The psychological aspect of this book was mind boggling. This is really more than one story, we see so many things from family relationships, friendships, romance and the overall self discovery of more than one character. The stories and characters are u settling enough but add in the setting and this will have you so wrapped up that you can't put it down. There are so many character stories that this series could go on for quite some time.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! Lucy is an incredible character and watching her grow through her challenges is enjoyable. Jayden is great and their blossoming relationship makes the book fly by for the reader. The supporting characters are wonderful and I am hoping books follow with their stories!

[J.M. Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/3.75

[All My Book Boyfriends · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very glad I read this one.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Received and ARC copy for an honest review***

First let me say that this story started out slow for me. I pushed myself to keep reading because they synopsis sounded interesting and it was a different type of book than I normally read.
I am glad I pushed myself. About half way through it started to pick up.

You meet Lucy who is a collage student who attends a Frat party with her boyfriend Kyle and one of her best friends Bethany. It was a typical party with drinking, dancing. However there was a room called The Den of Pleasure. I am not going to tell you what goes on in that room. However Lucy found Klye and Bethany there together. She was furious and drunk. Lucy storms out the frat house to drive home. Kyle and Bethany try and stop her. All 3 were wasted. Here is an important lesson. NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE. My own rule is if I have just 1 drink I don't drive.

It never occurred to me that Lucy was reiterating of the accounts that happened that night. That part I was like "HUH".
You have Lucy's parents who are big on Capital Hill due to their animal rights projects they handle. I really don't like her parents. See something major happened that night at the party. Something so bad that Lucy became depressed and tried killing herself. Her parents said they were looking out for her. Her mom on the other hand was only looking out for their "LEGACY". I would of slapped my mother truth be told.
Somethings were said between Lucy's mother and father that had me thinking she had a brother who went crazy as well.

Moving along Lucy was admitted to a Psychiatric hospital called Newton Heights. It kind of got boring to me. Reading about how she had to attend sessions and what not. She did meet Jayden. I thought at first this was her brother I mentioned before. Boy was I wrong, so wrong. After Lucy got a roommate named Iris and found out Iris can hack into computer systems. Lucy found out some viable information about who she really was, who her parents really where. That was a wide eye opener for me phew.....

Something clicks in Lucy's head. She realizes she needs to get healthy and move on from Newton Heights. Jayden made her see that rules are meant to be bent and broken sometimes. Lucy realized she lived her life how others wanted her to, not how she wanted to.
The whole book takes place in Newton Heights. You meet other characters and learn the ropes from Jayden who has been there for a very long time. Lucy and Jayden to spark a romance while there. They both have a dark side neither is willing to share. Once they do share they still want to be with each other.

Does Lucy get well and leave Newton Heights? What happened to Jayden? Why was Lucy there to begin with? What other crazies might you read about? You will find all these answers in the book.

[Finley Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
The synopsis for Hollow completely intrigued me, and I was super excited to begin reading this book. It sounded very different from what I was used to. The story and relationship that built between the two main characters, Lucy and Jayden, was adorable. What made it so unique was that they met while in a mental hospital, yet neither were what you would envision of a typical patient in these places. They were normal people who just happened to have some horrible events happen in their lives which ultimately led them to the time which they spend in Newton Heights.

Lucy is the daughter of high society parents who seem to care more abut themselves and their animal rights than in raising a daughter properly. Everything she has been doing in life has been what her parents pushed her towards, not what she has wanted for herself. After some heartbreaking events took place at the frat party she was at, Lucy found herself the main suspect in an investigation into the deaths of her boyfriend and best friend. Suicidal, scared, and feeling more alone than ever, her mother (who is a real winner in the mother category….NOT) and her lawyer feel it would be in her best interest (or rather the best interest of the mothers social status) for Lucy to be admitted into Newton Heights Psychiatric Hospital. It was here where she met Jayden. He taught her how to bend the rules without actually breaking them, and how to enjoy life even in the cruddiest of situations. The two of them had an undeniable connection from the start, but Lucy kept trying to fight it. They each had a past that they did not want to share with the other, but without learning about each others pasts, they would not be able to move forward with their futures.

When Lucy learns some deep things about her past, it is Jayden who is there to help her pick up the pieces and face the past instead of running. Lucy finds herself forming unexpected friendships with the other patients, and the more the story evolves, the more Lucy evolves into her own person instead of her mothers pawn.

