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Burnouts #2
Catch You If You Fall
Steve Shrader is the only guy at prom with four dates. Other guys high five him and congratulate him. Guys who would normally never talk to him. Not that it really matters because he’s got his friends, they’re all girls and they all love him…except MG.
Wherever MG shows up she brings the party. In high school she befriended Steve, made him laugh , cared for him, became his sole reason for actually showing up at school…then she left him behind to chase her dreams of big money and celebrity in New York. Only things aren’t always what they seem, and it’s easy to fall down in the fast lane. When that happens you can only hope you have someone there to catch you if you fall.
This is book #2 in the Burnouts series but can be read as a stand alone novel.
(This book was originally published as Popstars, Friends & Lovers: a dreamer's tale" in November, 2014)
Wherever MG shows up she brings the party. In high school she befriended Steve, made him laugh , cared for him, became his sole reason for actually showing up at school…then she left him behind to chase her dreams of big money and celebrity in New York. Only things aren’t always what they seem, and it’s easy to fall down in the fast lane. When that happens you can only hope you have someone there to catch you if you fall.
This is book #2 in the Burnouts series but can be read as a stand alone novel.
(This book was originally published as Popstars, Friends & Lovers: a dreamer's tale" in November, 2014)
- GenresContemporary Romance
264 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2014
4 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Karen Gordon
9 books146 followersKaren Gordon is an indie author who loves supporting strong and sexy women in fiction and in real life.
Born and raised in St. Charles, Missouri, she found her love of extraordinary stories about ordinary places by finding excitement in mundane suburbia. Although she currently writes romance and chick lit, you never know what she might do next. (You'll never find a woman-hating, bad-boy hero though.)
She currently lives with the loves of her life, three very cool geeky men and one perfect puppy, just outside of Memphis, TN.
Born and raised in St. Charles, Missouri, she found her love of extraordinary stories about ordinary places by finding excitement in mundane suburbia. Although she currently writes romance and chick lit, you never know what she might do next. (You'll never find a woman-hating, bad-boy hero though.)
She currently lives with the loves of her life, three very cool geeky men and one perfect puppy, just outside of Memphis, TN.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 14, 2014
Wow!!! I. love. these. books.
I was lucky enough to stumble upon the first novel 'Burnouts, Geeks and Jesus Freaks' by signing up for a read-for-review and I was blown away. I wish there was more hype about that book as I think A LOT of readers are missing out on a novel that they would totally fall for.
I must say the first book was that good for me and I loved the main characters, Carrie and Ben, so much I wasn't itching to read the sequel. As soon as I started the book I was taken back to why I loved everything about the first. The characters Karen writes are amazing. They are so complete that you think of them as real people you have known. I particularly love how she writes her male characters. They are not aggressive or douche-y or mean to keep em keen (think Levi from 'Fangirl' or Sam from 'Life in Outer Space' or Peeta from 'The Hungar Games) they are lovely and swooney.
The timing in the book flows so smoothly and so much is covered. I really got a kick out of how it overlapped with scenes from the first book but obviously from Steve or MG's point of view. The dialogue is sharp, witty and meaningful.
I had a couple of gripes but they didn't take away from the book as a whole. I really encourage my Goodreads friends to give these books a go. Think 'Anna and the French Kiss' series but raunchey-er, more mature, more gritty and more fun!!.
I was lucky enough to stumble upon the first novel 'Burnouts, Geeks and Jesus Freaks' by signing up for a read-for-review and I was blown away. I wish there was more hype about that book as I think A LOT of readers are missing out on a novel that they would totally fall for.
I must say the first book was that good for me and I loved the main characters, Carrie and Ben, so much I wasn't itching to read the sequel. As soon as I started the book I was taken back to why I loved everything about the first. The characters Karen writes are amazing. They are so complete that you think of them as real people you have known. I particularly love how she writes her male characters. They are not aggressive or douche-y or mean to keep em keen (think Levi from 'Fangirl' or Sam from 'Life in Outer Space' or Peeta from 'The Hungar Games) they are lovely and swooney.
