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Love Her Madly
If you loved Luckiest Girl Alive and The Girl on the Train, you’ll devour this stunning debut novel about an intense best friendship between two college girls which leads to the abrupt disappearance—and presumed death—of one and the survival of the other, who reveals the twists and turns of their relationship seven years later.
Glo never thought she’d become best friends with a girl like Cyn. Blonde, blue-eyed, and stunningly gorgeous, Cyn is the kind of girl other girls love to hate. Yet Cyn is the only person who embraces Glo when she transfers to their tiny liberal arts college in Florida, looking for a second chance to get things right after falling apart at her first-choice school. With her dark sense of humor and bad-girl ways, Cyn is captivating to a nice girl like Glo, and soon they’re inseparable.
Until they both fall for the same guy.
It’s Cyn who suggests they share Raj. Half the time he’ll be Cyn’s boyfriend, the other half he’ll be Glo’s. And for a while, everything goes smoothly. Until Glo realizes that she doesn’t know Cyn or Raj half as well as she thinks. Until Glo and Cyn’s friendship implodes while they’re studying abroad in Costa Rica. Until Cyn disappears one night, setting off a media firestorm and leaving Glo in the dark for seven long years.
Until Cyn resurfaces.
Glo never thought she’d become best friends with a girl like Cyn. Blonde, blue-eyed, and stunningly gorgeous, Cyn is the kind of girl other girls love to hate. Yet Cyn is the only person who embraces Glo when she transfers to their tiny liberal arts college in Florida, looking for a second chance to get things right after falling apart at her first-choice school. With her dark sense of humor and bad-girl ways, Cyn is captivating to a nice girl like Glo, and soon they’re inseparable.
Until they both fall for the same guy.
It’s Cyn who suggests they share Raj. Half the time he’ll be Cyn’s boyfriend, the other half he’ll be Glo’s. And for a while, everything goes smoothly. Until Glo realizes that she doesn’t know Cyn or Raj half as well as she thinks. Until Glo and Cyn’s friendship implodes while they’re studying abroad in Costa Rica. Until Cyn disappears one night, setting off a media firestorm and leaving Glo in the dark for seven long years.
Until Cyn resurfaces.
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2016
21 people are currently reading
3897 people want to read
About the author
M. Elizabeth Lee
1 book48 followersM. Elizabeth Lee is a novelist, actress and screenwriter based in New York City. She studied Literature and Theater at New College in Sarasota, Florida. Liz has appeared in numerous independent film and web productions helmed by directors from all over the globe. She has also written numerous screenplays in connection with Cold Hands Productions, two of which, the horror-comedy Eat Me! and the psychological thriller, Off Season, have been produced and are enjoying nationwide distribution. Love Her Madly is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 25, 2021
"With each kick, I felt my heart rip itself to shreds, but I couldn't go back".
Love Her Madly by M. Elizabeth Lee
Love her Madly was a surprisingly good..even great.. read. This is another story about the friendship between two young women. It seems I have read many of this genre lately but this is extremely well written and was one of the better ones I've read. I adored it.
Getting beyond the names, (Glo and Cyn?) I loved the characters, the moody atmospheric feeling. I pretty much loved everything about this book. It will be a reread for sure.
So Glo and Cyn are best friends and could not be more different. I should also mention the entirety of the first half takes place in Florida and the Author writes beautifully, weaving the setting in perfectly with moody yet lush prose and beautiful imagery.
Their friendship is complicated by a guy (surprise!!) by the name of Raj. Both girls fall for him hard and the events that follow I will keep to myself but suffice to say these events are not good for any of the characters.
I do not want people to think this is another "Dangerous Girls". It is not that at all. But it IS the first book in this genre I really have liked SINCE Dangerous Girls which I am afraid spoiled me for these types of books by being so utterly good. This book is quite different but still a fantastic read.
I do think the first half was better then the second half. This book is not dull, not in the slightest but the first half is more haunting and has more descriptive writing.
The second half, while good, is not at the same level which is why I could not give it a five. I'd still recommend it though.
When the book starts, there is a scene at the beginning that is chilling. Truly.
I did not think the ending was up to snuff as much as it could have been. Seemed kind of rushed. But the book was so addictive. This is a subject that has been done to death but somehow the writer makes it seem fresh.
4.5 stars. Highly recommended.
Love Her Madly by M. Elizabeth Lee
Love her Madly was a surprisingly good..even great.. read. This is another story about the friendship between two young women. It seems I have read many of this genre lately but this is extremely well written and was one of the better ones I've read. I adored it.
Getting beyond the names, (Glo and Cyn?) I loved the characters, the moody atmospheric feeling. I pretty much loved everything about this book. It will be a reread for sure.
So Glo and Cyn are best friends and could not be more different. I should also mention the entirety of the first half takes place in Florida and the Author writes beautifully, weaving the setting in perfectly with moody yet lush prose and beautiful imagery.