Hollow is a story of love, loss, and finding oneself amiss the turbulence and sadness that life can throw your way. It's about battling the darkness instead of giving in to it, and finding the light in that darkness so that you can pull yourself out instead of getting lost to it. It's a story about hope and overcoming one's internal demons. The supporting characters were fantastic, and I grew to love the majority of them almost as much as I loved Lucy and Jayden.

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted Hollow by Ava Conway in exchange for an honest review.

Lucy, in a fit of hurt and anger is thrust in the spotlight under unfortunate circumstances. Her parents, prominent DC power couple, decide it's best to hide her away until everything blows over. They decide the perfect place to hide her is Newton Heights Psychiatric Hospital. While in the hospital Lucy not only learns about herself, she learns about her family, friends, and others in the hospital.

While Lucy becomes a stronger person, I think my favorite character has to be Iris, her roommate. Iris shows up with a bag of contraband, unable to be near other people, open doors, or touch items many of us take for granted. With help, especially from Lucy, Iris is able to take a laundry cart ride, infrequently eat in the cafeteria and sometimes stand, for short periods, human contact.

One of the main themes of the book is love. Love between a child and her parents. Love between friends and love between a man and a woman. Lucy discovers her instincts about her parents, especially her mother, are right. Most of her actions are for publicity, either to further her interests or as a cover-up. The loss of trust causes a serious rift between Lucy and her mother, her father seems to have given up on her when she is admitted to the hospital. Will the love for her mother help Lucy overcome the rift and forgive?

Lucy is left with the feeling that everyone she thinks is a friend lets her down. Her boyfriend, Kyle, her best friends Bethany and Mia, and the friends she had before the accident. She realizes when she finds herself she is able to make real friends she can rely on and they can count on her.

The one thing Lucy is not looking for is a relationship. Then she finds Jayden, or he finds her. At first Lucy tries to stay away from him. Soon she decides to trust Jayden. The problem is, Lucy doesn't know who Jayden is, will she be able to love him when she learns his past? Will he want to be with her when he learns about her past?

I can honestly say I will recommend Hollow for my friends to read. I couldn't put it down. I hope there is a sequel. There are other characters that could easily lend themselves to other stories or a continuation of Lucy's experiences.

[Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I was provided a copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.***

I was intrigued when I read the synopsis for Hollow. I was in the mood to read something a bit different, and this book was just what I was looking for. It is heavier than some of the books I have read recently, but oh so good!!!! From the beginning pages, I was intrigued, and it only got better the further I got into it.

Lucy finds herself in a mental hospital after she is involved in a car wreck that took the lives of her boyfriend and best friend. Her parents are animal activists that are very involved in politics. So, they decide it is better for Lucy to go into treatment after she tries to kill herself. They also think it will put some distance between her ordeal and their reputation as she awaits her future, a trial and possibly prison. While in the hospital, she meets several people who will greatly influence her recovery, especially Jayden. She and Jayden grow closer and begin a relationship which is against the rules. How in the world does a relationship survive that begins in a mental hospital, especially when both of them are hiding their pasts from each other?

Hollow was fantastic! I loved the relationship Lucy forms with the staff, patients, and of course Jayden. But, my favorite aspect of the book is seeing Lucy finally decide to quit running from her past and her pain finally deciding that the only one who can help her get better is herself. The story was perfectly paced and not rushed. Lucy is there for a long time, and her recovery takes time and patience. There were also surprises that awaited throughout the story. You are lead to believe things are one way, but see as Lucy does that appearances can be deceiving, and the people you thought were your enemies might indeed be your allies.

Hollow was very well written and exceeded all my expectations. It began with a story that was dark and hopeless and ended up being a great story of hope and second chances. I can't wait to see what else Ava Conway has in store for her readers. I will definitely be putting her on my list of favorite writers.

[Angela Goodrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not entirely sure of how I feel about this book. Hollow tells us the story of Lucy White. After a tragic night, she finds herself being investigated for manslaughter. At the advice of her attorney and the insistence of her mother, she admits herself to a mental institution. Once there, Lucy faces the monumental task of finding herself – an objective made that much more difficult each time her mother visits and reveals family secrets. Ms. Conway made it easy to hate Lucy’s mother. The woman was so self-involved that it blew my mind – and I have known some extremely self-involved people. I was not surprised that Lucy finally went off on her mother; frankly, I was surprised it took her that long.