The timing in the book flows so smoothly and so much is covered. I really got a kick out of how it overlapped with scenes from the first book but obviously from Steve or MG's point of view. The dialogue is sharp, witty and meaningful.
I had a couple of gripes but they didn't take away from the book as a whole. I really encourage my Goodreads friends to give these books a go. Think 'Anna and the French Kiss' series but raunchey-er, more mature, more gritty and more fun!!.
April 13, 2015
Popstars, Friends & Lovers: a dreamer's tale is a companion book to Burnouts, Geeks and Jesus Freaks: a love story, this is the story of MG and Steve.
We don't get the retelling of highschool through their eyes, we just get a few pivotal scenes, and then the story begins after they graduate and MG moves to NYC with her mother, leaving a heart-broken Steve behind.
Although I loved Ben and Carrie from BG&JF,(even if I didn't like their book quite as much as I liked them), I have to say I felt more for MG and Steve...these 2 really grabbed me. Although I will admit, after the twist we had in BG&JF, I kept waiting for a shoe to drop and my heart to get broken again.
They've had a connection since sophomore year, and even though things were strained after Steve declared his love, you almost knew they were destined to be together.
Steve had such a tough life, no mother and a father who wasn't the best of role models. It was good to seem him taking on responsibilities and becoming a better man. I loved him.
MG was still her same, fun-loving self, but as the book progressed so did she.
I loved that Steve never gave up on her and that she finally was able to admit her feelings as well.
This was a quick, easy read, with such likable characters. These two are the epitome of highschool "sweethearts" done right.
***I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.***
We don't get the retelling of highschool through their eyes, we just get a few pivotal scenes, and then the story begins after they graduate and MG moves to NYC with her mother, leaving a heart-broken Steve behind.
Although I loved Ben and Carrie from BG&JF,(even if I didn't like their book quite as much as I liked them), I have to say I felt more for MG and Steve...these 2 really grabbed me. Although I will admit, after the twist we had in BG&JF, I kept waiting for a shoe to drop and my heart to get broken again.
They've had a connection since sophomore year, and even though things were strained after Steve declared his love, you almost knew they were destined to be together.
Steve had such a tough life, no mother and a father who wasn't the best of role models. It was good to seem him taking on responsibilities and becoming a better man. I loved him.
MG was still her same, fun-loving self, but as the book progressed so did she.
I loved that Steve never gave up on her and that she finally was able to admit her feelings as well.
This was a quick, easy read, with such likable characters. These two are the epitome of highschool "sweethearts" done right.
***I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.***
October 17, 2014
*Received ARC from author, all opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review*
Okay, I freaking Love this series and am not so patiently awaiting the final installment! The characters in Karen Gordon's novels are amazing, I absolutely relate to these character and the love between all of them is pure and real. I can honestly say I laughed and cried and fell in love in "Burnouts, Geeks & Jesus Freaks", but was really excited for this book because Steve and MG were by far my favorite characters!
We got to see Steve and MG start a love that MG was afraid to have and Steve wanted more than anything. Now we get to see them grow and learn to take care of themselves while nurturing their love. This is an amazing love story with best friends, good times, lots of laughs, love, new experiences and rekindling old friendships and romances. Gordon has a way of making you realize what is really important in life, while also finding yourself reminiscing about the past.
I had a great time reading this, it was a roller coaster of emotions and one hell of a romance! I loved the newest characters and am SO excited to see what happens next!!! Karen Gordon you are an amazing writer, I am glad that I got a chance to read your novels and the fact that you actually take advice and ask for readers opinions is amazing! I wish you a TON of luck with all of your adventures, and look forward to reading EVERYTHING you write in the future.
Anyone that enjoys reading a romantic novel with epic, fun love, hilarious and wonderful gay guys, a hot young musician and a slightly confused, loyal, generous and loving girl, this is a fantastic choice and you should give it a shot!
Okay, I freaking Love this series and am not so patiently awaiting the final installment! The characters in Karen Gordon's novels are amazing, I absolutely relate to these character and the love between all of them is pure and real. I can honestly say I laughed and cried and fell in love in "Burnouts, Geeks & Jesus Freaks", but was really excited for this book because Steve and MG were by far my favorite characters!
