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Less Than Nothing #1
Less Than Nothing
Sage’s life as a teenage runaway in San Francisco is simple: Snatch a few hours of sleep on park benches and bus stops; dodge perverts, predators, and cops; and make enough as a street musician to eat. But her world flips upside down when she meets Derek – hot, tattooed, and charming, a singer from Seattle whose looks and talent take her breath away.
What begins as a reluctant partnership quickly develops into a cross-country race against time - and awakens a hunger in Sage that’s unfamiliar and exciting.
As they travel from coast to coast, Sage and Derek pursue their dream, only to discover that they can never run far enough to escape the demons from their pasts.
Less Than Nothing is the breakout debut NA novel from USA Today bestseller R.E. Blake that critics are buzzing about and readers can’t put down. Sage & Derek's story continues in More Than Anything (book 2) and Best of Everything (book 3).
What begins as a reluctant partnership quickly develops into a cross-country race against time - and awakens a hunger in Sage that’s unfamiliar and exciting.
As they travel from coast to coast, Sage and Derek pursue their dream, only to discover that they can never run far enough to escape the demons from their pasts.
Less Than Nothing is the breakout debut NA novel from USA Today bestseller R.E. Blake that critics are buzzing about and readers can’t put down. Sage & Derek's story continues in More Than Anything (book 2) and Best of Everything (book 3).
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2014
77 people are currently reading
1061 people want to read
About the author
R.E. Blake
6 books38 followersR.E. Blake is the USA Today bestselling author of 30 adventure thrillers and mysteries, now embarking on NA and romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
October 5, 2014
4 Nothing left to lose Stars..
Less than nothing. is a Sweet, full of dreams,and hope story.
Stage a 17 year old, having a mother who prefers alcohol rather than living, and an abused stepdad who treats her as a punching bag. stage her only way out is to runaway. living on streets in San Francisco.
her main income is by singing. having her Yam(her guitar),and her gifted talent nothing can stop her from performance. until one day. a charming, talented man takes her Spot. Derek who also a singer from Seattle. although stage is blown away with his looks and his amazing voice. but her main focus is making a living. Derek offers her a reluctant partnership for a week. to sing together. and split the earning in half.
Derek dreams big. where stage lives day by day. not interest in future.
"We don't have any responsibilities. All we have to do is make
some money so we can eat and dream big dreams."
After being together for a week. Derek awakens a hunger in Sage that’s unfamiliar and exciting.
Going after a talent show. their future begins.....
Derek and Sage. have many things in common. both trying to escape from their demons. together they truly bring out the best of each other!
"Two broken people can somehow fix themselves together."
Loved their journey. traveling from coast to coast. their innocent love. the way they handle the situations. and really enjoyed how the book was written. Yes!, it was all Stage POV. but still could feel derek's presence. all in all Less than nothing is a refreshing beautiful book. you could feel so close to the characters.
Would i recommend this book?!!...
If you are into books based on music, and want something different in NA books. then this book is for you. you'll go on a journey that is full of dreams and believing that you can do anything if you put your mind into it!
" If freedom comes from having nothing. they don't come any freer than me."
*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Less than nothing. is a Sweet, full of dreams,and hope story.
Stage a 17 year old, having a mother who prefers alcohol rather than living, and an abused stepdad who treats her as a punching bag. stage her only way out is to runaway. living on streets in San Francisco.
her main income is by singing. having her Yam(her guitar),and her gifted talent nothing can stop her from performance. until one day. a charming, talented man takes her Spot. Derek who also a singer from Seattle. although stage is blown away with his looks and his amazing voice. but her main focus is making a living. Derek offers her a reluctant partnership for a week. to sing together. and split the earning in half.
Derek dreams big. where stage lives day by day. not interest in future.
"We don't have any responsibilities. All we have to do is make
some money so we can eat and dream big dreams."
After being together for a week. Derek awakens a hunger in Sage that’s unfamiliar and exciting.
Going after a talent show. their future begins.....
Derek and Sage. have many things in common. both trying to escape from their demons. together they truly bring out the best of each other!
"Two broken people can somehow fix themselves together."
Loved their journey. traveling from coast to coast. their innocent love. the way they handle the situations. and really enjoyed how the book was written. Yes!, it was all Stage POV. but still could feel derek's presence. all in all Less than nothing is a refreshing beautiful book. you could feel so close to the characters.
Would i recommend this book?!!...
If you are into books based on music, and want something different in NA books. then this book is for you. you'll go on a journey that is full of dreams and believing that you can do anything if you put your mind into it!
" If freedom comes from having nothing. they don't come any freer than me."
*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
September 20, 2014
Meh.
Every time I am disappointed in the new adult genre I tell myself I will stop reading NA books, but then I read some interesting blurb and I can't help myself.
This was one of those times. Although I liked the idea of the story, the execution of it did not work for me. I wish the author had focused more on the homeless life rather than put it in kind of a background. Also, I wasn't really sure of the message of the story - is it anybody can reach their dreams? I really don't know because being inside the Sage's head was a torture. It went like this 'Does he likes me? I hope he likes me. No, I don't think he likes me. I don't like him, but he is so hot. He is very beautiful. I want him to kiss me. No, he shouldn't kiss me etc.' Saying that I couldn't connect with her would be understatement.
Sage is 17 and she really sounded and acted as a 17 year old. It is not necessarily a bad thing, but living on the streets as an immature 17-year old with a smart mouth? Khm I somehow could not believe that. After knowing Derek for few days she decided to travel across the US with him, and then halfway she thinks that maybe she made a mistake by trusting a stranger. No shit, Sherlock. But of course she couldn't help herself because he is so gorgeous.
Although this NA had a different setting, in the end it felt like just another typical this genre book with annoying heroine and predictable plot-line. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't anything special either.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Every time I am disappointed in the new adult genre I tell myself I will stop reading NA books, but then I read some interesting blurb and I can't help myself.
This was one of those times. Although I liked the idea of the story, the execution of it did not work for me. I wish the author had focused more on the homeless life rather than put it in kind of a background. Also, I wasn't really sure of the message of the story - is it anybody can reach their dreams? I really don't know because being inside the Sage's head was a torture. It went like this 'Does he likes me? I hope he likes me. No, I don't think he likes me. I don't like him, but he is so hot. He is very beautiful. I want him to kiss me. No, he shouldn't kiss me etc.' Saying that I couldn't connect with her would be understatement.
Sage is 17 and she really sounded and acted as a 17 year old. It is not necessarily a bad thing, but living on the streets as an immature 17-year old with a smart mouth? Khm I somehow could not believe that. After knowing Derek for few days she decided to travel across the US with him, and then halfway she thinks that maybe she made a mistake by trusting a stranger. No shit, Sherlock. But of course she couldn't help herself because he is so gorgeous.
Although this NA had a different setting, in the end it felt like just another typical this genre book with annoying heroine and predictable plot-line. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't anything special either.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
consider-later
February 27, 2015
FREE on Amazon US today (2/24/2015)
BLURB:
Sage’s life as a teenage runaway in San Francisco is simple: Snatch a few hours of sleep on park benches and bus stops; dodge perverts, predators, and cops; and make enough as a street musician to eat. But her world flips upside down when she meets Derek – hot, tattooed, and charming, a singer from Seattle whose looks and talent take her breath away.
What begins as a reluctant partnership quickly develops into a cross-country race against time - and awakens a hunger in Sage that’s unfamiliar and exciting.
As they travel from coast to coast, Sage and Derek pursue their dream, only to discover that they can never run far enough to escape the demons from their pasts.
