What do you think?
Rate this book
From Within
Not intended for a younger reading audience. Book contains adult situations, substance abuse, coarse language and raw gritty emotion. Do not read if you have a trigger when it comes to discussion of cancer. Tissues may be needed. Hearts may hurt. But know in the end, everything happens for a reason. We live. We love. We die. He is my ultimate undoing. She is my strength. He will destroy me. She will make me whole. I need him more than the control that he craves. I need her more than I need my next breath. He knows me. She sees me. As much as I want to, I can’t let him in. As much as I’ve tried, I can’t let her go. Together, we need him.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2015
104 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Walker
107 books1,225 followersJ.M. Walker, a Canadian author, is an Amazon bestseller who also hit USA Today with Wanted: An Outlaw Anthology. She loves all things books, pigs and lip gloss. She is happily married to the man who inspires all of her Heroes and continues to make her weak in the knees every single day.
"Above all, be the HEROINE of your own life..." ~ Nora Ephron
"Above all, be the HEROINE of your own life..." ~ Nora Ephron
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 24, 2015
This is a tale of friendship. A story full of addiction, co dependency, and obsession, but also sacrifice.
Each character has their own imperfections. They are damaged human beings fighting their own self destruction. This is a story that will touch you in every way. At times I felt myself being ripped apart emotionally as I watched these characters experience life. And let me tell you it was an experience in itself.
First we are introduced to Xander, who numbs the pain of his heartache through the use of drugs and sex. Then we meet Caiden, Xander's best friend. Caiden has a ton and I do mean a TON of secrets, but even with that being said he only wants the best for his two friends. Hope, is also Caiden's best friend and Xander's only hope. She's in love with him, but at the same time she is the one who broke him emotionally. Now, she's back. Secretly watching him destroy himself, while helping Caiden work through his emotional attachment to Xander. Together, these two could be a sweet dream or they could be a beautiful nightmare. Add in Caiden and things get more than complicated as we watch all three battle their own demons.
What makes this story so extraordinary is that she not only writes in one POV. Not even two POV's, but THREE POV's. Yes, you heard me right! She interlaces three separate journeys into one, intertwining their lives in ways you could never imagine. These three characters are developed exceptionally and given their own voices; if that isn't talent I don't know what is. J.M.Walker's writing is effortless, simply flawless and her details are so descriptive that you don't just read her words, but you feel them.
Did J.M. bring this story full circle? Yes. Did I cry more times than I can keep count of? My goodness, yes. I had a few minor issues but they did not stop me from enjoying this story. This was an emotionally wrecking story, one filled with angst and misery that put my heart through the wringer.
Each character has their own imperfections. They are damaged human beings fighting their own self destruction. This is a story that will touch you in every way. At times I felt myself being ripped apart emotionally as I watched these characters experience life. And let me tell you it was an experience in itself.
First we are introduced to Xander, who numbs the pain of his heartache through the use of drugs and sex. Then we meet Caiden, Xander's best friend. Caiden has a ton and I do mean a TON of secrets, but even with that being said he only wants the best for his two friends. Hope, is also Caiden's best friend and Xander's only hope. She's in love with him, but at the same time she is the one who broke him emotionally. Now, she's back. Secretly watching him destroy himself, while helping Caiden work through his emotional attachment to Xander. Together, these two could be a sweet dream or they could be a beautiful nightmare. Add in Caiden and things get more than complicated as we watch all three battle their own demons.
What makes this story so extraordinary is that she not only writes in one POV. Not even two POV's, but THREE POV's. Yes, you heard me right! She interlaces three separate journeys into one, intertwining their lives in ways you could never imagine. These three characters are developed exceptionally and given their own voices; if that isn't talent I don't know what is. J.M.Walker's writing is effortless, simply flawless and her details are so descriptive that you don't just read her words, but you feel them.
Did J.M. bring this story full circle? Yes. Did I cry more times than I can keep count of? My goodness, yes. I had a few minor issues but they did not stop me from enjoying this story. This was an emotionally wrecking story, one filled with angst and misery that put my heart through the wringer.
March 24, 2015
Whenever I start reading a book I always look at the blurb to see what I'm in for. Hmmm... The blurb seemed to be more of each characters' thought process but from whom the words were being spoken by was and to me still is a bit of a mystery. From Within is a very complicated story.