We got to see Steve and MG start a love that MG was afraid to have and Steve wanted more than anything. Now we get to see them grow and learn to take care of themselves while nurturing their love. This is an amazing love story with best friends, good times, lots of laughs, love, new experiences and rekindling old friendships and romances. Gordon has a way of making you realize what is really important in life, while also finding yourself reminiscing about the past.
I had a great time reading this, it was a roller coaster of emotions and one hell of a romance! I loved the newest characters and am SO excited to see what happens next!!! Karen Gordon you are an amazing writer, I am glad that I got a chance to read your novels and the fact that you actually take advice and ask for readers opinions is amazing! I wish you a TON of luck with all of your adventures, and look forward to reading EVERYTHING you write in the future.
Anyone that enjoys reading a romantic novel with epic, fun love, hilarious and wonderful gay guys, a hot young musician and a slightly confused, loyal, generous and loving girl, this is a fantastic choice and you should give it a shot!
November 3, 2014
Y'all, I love me some Karen Gordon. I absolutely adored the first book in this series, Burnouts, Geek, & Jesus Freaks. And for the same reasons that I loved that book, I fell in love with Popstars, Friends, & Lovers. Karen Gordon is an excellent writer. Once again, she was able to transport me back to a time when I was younger. She is able to capture emotions amazingly well. It sets the tone for the entire book and you can't help but be swept away in the story.
MG was always a character that I liked whenever I read the first book, and I was so glad to be able to learn more about her. I loved how the book started with a flash back to a scene in Burnouts. It gave me that instant connection to the characters again. This wasn't just a love story. It was a story about growing up and growing in to love. It was beyond beautiful and made me cry more than once. Karen did such a phenomenal job at capturing the reality of love with MG and Steve's story. Gosh. I loved it.
Just like with Burnouts, Popstars is a roller-coaster of emotions and everything good! With every book that Karen Gordon, her writing only strengthens. She has crafted such a beautiful book with Popstars, Friends, & Lovers. I cannot recommend it enough!
**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review with no compensation.
MG was always a character that I liked whenever I read the first book, and I was so glad to be able to learn more about her. I loved how the book started with a flash back to a scene in Burnouts. It gave me that instant connection to the characters again. This wasn't just a love story. It was a story about growing up and growing in to love. It was beyond beautiful and made me cry more than once. Karen did such a phenomenal job at capturing the reality of love with MG and Steve's story. Gosh. I loved it.
Just like with Burnouts, Popstars is a roller-coaster of emotions and everything good! With every book that Karen Gordon, her writing only strengthens. She has crafted such a beautiful book with Popstars, Friends, & Lovers. I cannot recommend it enough!
**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review with no compensation.
December 4, 2014
Does anyone really know what they want to do after high school? For Mary Grace “MG” moving to New York to live the awesome life she has seen on movies and TV is what she wants to do. Getting out and as far away from St. Louis is her plan. Steve has no clue what he wants to do and will most likely end up working at the same company he has been. They were best friends but things haven't been quite right since Steve professed his love for MG. MG moves to New York without saying goodbye to Steve and they both go on with their lives. MG is hit with a reality that things aren't so easy in New York. Steve is partying and working. One night at a party he meets Amanda and they begin a crazy off and on again relationship. During their time apart MG and Steve go through some good and bad things but come together during a major world event.
I enjoyed this book so much! The characters were all well written and I couldn't help but start to root for Steve. It’s a great story with lovable characters. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about an unconventional love story with some surprises! I give this 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book so much! The characters were all well written and I couldn't help but start to root for Steve. It’s a great story with lovable characters. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about an unconventional love story with some surprises! I give this 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Does anyone really know what they want to do after high school? For Mary Grace “MG” moving to New York to live the awesome life she has seen on movies and TV is what she wants to do. Getting out and as far away from St. Louis is her plan. Steve has no clue what he wants to do and will most likely end up working at the same company he has been. They were best friends but things haven't been quite right since Steve professed his love for MG. MG moves to New York without saying goodbye to Steve and they both go on with their lives. MG is hit with a reality that things aren't so easy in New York. Steve is partying and working. One night at a party he meets Amanda and they begin a crazy off and on again relationship. During their time apart MG and Steve go through some good and bad things but come together during a major world event.