If Lucy’s mother represented the dark cloud in her life, Jayden was her light. While I liked Jayden’s protectiveness of others, especially Flynn, Nesto, and Lucy, and the way in which he found his place within the ward, I never quite connected with him. Or Lucy for that matter. I enjoyed their relationship – the way they bantered, the way they listened to one another, the way they gave the other hope – but something was missing for me that prevented me from connecting the characters fully. Normally I would give a book like this 3 stars for being a good read. However, this is a really well-written book and I did enjoy it. I actually loved the way in which Ms. Conway ended the book. As odd as this may sound, I don’t want to read the sequel if it’s about Lucy and Jayden. I don’t want to know what happens to them next. I like their story as it is … ending in hope and THAT is why I gave Hollow four stars.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

[Pratr- Authors · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy catches her boyfriend and her friend having sex at a frat party one night, all she wanted to do was leave. Her boyfriend Kyle and her friend Bethany end up in the car with her and all of them arguing. Next think Lucy knows is she is in the hospital and Kyle and Bethany are both dead. Her parents and her lawyer decide to send her to a psychiatric hospital or as her mother refers to it as taking a mini vacation. This is where the real story starts.
I don't want to give anything away, the book deals with Lucy and her stay at Newton Heights. How Lucy learns about her self and over coming her past. Everything that her parents do is not based on what is best for Lucy but how it makes them look as parents, to put them in the spotlight bring media attention to them and their causes. Over the course of her stay Lucy meets Jayden starts having feeling for him but yet try and keep her distance because she doesn't feel worthy of his affection. Slowly she starts to make friends and heal.
In the beginning of the book I was unsure if I could get into it or not. I couldn't see a whole book about a psychiatric hospital stay. But it ended up being so much more then that and by the last page I was sad the book ended. Just watching Lucy and even some of the other patients grow and change during their time there was amazing. Every step of her recovery was a challenge to Lucy and with Jayden by her side she accomplishes so much.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Lucy has such a tragic and depressing past that she become suicidal, and she ends up in a psychiatric hospital. While she is there, she doesn't start off well, and she finds herself moving the wrong direction on the depression scale.
She meets Jayden- and she isn't very trusting of him at first but she doesn't let that stop her from wanting to be around him more and more. Lucy begins thinking that he was a plant there from her family, but we see that they are both there for a reason and it could mean the end for them if they cant move past their pasts.
Hollow was such a great story!! It's not predictable at all and you read the story finding yourself emotionally vetted to what you are reading of the characters.
Since this takes place primarily in the hospital you know that there are some 'interesting' characters to come out!
Be sure that you get your copy today!!
~Dowie

[Tracie R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollow is so well written it will quickly have you immersed within its pages and invested in the compelling characters and their stories.

How is that the one night Lucy White would rather forget became the one night that would change the rest of her life!!

Lucy White is living a nightmare one that started out as a fight with her boyfriend and has resulted in her being placed in Newton Heights Psychiatric Hospital. But sometimes life has a way of putting us right where we need to be. Can Lucy find what she needs and will those around her become more important to her than she first realised.

I really enjoyed Hollow and look forward to reading more of the characters from this book, Do yourself a favour add Hollow to your TBR list you won't be disappointed.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Thank you Netgalley for a different romantic book. A mental institution is not were one is to find friendship, lust, romance. One is to find themselves and heal. The synopsis gives a quick online about Hollow. What it does not give you is the creativity Ava Conway has in bringing her characters to life. Conway spins her characters and webs their struggles to fit in/heal not only in society but also inside the walls of Newton Heights Psychiatric Hospital.
Starts off a little slow, but don't give up. It's not your typical forbidden love romance. . . they're in an institution, dating is forbidden, but true friendship is not. . .

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this book was a bit heavier and more serious than I've read in a while. For me, it had a slow start but I recommend you stick with it - it will be worth it. This is the story of Lucy, a college student that is involved in a drunk driving accident. Her path to healing is one that involves a stay at a mental hospital - this is where we meet Jayden and several other characters. Watching Lucy and other patients grow and work on overcoming their ghosts truly becomes an uplifting story. Lucy meets Jayden at the hospital and their blossoming relationship is wonderful to see. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up - I'm glad I did.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent debut in the older YA/new adult field. Ava Conway had a strong idea in setting the story in a psychiatric ward, and an interesting idea for a complex relationship between two patients. However, the characters felt a bit flat as little time seemed dedicated to developing both primary and secondary characters, despite the rich potential in the unique story. (Galley Provided by Netgalley)

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review coming soon.