Hope you enjoy reading books done in first person POV because there are three of them - Hope's, Xander's and Caiden's. Multiple POV's sometimes can be confusing and I did find the beginning of the book somewhat discombobulated. However, as I progressed further into their stories I found it isn't the writing and more of each character's thought process as they struggled through all that life was throwing at them. Each one of them was a hot mess (Some more than others!) and each was hiding dark secrets inside of them. Dark secrets of their pain and, for the most part, self-inflicted. The one thing they all had in common was their toxic love for one another. Be prepared for things to get raw and gritty.
Xander, oh man did I want to shake him. Hope, too, but Xander first. He has been in love with Hope for years and just could not get over her. So of course he does anything and everything to numb the pain. Hope is no better than he is as she also sets of on a course of self-destruction. Thankfully, they both have Caiden to basically smack them upside the head so they get their acts together. Although Caiden sometimes is no better than they are. At times, I felt all the lies and the secrets they all carried should have destroyed them. But as the truth was revealed, and they dealt with the pain of it all you can see they had a bond that despite everything was unbreakable.
A word about Caiden. He, IMPO, is what holds this story together. He brings in this sexy BDSM element that was pretty hot. He also has a man-crush on his bestie, Xander, and at one point acts on it (YEAH BABY!!!). But it's when his true secret is revealed I was crushed! You'll be crushed too so make sure to have tissues on hand.
Over-all I found From Within a very interesting and emotional read. Ms. Walker certainly has quite a hit on her hands here and very much with the read. Even though I have been friends with the author for quite some time, this was actually my first book I read of hers and I highly doubt it will be the last. Great job JiM!!!
I received this book from the author for the purpose of my honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars– 4, Flames: 3.5
Hope you enjoy reading books done in first person POV because there are three of them - Hope's, Xander's and Caiden's. Multiple POV's sometimes can be confusing and I did find the beginning of the book somewhat discombobulated. However, as I progressed further into their stories I found it isn't the writing and more of each character's thought process as they struggled through all that life was throwing at them. Each one of them was a hot mess (Some more than others!) and each was hiding dark secrets inside of them. Dark secrets of their pain and, for the most part, self-inflicted. The one thing they all had in common was their toxic love for one another. Be prepared for things to get raw and gritty.
Xander, oh man did I want to shake him. Hope, too, but Xander first. He has been in love with Hope for years and just could not get over her. So of course he does anything and everything to numb the pain. Hope is no better than he is as she also sets of on a course of self-destruction. Thankfully, they both have Caiden to basically smack them upside the head so they get their acts together. Although Caiden sometimes is no better than they are. At times, I felt all the lies and the secrets they all carried should have destroyed them. But as the truth was revealed, and they dealt with the pain of it all you can see they had a bond that despite everything was unbreakable.
A word about Caiden. He, IMPO, is what holds this story together. He brings in this sexy BDSM element that was pretty hot. He also has a man-crush on his bestie, Xander, and at one point acts on it (YEAH BABY!!!). But it's when his true secret is revealed I was crushed! You'll be crushed too so make sure to have tissues on hand.
Over-all I found From Within a very interesting and emotional read. Ms. Walker certainly has quite a hit on her hands here and very much with the read. Even though I have been friends with the author for quite some time, this was actually my first book I read of hers and I highly doubt it will be the last. Great job JiM!!!
I received this book from the author for the purpose of my honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars– 4, Flames: 3.5
March 26, 2015
My Review: ARC provided
4-4.5 stars!
I think I went through every emotion while reading this book. One of my favorite reads is a second chance at romance or friends to lovers, well be get both. We get both in a very dark and unconventional way. Three friends all have a deep love bordering on obsession with one another, some feelings are mutual and some are not reciprocated in the same way, but never the less a strong bond and love between the three is present. There is that fine line between love and hate. I loved these characters and their flaws and they have a lot. Now they aren't even that likable but something about their history and their individual relationships with each other made me feel. And no matter how destructive or toxic things became I wanted everything to work out. While reading this book I kept thinking about the definitions of words and for some reason I feel that I need to write them into this review. I almost feel they are essential to the review and book so...
Addiction: the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.
Obsession: preoccupy or fill the mind of (someone) continually, intrusively, and to a troubling extent.
Love: an intense feeling of deep affection.
Hate: intense or passionate dislike for (someone)
Friends: a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations.
See how all of these relate? How there is a common theme here? Well all three of these people hold all of these definitions in some way but mostly for each other.
My biggest con and the thing I kept asking myself was why so much time had to pass. I thought about it and now as I'm writing this review I finally think I get it though, and it goes back to all the words or feelings I just defined. I don't want to get into it too much because I could give away some major spoilers but if you want a book that makes you think and feel, good, bad, happy and sad then read this. It is an intense read. This one will pull on those heart strings.