I enjoyed this book so much! The characters were all well written and I couldn't help but start to root for Steve. It’s a great story with lovable characters. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about an unconventional love story with some surprises! I give this 5 stars.
Does anyone really know what they want to do after high school? For Mary Grace “MG” moving to New York to live the awesome life she has seen on movies and TV is what she wants to do. Getting out and as far away from St. Louis is her plan. Steve has no clue what he wants to do and will most likely end up working at the same company he has been. They were best friends but things haven't been quite right since Steve professed his love for MG. MG moves to New York without saying goodbye to Steve and they both go on with their lives. MG is hit with a reality that things aren't so easy in New York. Steve is partying and working. One night at a party he meets Amanda and they begin a crazy off and on again relationship. During their time apart MG and Steve go through some good and bad things but come together during a major world event.
I enjoyed this book so much! The characters were all well written and I couldn't help but start to root for Steve. It’s a great story with lovable characters. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about an unconventional love story with some surprises! I give this 5 stars.
December 15, 2014
So as I was reading this book I was reminded of what I thought life was going to be like fore me when I graduated high school I was going to move to NY and take the city and make it mine. Yeah and just like MG it didn't happen that way at all! But I learned from my dreams not coming completely true the way that I planned. I learned that things in life make us who we are. So yeah I totally connected with her in her life journey. I loved how we not only lived her choices and mistakes but we got to live Steve's as well. The connection that they share even miles apart is amazing. How tragedy brought them even closer as tragedy tends to do. A book of learning to grow with each other and accept who they are to not only themselves but who they are for one another. In life we go through ups and downs, it is refreshing to read a book that gives you that with a HEA to make it all perfection. I love this series. I was happy that even though this was the story of Steve and MG we still got all of the characters from the first book sharing in their happiness and struggles, so if you haven't read it you wont be lost. I recommend reading the first one though as it does give more background. I absolutely loved it!
June 5, 2015
Copy was provided for an honest review.
I mean wow, this series is so good. You know those books you read slowly to enjoy every minute, and even walk away to make it last longer and live in the moments? Well this series is that kind of experience.
You fall in love with this group of misfits in high school and enjoy watching them grow and change. They experience true heartache and the struggles of the real world and finding out just how bad it can be, while realizing how special and profound the sweet perfect moments are. Steve and MG make an art form of avoidance, but really try to do the right thing by the ones they love.
This story has so many twists and turns, and the best part is you get insight into what each characters is thinking. This is a ride not to miss!
I mean wow, this series is so good. You know those books you read slowly to enjoy every minute, and even walk away to make it last longer and live in the moments? Well this series is that kind of experience.
You fall in love with this group of misfits in high school and enjoy watching them grow and change. They experience true heartache and the struggles of the real world and finding out just how bad it can be, while realizing how special and profound the sweet perfect moments are. Steve and MG make an art form of avoidance, but really try to do the right thing by the ones they love.
This story has so many twists and turns, and the best part is you get insight into what each characters is thinking. This is a ride not to miss!
April 7, 2015
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
I really enjoyed Popstars, Friends and Lovers. It was a simple love story filled with lots of love and loss. MG and Steve were very interesting characters and it was great to see their story unfold. I can't lie, there were times where I didn't think I was going to like the direction of the story, but Ms. Gordon did a great job of surprising me and surpassing my expectations. There was enough drama to keep your interest and the secondary characters are just as interesting as the primary characters. I'll definitely be looking into reading more from Karen Gordon.
I really enjoyed Popstars, Friends and Lovers. It was a simple love story filled with lots of love and loss. MG and Steve were very interesting characters and it was great to see their story unfold. I can't lie, there were times where I didn't think I was going to like the direction of the story, but Ms. Gordon did a great job of surprising me and surpassing my expectations. There was enough drama to keep your interest and the secondary characters are just as interesting as the primary characters. I'll definitely be looking into reading more from Karen Gordon.