Sage & Derek's story continues in More Than Anything (book 2) and Best of Everything (book 3).
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M...
August 21, 2014
Less Than Nothing by R.E. Blake is a romance novel with adventure, humor, and one of my favorite things, travel. The main character, Sage, is seventeen years old, and even though I’m not a teenager anymore, I found her easy to relate to. Any woman who has ever been in love with “The One” will empathize with her predicament. I especially enjoyed her inner self talk. It kept me smiling throughout the book.
With so many romances about billionaires and bondage, I found this coming of age tale of two homeless teens a refreshing change of pace. It proved true love can bloom under any circumstances.
I can’t wait to read book#2 in the trilogy to see what happens next!
With so many romances about billionaires and bondage, I found this coming of age tale of two homeless teens a refreshing change of pace. It proved true love can bloom under any circumstances.
I can’t wait to read book#2 in the trilogy to see what happens next!
September 29, 2014
This is a story of life and what it takes to survive it.
Within the YA genre I have to say that this was far from average and being able to say that means that I am absolutely delighted.
The story is evolutionary and will stay with you as you close the last page.
Sage has had a far from easy life, one that has left her not only existing through untold tragedies but having to make choices that were far from what she would have ideally liked in order to exist from day to day.
Living life on the street after escaping a home life that was too much for her to take for another day. Sage’s life is the epitome of hardship, living on the fringes of society and reliant completely on her street smarts and wits to keep her not only fed but safe from the predators that feed on the vulnerable on the streets.
One rule on the street is that you keep your pitch and when another teenager Derek encroaches on her turf, Sage is forced to stand up for herself. She might not be fighting to keep a roof over her head but it is much the same principle.
Derek, is not the type of person she ever thought she might come across and after the initial confrontation over location, he captivates her attention in more ways than one, because he was not only blisteringly hot to look at but he had what appealed to her most, musical talent and his talent blew her away.
Between them they knew that they could make beautiful music together and pretty soon they were on the road, hitch hiking their way across the country, living their own variation of a dream that street smart Derek had long hoped for and one which Sage never fully knew that she could aspire too.
Together their trip opens the big wide world to them both and shows that you have to rely on other in order to be able to rely on yourself. By accepting help they could plan a future for themselves, one that they both deserved. But that is not to say that the trip is easy sailing, far from it but I felt that the events that they encounter all added to the reality of the story.
I mean when you are on the streets, you are sometimes invisible to the rest of society, you have little option but to fight to survive and protect not only you but those you care about.
The book gloriously lifted the lid on a much hidden taboo, it gave us a much needed look into the drama that surrounds youngsters who feel disengaged with either home or society and are forced to live on the peripheries of what the rest of us take for granted.
I loved the fact that Sage was feisty but I also liked the fact that her life was not portrayed as a complete lost cause, this was not a woe is me story, it is uplifting in many ways. It is littered with humour and sensitivity.
Sage and Derek have an unusual dynamic, one that works for them but one that is tailored to their situation. Sage relies on Derek but there is occasion when her youth and naiveté is both presumptuous and insensitive.
I am looking forward to the rest of the books in the series and to see where Sage and Derek’s story takes them.
I hope they each get a happy ever after, whether that will be together or not we have yet to see, and to be honest I would not mind either way, I just want to know that they are able to achieve the goals they have set for themselves and perhaps if not a relationship between them, they will have forged a lifelong friendship.
Within the YA genre I have to say that this was far from average and being able to say that means that I am absolutely delighted.
The story is evolutionary and will stay with you as you close the last page.
Sage has had a far from easy life, one that has left her not only existing through untold tragedies but having to make choices that were far from what she would have ideally liked in order to exist from day to day.
Living life on the street after escaping a home life that was too much for her to take for another day. Sage’s life is the epitome of hardship, living on the fringes of society and reliant completely on her street smarts and wits to keep her not only fed but safe from the predators that feed on the vulnerable on the streets.
One rule on the street is that you keep your pitch and when another teenager Derek encroaches on her turf, Sage is forced to stand up for herself. She might not be fighting to keep a roof over her head but it is much the same principle.
Derek, is not the type of person she ever thought she might come across and after the initial confrontation over location, he captivates her attention in more ways than one, because he was not only blisteringly hot to look at but he had what appealed to her most, musical talent and his talent blew her away.
Between them they knew that they could make beautiful music together and pretty soon they were on the road, hitch hiking their way across the country, living their own variation of a dream that street smart Derek had long hoped for and one which Sage never fully knew that she could aspire too.
Together their trip opens the big wide world to them both and shows that you have to rely on other in order to be able to rely on yourself. By accepting help they could plan a future for themselves, one that they both deserved. But that is not to say that the trip is easy sailing, far from it but I felt that the events that they encounter all added to the reality of the story.
I mean when you are on the streets, you are sometimes invisible to the rest of society, you have little option but to fight to survive and protect not only you but those you care about.
The book gloriously lifted the lid on a much hidden taboo, it gave us a much needed look into the drama that surrounds youngsters who feel disengaged with either home or society and are forced to live on the peripheries of what the rest of us take for granted.
I loved the fact that Sage was feisty but I also liked the fact that her life was not portrayed as a complete lost cause, this was not a woe is me story, it is uplifting in many ways. It is littered with humour and sensitivity.
Sage and Derek have an unusual dynamic, one that works for them but one that is tailored to their situation. Sage relies on Derek but there is occasion when her youth and naiveté is both presumptuous and insensitive.
I am looking forward to the rest of the books in the series and to see where Sage and Derek’s story takes them.
I hope they each get a happy ever after, whether that will be together or not we have yet to see, and to be honest I would not mind either way, I just want to know that they are able to achieve the goals they have set for themselves and perhaps if not a relationship between them, they will have forged a lifelong friendship.
August 27, 2014
4½ stars
This book surprised me in many ways, but I think the most surprising thing was that I really did enjoy a New Adult romance involving two homeless teens. We follow the lives of Sage and Derek, two 17/18 year olds who both live on the streets, earning enough money to survive by busking in San Francisco.
Derek and Sage quickly strike up a friendship and find they can earn more by playing as a duo. Derek has an ambition to enter a talent show in New York and asks Sage to join him.
The story takes them on a journey across the US, hitch hiking and encountering various challenges along the way.
It is clear that both have feelings for one another and at times, the fact that neither one acts on the attraction gets a little frustration, but what I did find was that this story was compelling and despite the frustration, a very enthralling read. The romance itself seems almost secondary to the story and I found I was just as, if not more than engrossed in the actual adventures and experiences of the characters.
This book has now left me with a sense of anticipation because I need to know how Sage and Derek's story continues and really look forward to the next book in this series.
This book surprised me in many ways, but I think the most surprising thing was that I really did enjoy a New Adult romance involving two homeless teens. We follow the lives of Sage and Derek, two 17/18 year olds who both live on the streets, earning enough money to survive by busking in San Francisco.
Derek and Sage quickly strike up a friendship and find they can earn more by playing as a duo. Derek has an ambition to enter a talent show in New York and asks Sage to join him.
The story takes them on a journey across the US, hitch hiking and encountering various challenges along the way.
It is clear that both have feelings for one another and at times, the fact that neither one acts on the attraction gets a little frustration, but what I did find was that this story was compelling and despite the frustration, a very enthralling read. The romance itself seems almost secondary to the story and I found I was just as, if not more than engrossed in the actual adventures and experiences of the characters.
This book has now left me with a sense of anticipation because I need to know how Sage and Derek's story continues and really look forward to the next book in this series.