Told in three POV's.
Heal: become sound or healthy again.
I recommend!
March 15, 2015
Xander, Hope and Caiden- my what a tangled web. I have to say that while there were intriguing parts of the story, it was sometimes a bit hard to follow, with the constant back and forth- via alternating points of view. From all three characters. And man, at all of the secrets and lies these guys had!! I just couldn't wrap my head around everything. Hope refers to her relationship with Xander as toxic, however, I felt like all of them had a toxic relationship with each other. Not to mention, they are all incredibly co- dependent. It really made everyone come off as weak, more than broken.
I wasn't a huge fan of this storyline, but I still am giving the book 3.5 stars. It wasn't terrible, so I don't want anyone to think that is my opinion, but it just wasn't my particular cup of tea.
I wasn't a huge fan of this storyline, but I still am giving the book 3.5 stars. It wasn't terrible, so I don't want anyone to think that is my opinion, but it just wasn't my particular cup of tea.
April 6, 2015
A lot of mixed feelings about this book. The addictions, longing love, friendships, lost love, and inner demons kept me intrigued throughout this book. The multiple POV's and the secondary characters kind of keep the story busy. All in all, it was a good read.
March 23, 2015
Wow, Wow, Wow. I first off wanted to thank JM Walker for giving me the pleasure of reading this before it was released. I fell in love with this tangled web of charismatic characters. I was hooked in the first chapter. JM walker just never disappoints. I love how JM just captivates her readers immediately and her books become ones that you don't want to put down until your reading the last page. Of course, I'm greedy and am left wanting her stories to go on forever. LOL. This is a story that is packed with emotions. It is a journey of friendship, trust, love and even betrayal.
Xander is the man who can't seem to move forward in his life after suffering through the loss of his first love, Hope. He is on a path of self destruction that includes an addiction. It's been 10 years since Hope left him and now he is about to discover she was never really that far away. Xander needs to figure out if he can move past the past and forgive.
Hope is the girl that knows her relationship with Xander was toxic. He was her addiction. She knew that in order to move forward in her life she had to get away. The problem is... she has tried and even though she has deceived Xander by doing this, she just doesn't feel complete. She desperately wants Xander back but she is afraid of what it might cost her.
Caiden is both Xander's and Hope's friend. He has been Xander's rock throughout his heartache over Hope. Caiden has been Hope's confident while she has been away. What you don't realize is that Caiden is in LOVE with Xander but knows it just can't happen. Caiden knows that in order for Xander and Hope to find happiness they both have to learn to forgive each other and get rid of their personal demons.
I loved that this story was told in 3 POV's. At times I just wanted to ripped Xander apart but then there was this side of him that truly broke me down. Hope would get on my nerves too but she really pulled at my heart also. I of course felt the worse for poor Caiden. I wanted him to find his own peace.(OF COURSE...I'll be rallying JM to give me his story daily!!) These three characters and their personal struggles had me tearing up on several occasions. The emotions just bled off the pages in this tale. I loved the ride. This story will definitely pull you in and keep you on the edge of your seat. I would recommend it to everyone.
Xander is the man who can't seem to move forward in his life after suffering through the loss of his first love, Hope. He is on a path of self destruction that includes an addiction. It's been 10 years since Hope left him and now he is about to discover she was never really that far away. Xander needs to figure out if he can move past the past and forgive.
Hope is the girl that knows her relationship with Xander was toxic. He was her addiction. She knew that in order to move forward in her life she had to get away. The problem is... she has tried and even though she has deceived Xander by doing this, she just doesn't feel complete. She desperately wants Xander back but she is afraid of what it might cost her.
Caiden is both Xander's and Hope's friend. He has been Xander's rock throughout his heartache over Hope. Caiden has been Hope's confident while she has been away. What you don't realize is that Caiden is in LOVE with Xander but knows it just can't happen. Caiden knows that in order for Xander and Hope to find happiness they both have to learn to forgive each other and get rid of their personal demons.
I loved that this story was told in 3 POV's. At times I just wanted to ripped Xander apart but then there was this side of him that truly broke me down. Hope would get on my nerves too but she really pulled at my heart also. I of course felt the worse for poor Caiden. I wanted him to find his own peace.(OF COURSE...I'll be rallying JM to give me his story daily!!) These three characters and their personal struggles had me tearing up on several occasions. The emotions just bled off the pages in this tale. I loved the ride. This story will definitely pull you in and keep you on the edge of your seat. I would recommend it to everyone.