May 11, 2015
I could not wait to dive into this after reading book 1 (Burnouts, Geeks & Jesus Freaks). I fell in love with MG and Steve and could not wait to hear their story and get to know them better. Karen Gordon did not disappoint - absolutely loved it! More great writing, lovable characters & a story that will keep you turning pages. Cannot wait for book 3!
March 29, 2023
An insightful Novel About the Power of Friendship
Catch You When You Fall by Henrik Wilenius is one story that deals with some of the contemporary topics of today, which are same sex relationship, devotion to religion and the understanding of marriage. The author takes two unlikely characters—Hashim a devout Muslim and his close friend a strong catholic boy, and brings them together in the most unusual way.
Brief summary of the story: Hashim is homosexual by nature, he understands this and tries so hard to suppress his desires through prayers and piety. When he turns eighteen, with the help of funding from the Muslim Scholarship board, Hashim is set to head to the Ivy League University. On the other hand, his mother plots a secret marriage for him with the niece of the local Muslim strong man.
His friend who is a catholic promise to help and stand by him, but soon things turn out the way both of them list expected. Hashim has only 24 hours to call off the engagement in a way that will not invoke the fury of his mother as well as his fiancés family.
Henrik has managed to put across a story that is centered around some of the most sensitive topics of today while trying as much to stay on the safe side without invoking the wrath of all parties involved. I applaud his ingenuity and find this book very interesting and compelling.
Catch You When You Fall by Henrik Wilenius is one story that deals with some of the contemporary topics of today, which are same sex relationship, devotion to religion and the understanding of marriage. The author takes two unlikely characters—Hashim a devout Muslim and his close friend a strong catholic boy, and brings them together in the most unusual way.
Brief summary of the story: Hashim is homosexual by nature, he understands this and tries so hard to suppress his desires through prayers and piety. When he turns eighteen, with the help of funding from the Muslim Scholarship board, Hashim is set to head to the Ivy League University. On the other hand, his mother plots a secret marriage for him with the niece of the local Muslim strong man.
His friend who is a catholic promise to help and stand by him, but soon things turn out the way both of them list expected. Hashim has only 24 hours to call off the engagement in a way that will not invoke the fury of his mother as well as his fiancés family.
Henrik has managed to put across a story that is centered around some of the most sensitive topics of today while trying as much to stay on the safe side without invoking the wrath of all parties involved. I applaud his ingenuity and find this book very interesting and compelling.
September 5, 2022
Does anyone really know what they want to do after high school? For Mary Grace “MG” moving to New York to live the awesome life she has seen on movies and TV is what she wants to do. Getting out and as far away from St. Louis is her plan. Steve has no clue what he wants to do and will most likely end up working at the same company he has been. They were best friends but things haven't been quite right since Steve professed his love for MG. MG moves to New York without saying goodbye to Steve and they both go on with their lives. MG is hit with a reality that things aren't so easy in New York. Steve is partying and working. One night at a party he meets Amanda and they begin a crazy off and on again relationship. During their time apart MG and Steve go through some good and bad things but come together during a major world event.