Their friendship is complicated by a guy (surprise!!) by the name of Raj. Both girls fall for him hard and the events that follow I will keep to myself but suffice to say these events are not good for any of the characters.
I do not want people to think this is another "Dangerous Girls". It is not that at all. But it IS the first book in this genre I really have liked SINCE Dangerous Girls which I am afraid spoiled me for these types of books by being so utterly good. This book is quite different but still a fantastic read.
I do think the first half was better then the second half. This book is not dull, not in the slightest but the first half is more haunting and has more descriptive writing.
The second half, while good, is not at the same level which is why I could not give it a five. I'd still recommend it though.
When the book starts, there is a scene at the beginning that is chilling. Truly.
I did not think the ending was up to snuff as much as it could have been. Seemed kind of rushed. But the book was so addictive. This is a subject that has been done to death but somehow the writer makes it seem fresh.
4.5 stars. Highly recommended.
October 16, 2016
Best friends in college whose friendship shapes their relationship and those of the relationships for the rest of their lives. A love triangle gone wrong. An event in their past comes back to haunt Glo. I would like to thank the Publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
November 6, 2016
All my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
Between the gorgeous cover and the blurb, this book might as well have my name literally written all over it. I love unreliable narrators and how I’m constantly guessing, and second guessing who to trust. I also love missing persons stories, then when the person turns up seven years later? That’s gold in my book. As much as I had hoped that this one would fly straight to the top of my best reads of the year list, it didn’t quite make it. It had all the ingredients necessary to secure a spot on said list, but I just had too many issues with the second part of the book to add it.
Part one begins when Cyn and Glo meet in college and is told from Glo’s point of view. Glo is in a fragile state after a rough freshman year, so when she meets the captivating and beautiful Cyn, she’s taken under her spell immediately. She’s never really had a super close female friend before, but she’s desperate to belong and she can’t quite believe her good fortune when Cyn accepts her with open arms. The two grow close swiftly and before too long they meet Raj. Both girls are suddenly taken by his charming good looks and unsure how to proceed as it seems like Raj is into the both of them. Cyn suggests they share him and they all agree to try out this bizarre dating arrangement. Things are going alright, though there is the typical jealously and angst you would expect, until the girls head to Costa Rica for a school trip. Cyn disappears and both Glo and Raj are shattered.
Part two begins seven years after Cyn goes missing and again begins from Glo’s viewpoint. Her and Raj are now married, and while they’re happy, they are both haunted by Cyn’s ghost. Glo is guilt ridden and wishes she had done more to save her friend, while Raj is too, but he’s torn up about the last time he saw Cyn. That all may sound vague, but going into more detail would only serve to spoil important details. When Raj and Glo both separately think they see Cyn, things begin to unravel. Unfortunately, this is also where the book unraveled for me.
Raj begins to narrate some chapters in part two and I was really interested in hearing things from his POV. Upon Cyn’s return, I wrongfully assumed that we would now hear from her, even if briefly. I think that was a crucial missing component to this story and I really wish I could’ve seen what was going on in that head of hers. The ending left a few too many loose ends for my liking, and the parts that were tidied up were too plausible for me to believe easily. I did appreciate Lee’s writing, it was polished and the characters were extremely interesting as well. I guess I just wanted a little more in the end, maybe a stronger conclusion to match up to the compelling beginning.
Between the gorgeous cover and the blurb, this book might as well have my name literally written all over it. I love unreliable narrators and how I’m constantly guessing, and second guessing who to trust. I also love missing persons stories, then when the person turns up seven years later? That’s gold in my book. As much as I had hoped that this one would fly straight to the top of my best reads of the year list, it didn’t quite make it. It had all the ingredients necessary to secure a spot on said list, but I just had too many issues with the second part of the book to add it.
Part one begins when Cyn and Glo meet in college and is told from Glo’s point of view. Glo is in a fragile state after a rough freshman year, so when she meets the captivating and beautiful Cyn, she’s taken under her spell immediately. She’s never really had a super close female friend before, but she’s desperate to belong and she can’t quite believe her good fortune when Cyn accepts her with open arms. The two grow close swiftly and before too long they meet Raj. Both girls are suddenly taken by his charming good looks and unsure how to proceed as it seems like Raj is into the both of them. Cyn suggests they share him and they all agree to try out this bizarre dating arrangement. Things are going alright, though there is the typical jealously and angst you would expect, until the girls head to Costa Rica for a school trip. Cyn disappears and both Glo and Raj are shattered.
Part two begins seven years after Cyn goes missing and again begins from Glo’s viewpoint. Her and Raj are now married, and while they’re happy, they are both haunted by Cyn’s ghost. Glo is guilt ridden and wishes she had done more to save her friend, while Raj is too, but he’s torn up about the last time he saw Cyn. That all may sound vague, but going into more detail would only serve to spoil important details. When Raj and Glo both separately think they see Cyn, things begin to unravel. Unfortunately, this is also where the book unraveled for me.