March 27, 2015
4.5 stars
Xander, Hope and Caiden. Childhood best friends, each with their own demons.
From Within is a tale of love, friendship, addiction, hopelessness, hiding from the truth, learning to face your fears, forgiveness and codependency.
Sound like a whole lot of shit going on for three people?
It is.
It's a drama filled ride through the darkest of times for three friends who deal with their demons in different ways.
Xander and Hope were first loves, she broke up with him and left with minimal explanation ten years ago and he has been struggling ever since.
Xander's way of dealing is to stay high.
Hope had her own secrets, her outlet was alcohol.
Caiden has a few secrets of his own and he deals by controlling everything he can.
Caiden is the strongest of the three, though he is just as dependant on Xander as Xander is of him. It's a dangerous situation being dependant upon people who can't stand on their own two feet and carry their weight as well as yours.
There's so much I could say but I don't want to give anything away. These characters managed to both make me wish for a HEA and at times slap the ever loving hell out of them. Xander the most. I am still a bit twisted on how I feel about him. I wanted to love him, to give him the benefit of the doubt but I feel like I did that so many times throughout the book that I just had to wash my hands of him and focus on Caiden, Hope and Bee. Xander took a backseat because he spent so much time not wanting to better himself. His pity for himself made me want to strangle him and tell him to grow the hell up.
So by the end while I was happy for some of characters having put on their shit kicker boots, manning up and making their lives better, I still mourn for the one lost.
Caiden was my favorite character, I felt he had the most level head on his shoulders despite his own flaws. He was the most selfless, giving and consistent character who truly held the three together.
Xander, Hope and Caiden. Childhood best friends, each with their own demons.
From Within is a tale of love, friendship, addiction, hopelessness, hiding from the truth, learning to face your fears, forgiveness and codependency.
Sound like a whole lot of shit going on for three people?
It is.
It's a drama filled ride through the darkest of times for three friends who deal with their demons in different ways.
Xander and Hope were first loves, she broke up with him and left with minimal explanation ten years ago and he has been struggling ever since.
Xander's way of dealing is to stay high.
Hope had her own secrets, her outlet was alcohol.
Caiden has a few secrets of his own and he deals by controlling everything he can.
Caiden is the strongest of the three, though he is just as dependant on Xander as Xander is of him. It's a dangerous situation being dependant upon people who can't stand on their own two feet and carry their weight as well as yours.
There's so much I could say but I don't want to give anything away. These characters managed to both make me wish for a HEA and at times slap the ever loving hell out of them. Xander the most. I am still a bit twisted on how I feel about him. I wanted to love him, to give him the benefit of the doubt but I feel like I did that so many times throughout the book that I just had to wash my hands of him and focus on Caiden, Hope and Bee. Xander took a backseat because he spent so much time not wanting to better himself. His pity for himself made me want to strangle him and tell him to grow the hell up.
So by the end while I was happy for some of characters having put on their shit kicker boots, manning up and making their lives better, I still mourn for the one lost.
Caiden was my favorite character, I felt he had the most level head on his shoulders despite his own flaws. He was the most selfless, giving and consistent character who truly held the three together.
March 3, 2015
Check out this review and others at
www.Twinsietalk.conm
www.Facebook.com/twinsietalk
www.tsu.co/twinsietalk
@twinsietalk
I received a copy of this book from the author.
OMG!! These characters are TOXIC!! Holy smokes!! There is sooo much drama and toxicity that you better make sure your shots are current and your AA sponsor is near by!!
Xander has loved Hope his entire life. She upped and moved away from him 10 years ago. He cant get past his love for her so he drinks, smokes, snorts, screws, etc anything to numb the pain of her loss.
Caiden is Xanders best friend along with Hope. He has kept Xander in the dark about Hopes return ...5 years ago. He has been waiting to bring them back together...or has he??? Seems our boy is in love with Xander and seeing him happy with Hope kills his soul.
Hope is a mess. She left Xander but why did she jump ship so fast? She is so in love with this man and is secretly watching his self destruct along with helping her best friend come to terms with his love of her love.
Did ya get all that?
Well Xander has his last ooopsie and Caiden takes him to do his own personal "rebah" while brining Hope back into the picture. He knows only she can save him even if it kils him. Hope knows Xander will push and push and push her at ever turn. The triangle is a hot mess I tell ya. All loving the other but not loving the others enought to make them happy. OMG I am telling ya I got annoyed with Xander and his selfish ways. I wanted to punch Hope and her annoying whining but mostly I fell in love with Caiden and his hurt over both Xander and Hope!! LOL
Did I have a few tears? Yup. Did the book gut me in parts? Yup. Was I happy with how it ended? Yup. If you like JM's Books then get ready for a ride because this is sooo different then anything she has ever written before.
www.Twinsietalk.conm
www.Facebook.com/twinsietalk
www.tsu.co/twinsietalk
@twinsietalk
I received a copy of this book from the author.