August 30, 2015
Rating: 1.5
In the beginning I really liked it. I was actually really curious to see how the author tackled life in the streets and all that. The characters were starting to gain a little color, although pretty two dimensional. Sage didn't outgrow her stubborn-angsty-teen suit, and Derek was the hot bad-boy crashing in Sage's life full-speed. That's about it.
The road trip across the country started okay and the obstacles they met on their way seemed legit enough. But after a while it all feel into a boring pattern of buying drinks, Sage contemplating kissing Derek and counting change.
The deal breaker for me was New York City. Since they arrived in NYC everything went downhill. I had the urge to skip sentences, then paragraphs, then plainly skimmed through text in search of... something. It all got too technical, too much of a tell-tale of a reality-TV show and too little of the actual experience of the characters and the way they changed/evolved.
I've given up about 70% into the story. I was just getting frustrated with the way things were going and there's only so much I will put myself through :) maybe it's just me, not the book. maybe it's both. in the end it's clear: it's a DNF.
In the beginning I really liked it. I was actually really curious to see how the author tackled life in the streets and all that. The characters were starting to gain a little color, although pretty two dimensional. Sage didn't outgrow her stubborn-angsty-teen suit, and Derek was the hot bad-boy crashing in Sage's life full-speed. That's about it.
The road trip across the country started okay and the obstacles they met on their way seemed legit enough. But after a while it all feel into a boring pattern of buying drinks, Sage contemplating kissing Derek and counting change.
The deal breaker for me was New York City. Since they arrived in NYC everything went downhill. I had the urge to skip sentences, then paragraphs, then plainly skimmed through text in search of... something. It all got too technical, too much of a tell-tale of a reality-TV show and too little of the actual experience of the characters and the way they changed/evolved.
I've given up about 70% into the story. I was just getting frustrated with the way things were going and there's only so much I will put myself through :) maybe it's just me, not the book. maybe it's both. in the end it's clear: it's a DNF.
December 5, 2014
**I received an ARC through Netgalley courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
This book seemed like two different stories in one. Part one being hitching and busking across the U.S. Part two being life during a singing competition.
Sage and Derek are two teens trying to live day to day on the streets of San Francisco by busking. Sage first meets Derek when she sees him singing in her spot. Sage isn't willing to give it up without a fight though. But Derek uses his charm to talk Sage into partnering up in order to make more money.
Within a few days Derek convinces Sage to go with him to New York to enter a televised singing competition. While on the road they both learn more about each other and there's obvious chemistry though neither of them act on it.
Once in New York, Sage and Derek are presented with new issues as they begin to have some success from the show.
I liked how Sage stood up for herself when Derek screwed up. She refused to tolerate his bad behavior and she always kept her eye on the prize. I even liked Derek's maturity over waiting until the contest was over before beginning anything romantic. And I thought Blake did a great job painting an honest picture of being homeless.
But I think this book would have benefitted with a few chapters from Derek's pov. Especially in New York. There were too many scenes that he wasn't a part of and we never really found out what he was doing or how he felt about Sage's decision. I realize this is a series but the ending was no ending it just stopped. Grr...
Also, I would classify this book as NA but it's very PG. So if you're expecting any kind of steamy scenes or even a sweet romance you'll be disappointed.
The story was okay enough but I'd skip it and read The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski if you're in the mood for a road trip or Girl With Guitar by Caisey Quinn if you're in the mood for a singer getting her big break.
This book seemed like two different stories in one. Part one being hitching and busking across the U.S. Part two being life during a singing competition.
Sage and Derek are two teens trying to live day to day on the streets of San Francisco by busking. Sage first meets Derek when she sees him singing in her spot. Sage isn't willing to give it up without a fight though. But Derek uses his charm to talk Sage into partnering up in order to make more money.
Within a few days Derek convinces Sage to go with him to New York to enter a televised singing competition. While on the road they both learn more about each other and there's obvious chemistry though neither of them act on it.
Once in New York, Sage and Derek are presented with new issues as they begin to have some success from the show.
I liked how Sage stood up for herself when Derek screwed up. She refused to tolerate his bad behavior and she always kept her eye on the prize. I even liked Derek's maturity over waiting until the contest was over before beginning anything romantic. And I thought Blake did a great job painting an honest picture of being homeless.
But I think this book would have benefitted with a few chapters from Derek's pov. Especially in New York. There were too many scenes that he wasn't a part of and we never really found out what he was doing or how he felt about Sage's decision. I realize this is a series but the ending was no ending it just stopped. Grr...
Also, I would classify this book as NA but it's very PG. So if you're expecting any kind of steamy scenes or even a sweet romance you'll be disappointed.
The story was okay enough but I'd skip it and read The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski if you're in the mood for a road trip or Girl With Guitar by Caisey Quinn if you're in the mood for a singer getting her big break.
July 10, 2015
I must admit I've been in a bit of a reading slump lately. Exams are over, summer has started, and even though there are so many books I want to read, I just can't get into any. I thought an easy read like this might help me speed through a book and get me out of this slump... No such luck.
This was clearly a romance story hidden beneath the premise of two homeless teenagers who love music. I didn't expect much from this book anyway, but still found myself disappointed, hence the "it's okay" 2 stars.
The story seemed to drag a little, although my interest perked once the talent show storyline started. Even so, every character just seemed like a recycled 2-dimensional cut out. There was the perky best friend who is constantly gushing about guys and sex. Then there was the almost identical gay friend who was a complete diva obsessed with fashion. Even the main couple just felt like they could be anyone. Their homeless and complicated backgrounds didn't even make them seem more realistic. I found the later revelations about Derek were all that shocked me, to be honest.
There were also several elements of the book that irritated me as a feminist. For example, the main character expresses that "for the first time in years [I] wish I had a little mascara and some rouge" upon meeting Derek. I found the book was littered with small irritating remarks like this. She doesn't need makeup to impress him. Ugh.
There were some good parts to this book, but unfortunately nothing was enough to make me really like this book. It did tell an important story about relationships (with family, as well as romantic) and how your past can affect you.
All in all, this book was okay. I got it for free on my kindle but won't be getting the sequel, as it just didn't do anything for me unfortunately.
This was clearly a romance story hidden beneath the premise of two homeless teenagers who love music. I didn't expect much from this book anyway, but still found myself disappointed, hence the "it's okay" 2 stars.
The story seemed to drag a little, although my interest perked once the talent show storyline started. Even so, every character just seemed like a recycled 2-dimensional cut out. There was the perky best friend who is constantly gushing about guys and sex. Then there was the almost identical gay friend who was a complete diva obsessed with fashion. Even the main couple just felt like they could be anyone. Their homeless and complicated backgrounds didn't even make them seem more realistic. I found the later revelations about Derek were all that shocked me, to be honest.
There were also several elements of the book that irritated me as a feminist. For example, the main character expresses that "for the first time in years [I] wish I had a little mascara and some rouge" upon meeting Derek. I found the book was littered with small irritating remarks like this. She doesn't need makeup to impress him. Ugh.
There were some good parts to this book, but unfortunately nothing was enough to make me really like this book. It did tell an important story about relationships (with family, as well as romantic) and how your past can affect you.
All in all, this book was okay. I got it for free on my kindle but won't be getting the sequel, as it just didn't do anything for me unfortunately.
January 22, 2025
I got duped. Thought I was in for a NA with more life experienced characters but nope.. so for me i found it hard to fall in love with this book.
Sage is 17 and on the streets after leaving an abusive home. Her mother is an addict/ drunk..her step father is domestically violent and her father allegedly abandoned her.