Raj begins to narrate some chapters in part two and I was really interested in hearing things from his POV. Upon Cyn’s return, I wrongfully assumed that we would now hear from her, even if briefly. I think that was a crucial missing component to this story and I really wish I could’ve seen what was going on in that head of hers. The ending left a few too many loose ends for my liking, and the parts that were tidied up were too plausible for me to believe easily. I did appreciate Lee’s writing, it was polished and the characters were extremely interesting as well. I guess I just wanted a little more in the end, maybe a stronger conclusion to match up to the compelling beginning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2016
This was an interesting read by debut author M. Elizabeth Lee. The blurb caught my attention and I was very excited to dive into reading.
Cyn and Glo are the best of friends but are complete opposites. What Glo gets from her friendship with Cyn is excitement and adventure. For me, underneath Cyn's seemingly fun exterior is someone I am not sure I ever completely trusted.
Things happen in their relationship that will forever change them and I enjoyed not only the dual POVs but the past and present POVs to get readers up to speed with what happened and its effect on everyone involved.
I thought that this was a well written debut novel. I was completely engaged from page 1 and was interested to read about these girls journey. I read a lot of romance so this was a nice change. While there is some romance, I was more caught up with the actual story itself and the relationship between girls who became best friends in college who have had experiences that changed the course of their relationship with not only each other but within themselves and those they surround themselves with. It was interesting to see how some people can be so manipulated by close relationships but also how they can grow and learn from them too.
I liked this author's writing style and would definitely read more books by her.
Cyn and Glo are the best of friends but are complete opposites. What Glo gets from her friendship with Cyn is excitement and adventure. For me, underneath Cyn's seemingly fun exterior is someone I am not sure I ever completely trusted.
Things happen in their relationship that will forever change them and I enjoyed not only the dual POVs but the past and present POVs to get readers up to speed with what happened and its effect on everyone involved.
I thought that this was a well written debut novel. I was completely engaged from page 1 and was interested to read about these girls journey. I read a lot of romance so this was a nice change. While there is some romance, I was more caught up with the actual story itself and the relationship between girls who became best friends in college who have had experiences that changed the course of their relationship with not only each other but within themselves and those they surround themselves with. It was interesting to see how some people can be so manipulated by close relationships but also how they can grow and learn from them too.
I liked this author's writing style and would definitely read more books by her.
March 28, 2019
Well, that was disappointing. The first half of the book was great. I mean we had Glo and Cyn sharing a guy (Raj) and what kinda love triangle is this. In my short life, I've never heard of a thing like this. They talked and they sort of came to an agreement (the sharing thing). Of course, that doesn't stop Glo (our protagonist) from getting jealous. Honestly, the first half of the book consists mostly of them trying drugs and getting high.
I don't even want to talk about the second half of the book because it's one of the stupidest ways a promising story could end. I don't even know who the characters were at that point. It was like the author lost control or had no idea how to end the story so she picked one that seemed easy.
I don't even want to talk about the second half of the book because it's one of the stupidest ways a promising story could end. I don't even know who the characters were at that point. It was like the author lost control or had no idea how to end the story so she picked one that seemed easy.
May 27, 2017
3.5 stars. This book is divided into two parts; part 1 is "What Happened Before" and then part 2 is "What Happened After" and jumps forward 7 years. The synopsis immediately interested me, as it reminded me of similar plot lines where girls go missing abroad. The sharing of the boyfriend part did sound a bit not my style, but I figured it would set up the plot for a good thriller. And I was correct on that. I really enjoyed the characters and found both Glo and Cyn to be both interesting and relate able. The first part of the book really explains their backstory and gives the reader a good foundation for the rest of the book. I thought the sort of threesome dynamic might be kind of weird but it worked. In the second part we hear a bit from Raj's point of view, which is also interesting, however we stop hearing from Cyn's perspective during the second half. The plot line kept me interested the entire time and I found it to be suspenseful even in the last few chapters. If you are a fan of mysteries or thrillers, definitely give this one a try.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC.
August 15, 2016
Love Her Madly had an amazing synopsis that drew me in immediately. I loved the premise of the book and the mystery element.
The book started off a little slow, but once I got into it, I was hooked. I liked different POVs but felt one was missing and absolutely needed.
Once I got further in the book, I was anxiously waiting to find out what had happened to Cyn and why both Raj and Glo had never heard from her. Where did she go? What was she up to? What happened to her?
Unfortunately, there were way too many loose ends and a few plot points that didn't make sense to me.
Overall, the story had so much potential, but wound up falling flat in many areas.
The book started off a little slow, but once I got into it, I was hooked. I liked different POVs but felt one was missing and absolutely needed.
Once I got further in the book, I was anxiously waiting to find out what had happened to Cyn and why both Raj and Glo had never heard from her. Where did she go? What was she up to? What happened to her?
Unfortunately, there were way too many loose ends and a few plot points that didn't make sense to me.
Overall, the story had so much potential, but wound up falling flat in many areas.