OMG!! These characters are TOXIC!! Holy smokes!! There is sooo much drama and toxicity that you better make sure your shots are current and your AA sponsor is near by!!
Xander has loved Hope his entire life. She upped and moved away from him 10 years ago. He cant get past his love for her so he drinks, smokes, snorts, screws, etc anything to numb the pain of her loss.
Caiden is Xanders best friend along with Hope. He has kept Xander in the dark about Hopes return ...5 years ago. He has been waiting to bring them back together...or has he??? Seems our boy is in love with Xander and seeing him happy with Hope kills his soul.
Hope is a mess. She left Xander but why did she jump ship so fast? She is so in love with this man and is secretly watching his self destruct along with helping her best friend come to terms with his love of her love.
Did ya get all that?
Well Xander has his last ooopsie and Caiden takes him to do his own personal "rebah" while brining Hope back into the picture. He knows only she can save him even if it kils him. Hope knows Xander will push and push and push her at ever turn. The triangle is a hot mess I tell ya. All loving the other but not loving the others enought to make them happy. OMG I am telling ya I got annoyed with Xander and his selfish ways. I wanted to punch Hope and her annoying whining but mostly I fell in love with Caiden and his hurt over both Xander and Hope!! LOL
Did I have a few tears? Yup. Did the book gut me in parts? Yup. Was I happy with how it ended? Yup. If you like JM's Books then get ready for a ride because this is sooo different then anything she has ever written before.
March 20, 2015
*** 3 1/2 stars ***
I was given an unedited arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I need to start by saying, I wanted to love this book. It had so many great pieces that unfortunately didn't fit together for me. There were also quite a few plot holes that made it a little hard to follow at times.
This is the story of dependency. It's a look inside relationships and how they ultimately grow or get destroyed based on your actions. It takes a close look at those demons we all lock away that come bubbling to the surface when we least expect it.
You have Hope, Xander and Caiden who are all very co-dependent on each other, in some form. The dependency is borderline unhealthy in some aspects. Xander and Caiden are best friends, yet Caiden holds 3 pretty big secrets from him (and a few smaller ones). Then you have Xander and Hope who dated when they were younger, up until Hope left town unexpectedly. They cross paths again, but their relationship is still toxic. I had to stop reading a few times because as much as Xander and Hope love each other, I couldn't help but wonder.... why are they trying to make this work? Xander came across very selfish and Hope came across extremely weak. At what point do you realize that this other person isn't your missing puzzle piece?
This book is full of secrets and heartache. You are given small clues a long the way that you have to figure out. Some you will and others you won't see coming.
I gave this 3 1/2 stars.
I was given an unedited arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I need to start by saying, I wanted to love this book. It had so many great pieces that unfortunately didn't fit together for me. There were also quite a few plot holes that made it a little hard to follow at times.
This is the story of dependency. It's a look inside relationships and how they ultimately grow or get destroyed based on your actions. It takes a close look at those demons we all lock away that come bubbling to the surface when we least expect it.
You have Hope, Xander and Caiden who are all very co-dependent on each other, in some form. The dependency is borderline unhealthy in some aspects. Xander and Caiden are best friends, yet Caiden holds 3 pretty big secrets from him (and a few smaller ones). Then you have Xander and Hope who dated when they were younger, up until Hope left town unexpectedly. They cross paths again, but their relationship is still toxic. I had to stop reading a few times because as much as Xander and Hope love each other, I couldn't help but wonder.... why are they trying to make this work? Xander came across very selfish and Hope came across extremely weak. At what point do you realize that this other person isn't your missing puzzle piece?
This book is full of secrets and heartache. You are given small clues a long the way that you have to figure out. Some you will and others you won't see coming.
I gave this 3 1/2 stars.
February 21, 2015
I just finished From Within and I just loved it! This story is about Xander and Hope. They were high school sweethearts, she moved away and now it is 10 years later. It hasn't been a good time for Xander. He has his ways on coping with things that hurt him....drug, sex and alcohol. Everyone has left him regardless if it was willingly or not, his parents and hope. He can only count on one person and that is Caiden, his best friend. But even at times, he doesn't want his help. He is dangerously falling further and he doesn't know what to do. Hope comes back to help him however he cannot get past her leaving him but things are not always as it seems. What will happen to Xander, Hope and Caiden when their secrets come to light? You will just have to read to see but trust me you do not want to miss out on this emotional ride!