We later find out that he was in prison. What angers me about this is i would of liked to of possibly seen the father go back to prison for something he actually did .. like handle the person who he finds out was physically assaulting his child. But instead, he wants to try to give some cracker jack box advice about Derek and how people make mistakes and maybe deserve second chances..like what ?? If i was Sage I would just be happy to have an Adult that was able to sign my legal papers because you see it's hard to pursue a music career when you're only 17 and living on the streets. Thats where we find ourselves..
Sage is living from day to day in San Francisco and meets a guy who shows up out of nowhere from Seattle..they deside to team up to sing togerher in hopes of making more money.. after a week, she ends up following a perfectly good stranger across country for a talent show in New York (because he's so dreamy) only to find out when they get there that he's kind of a wash up.
It was agony having to battle with Sage and her inner dialogue of teenage angst and her desires for Derek. So I'm not sorry that he kind of dropped the ball with drinking too much because Sage deserved better. She's been a homeless street performer for 4 months while he's been living that lifestyle for years. What did she think was going to happen. He told on himself from the jump.. no responsibilities just hustle for food and survival and dream big. But I enjoyed the dynamics of Derek being that catalyst to Sage success. She's a very driven and motivated young lady and I appreciate how the author allowed the lessons of life to take the stearing wheel ultimately driving Sage to follow her destiny while staying focused on her goals.
I'm also very thankfful for the fact that there isn't any smut in this book so if you're looking for something spicy then this one isn't going to be it. I may pick up the 2nd book to see where Sage story goes but it won't be something that I'm going to be reaching for anytime soon. Happily letting Derek sit in limbo because ew. Not a fan.
Sage is 17 and on the streets after leaving an abusive home. Her mother is an addict/ drunk..her step father is domestically violent and her father allegedly abandoned her.
We later find out that he was in prison. What angers me about this is i would of liked to of possibly seen the father go back to prison for something he actually did .. like handle the person who he finds out was physically assaulting his child. But instead, he wants to try to give some cracker jack box advice about Derek and how people make mistakes and maybe deserve second chances..like what ?? If i was Sage I would just be happy to have an Adult that was able to sign my legal papers because you see it's hard to pursue a music career when you're only 17 and living on the streets. Thats where we find ourselves..
Sage is living from day to day in San Francisco and meets a guy who shows up out of nowhere from Seattle..they deside to team up to sing togerher in hopes of making more money.. after a week, she ends up following a perfectly good stranger across country for a talent show in New York (because he's so dreamy) only to find out when they get there that he's kind of a wash up.
It was agony having to battle with Sage and her inner dialogue of teenage angst and her desires for Derek. So I'm not sorry that he kind of dropped the ball with drinking too much because Sage deserved better. She's been a homeless street performer for 4 months while he's been living that lifestyle for years. What did she think was going to happen. He told on himself from the jump.. no responsibilities just hustle for food and survival and dream big. But I enjoyed the dynamics of Derek being that catalyst to Sage success. She's a very driven and motivated young lady and I appreciate how the author allowed the lessons of life to take the stearing wheel ultimately driving Sage to follow her destiny while staying focused on her goals.
I'm also very thankfful for the fact that there isn't any smut in this book so if you're looking for something spicy then this one isn't going to be it. I may pick up the 2nd book to see where Sage story goes but it won't be something that I'm going to be reaching for anytime soon. Happily letting Derek sit in limbo because ew. Not a fan.
September 24, 2014
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Reprobation via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is October 7, 2014**
This was a YA/NA read that has broken the mold from the other stories I have read. While there is the typical loved story it puts the romance on the back burner and focuses on the actual story of the characters lives and the demons and obstacles they need to overcome. I thought this was brilliant and added a layer of depth that is sometimes missing in the YA/NA genre.
Both characters are homeless and struggling to get by. Both are used to counting on only themselves. The reader is taken on the journey as they learn to team up and rely on each other to chase a dream. While it was a dream Derek knew he had, it was one Sage never knew she had nor dared to even have a dream.
I found it interesting how the two of them made it across the country, with highs and lows, to make it on time to enter a singing contest. Also entertaining was the descriptions of the actual contest which reminded me of the numerous musical contests we see everyday on television right up to the cranky judge.
Ultimately this was a story of learning to rely on others and accepting who they are ghosts and all. Also a story about family and forgiveness and the search for a better life. Altogether it results in an entertaining read that is slightly more emotional and with more impact than the average. Although I felt the ending was a little glossed over and "easy" I thought it was an excellent read.
I will be sure to check out other work by Blake. While writing this review I realized that there are two more instalments of this book to follow. I must, must, must get my hands on them. There are so many directions the story can go from here and I want to see how the relationship between Sage and Derek grows!
**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Reprobation via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is October 7, 2014**
This was a YA/NA read that has broken the mold from the other stories I have read. While there is the typical loved story it puts the romance on the back burner and focuses on the actual story of the characters lives and the demons and obstacles they need to overcome. I thought this was brilliant and added a layer of depth that is sometimes missing in the YA/NA genre.
Both characters are homeless and struggling to get by. Both are used to counting on only themselves. The reader is taken on the journey as they learn to team up and rely on each other to chase a dream. While it was a dream Derek knew he had, it was one Sage never knew she had nor dared to even have a dream.
I found it interesting how the two of them made it across the country, with highs and lows, to make it on time to enter a singing contest. Also entertaining was the descriptions of the actual contest which reminded me of the numerous musical contests we see everyday on television right up to the cranky judge.
Ultimately this was a story of learning to rely on others and accepting who they are ghosts and all. Also a story about family and forgiveness and the search for a better life. Altogether it results in an entertaining read that is slightly more emotional and with more impact than the average. Although I felt the ending was a little glossed over and "easy" I thought it was an excellent read.
I will be sure to check out other work by Blake. While writing this review I realized that there are two more instalments of this book to follow. I must, must, must get my hands on them. There are so many directions the story can go from here and I want to see how the relationship between Sage and Derek grows!
October 13, 2014
The first thing that drew my attention to this book was the musical aspect and the across country travel. After reading the book, I'd have to say that those two things remain the most appealing. It was easy to imagine Sage and Derek on the streets of SF, singing and it was easy to imagine them in New York doing the same thing on stage. The whole road tripping with the truckers was fun.
The backstory for Sage and Derek unravels slowly and gently, bit by bit. Sometimes I don't love that approach, but for this book it worked. It gave some good insights on the homeless and circumstances that may have brought them there. Especially for teenagers. It kind of breaks my heart.
I felt like the romantic tension in the book fell a little bit flat. I appreciate that there was no sex in the book but that isn't what I'm talking about. It's that tension and build up. Instead of increasing tension, there was a let down, especially in the last third of the book. I just didn't believe Derek's reasoning for pulling away given his previous actions.
For me, there was too much swearing and profanity. There was a lot of what I would term, "crass talk" and I'm just not a fan of that. There is underage drinking and some violence including an attempted rape.
I picked this book up on NetGalley in exchange for a review. My thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read and review for them.
The backstory for Sage and Derek unravels slowly and gently, bit by bit. Sometimes I don't love that approach, but for this book it worked. It gave some good insights on the homeless and circumstances that may have brought them there. Especially for teenagers. It kind of breaks my heart.
I felt like the romantic tension in the book fell a little bit flat. I appreciate that there was no sex in the book but that isn't what I'm talking about. It's that tension and build up. Instead of increasing tension, there was a let down, especially in the last third of the book. I just didn't believe Derek's reasoning for pulling away given his previous actions.