October 22, 2016
Though seven years have passed since that night, my mind retains a perfect image of Cyn as she fell away from me into the churning black water. Only a moment before, we'd been together, her thin hand in mine as we raced into the dark ocean, fleeing the strange men who had charged out of the jungle and onto our beach. I didn't know them. I only knew that we were two young women alone in the night, messed up beyond reason on mushrooms and rum
Thus begins the tale of two college girls who were roommates until a trip to Costa Rica turns their lives upside down. Love Her Madly had me wondering in the beginning if this would be a literary salute to 1992'sSingle White Female. The only difference here is that as a reader, I was not sure who was more obsessed with who- Cyn or Glo? Glo takes readers though the girl's relationship as it was before they go to Costa Rica. Since this book was compared to both Luckiest Girl Alive and The Girl on the Train, I was instantly suspicious of how much truth could be present in the narration. Both Cyn and Glo appear to be connected to one another in a way that seems to mystify the characters in the book, especially Raj, the boy they agree to "share." As Glo puts it, a threesome without the sexual act. Add in Cyn's college job working in the sex industry and both girls consistent experimentation with drugs and it's easy to see that the mind games are about to begin. When Cyn goes missing in Costa Rica and is presumed to be dead, Glo and Raj will never be the same again.
At some point in life, every human being inevitably suffers one horrible accident. The Horrible Thing is ineluctable, buried deep in the contract of existence. Our parents blithely clicked the "Accept" button for us, agreeing to terms and waiving certain rights while bringing us into the world. We can't blame them. No one reads the fine print. The unluckiest among us experience multiple horrors, which is truly a raw deal, an error for which the universe, or God, or whatever crafted this adventure, has some explaining to do. There are other variations, too: one man's Horrible Thing(s) might be tame in comparison to another's, but everyone can point to their own and say, That was it, perhaps with a shiver of gratitude that they're still around to do the pointing.
The second half of the novel, alternately narrated by Glo and Raj, takes place seven years in the future, in New York City, where Glo and Raj, now married for three years, are living. Both are haunted by the hole that Cyn has left in their lives and all the unexplained secrets that she took with her. What is more jarring is now both are convinced that they have seen Cyn, alive and well, in New York. But is Cyn looking for reconciliation or revenge?
It was in the second part of the book that I felt the story began to unravel. The conclusion to what happened to Cyn after the night in Costa Rica was beyond ridiculous and never matched the momentum that was in the first part of the novel. On the other hand, I do believe that M. Elizabeth Lee did meet the criteria of creating really despicable characters and creating a suspenseful atmosphere in the first part of the story.
Thanks to Atria Books for granting " my wish" on Netgalley. This book was published on August 16th 2016.
Thus begins the tale of two college girls who were roommates until a trip to Costa Rica turns their lives upside down. Love Her Madly had me wondering in the beginning if this would be a literary salute to 1992'sSingle White Female. The only difference here is that as a reader, I was not sure who was more obsessed with who- Cyn or Glo? Glo takes readers though the girl's relationship as it was before they go to Costa Rica. Since this book was compared to both Luckiest Girl Alive and The Girl on the Train, I was instantly suspicious of how much truth could be present in the narration. Both Cyn and Glo appear to be connected to one another in a way that seems to mystify the characters in the book, especially Raj, the boy they agree to "share." As Glo puts it, a threesome without the sexual act. Add in Cyn's college job working in the sex industry and both girls consistent experimentation with drugs and it's easy to see that the mind games are about to begin. When Cyn goes missing in Costa Rica and is presumed to be dead, Glo and Raj will never be the same again.
At some point in life, every human being inevitably suffers one horrible accident. The Horrible Thing is ineluctable, buried deep in the contract of existence. Our parents blithely clicked the "Accept" button for us, agreeing to terms and waiving certain rights while bringing us into the world. We can't blame them. No one reads the fine print. The unluckiest among us experience multiple horrors, which is truly a raw deal, an error for which the universe, or God, or whatever crafted this adventure, has some explaining to do. There are other variations, too: one man's Horrible Thing(s) might be tame in comparison to another's, but everyone can point to their own and say, That was it, perhaps with a shiver of gratitude that they're still around to do the pointing.
The second half of the novel, alternately narrated by Glo and Raj, takes place seven years in the future, in New York City, where Glo and Raj, now married for three years, are living. Both are haunted by the hole that Cyn has left in their lives and all the unexplained secrets that she took with her. What is more jarring is now both are convinced that they have seen Cyn, alive and well, in New York. But is Cyn looking for reconciliation or revenge?
It was in the second part of the book that I felt the story began to unravel. The conclusion to what happened to Cyn after the night in Costa Rica was beyond ridiculous and never matched the momentum that was in the first part of the novel. On the other hand, I do believe that M. Elizabeth Lee did meet the criteria of creating really despicable characters and creating a suspenseful atmosphere in the first part of the story.
Thanks to Atria Books for granting " my wish" on Netgalley. This book was published on August 16th 2016.
August 6, 2016
Thanks to NetGalley for ARC of this novel.