I enjoyed this book so much! The characters were all well written and I couldn't help but start to root for Steve. It’s a great story with lovable characters. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about an unconventional love story with some surprises! I give this 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book so much! The characters were all well written and I couldn't help but start to root for Steve. It’s a great story with lovable characters. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about an unconventional love story with some surprises! I give this 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2014
I love and adore Steve. This is a perfectly wonderful guy. He is flawed but he is trying so hard to better himself. He was lost when MG walked away without telling him and than she never even contacted him after that just crushed him. He tried to go on but this didn’t help him fall out of love or forget MG. HE is the ultimate in nice guy. He works hard, is kind to his friends and others, tries to do the right thing and is so laid back at first. He is always there when someone needs him. I am not saying he isn’t without faults because he is and that is what makes Karen Gordon’s depiction of him even more amazing. We have a guy from a not so great childhood, a brother in jail and trying to be better struggling with his own demons while working hard to become a better person. He does make mistakes-Amber for one. That girl ugh so so manipulative but that last one was just wrong on so many levels. That you just do not do and what she did will have your heart break for Steve. As Steve faces each mistake and tries to make right by it MG is facing her own problems in NY. For MG, it took a while to warm up to her. I didn’t like how she left Steve and also how she really in a way looked down on him and her other friends once she left. She thought that NY and people there would be better for her when in reality they weren’t better. Some were but some were worse. She faces alot of adversity and also realizes she loves Steve. Here she meets her dad and this is when life looks up. She goes to college but makes mistakes there. We see the human teenage side of her. She doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life, she meets guys and does silly things. Typical college stuff but my not like is with what happened to Lexi. Yes Lexi is her own person but when you saw her struggling with this new lifestyle of actually socializing as her friend you should have helped her. So yes Lexi does have a right to be angry and this is portrayed nicely in the book. What is also portrayed is the realization that people aren’t always what they seem and things aren’t always better when the person has money. MG learns what some think of those without money and how they really aren’t all snobs. She meets some nice people like Daniel who struggles with his new found fame because it starts to affect his identity, Josh who is a douchecanoe. When tragedy strikes in NY and MG feels scared and alone it is STeve who drops everything and comes to comfort her. This is when we have the most romantic moments. They realize their love for each other and want to make it work long distance. Steve wants to work harder at being a better person and be there for MG and MG begins to see that love and support is a important part of life. When Steve leaves they talk everyday and Steve makes changes in his life. Changes for the good. He begins to believe in himself and get goals. Goes to school and thinks about owning a business. Meets some great guys that are his bosses that support him but my favorite cheerleader of his is Bryce. That guy is awesome. So sweet and kind. There for Steve with encouragement and friendship. As MG flounders and feels lost Steve begins to step up and grow up. He finds direction and strength and lends it to MG. A wonderful coming of age book in which love wins out in the end and helps one grow up and one learn that it is okay to lean on those you love. Steve grows up and gives MG never ending love and support. MG learns who she is and what she wants. She also learns what is important family, loved ones and friends. A great tale that will have you rooting for Steve to get a happy ending. I do hope though that Daniel and Bryce get a happy ending for themselves they deserve someone in their lives who will support and ground them as well.
October 20, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, so I also reviewed the first book, Burnouts, Geeks & Jesus Freaks: A Love Story, so be sure to check out that review as well! It made me excited when Karen contacted me about Popstars, Friends & Lovers: A Dreamer's Tale because I was more than ready for Steve and M.G's tale.
Opening Popstars, Friends & Lovers: A Dreamer's Tale felt like returning to the story of old friends. The characters felt familiar, comforting, and yet still not that predictable. Which is what I love most about this story. I may get frustrated or annoyed with one character or both for whatever reason, but I still love them. The characters feel almost like friends, and from reading the previous book they felt familiar and comfy, for lack of a better word.
Then there's the fact that Karen Gordon manages to portray that life isn't always fair, and in fact can be quite terrible to the point that you almost feel downtrodden yourself, and yet she always gives hope. I love that she still gives us a happy ending even if the characters had to work hard to get where they are. It just feels so realistic and like this could be happening somewhere in the town I live in. It feels great to have that kind of vibe.
There is a certain event that Karen Gordon brings up and I'm not going to mention what(Go read the book, :)) but it definitely made me think long and hard on that event again. Which is good because it shouldn't be forgotten and yet she doesn't dwell on it. She gives the event its moment and then moves on to happier days. And I have to admit that I was happy with it.
Popstars, Friends & Lovers: A Dreamer's Tale is a book that you will never regret picking up. It's just as good as the first, if not a little bit better and I cannot wait for the third and final book in this series(Although I think it might be a good idea to have tissues handy so that when I get to the end I can cry as much as I want).
Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly
Okay, so I also reviewed the first book, Burnouts, Geeks & Jesus Freaks: A Love Story, so be sure to check out that review as well! It made me excited when Karen contacted me about Popstars, Friends & Lovers: A Dreamer's Tale because I was more than ready for Steve and M.G's tale.
Opening Popstars, Friends & Lovers: A Dreamer's Tale felt like returning to the story of old friends. The characters felt familiar, comforting, and yet still not that predictable. Which is what I love most about this story. I may get frustrated or annoyed with one character or both for whatever reason, but I still love them. The characters feel almost like friends, and from reading the previous book they felt familiar and comfy, for lack of a better word.