For me, there was too much swearing and profanity. There was a lot of what I would term, "crass talk" and I'm just not a fan of that. There is underage drinking and some violence including an attempted rape.
I picked this book up on NetGalley in exchange for a review. My thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read and review for them.
July 1, 2015
Less than nothing - R.E Blake
4*
A story about being homeless and making something of yourself.
Sage, a 17 year old runaway, bumped into Derek, 18, when he tried to busk on her turf. After a rocky start, they partner up and what happens next is life changing.
I got pulled into their story. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I Feel that this author picked up ed sheerans life but put a spin on it. Unlike ed, sage and Derek ran away from home. They had a tough time and they both slept in horrid and dangerous conditions.
'It's a shitty world where you have to constantly be on the defensive, but I didn't make the rules, and I've learnt them the hard way'
One thing about this book that made me cringe, and it the reason I only gave it a 4*, was the cheesy liners.... There were quite a few. Like, 'that's my name, don't wear it out' don't think I have said that since I was a child!
Other than that, this book is about finding yourself, surviving what's life throws at you and making it better.
'If you believe it's possible, you're right. If you don't, you're also right'
I'll definitely be adding 'more than anything' to my TBR list.
Suitable for teenage readers.
4*
A story about being homeless and making something of yourself.
Sage, a 17 year old runaway, bumped into Derek, 18, when he tried to busk on her turf. After a rocky start, they partner up and what happens next is life changing.
I got pulled into their story. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I Feel that this author picked up ed sheerans life but put a spin on it. Unlike ed, sage and Derek ran away from home. They had a tough time and they both slept in horrid and dangerous conditions.
'It's a shitty world where you have to constantly be on the defensive, but I didn't make the rules, and I've learnt them the hard way'
One thing about this book that made me cringe, and it the reason I only gave it a 4*, was the cheesy liners.... There were quite a few. Like, 'that's my name, don't wear it out' don't think I have said that since I was a child!
Other than that, this book is about finding yourself, surviving what's life throws at you and making it better.
'If you believe it's possible, you're right. If you don't, you're also right'
I'll definitely be adding 'more than anything' to my TBR list.
Suitable for teenage readers.
August 28, 2014
I received a copy of this book for an honest review. I am totally and througholy in love with RE Blake. This is one of the best NA romances I have ever read. I take that back. Make it the best NA romance I have ever read. You feel like you are right there with Sage every moment. Fantastic work. Great book. I look forward to reading many more from RE Blake.
I highly recommend it to everyone. Even if you don't like NA or romance, this is a great book.
The only thing that would make this book even better is if you read it in a nice lavender/chamomille bubble bath. That is what I did.
Did I mention RE Blake will be a fabulous author and I can't wait for the next book?
I highly recommend it to everyone. Even if you don't like NA or romance, this is a great book.
The only thing that would make this book even better is if you read it in a nice lavender/chamomille bubble bath. That is what I did.
Did I mention RE Blake will be a fabulous author and I can't wait for the next book?
July 11, 2015
This book deserves more than what it's getting!
At first, I thought it was cheesy and all the crappy things like 'oh he's so gorgeous!' or 'he's so handsome I'm gonna die!' thing. It maybe but not really.
The author's style had me hooked and sent me butterflies everytime some big thing's going up. Their performances sent chills to my tummy and I felt like I was there with them, or maybe make me feel what they're feeling.
I'm also proud to say that the story made me feel like I'm watching (or reading) someone as she grows. From literally nothing to something. It's like I was really there.
At first, I thought it was cheesy and all the crappy things like 'oh he's so gorgeous!' or 'he's so handsome I'm gonna die!' thing. It maybe but not really.
The author's style had me hooked and sent me butterflies everytime some big thing's going up. Their performances sent chills to my tummy and I felt like I was there with them, or maybe make me feel what they're feeling.
I'm also proud to say that the story made me feel like I'm watching (or reading) someone as she grows. From literally nothing to something. It's like I was really there.
September 3, 2016
It's a great story!! Lovely book
The only con I've got is the winner hehe but I absolutely loved it!
Can't wait for the other two books.
Female POV with great touches, made me laugh, cry and even scream
You guys should totally read this one
The only con I've got is the winner hehe but I absolutely loved it!
Can't wait for the other two books.
Female POV with great touches, made me laugh, cry and even scream
You guys should totally read this one
August 24, 2015
3.5 Stars!!
Saw this book on kindle unlimited. Sounded interesting. Gave it a try and was not disappointed. Great characters. Great storyline. Easy to get wrapped up in. Liked it enough to continue on to the next book.
Saw this book on kindle unlimited. Sounded interesting. Gave it a try and was not disappointed. Great characters. Great storyline. Easy to get wrapped up in. Liked it enough to continue on to the next book.
August 22, 2014
Review to follow.
May 3, 2020
Sage and Derek met while both of them were living on the streets and singing to make a buck. When they put their talent together and were a big hit with the crowds. Dereks dream was to get to New York and try out for a talent show. He convinces Sage to come along and off they embark. Trying to find rides and dealing with predators are some of the hardships they are having. They finally make it and their digs are something to cringe about. Throughout this book all Sage can think about is how she can make Derek notice her. When she finally does he convinces her that they should wait until after the contest is over. Something happens and they go their seperate ways.
This book could have been so much more but after a while it was just boring. Nothing was happening and it needed something to bring it to life beside the contest.
This book could have been so much more but after a while it was just boring. Nothing was happening and it needed something to bring it to life beside the contest.
January 7, 2018
A vivid description of two teenagers' life on the road. I am anxiously following their personal road trip to reach New York City to take part in that singers ' contest.And what starts as a hitchiker' s road movie gains momentum when they reach their destination. They meet new people, their lives change dramatically and then their entire future seems to shatter.... I guarantee you a sleepless night until you find out what happens to those adorable young people with their difficult backgrounds and inner struggles.
January 4, 2017
First half (maybe even 2/3) was really good. Original story, liked the characters. After they reached New York, it just seemed to unravel.
July 4, 2017
A bit slow at times but a unique storyline.
May 23, 2018
This had the odd moment where it captured my attention, but mostly found myself wanting to flick past the humdrum and get the more exciting bits.
August 3, 2022
There is so much judgement about poverty and unhooked people in this book. I didn’t feel the connection between the main character either.
August 13, 2018
Complete review available: Less Than Nothing
I totally forgot when I went away with my brother's kindle eons ago (5 years, but it feels longer) that I'd downloaded a selection of free ebooks from the kindle store, so when said kindle did a little haywire dance the other day and randomly started up on the first page of this book, it was unexpected. Not unwelcome though. Blake's Less Than Nothing was a strong read though - nothing ground-breaking or 'hold the headlines' worthy, but strong, well-written and joyful to read. I could empathise with the characters and was always interested in the twists and turns that the plot took on (even if I could easily see some of them coming.) It made a nice change from some of the out-of-reality mainstream books I've been trawling over lately, so I guess I should be saying thanks pixies that live inside the kindle? Only next time, maybe don't pick a book that starts me off on another series I'll just have to see through to the end - I've already got plenty on my TBR as it is!!!
I totally forgot when I went away with my brother's kindle eons ago (5 years, but it feels longer) that I'd downloaded a selection of free ebooks from the kindle store, so when said kindle did a little haywire dance the other day and randomly started up on the first page of this book, it was unexpected. Not unwelcome though. Blake's Less Than Nothing was a strong read though - nothing ground-breaking or 'hold the headlines' worthy, but strong, well-written and joyful to read. I could empathise with the characters and was always interested in the twists and turns that the plot took on (even if I could easily see some of them coming.) It made a nice change from some of the out-of-reality mainstream books I've been trawling over lately, so I guess I should be saying thanks pixies that live inside the kindle? Only next time, maybe don't pick a book that starts me off on another series I'll just have to see through to the end - I've already got plenty on my TBR as it is!!!