The fact that this book’s description gave me the heads up that it was a thriller along the lines of Gone Girl (most mystery genre now can’t help, but be compared) and Reconstructing Amelia and the actual plot sounded as though it was a fresh and new storyline, I thought I’d like to get the chance to read and see for myself.
The main storyline began with the odd, but still real friendship between Glo, a young college student, who just transferred to the college at hand after a failed semester at a much larger college setting and Cyn, the perfect, pretty blonde from the outside looking in.
Glo just can’t believe that Cyn would want to befriend her and does everything she can to impress her new friend. The two girls do seemingly get along pretty well that is until they both fall for the same guy, Raj.
Glo just can’t believe that Raj would want her, but he also has eyes for Cyn, who in turn has her sights set on him, too. But it is Cyn, who talks both Glo and Raj into Raj dating both he girls. Somehow, all seem to agree to this quite twisted relationship setup.
But, then both girls go on an ill fated trip to Costa Rica, where Cyn goes missing and is pronounced dead. The second half of the book showcases Glo, her guilt from that one tragic evening and her now marriage and relationship to non-other than the shared boyfriend of these two friends, Raj.
But even though Cyn was pronounced dead, it would appear as she may have indeed survived, yet the major issue we are left to find out as this book unfolds further is the the how and why.
Honestly, all that said while I did enjoy this book to some degree, something did feel like it was missing and in the end I honestly didn’t care how it turned out or even why/how Cyn survived. Don’t get me wrong, I did finish Love Her Madly, but it really wasn’t one of my favorite from this genre.
The fact that this book’s description gave me the heads up that it was a thriller along the lines of Gone Girl (most mystery genre now can’t help, but be compared) and Reconstructing Amelia and the actual plot sounded as though it was a fresh and new storyline, I thought I’d like to get the chance to read and see for myself.
The main storyline began with the odd, but still real friendship between Glo, a young college student, who just transferred to the college at hand after a failed semester at a much larger college setting and Cyn, the perfect, pretty blonde from the outside looking in.
Glo just can’t believe that Cyn would want to befriend her and does everything she can to impress her new friend. The two girls do seemingly get along pretty well that is until they both fall for the same guy, Raj.
Glo just can’t believe that Raj would want her, but he also has eyes for Cyn, who in turn has her sights set on him, too. But it is Cyn, who talks both Glo and Raj into Raj dating both he girls. Somehow, all seem to agree to this quite twisted relationship setup.
But, then both girls go on an ill fated trip to Costa Rica, where Cyn goes missing and is pronounced dead. The second half of the book showcases Glo, her guilt from that one tragic evening and her now marriage and relationship to non-other than the shared boyfriend of these two friends, Raj.
But even though Cyn was pronounced dead, it would appear as she may have indeed survived, yet the major issue we are left to find out as this book unfolds further is the the how and why.
Honestly, all that said while I did enjoy this book to some degree, something did feel like it was missing and in the end I honestly didn’t care how it turned out or even why/how Cyn survived. Don’t get me wrong, I did finish Love Her Madly, but it really wasn’t one of my favorite from this genre.
August 16, 2016
This is a really enjoyable page turner of a book that feels like it could've been ripped right out of the headlines ala Natalee Holloway, etc. I definitely didn't predict where this book would go, and I really enjoyed the journey of getting to know the two leading characters, Glo and Cyn, who are really relatable, as well as their dreamy crush Raj who brings a real sense of drama into the situtaion.
Each scene is written vividly, and the the supporting characters are all richly developed too. It was also fun for this New Yorker to get into the world of Florida college life which I never got to experience.
This is a perfect beach read (partially set in Florida and Costa Rica), but would also be good for any place/time you're seeking some escape into another world, another life. This is a real interesting one to dive into. Definitely recommended.
Each scene is written vividly, and the the supporting characters are all richly developed too. It was also fun for this New Yorker to get into the world of Florida college life which I never got to experience.
This is a perfect beach read (partially set in Florida and Costa Rica), but would also be good for any place/time you're seeking some escape into another world, another life. This is a real interesting one to dive into. Definitely recommended.
August 8, 2017
I can't believe I actually had my library waste time getting this book from another city. It stinks and there were several offensive comments made.
Right from the start I didn't like Glo talking to herself in the middle of every other sentence. The story was already being told in first person, so I don't see how that was necessary. Third person would have been better in my opinion.
I didn't like how envious Glo was of pretty blond girls and how she felt Cyn rendered her and various other females invisible, as though all people would instantly be drawn to someone like Cyn first.
Glo referred to the kids at her small university as misfit elements, you know, homos, goths, and kids with fancy ideas and terrible posture.
Ugh! The book really is a piece of...feces. Glo truly needed to go somewhere and get over the blond thing.
Right from the start I didn't like Glo talking to herself in the middle of every other sentence. The story was already being told in first person, so I don't see how that was necessary. Third person would have been better in my opinion.
I didn't like how envious Glo was of pretty blond girls and how she felt Cyn rendered her and various other females invisible, as though all people would instantly be drawn to someone like Cyn first.