I really enjoyed the story, it had a good plot to it and felt that it was executed really well. The characters were so versatile and honestly I couldn't help but fall for them. There was so many obstacles in their way and I just so wanted a happy ending for all of them. There was things that happened that I expected and things that I did not but one thing that I can say is that it will make you second guess things while pulling on your heart strings. Its a story that will stay with you....always from within.
I would definitely recommend this to my girls.
Story 5
Sex 4
Overall 5
Reviewed by Shay from Mommys a Book Whore
I really enjoyed the story, it had a good plot to it and felt that it was executed really well. The characters were so versatile and honestly I couldn't help but fall for them. There was so many obstacles in their way and I just so wanted a happy ending for all of them. There was things that happened that I expected and things that I did not but one thing that I can say is that it will make you second guess things while pulling on your heart strings. Its a story that will stay with you....always from within.
I would definitely recommend this to my girls.
Story 5
Sex 4
Overall 5
Reviewed by Shay from Mommys a Book Whore
September 26, 2015
Forget what you read from the synopsis! Forget what you think this book is about! This book is so much more than you think it is. J.M. Walker does a wonderful job of creating complex characters that you think have this certain storyline and history then she smashes it to shit by the intricate complex characters that she weaves around you. The bond she develops without even trying to through these characters is unbelievable and this is easily the best book I've read in 2015 in this genre. She takes on strong topics such as alcoholism, drug use, and mental stability to name a few and does it in such a way that you don't know which way to feel. The bond between the characters leap off the pages into your mind and wraps around your heart. I was on a flight and crying because that is how strong the emotions in this book invoked in me. I am not a crier and I was pissed, but I loved that she brought this out in me. Don't just read my review and take my word for it. Pick up this book and read for yourself. Don't have any preconceived notions what this book is about. You will be surprised and happy that you did!
-Shauna-
-Shauna-
February 28, 2015
First off, thank you JM for this opportunity to read From Within before its release. This story was so loving, about three friends who needed each other to fight off their demons from the past even if they wouldn't admit to it. Xander lost his parents right after high school, Caiden lost his parents and little brother when he was younger to a house fire and Hope lost herself to loving Xander too much. Ten years after Hope left Xander, things happen and they find their way back into each other's lives, maybe not for the better. Caiden is like the peacemaker in this threesome friendship. He needs Xander to face his demons so that Xander will be able to forgive himself and Hope. Hope and Xander's relationship is almost toxic the way they handle the past, but in the end, maybe that's exactly what had to happen to get them to where they are now.
I really loved this story and the characters in it. I loved the 3 POVs. I laughed, cried, got angry, cried some more and fell in love with these three so much, I was sad that it ended.
I really loved this story and the characters in it. I loved the 3 POVs. I laughed, cried, got angry, cried some more and fell in love with these three so much, I was sad that it ended.
February 23, 2015
First of let me tell you this is not an easy book to put down! I fell in love with it right from the start. J.M. Walker always has a way of dragging you in with her books but this one .....wow...hands down to her..
This is not just a story of boy meets girl this is so much more than that. its about friendship! The key point to this is the friendship Xander shares with his best friend Caiden! it is a story of how far the person you love can take you.
then came the romance god was it hot and intense hope was just that a ray of Hope but with her and Caiden keeping secrets i just left me a bag of emotions!
there are so many twists and turns with these three I felt my heart would never straighten back out.
A tale of Friendship, heartache, secrets and love all love that comes in all shapes and sizes. it shows you the different kinds of love.
true love, loving a person so much it hurts and finding out that you can learn to love another!
This book will ignite passion deep inside you. it will make you cry. it will make even the strongest heart break in seconds!
This is not just a story of boy meets girl this is so much more than that. its about friendship! The key point to this is the friendship Xander shares with his best friend Caiden! it is a story of how far the person you love can take you.
then came the romance god was it hot and intense hope was just that a ray of Hope but with her and Caiden keeping secrets i just left me a bag of emotions!
there are so many twists and turns with these three I felt my heart would never straighten back out.
A tale of Friendship, heartache, secrets and love all love that comes in all shapes and sizes. it shows you the different kinds of love.
true love, loving a person so much it hurts and finding out that you can learn to love another!
This book will ignite passion deep inside you. it will make you cry. it will make even the strongest heart break in seconds!