January 19, 2015
First posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes
I kindly received Less Than Nothing in exchange of an honest review by the publisher.
Less Than Nothing is the breakout debut NA novel from USA Today bestseller R.E. Blake. Sage & Derek's story continues in More Than Anything (#2) and Best of Everything (#3).
Sage, a seventeen-year old teenager has been living on the streets of San Francisco for a couple of months fleeing from an alcoholic mother and abusive stepdad who treats her like shit. While most girls her age would spend their time trying to tackle their school work, spending their free time with their friends/boyfriend or posting on Facebook. There is no way she can stay any longer. Sage packs her bags and becomes a street musician. Her daily routine consists of playing her guitar day by day to make enough money to buy something to eat and wash her clothes. At night no place is safe enough. She spends sleeping in various places for only a couple of hour.
Fortunately she has a best friend called Melody, when her mother is not at home she is able to take a shower every couple of days. Life is hard, but she's coping somehow. At least until another singer shows up on the same block she's been working. Derek is hot, tattooed, and charming, a singer from Seattle whose looks and talent takes her breath away. First Sage is furious, she fears he is going to her out of business but after Derek convinced her how great they perform as a duo they decide that performing together would earn them each more than they do separately. Soon they build on a close partner/friendship. Derek will not stick around for much longer because he is heading to New York to audition for a well-known TV singing competition called America's Top Singers. And before Sages realises, they’re travelling across the country together, on a path to a better future.
The review request for Less Than Nothing landed totally unexpected in my mailbox. The more I am happy to tell you how much I enjoyed this novel. I never read a book by R.E. Blake before neither did I read one with the subject of homeless teenager. Blake creates a very realistic experience of how it's like to be in the shoes of a homeless kid. In this novel he powerfully expresses that life is full of choices and the ones you choose will determine the outcome of your future. He descriptively illustrates the trials and everyday issues that these people go through. The story takes Derek and Sage hitch-hiking all the way from San Francisco to New York which I very enjoyed to read about. For me it was great to read a book with a setting outside of the UK. The trip and the competition tests their friendship a lot. It's obvious that they both have feelings for each other but they're fighting their own personal demons so it's very hard for them to get a move to one another. Sometimes it becomes a bit frustrating but the romance itself is kind of secondary to the story and I found I was just as, if not more than engrossed in the actual adventures and experiences of the characters. The story is emotional, enthralling with lots of drama which made it very difficult for me to put it down.
The ending is very well set up for the next installemt in the series. I assume it would be hard for someone to get to the end of Less Than Nothing and not want to pick up the next instalment straight away. I absolutely want to know how Dereks and Sages story continues really look forward to the next book in this series.
I kindly received Less Than Nothing in exchange of an honest review by the publisher.
Less Than Nothing is the breakout debut NA novel from USA Today bestseller R.E. Blake. Sage & Derek's story continues in More Than Anything (#2) and Best of Everything (#3).
Sage, a seventeen-year old teenager has been living on the streets of San Francisco for a couple of months fleeing from an alcoholic mother and abusive stepdad who treats her like shit. While most girls her age would spend their time trying to tackle their school work, spending their free time with their friends/boyfriend or posting on Facebook. There is no way she can stay any longer. Sage packs her bags and becomes a street musician. Her daily routine consists of playing her guitar day by day to make enough money to buy something to eat and wash her clothes. At night no place is safe enough. She spends sleeping in various places for only a couple of hour.
Fortunately she has a best friend called Melody, when her mother is not at home she is able to take a shower every couple of days. Life is hard, but she's coping somehow. At least until another singer shows up on the same block she's been working. Derek is hot, tattooed, and charming, a singer from Seattle whose looks and talent takes her breath away. First Sage is furious, she fears he is going to her out of business but after Derek convinced her how great they perform as a duo they decide that performing together would earn them each more than they do separately. Soon they build on a close partner/friendship. Derek will not stick around for much longer because he is heading to New York to audition for a well-known TV singing competition called America's Top Singers. And before Sages realises, they’re travelling across the country together, on a path to a better future.
The review request for Less Than Nothing landed totally unexpected in my mailbox. The more I am happy to tell you how much I enjoyed this novel. I never read a book by R.E. Blake before neither did I read one with the subject of homeless teenager. Blake creates a very realistic experience of how it's like to be in the shoes of a homeless kid. In this novel he powerfully expresses that life is full of choices and the ones you choose will determine the outcome of your future. He descriptively illustrates the trials and everyday issues that these people go through. The story takes Derek and Sage hitch-hiking all the way from San Francisco to New York which I very enjoyed to read about. For me it was great to read a book with a setting outside of the UK. The trip and the competition tests their friendship a lot. It's obvious that they both have feelings for each other but they're fighting their own personal demons so it's very hard for them to get a move to one another. Sometimes it becomes a bit frustrating but the romance itself is kind of secondary to the story and I found I was just as, if not more than engrossed in the actual adventures and experiences of the characters. The story is emotional, enthralling with lots of drama which made it very difficult for me to put it down.
The ending is very well set up for the next installemt in the series. I assume it would be hard for someone to get to the end of Less Than Nothing and not want to pick up the next instalment straight away. I absolutely want to know how Dereks and Sages story continues really look forward to the next book in this series.
October 8, 2014
I’ve gone a little bit Netgalley crazy in the last few weeks. Honestly though there are so many awesome titles out there that I just can’t help myself right now!
Less Than Nothing has a beautiful cover! I admit it I judge books by there cover. I don’t think it portrays the story perfectly but I still really liked it and it made me really interested in finding out about the book.
Anyways I really liked this book it was interesting to read and defiantly fit the bill for what I was looking for. I was really worried that this would be to cliche for me but it ended up being better than I originally hoped for.
Sage and Derek are both homeless individuals which is a topic I have never read before.
I really liked Sage most of the time she thought about herself and wasn’t wrapped around Derek’s finger like a lot of leading women are in New Adult and Young Adult. When she had to do what was best for her she did without worrying about her love interest and that was really awesome and admirable. Since the event I am talking about is rather late in the book I won’t share but Derek does something that could ruin everything for both of them and Sage does whats best for her!
After Sage decides herself is more important the book changes from a romance to a more self growth journey. Sage finds that she is a great musician on her own as well as the fact that she can do this on her own without needing Derek to succeed.
Some of the problems the characters faced were solved rather conveniently. I was expecting a little deeper method to solve Sage’s problem with the talent show. At first it was going towards a more interesting method but then it switched to a more convenient way to solve the problem.
About two thirds in to the book Sage’s attitude towards Derek changed and every thought she had was about Derek and wanting him and her to get together which was really annoying until Derek messed up.
Okay, I feel like I was bashing Derek without meaning to Derek was a good character. Seeing the story from Sage’s POV I can understand why she acted the way she did and honestly I might of too if I was in the same situation. If you look at it from his point of view though I get it! A lot of things happen that lead up to the moment and I see where he came from and more of his history is shared later in the book and that adds to that concept as well. Derek was a likable love interest overall and I am glad to read about him.
When I accepted this book from Netgalley I didn’t know that this was a series that followed the same characters throughout the whole series. I expected it to follow the trends of each book following different characters but it didn’t. I don’t know how I feel about that. I liked the ending it was kinda mysterious in the since . I also have a fear of second books in series! They almost never live up to my expectations and let me down. A lot of drama unfolds without a real reason. With that being said I don’t know if I will be continuing this series or not. i was happy with the ending and I can happily leave it the way it is but I never know I might crave so Sage and Derek and pick up the next book in the series!
This was a decent book I liked it! It had good moments and parts I rolled my eyes at but it wasn’t nearly as hard to get through as some other books.
I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read about musicians,homeless teens, or New Adults lovers
Less Than Nothing has a beautiful cover! I admit it I judge books by there cover. I don’t think it portrays the story perfectly but I still really liked it and it made me really interested in finding out about the book.
Anyways I really liked this book it was interesting to read and defiantly fit the bill for what I was looking for. I was really worried that this would be to cliche for me but it ended up being better than I originally hoped for.
Sage and Derek are both homeless individuals which is a topic I have never read before.
I really liked Sage most of the time she thought about herself and wasn’t wrapped around Derek’s finger like a lot of leading women are in New Adult and Young Adult. When she had to do what was best for her she did without worrying about her love interest and that was really awesome and admirable. Since the event I am talking about is rather late in the book I won’t share but Derek does something that could ruin everything for both of them and Sage does whats best for her!
After Sage decides herself is more important the book changes from a romance to a more self growth journey. Sage finds that she is a great musician on her own as well as the fact that she can do this on her own without needing Derek to succeed.
Some of the problems the characters faced were solved rather conveniently. I was expecting a little deeper method to solve Sage’s problem with the talent show. At first it was going towards a more interesting method but then it switched to a more convenient way to solve the problem.
About two thirds in to the book Sage’s attitude towards Derek changed and every thought she had was about Derek and wanting him and her to get together which was really annoying until Derek messed up.
Okay, I feel like I was bashing Derek without meaning to Derek was a good character. Seeing the story from Sage’s POV I can understand why she acted the way she did and honestly I might of too if I was in the same situation. If you look at it from his point of view though I get it! A lot of things happen that lead up to the moment and I see where he came from and more of his history is shared later in the book and that adds to that concept as well. Derek was a likable love interest overall and I am glad to read about him.
When I accepted this book from Netgalley I didn’t know that this was a series that followed the same characters throughout the whole series. I expected it to follow the trends of each book following different characters but it didn’t. I don’t know how I feel about that. I liked the ending it was kinda mysterious in the since . I also have a fear of second books in series! They almost never live up to my expectations and let me down. A lot of drama unfolds without a real reason. With that being said I don’t know if I will be continuing this series or not. i was happy with the ending and I can happily leave it the way it is but I never know I might crave so Sage and Derek and pick up the next book in the series!
This was a decent book I liked it! It had good moments and parts I rolled my eyes at but it wasn’t nearly as hard to get through as some other books.
I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read about musicians,homeless teens, or New Adults lovers
January 1, 2016
2015 summer reading #4
I liked this book. It isn't one of my favourites but it's decent. Again it was another full length novel free on the kindle app.
It is about a seventeen year old girl called Sage who is homeless and sings to make a little bit of money in San Francisco. That's where she meets Derek, another street performer who is on his way to preform in a talent show to boost his career. He convinces Sage to go with him to preform as a duo. Along the way it seems he isn't the person she thought he was and she questions who she has actually gone on the road with. When they make it to New York they face even more problems of the harsh locals and living in underground tunnels, then there is the contest it's self. With Sage torn between loving Derek and being frightened of him, she doesn't know what to do anymore.
I thought that this would be another Stone Cold when I first started reading this. But it was actually pretty enjoyable. I enjoyed the fun lighthearted banter Derek and Sage had but both of the characters took their turns to annoy me to death as well.
I felt like the beginning of the book when they were in San Fran was too drawn out. We got every single little detail of their one week together there. That one week was 37% of the book. Then the eight day road trip was the next 21% and the actual contest was only 42% considering that should have been the part written in most detail since it lasted 6weeks! I would have much rather read more about them being in New York for the talent show then read about them busking in San Fran.
Cover: I like the cover a lot, 8/10. I think it's darkness shows the reality of living on the streets while the closeness of the people show how much they trust each other and love one another even if they shouldn't. You can't really tell from the cover though that it is about homeless kids though.
Plot: besides the length of each part of the plot I did enjoy it. 7/10. I didn't know what the book was about when going into it and I did enjoy it. However I felt like it just kept going and going. I don't think I will be buying the sequel (More Than Anything).
Characters: The characters reacted well together but both annoyed me equally. 6/10
Sage: she was feisty and smart mouthed yet too innocent and sweet. The two different parts of her personality seemed to clash which just made me stress about how she can be feisty and sassy but innocent and virtuous. She was very old fashioned, not wanting to make the first move on Derek while complaining the whole time how much she loved him and wanted to be with him. Also she was talking this way when she knew nothing about him, he could have been a murderer for all she knew and she would have still travelled the length of the country with him.
Derek: was said to be adorable and hot and every other thing a girl wants in a guy yet, to me personally, he seemed characterless. He didn't do much besides get himself and Sage into trouble, yet when she did it he would criticise her. He seemed two dimentional and I can't tell if it's because the story is written through Sage's point of view. The only characteristic he had was being sneaky and secretive and keeping things from Sage then getting into fights.
Over all I would recomend this book to people who are bored and want something to do. I haven't read many books like it so I can't make too many other suggestions.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked this book. It isn't one of my favourites but it's decent. Again it was another full length novel free on the kindle app.
It is about a seventeen year old girl called Sage who is homeless and sings to make a little bit of money in San Francisco. That's where she meets Derek, another street performer who is on his way to preform in a talent show to boost his career. He convinces Sage to go with him to preform as a duo. Along the way it seems he isn't the person she thought he was and she questions who she has actually gone on the road with. When they make it to New York they face even more problems of the harsh locals and living in underground tunnels, then there is the contest it's self. With Sage torn between loving Derek and being frightened of him, she doesn't know what to do anymore.
I thought that this would be another Stone Cold when I first started reading this. But it was actually pretty enjoyable. I enjoyed the fun lighthearted banter Derek and Sage had but both of the characters took their turns to annoy me to death as well.
I felt like the beginning of the book when they were in San Fran was too drawn out. We got every single little detail of their one week together there. That one week was 37% of the book. Then the eight day road trip was the next 21% and the actual contest was only 42% considering that should have been the part written in most detail since it lasted 6weeks! I would have much rather read more about them being in New York for the talent show then read about them busking in San Fran.
Cover: I like the cover a lot, 8/10. I think it's darkness shows the reality of living on the streets while the closeness of the people show how much they trust each other and love one another even if they shouldn't. You can't really tell from the cover though that it is about homeless kids though.
Plot: besides the length of each part of the plot I did enjoy it. 7/10. I didn't know what the book was about when going into it and I did enjoy it. However I felt like it just kept going and going. I don't think I will be buying the sequel (More Than Anything).
Characters: The characters reacted well together but both annoyed me equally. 6/10
Sage: she was feisty and smart mouthed yet too innocent and sweet. The two different parts of her personality seemed to clash which just made me stress about how she can be feisty and sassy but innocent and virtuous. She was very old fashioned, not wanting to make the first move on Derek while complaining the whole time how much she loved him and wanted to be with him. Also she was talking this way when she knew nothing about him, he could have been a murderer for all she knew and she would have still travelled the length of the country with him.
Derek: was said to be adorable and hot and every other thing a girl wants in a guy yet, to me personally, he seemed characterless. He didn't do much besides get himself and Sage into trouble, yet when she did it he would criticise her. He seemed two dimentional and I can't tell if it's because the story is written through Sage's point of view. The only characteristic he had was being sneaky and secretive and keeping things from Sage then getting into fights.
Over all I would recomend this book to people who are bored and want something to do. I haven't read many books like it so I can't make too many other suggestions.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 5, 2014
** I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Two homeless young street performers join forces and travel across the country to try out for a talent show that could change their lives.
Seventeen-year-old Sage has been on the streets in San Francisco for four months after escaping her dysfunctional home. Using her guitar and vocal talent, she makes enough to keep herself fed--barely. Sleeping is another matter. She spends most nights traveling from spot to spot, trying to catch a couple of hours here or there. Thanks to some friends she's made, she's able to take showers every couple of days. Life is hard, but she's surviving. At least until another singer shows up on the same block she's been working. Derek is handsome and talented, and he pulls in more cash than Sage ever managed. She's sure he's going to put her right out of business. When she confronts Derek, he tells her he's only sticking around a week or so and offers to buddy up with her and split the take. It takes some convincing, but Sage agrees and soon she and Derek build a solid partnership. She finds out he's heading to New York to audition for a well-known TV singing competition and ends up going with him. The journey and the competition dredge up all sorts of personal demons that test their fragile friendship.
LESS THAN NOTHING is lodged firmly within Sage's POV. It's a nice seat for readers. She's mature, complicated and yet still innocent in many ways. Derek is a teen dream, but he's got more baggage than most forty-somethings. The attraction between Sage and Derek is built up gradually. Sage's tendency to over think combined with Derek's secretiveness exerts a nice breaking force. As close as the two get, there's an invisible boundary between them. This means great tension for the reader.
The author also does a good job creating interesting secondary characters--both friends that help the couple along the way and predators that mean them harm. Details of the characters' day-to-day lives are well handled. Readers gets a good sense of life on the streets of a big city. Sage and Derek's journey to New York is shown in vivid scenes that give a genuine sense of physical movement as well providing plenty plot advancement and character development.
For a New Adult novel, there's a refreshing lack of sexual content, yet also plenty of emotion and sexual tension. I was constantly surprised by how REAL Sage and Derek seemed.
There isn't much to criticize about LESS THAN NOTHING. The last few chapters are a bit rushed compared to the bulk of the book. Though not completely resolved, the story ends with enough strings tied that it could be a stand-alone. On one hand, I'm glad it's the first of a trilogy. There's a lot of material left to work with and explore. On the other hand, too often I've seen the beautiful honesty and emotion of a book watered down as the author twists and stretches it into a series. I have high hopes that R.E. Blake won't take this misstep. Guess, I'll have to wait and see!
Two homeless young street performers join forces and travel across the country to try out for a talent show that could change their lives.
Seventeen-year-old Sage has been on the streets in San Francisco for four months after escaping her dysfunctional home. Using her guitar and vocal talent, she makes enough to keep herself fed--barely. Sleeping is another matter. She spends most nights traveling from spot to spot, trying to catch a couple of hours here or there. Thanks to some friends she's made, she's able to take showers every couple of days. Life is hard, but she's surviving. At least until another singer shows up on the same block she's been working. Derek is handsome and talented, and he pulls in more cash than Sage ever managed. She's sure he's going to put her right out of business. When she confronts Derek, he tells her he's only sticking around a week or so and offers to buddy up with her and split the take. It takes some convincing, but Sage agrees and soon she and Derek build a solid partnership. She finds out he's heading to New York to audition for a well-known TV singing competition and ends up going with him. The journey and the competition dredge up all sorts of personal demons that test their fragile friendship.
LESS THAN NOTHING is lodged firmly within Sage's POV. It's a nice seat for readers. She's mature, complicated and yet still innocent in many ways. Derek is a teen dream, but he's got more baggage than most forty-somethings. The attraction between Sage and Derek is built up gradually. Sage's tendency to over think combined with Derek's secretiveness exerts a nice breaking force. As close as the two get, there's an invisible boundary between them. This means great tension for the reader.
The author also does a good job creating interesting secondary characters--both friends that help the couple along the way and predators that mean them harm. Details of the characters' day-to-day lives are well handled. Readers gets a good sense of life on the streets of a big city. Sage and Derek's journey to New York is shown in vivid scenes that give a genuine sense of physical movement as well providing plenty plot advancement and character development.
For a New Adult novel, there's a refreshing lack of sexual content, yet also plenty of emotion and sexual tension. I was constantly surprised by how REAL Sage and Derek seemed.
There isn't much to criticize about LESS THAN NOTHING. The last few chapters are a bit rushed compared to the bulk of the book. Though not completely resolved, the story ends with enough strings tied that it could be a stand-alone. On one hand, I'm glad it's the first of a trilogy. There's a lot of material left to work with and explore. On the other hand, too often I've seen the beautiful honesty and emotion of a book watered down as the author twists and stretches it into a series. I have high hopes that R.E. Blake won't take this misstep. Guess, I'll have to wait and see!
March 26, 2016
An inspirational story about a boy and girl finding each other in the least likely of circumstances. Their story is about life's many trials and how to live through them in one piece.
Sage is just trying to survive, one day at a time. She’s running from a painful past and lives by the motto tattooed on the side of her ribcage “Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.” She needs no one…until Derek.
Derek has been on his own for 3 yrs, living on the streets as a street performer. No amount of money will make him forget about what happened almost a yr ago. He has a tattoo of Elvis on his arm and he plans to be like the King: "What's the story with the King?" (Sage) "It's a reminder of what you can do if you really want to. He came from nowhere, and he made history." (Derek).
Derek has been planning to enter the new national TV show "America's Top Talent" as a solo act, but after hearing Sage singing on the streets he has something else in mind. "I have no right to ask you, and no reason to expect you to say yes, but I really want you to come to New York with me and do the audition. Both of us." (Derek)
Sage decides to travel across country with Derek, in the hopes of finding something between the two of them. "And maybe two broken people can somehow fix themselves together." But much to their surprise, stardom doesn't come easy. It isn't just about making it to #1 in the show...no New York is a completely different world for street performers...."San Fransico hasn't prepated me for New York, and I'm reminded that I'm a bumpkin from Clear Lake, just north of the a** end of nowhere." (Sage). Will they be able to make in the "big Apple"? Read to find out!
An adorable 5 Stars!
Search, Click and Buy!
Sage is just trying to survive, one day at a time. She’s running from a painful past and lives by the motto tattooed on the side of her ribcage “Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.” She needs no one…until Derek.
Derek has been on his own for 3 yrs, living on the streets as a street performer. No amount of money will make him forget about what happened almost a yr ago. He has a tattoo of Elvis on his arm and he plans to be like the King: "What's the story with the King?" (Sage) "It's a reminder of what you can do if you really want to. He came from nowhere, and he made history." (Derek).
Derek has been planning to enter the new national TV show "America's Top Talent" as a solo act, but after hearing Sage singing on the streets he has something else in mind. "I have no right to ask you, and no reason to expect you to say yes, but I really want you to come to New York with me and do the audition. Both of us." (Derek)
Sage decides to travel across country with Derek, in the hopes of finding something between the two of them. "And maybe two broken people can somehow fix themselves together." But much to their surprise, stardom doesn't come easy. It isn't just about making it to #1 in the show...no New York is a completely different world for street performers...."San Fransico hasn't prepated me for New York, and I'm reminded that I'm a bumpkin from Clear Lake, just north of the a** end of nowhere." (Sage). Will they be able to make in the "big Apple"? Read to find out!
An adorable 5 Stars!
Search, Click and Buy!
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