Glo referred to the kids at her small university as misfit elements, you know, homos, goths, and kids with fancy ideas and terrible posture.
Ugh! The book really is a piece of...feces. Glo truly needed to go somewhere and get over the blond thing.
October 20, 2016
I would like to thank NetGalley, Atria Books, and M. Elizabeth Lee for the advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I missed to achieve date on this book but then was granted "my wish" and received a copy. I loved the synopsis of this story but unfortunately that was all I loved. Friends, lovers, coeds, and drama. Ugh- Not for me.. There were many points of view but not enough cohesion, I was left feeling lost and wanting more. There were too many loose ends and much of the plot was confusing. I guess it's often said to be careful what you wish for.
November 2, 2016
Strange story about the hold one sick person can have over others. Weird, unhealthy relationships, drugs, and the disappearance of one of the main characters all take place in the first half of the book. Kept reading out of curiosity as to how it would end 7 years later. Shouldn't have bothered.
November 28, 2016
A quick read for me. Well written in many ways. Descriptive scenes and dialogue but somewhere the mystery of Cyn just became stale and I didn't care. I wanted Gloria to stand up for herself and for Raj to be more honest. A group of friends stifled by lies.
An ok book but one I believe will be forgettable.
An ok book but one I believe will be forgettable.
February 17, 2017
long stretches of dull cliched character development punctuated by brief periods of wildly implausible action. yawn.
September 5, 2019
Despite being a character-driven novel, so not much happening, I was never bored which is impressive. Light, fun read that is perfect for summer reading. I enjoyed that the ending wasn't wrapped up all nicely but was rather left open-ended.
October 31, 2016
Best Girlfriends. A Love Triangle. And a Mystery. Sounds like the potential for an interesting read, right? Unfortunately “Love Her Madly” by M. Elizabeth Lee, started out strong, but fell flat halfway through.
Glo and Cyn meet in College and become fast friends. Though opposites, they have the best time together and balance each other out perfectly. Everything is smooth sailing until they both fall for the same guy. Leave it to Cyn to come up with the most brilliant plan: they’ll share him (and it’s not like he minds at all (as if)! Thereafter, both girl’s romances with Raj take off fast and furious.
After a few months, the girls decide to take a trip to Costa Rica. From there trouble arises, after which Glo’s life is never the same again and Cyn has disappeared forever. Or has she?
Unfortunately for the readers, it is at this point in the novel that the storyline falls apart. What was once interesting becomes interesting no more. The character of Glo becomes vapid and Raj, crazed and moronic. The story of what happened to Cyn and the bizarre sightings of her in NYC, seven years after her disappearance are neither interesting nor mysterious. Further, the ending was totally implausible and made absolutely no sense. In addition, while the first half of the book was at least engaging, the second half is poorly written and disjointed. It is because of this that I would have a hard time recommending it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books and M. Elizabeth Lee for granting my wish and give me an e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Goodreads and Amazon on 10/31/16.
Glo and Cyn meet in College and become fast friends. Though opposites, they have the best time together and balance each other out perfectly. Everything is smooth sailing until they both fall for the same guy. Leave it to Cyn to come up with the most brilliant plan: they’ll share him (and it’s not like he minds at all (as if)! Thereafter, both girl’s romances with Raj take off fast and furious.
After a few months, the girls decide to take a trip to Costa Rica. From there trouble arises, after which Glo’s life is never the same again and Cyn has disappeared forever. Or has she?
Unfortunately for the readers, it is at this point in the novel that the storyline falls apart. What was once interesting becomes interesting no more. The character of Glo becomes vapid and Raj, crazed and moronic. The story of what happened to Cyn and the bizarre sightings of her in NYC, seven years after her disappearance are neither interesting nor mysterious. Further, the ending was totally implausible and made absolutely no sense. In addition, while the first half of the book was at least engaging, the second half is poorly written and disjointed. It is because of this that I would have a hard time recommending it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books and M. Elizabeth Lee for granting my wish and give me an e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Goodreads and Amazon on 10/31/16.
June 28, 2016
Loved this book! The relationships were offbeat, but also described in such a way to be believable. In particular, I enjoyed the dynamic of Cyn & Glo's relationship and how it was all-encompassing for Glo and as we learn through the story - maybe not for Cyn (or maybe it was?).
It has an interesting storyline and surprises that kept me reading one more chapter. Great read, highly recommend!
It has an interesting storyline and surprises that kept me reading one more chapter. Great read, highly recommend!
March 16, 2017
I will echo what I've seen a few other reviewers say on here: the first half of the book, the "setup," so to speak, was great. It kept me engaged and interested. The second half of the book, set in the present, was much more boring and cliche. All the character development from the first half seemed to give way in favor of "thrill." Still, it was generally a quick and enjoyable read, even if the second half didn't live up to the first half's promise.
July 23, 2016
I won a copy of this book through Goodreads and can hardly wait to read it. Review to follow after receipt of the book.
September 1, 2016
Ended up going with a 3 on this one. Full review to come when I'm not dead tired!
August 22, 2016
Such a gripping tale of a college love triangle followed by a mysterious disappearance. The story takes unexpected turns and the shifting POV adds an element of anticipation.
February 9, 2017
What an intriguing and fascinating novel! An enthralling story about friendship and the perception of our behaviour; about accepting who you are and not being afraid to show that to a complex and confusing world. There is Glo, the shy redhead who started to swim after "puberty struck with catastrophic vengeance" - and there is Cyn, the beautiful blonde with her blue eyes, a magnet to anything in trousers. Who could ever believe that Cyn would become best friends with Glo? How far will her influence reach? When Raj appears, very interested in both the girls, things get complicated. Read my review of Love her Madly and find out!
"If love required this madness, this exquisite terror of potentially unfulfillable desire, I was ready."
Storyline
After a rocky affair with swimming coach Mike at the 'Big U' - the State University, Glo decides she needs to change to the 'Tiny U' in Florida, where the number of students is one tenth of those at Big U, making it easier to connect with other students. However, when she encounters Cyn, the "Barbie-looking blonde" among fellow students who were "a motley bunch", Glo finds herself wondering why she changed University. However, soon the adventurous blonde Cyn has taken a liking to Glo and Glo on her part, feels she can express opinions without being smirked at for the first time in her life. Before you know it the pair of them are inseparable to the point where they become roommates. The two of them become a magnet for men, resulting in almost daily parties and the use of drugs and alcohol, also a first for Glo. Although Glo feels liberated, she sometimes needs her privacy. For her, the library becomes her escape.
The magic of the library multiplies when Glo finds out the gorgeous Raj is also a regular visitor. Unfortunately, for the first time since Glo met her, Cyn has fallen in love, and Raj is the object of her admiration. How will their love for the same man affect the strong female friendship and will it cause trust issues? Plus, where Glo works hard so as to not jeopardise her scholarship, Cyn is neglecting her studies, totally absorbed as she is with their life on campus. The consequences put a heavy burden on their friendship. Then there is the upcoming holiday in Costa Rica, ending dramatically with Cyn's death, as we have learned in the Prologue. In the aftermath of the events in Costa Rica, Glo is desperate to pick up the pieces of her life but feels it extremely difficult as the media see no harm in thrashing her best friend's reputation. Can Glo move on with the shadow of Cyn's death hanging over her?
My Thoughts
The author excellently weaves an intricate web around the topic of love and female friendship, wherein the reader experiences most of the events from Glo’s perspective as the novel is a first-person narrative: the bigger part of the story revolves around Glo’s account of events. Glo is self-conscious and insecure, and in retrospect, that does explain the somewhat manipulative undercurrent in the novel. Both the title and the quote about the madness refer to a deeply felt love, but it does not explain whether that refers to feelings between friends or lovers. Only at the end, we, the readers, perceive an insight that could have made a difference to the series of events – but then it is too late and there are consequences to be reckoned with. Although the ending in itself is satisfactory, it leaves a few things open which is fine by me: I like that there are still things to ponder once you have finished a book. A good book does that.
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/love-h...
"If love required this madness, this exquisite terror of potentially unfulfillable desire, I was ready."
Storyline
After a rocky affair with swimming coach Mike at the 'Big U' - the State University, Glo decides she needs to change to the 'Tiny U' in Florida, where the number of students is one tenth of those at Big U, making it easier to connect with other students. However, when she encounters Cyn, the "Barbie-looking blonde" among fellow students who were "a motley bunch", Glo finds herself wondering why she changed University. However, soon the adventurous blonde Cyn has taken a liking to Glo and Glo on her part, feels she can express opinions without being smirked at for the first time in her life. Before you know it the pair of them are inseparable to the point where they become roommates. The two of them become a magnet for men, resulting in almost daily parties and the use of drugs and alcohol, also a first for Glo. Although Glo feels liberated, she sometimes needs her privacy. For her, the library becomes her escape.
The magic of the library multiplies when Glo finds out the gorgeous Raj is also a regular visitor. Unfortunately, for the first time since Glo met her, Cyn has fallen in love, and Raj is the object of her admiration. How will their love for the same man affect the strong female friendship and will it cause trust issues? Plus, where Glo works hard so as to not jeopardise her scholarship, Cyn is neglecting her studies, totally absorbed as she is with their life on campus. The consequences put a heavy burden on their friendship. Then there is the upcoming holiday in Costa Rica, ending dramatically with Cyn's death, as we have learned in the Prologue. In the aftermath of the events in Costa Rica, Glo is desperate to pick up the pieces of her life but feels it extremely difficult as the media see no harm in thrashing her best friend's reputation. Can Glo move on with the shadow of Cyn's death hanging over her?
My Thoughts
The author excellently weaves an intricate web around the topic of love and female friendship, wherein the reader experiences most of the events from Glo’s perspective as the novel is a first-person narrative: the bigger part of the story revolves around Glo’s account of events. Glo is self-conscious and insecure, and in retrospect, that does explain the somewhat manipulative undercurrent in the novel. Both the title and the quote about the madness refer to a deeply felt love, but it does not explain whether that refers to feelings between friends or lovers. Only at the end, we, the readers, perceive an insight that could have made a difference to the series of events – but then it is too late and there are consequences to be reckoned with. Although the ending in itself is satisfactory, it leaves a few things open which is fine by me: I like that there are still things to ponder once you have finished a book. A good book does that.
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/love-h...
November 21, 2017
Atria Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Love Her Madly. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.
Love Her Madly, the debut novel for author M. Elizabeth Lee, is the story of two college friends whose friendship is put to the ultimate test. Gloria Roebuck and Cynthia Williams are not the likeliest of best friends, but it all works well until a guy comes between them. Jealousy and love gets batted back and forth, not unlike a badminton match. When Cyn disappears in the jungle during a trip to Costa Rica, leaving Glo with unanswered questions, will the truth of what happened ever be revealed?
I ended up liking Love Her Madly because of the conclusion of the novel, as the beginning was slow to start. The second half of the book was more interesting than the first, with a realism that I found appealing. Life is often messy and does not work out as we plan, just as it was for Glo, Cyn, and Raj. I would recommend Love Her Madly to readers who enjoy mystery/suspense and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
Love Her Madly, the debut novel for author M. Elizabeth Lee, is the story of two college friends whose friendship is put to the ultimate test. Gloria Roebuck and Cynthia Williams are not the likeliest of best friends, but it all works well until a guy comes between them. Jealousy and love gets batted back and forth, not unlike a badminton match. When Cyn disappears in the jungle during a trip to Costa Rica, leaving Glo with unanswered questions, will the truth of what happened ever be revealed?
I ended up liking Love Her Madly because of the conclusion of the novel, as the beginning was slow to start. The second half of the book was more interesting than the first, with a realism that I found appealing. Life is often messy and does not work out as we plan, just as it was for Glo, Cyn, and Raj. I would recommend Love Her Madly to readers who enjoy mystery/suspense and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
May 9, 2017
This book dragged on for me. It's definitely 2.5 stars, and only because the little bit of mystery kept me intrigued enough to finish the book.
I found all of the characters unlikable. I detested Cyn, the self absorbed wild child friend that causes all the problems, and is just about the only thing that makes Glo interesting. Glo's only personality trait seemed to be insecurity. And Raj, I couldn't figure out what either girl saw in him. The whole storyline was also pretty bizarre and far fetched. I'm always willing to suspend my belief for a good story, but this one was just a mess for me.
I found all of the characters unlikable. I detested Cyn, the self absorbed wild child friend that causes all the problems, and is just about the only thing that makes Glo interesting. Glo's only personality trait seemed to be insecurity. And Raj, I couldn't figure out what either girl saw in him. The whole storyline was also pretty bizarre and far fetched. I'm always willing to suspend my belief for a good story, but this one was just a mess for me.
August 30, 2017
College friendships often last a lifetime. It's a time when young people are vulnerable and enjoy sharing the years of their growth with a close friend. This book deals with an unusual friendship, where one party is toxic, and the friendship is strong. As life progresses and various traumatic events occur, one of the girls is forced to face the truth about the friend she loves like a sister. For most, we mature into adults, for others the path to destruction never changes. I enjoyed this book even though the lifestyles of the characters were beyond my realm of experience. Glad I won it in a Goodreads giveaway, and I wish the author every success in her future endeavors.
July 30, 2024
Fucking Cyn and stupid Glo and I hate the pet names and Glo was so stupid she just didn't Even get that Raj never want Cyn more not even in the end! Like she was SO Dumb and the writer too!! I wish both would have died at the end no better at the begging so I wouldn't have to read this trash. Cyn was a junkie a drug dealer and a whore and still stupid Glo worshiped her like she shits gold or something, idiot. I can't believe I prefered Raj at the end other stupid one switching from science to art, good luck with that. And even at the end they kept wandering who the real Cyn was, who cares!! The worst character I just hate these female characters and the ending, gosh gross
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2017
I'm reading around the theme of "toxic female friendships". It's interesting, as a queer woman, to read what straight women like to call "intense". I'm not sure whether these friendships are meant to be queer, obsessive, platonic or something else. And that's an idea I find straight authors tend to enjoy writing about without ever really contemplating the ramifications of bisexuality in women and how it manifests. I wish someone would explore that, rather than rely on cliches and tropes to work through intimacy between women.
February 15, 2018
This book had potential and the set up just didn't live up to the final reveal. There were some creative elements in the story so I'll give it snaps for that, but it isn't anything I'd rave about or recommend necessarily.
January 2, 2020
I enjoyed the story line as a whole and the characters. What I struggled with was how long it took to set up the understory and the resolution. I feel like it could have been stronger. I did enjoy the read and finished the book quickly because of the easy, fun flow.
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