Then there's the fact that Karen Gordon manages to portray that life isn't always fair, and in fact can be quite terrible to the point that you almost feel downtrodden yourself, and yet she always gives hope. I love that she still gives us a happy ending even if the characters had to work hard to get where they are. It just feels so realistic and like this could be happening somewhere in the town I live in. It feels great to have that kind of vibe.
There is a certain event that Karen Gordon brings up and I'm not going to mention what(Go read the book, :)) but it definitely made me think long and hard on that event again. Which is good because it shouldn't be forgotten and yet she doesn't dwell on it. She gives the event its moment and then moves on to happier days. And I have to admit that I was happy with it.
Popstars, Friends & Lovers: A Dreamer's Tale is a book that you will never regret picking up. It's just as good as the first, if not a little bit better and I cannot wait for the third and final book in this series(Although I think it might be a good idea to have tissues handy so that when I get to the end I can cry as much as I want).
Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly
November 4, 2014
**3.5 Fiery Hearts!**
*I received an ARC of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Like Burnouts, Geeks & Jesus Freaks this book covers a lot of ground in a short amount of time. This one, however, has far less drama than the first one. If you read the first book (which I highly suggest reading before this one) you already know Steve and MG and can transition easily into this one.
Steve was the friend with benefits kind of friend. He was the teacher in a kind of way, and luckily they were all friends and no one ever got jealous…even the one he wished would. MG was different; he fell in love with her and his biggest mistake was telling her.
MG was in love with Steve too, but all she could imagine was staying in their small town, getting pregnant and working a go nowhere type of job, and so instead of telling him how she felt she ditched town with her mom and they ran off to New York City without even telling him goodbye.
This book gives you a glancing overview of what happens to each of them as the years pass by and then zeros in on what happens when they reunite and the cause of the reunion. Popstars, Friends & Lovers is filled with sweetness, heartbreak, and tragedy. What I didn’t like about it was there are times when it would go long distances between dialogues causing it to seem more like a narrative.
My Favorite Heart Wrenching Moment: I don’t want to give it away, but there’s something that happens to Steve that’ll just break your heart. Even though I saw it coming a mile away, it still broke my heart when it happened.
“Being laid-back had kept him from ever fully feeling all the disappointment and hurt of his childhood. But this, fuck, this hurt. If physically hurt all over his body, radiating from his chest. He didn’t know if he was having a heart attack or his heart was just breaking.”
*I received an ARC of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Like Burnouts, Geeks & Jesus Freaks this book covers a lot of ground in a short amount of time. This one, however, has far less drama than the first one. If you read the first book (which I highly suggest reading before this one) you already know Steve and MG and can transition easily into this one.
Steve was the friend with benefits kind of friend. He was the teacher in a kind of way, and luckily they were all friends and no one ever got jealous…even the one he wished would. MG was different; he fell in love with her and his biggest mistake was telling her.
MG was in love with Steve too, but all she could imagine was staying in their small town, getting pregnant and working a go nowhere type of job, and so instead of telling him how she felt she ditched town with her mom and they ran off to New York City without even telling him goodbye.
This book gives you a glancing overview of what happens to each of them as the years pass by and then zeros in on what happens when they reunite and the cause of the reunion. Popstars, Friends & Lovers is filled with sweetness, heartbreak, and tragedy. What I didn’t like about it was there are times when it would go long distances between dialogues causing it to seem more like a narrative.
My Favorite Heart Wrenching Moment: I don’t want to give it away, but there’s something that happens to Steve that’ll just break your heart. Even though I saw it coming a mile away, it still broke my heart when it happened.
“Being laid-back had kept him from ever fully feeling all the disappointment and hurt of his childhood. But this, fuck, this hurt. If physically hurt all over his body, radiating from his chest. He didn’t know if he was having a heart attack or his heart was just breaking.”
December 3, 2014
After finishing Burnouts, Geeks & Jesus Freaks I couldn't wait to dive into this story because I just knew that MG and Steve had a great story to tell. I knew that there was more to Steve than just being a sex "god" who just happened to also be a great guide in the subject to all of his H.S. girl friends. I also knew that there was more to MG's feelings for Steve than she let on to him and to their friends.