March 4, 2015
I received this book as an ARC from the author J M Walker who is not only an amazing writer but a really wonderful person. Check her out and friend her on Facebook.
This book was so intense and I could not put it down. I read straight through until 4am. From Within had me experiencing a whirlwind of emotions from the first page until the last sentence and last word on the last page.
The characters pull you into their story of how their lives grow and change, their friendships, love, romance, and their secrets. Being able to read from each characters point of view only intensifies the readers experience. As the reader I had no choice in loving these characters and when the book ended I missed them.
Keep a good supply of chocolate and Kleenex close by when you read this book. Enjoy !
This book was so intense and I could not put it down. I read straight through until 4am. From Within had me experiencing a whirlwind of emotions from the first page until the last sentence and last word on the last page.
The characters pull you into their story of how their lives grow and change, their friendships, love, romance, and their secrets. Being able to read from each characters point of view only intensifies the readers experience. As the reader I had no choice in loving these characters and when the book ended I missed them.
Keep a good supply of chocolate and Kleenex close by when you read this book. Enjoy !
March 7, 2015
Received a copy form the Author for a honest review.
This is not your average love story. It's a beautifully told story of friendship, love, and addiction.
Xander is a man that has many demons, Hope is a woman struggling with her love for Xander and her sobriety, and Caiden a man in love with his best friend and who is keeping secrets.
First of all let me say both men are hot as is the sex!! Second, who cares!! Walker writes such a beautiful story between these friends that those scenes are just a bonus.
This is a dark story, but Walker writes in such a way it's done beautifully. Walker know how to write about broken people, how they have to be strong enough to fix themselves before they can help other. You will need hankies for this one because you will cry through the whole thing, but it's worth it!!
This is not your average love story. It's a beautifully told story of friendship, love, and addiction.
Xander is a man that has many demons, Hope is a woman struggling with her love for Xander and her sobriety, and Caiden a man in love with his best friend and who is keeping secrets.
First of all let me say both men are hot as is the sex!! Second, who cares!! Walker writes such a beautiful story between these friends that those scenes are just a bonus.
This is a dark story, but Walker writes in such a way it's done beautifully. Walker know how to write about broken people, how they have to be strong enough to fix themselves before they can help other. You will need hankies for this one because you will cry through the whole thing, but it's worth it!!
March 26, 2015
Pain. Anger. Addiction. Love. Trust. HOLY EMOTIONS BATMAN! This book had it all over the map! The major feels in this book was insane. You could feel the angst between all the characters and how they all played off of each other in some way, shape or form! My heart broke for Hope, Xander and Caiden through out this whole book. This book was so involved that I found myself rereading sections just to make sure I got it all. From Within is very fast paced, in depth and heartbreaking. If you like angst, slightly darker books then this one is definitely for you! I am still reeling from the whole book!
March 23, 2015
Three tragic souls tossed together in high school. So much tragedy...can they survive as best friends or possibly more? So much happens between these three friends from secrets to heartache that you just have to read it to find out. There are definitely "OMG, that didn't just happen" and "Holy crap, I didn't see that one coming" moments. I loved it but there are definitely some darker sides, tear jerker parts and I did cuss a few times. Just warning you ahead of time. Another great book by JM Walker!
February 20, 2015
*5* To Die For Stars
I received this as an ARC from the author
WOW ...... Seriously..... WOW
Walker has written a story that takes you on a roller coaster of emotions and will leave you stunned and breathless.
The story of Xander, Hope and Caiden is a tale of love, friendship, betrayal and forgiveness. The three lives entwine together in a beauty that is raw and haunting.
I was left emotionally drained, mentally exhausted and as high as Xander. My favourite read of 2015. Get the tissues ready !!!
I received this as an ARC from the author
WOW ...... Seriously..... WOW
Walker has written a story that takes you on a roller coaster of emotions and will leave you stunned and breathless.
The story of Xander, Hope and Caiden is a tale of love, friendship, betrayal and forgiveness. The three lives entwine together in a beauty that is raw and haunting.
I was left emotionally drained, mentally exhausted and as high as Xander. My favourite read of 2015. Get the tissues ready !!!
March 21, 2015
I received an unedited ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I will say have a box of Kleenex handy because you will defiantly need them. Its a story about friendships that will survive time and love that is never forgotten. Xander, Caiden, and Hope come together along with Bee to deal with the unexpected. Their story unfolds from 10 years after Hope walked out leaving Xander and Caiden behind, only to comeback and face what she left behind and to help with whats ahead. I highly recommend this book, and can see it being a #1 best seller for J.M. Walker.