In this book we get to know exactly what happened between them in high school and individually when they parted ways.
While MG seemed to be faring pretty well in New York with her mother, Steve was going through a pretty rocky period back in St. Louis. A crazy on-again, off-again relationship with a girl who seemed pretty unstable, a dead-end job and a stressful relationship with his father left Steve with only the comfort of his friendship (strictly) with Carrie and memories of his love for MG to get by.
After tragedy strikes for Steve in St. Louis and MG in New York, Steve rushes to comfort a shaken MG. Almost immediately their relationship picks up where it left off in High School, only this time neither MG or Steve pretend that they are just FWB. But things aren't always so simple.
Both MG and Steve have their own complications to overcome and decisions to make but their determined that in the end they'll be together. Can they make it work?
This story was a great way to wrap up MG and Steve's story and I enjoyed reading it. The writing was good and the story flowed very well. I can definitely see myself reading more from this author in the future.
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
In this book we get to know exactly what happened between them in high school and individually when they parted ways.
While MG seemed to be faring pretty well in New York with her mother, Steve was going through a pretty rocky period back in St. Louis. A crazy on-again, off-again relationship with a girl who seemed pretty unstable, a dead-end job and a stressful relationship with his father left Steve with only the comfort of his friendship (strictly) with Carrie and memories of his love for MG to get by.
After tragedy strikes for Steve in St. Louis and MG in New York, Steve rushes to comfort a shaken MG. Almost immediately their relationship picks up where it left off in High School, only this time neither MG or Steve pretend that they are just FWB. But things aren't always so simple.
Both MG and Steve have their own complications to overcome and decisions to make but their determined that in the end they'll be together. Can they make it work?
This story was a great way to wrap up MG and Steve's story and I enjoyed reading it. The writing was good and the story flowed very well. I can definitely see myself reading more from this author in the future.
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
April 20, 2015
ARC received for an honest review
I didn’t read the first in this series but was super impressed with Popstars, Friends and Lovers. 4+ stars. It was like the book equivalent of comfort food.
Steve and Mary Grace are graduating high school when life sets them on different tracks. MG takes off for New York while Steve sticks around St. Louis. Both have lived sheltered lives and are trying to find who they are and where they belong in a world that keeps moving around them.
Karen Gordon’s style is understated in the best possible way. She builds a set of multifaceted characters that grow and change, and puts them in imaginative but plausible situations. What’s neat about this story is it’s about way more than just Steve and MG. You really feel connected to the secondary characters that come and go throughout the book.
I did find the 3rd person multiple POV made it a bit tricky to navigate at first, but felt more natural as the book progressed.
A lovely, creative, fun and happy read.
I didn’t read the first in this series but was super impressed with Popstars, Friends and Lovers. 4+ stars. It was like the book equivalent of comfort food.
Steve and Mary Grace are graduating high school when life sets them on different tracks. MG takes off for New York while Steve sticks around St. Louis. Both have lived sheltered lives and are trying to find who they are and where they belong in a world that keeps moving around them.
Karen Gordon’s style is understated in the best possible way. She builds a set of multifaceted characters that grow and change, and puts them in imaginative but plausible situations. What’s neat about this story is it’s about way more than just Steve and MG. You really feel connected to the secondary characters that come and go throughout the book.
I did find the 3rd person multiple POV made it a bit tricky to navigate at first, but felt more natural as the book progressed.
A lovely, creative, fun and happy read.
September 14, 2016
I thought I loved Ben in the first book....well, move over because Steve is even better! LOL. I thought this story was even better than the first, maybe because it wasn't mostly set in high school, but after, and I felt like I got a better sense of the issues of the H and h. In book 1 you get a sense of the parental issues, but they never become that clear and I just felt like I wanted more. This was more fleshed out and I was so glad to see Steve start believing in himself and overcome his past. Can't wait for more in the series.
April 28, 2015
Life doesn't turn out the way you planned!!
July 10, 2016
Story was good, could have left out some of sex scenes. Maybe for younger readers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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