March 21, 2015
I fell in love with this story from the very beginning. This is an amazing story and the characters are so lovable. The romance was hot and passionate. The twist and turns in this story will keep you reading and will have you an emotional mess. What will happen when all the secrets come out? I recommend you read this and find out!! I so enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Reviewed by Cat from Cat's Guilty Pleasure
March 25, 2015
Oh holy dysfunction. This story is full of drama, love, passion, anger and more. It definitely runs the scale of all emotions it could possibly bring out of a triangle of friends and lovers that spans years. So well written and caused a hangover a few times in the midst of reading when I would have to put it down and come back to it. It will not be one easily forgotten.
I give From Within 4 hearts!
I give From Within 4 hearts!
March 29, 2015
I've read this book. You should get it. It's great. I can so relate to it. I laughed. I cried. I felt so many different emotions. It's like being on a rollercoaster ride. I have witnessed a different side to J.M. Walker. If you are a fan of her, be sure to get this. If you aren't a fan....Yet...Start now.
I received an Arc from the author for an honest review.
I received an Arc from the author for an honest review.
March 12, 2015
This is more than a love story, this is a story of friendships that last thru time. Getting to read about Caiden, Xander and Hope you see an everlasting love that helps them thru all the struggles, tragedies and addictions to come out on the other side. But who will live and who will get a happily ever after?
March 23, 2015
OMG!! This book was AMAZING. After being an emotional void for almost a year, this book actually let me cry. I thank JM for that. All the pain and the strife that these characters go through makes you want to count your blessings. But one thing stays constant. True love. This should be made into a movie. Awesomeness.
March 23, 2015
Why
You ripped my heart out and mended it back together in a lot of ways. I hate and love you for it. This book I think tops all the other, don't get me wrong I love the other ones I read but this one is Amazballs...u rock woman...
You ripped my heart out and mended it back together in a lot of ways. I hate and love you for it. This book I think tops all the other, don't get me wrong I love the other ones I read but this one is Amazballs...u rock woman...
February 25, 2015
LOVED this book! It was so much more than just about the love between Xander and Hope. So many emotions! I had a hard time putting it down!
March 31, 2015
One word.......Bipolar!!
February 11, 2016
This is a very intense read, about three friends, they all have their issues, and there are a lot of things they have to work through.
December 16, 2017
This story is NOT for the faint of heart, But it IS for those who have or had demons and addictions and SURVIVED!!
Life isn't always easy and From Within hits you straight to the heart with the heart wrenching story of 3 friends who have been together for years but a bad mistake separates the group and through trials and tribulations 10 years later the 3 need each other more than anything when tragedy hits again, but while all of the lies and secret are revealed I wasn't sure any of them were going to get anything more than heartache from one another.
From Within deals with 2nd chance romance, best friends falling in love, and tragedy that NO-ONE should ever have to deal with!!
Grab the tissues for this one for sure!!!
Life isn't always easy and From Within hits you straight to the heart with the heart wrenching story of 3 friends who have been together for years but a bad mistake separates the group and through trials and tribulations 10 years later the 3 need each other more than anything when tragedy hits again, but while all of the lies and secret are revealed I wasn't sure any of them were going to get anything more than heartache from one another.
From Within deals with 2nd chance romance, best friends falling in love, and tragedy that NO-ONE should ever have to deal with!!
Grab the tissues for this one for sure!!!
November 1, 2024
2.5/5
This definitely had a promising concept but it just didn't deliver.
211 pages that honestly dragged.
There was far too much POV swapping in chapters, too many random flashbacks without informing the reader that you were in a flashback/past.
The characters felt flat and all unlikeable.
Also I'm sorry but I do find it a little bit odd that a 20-odd year old man was wanting to keep his friendship with a completely random14 year old girl to himself, there was no thought about how that could be perceived to anyone- imagine these characters are real, would you really be ok with a 14 year old (who you are supposed to be looking after) hanging around a 20-odd year old that you have never met?
Despite having potential this just wasn't it for me.
This definitely had a promising concept but it just didn't deliver.
211 pages that honestly dragged.
There was far too much POV swapping in chapters, too many random flashbacks without informing the reader that you were in a flashback/past.
The characters felt flat and all unlikeable.
Also I'm sorry but I do find it a little bit odd that a 20-odd year old man was wanting to keep his friendship with a completely random14 year old girl to himself, there was no thought about how that could be perceived to anyone- imagine these characters are real, would you really be ok with a 14 year old (who you are supposed to be looking after) hanging around a 20-odd year old that you have never met?
Despite having potential this just wasn't it for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews