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Until We Break
When Sloane Avery stops to help a stranded driver, she finds more than a broken down car on the side of the road. Luke Evans is faster and sexier than her Maserati, but with her heart still on the mend, she’s not interested in taking him for a test drive. Despite their initial disdain for each other, emotion and passion simmer, complicating their fragile friendship. But when a tragic loss and devastating betrayal send them spiraling, their growing love isn’t enough to save them.
That was five years ago, practically a different lifetime and definitely a different Sloane. Before she’s been hardened by booze, sex, and as much distance as she could get from the past. Now, called home on a family emergency, she’s determined to hold onto her heart the next time she sees Luke.
Except Sloane’s not the only one who’s changed. Luke’s turned his life around. Only the reappearance of Sloane and the reminder of his biggest mistake can put a dent in his plans. Luke is set on fixing what he’s broken. But with her emotions boiling to the surface, Sloane needs to decide if falling in love is life’s greatest gift or its cruelest joke.
That was five years ago, practically a different lifetime and definitely a different Sloane. Before she’s been hardened by booze, sex, and as much distance as she could get from the past. Now, called home on a family emergency, she’s determined to hold onto her heart the next time she sees Luke.
Except Sloane’s not the only one who’s changed. Luke’s turned his life around. Only the reappearance of Sloane and the reminder of his biggest mistake can put a dent in his plans. Luke is set on fixing what he’s broken. But with her emotions boiling to the surface, Sloane needs to decide if falling in love is life’s greatest gift or its cruelest joke.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2015
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November 17, 2015
A messy drama and heart pounding angst. Not my usual cup of tea but and emotional ride non the less.
Sloan Avery is not interested in having fun or meeting guys, she just wants to escape her cheating ex. Together with her sister they spend the summer with their grandmother where she meets Luke Evans. Reminding Sloan of her ex, her initial reaction towards Luke is scorn and contempt, but in the small town she can’t seem to get away from him. Forming a complicated and tenuous friendship, their feelings for each other grow but without good communication, a heartbreaking accident, a shocking betrayal, and a scandalous revelation is just too much for their delicate relationship.
That turning point five years ago, sent both Luke and Sloan separate paths. He put his life on the straight and narrow track and on the road to being a successful businessman. Estranged from everyone she used to hold dear, Sloan has been globetrotting, having fun and building walls around her once sweet and tender heart. But a call from her grandmother has her back to the last place she ever wants to be.
Back with a vengeance, no one is safe from her razor sharp tongue and take no prisoners attitude. She’ll try to protect herself and her heart without remorse, but will she be successful at keeping her emotions locked down or will she let love in?
This book has been very difficult for me to rate. You see, while I’m not squeamish, I don’t have many triggers, I enjoy a well written book, I appreciate emotional turmoil and love a good ugly cry now and then. But mostly I like hearts, flowers and rainbows. I like lots of swoonage and sexy fun times. This book does not really have a lot of the latter. But the author held my attention captive and made me feel.
The falling in love between Luke and Sloan was not easy and far from sweet. It was a rocky uphill battle with both fighting it tooth and nail for one reason or another. There were so many obstacles in their way from low self-esteem, an unhealthy way of dealing with life’s problems, to a girlfriend in the second half which only complicated my feelings further.
I had to put the book down to try to get a hold of my emotions. But after that I couldn’t put it down. It was like watching two speeding trains in a head on collision course you knew would end up in a nuclear size wreck but is impossible to look away.
I sympathized for Luke. I felt terrible for his troubled family life and my heart bled for his tragic loss. But I just couldn’t bring myself to like him. He was selfishly oblivious and that grated throughout the story.
On the other hand I really like Sloan. I liked her sweet disposition from the past and got a kick out her brutally honest tongue lashings and harsh persona during the second half.
Luke and Sloan’s relationship was fragile at best, hurtful while at their worst. I was frustrated with their lack of communication, there were so many misunderstanding and assumptions were made but they felt real.
After careful deliberation I’m giving this book three stars. Not because I didn’t like some of the characters or because I didn’t get my cotton candy sweet romance. But because I felt there were a few plot holes like Luke overhearing and misinterpreting a conversation which he never got clarification for. Sloan’s sister being in on the big family secret but not Sloan. Characters like Archer, Luke’s best friend in the first half kind of disappears in the second part only conveniently appearing a couple of times. Everything that happened to Sloan’s sister and Luke during those five years kind of got glossed over and ok yes a little bit because there was very little romance. But I’d like to add that if I can, I’m reading this author’s next book because in the end the story is well written and took me on an emotional rollercoaster I’ll no soon forget.
Until We Break is a standalone, contemporary romance. Told from both points of view with a happy ending.
Rating: 3.5 breaking stars
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
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Sloan Avery is not interested in having fun or meeting guys, she just wants to escape her cheating ex. Together with her sister they spend the summer with their grandmother where she meets Luke Evans. Reminding Sloan of her ex, her initial reaction towards Luke is scorn and contempt, but in the small town she can’t seem to get away from him. Forming a complicated and tenuous friendship, their feelings for each other grow but without good communication, a heartbreaking accident, a shocking betrayal, and a scandalous revelation is just too much for their delicate relationship.
That turning point five years ago, sent both Luke and Sloan separate paths. He put his life on the straight and narrow track and on the road to being a successful businessman. Estranged from everyone she used to hold dear, Sloan has been globetrotting, having fun and building walls around her once sweet and tender heart. But a call from her grandmother has her back to the last place she ever wants to be.
Back with a vengeance, no one is safe from her razor sharp tongue and take no prisoners attitude. She’ll try to protect herself and her heart without remorse, but will she be successful at keeping her emotions locked down or will she let love in?
This book has been very difficult for me to rate. You see, while I’m not squeamish, I don’t have many triggers, I enjoy a well written book, I appreciate emotional turmoil and love a good ugly cry now and then. But mostly I like hearts, flowers and rainbows. I like lots of swoonage and sexy fun times. This book does not really have a lot of the latter. But the author held my attention captive and made me feel.
The falling in love between Luke and Sloan was not easy and far from sweet. It was a rocky uphill battle with both fighting it tooth and nail for one reason or another. There were so many obstacles in their way from low self-esteem, an unhealthy way of dealing with life’s problems, to a girlfriend in the second half which only complicated my feelings further.
I had to put the book down to try to get a hold of my emotions. But after that I couldn’t put it down. It was like watching two speeding trains in a head on collision course you knew would end up in a nuclear size wreck but is impossible to look away.
I sympathized for Luke. I felt terrible for his troubled family life and my heart bled for his tragic loss. But I just couldn’t bring myself to like him. He was selfishly oblivious and that grated throughout the story.
On the other hand I really like Sloan. I liked her sweet disposition from the past and got a kick out her brutally honest tongue lashings and harsh persona during the second half.
Luke and Sloan’s relationship was fragile at best, hurtful while at their worst. I was frustrated with their lack of communication, there were so many misunderstanding and assumptions were made but they felt real.
After careful deliberation I’m giving this book three stars. Not because I didn’t like some of the characters or because I didn’t get my cotton candy sweet romance. But because I felt there were a few plot holes like Luke overhearing and misinterpreting a conversation which he never got clarification for. Sloan’s sister being in on the big family secret but not Sloan. Characters like Archer, Luke’s best friend in the first half kind of disappears in the second part only conveniently appearing a couple of times. Everything that happened to Sloan’s sister and Luke during those five years kind of got glossed over and ok yes a little bit because there was very little romance. But I’d like to add that if I can, I’m reading this author’s next book because in the end the story is well written and took me on an emotional rollercoaster I’ll no soon forget.
Until We Break is a standalone, contemporary romance. Told from both points of view with a happy ending.
Rating: 3.5 breaking stars
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
July 16, 2020
What a drama fest. Could have been good but not enough grovel for me from Luke. Also hate a hero who pushes the woman he loves away because he is no good, but then changes for another woman cause it suits him. He never fought for Sloane, and I failed to see why all the girls loved him. I hated Blair, and didn’t believe her bull about not knowing about Luke and Sloane’s feelings. Even if she didn’t, after the way Luke spoke to Sloane, she should have been kicking his ass, not sucking his dick. Hated Luke, and the Nan lying to get Sloane home was not ok. Wish we had more resolution between Sloane and her parents. Sloane was the only one I liked. Sure she was unfair to Luke’s girlfriend, I wish she had not been so childish, and grabbing guys asses and putting her hands in their pockets was sleazy. But on the whole I liked her Wild, don’t give a shit attitude. Everyone walked over her, but then she fought back. I liked her putting people in their place and taking what she wanted. Just wish she hadn’t settled for Luke the loser.
Did a re read and some other issues bugged me:
I skim read this time and I was confused about Sloane, she hated her parents but it seems she lived off of the money she has from them? Sure she stripped and do bar work it appears, but that does not fund her jet set life style and hiring Lamborghini’s. Not great.
Also the whole she stopped for work for fun? Ok, that’s not exactly cutting edge or believable. I am not into slut shaming or judging people’s sex loves, but it seemed Haley was judged a lot for being a prude, as she herself was judgmental of Blaire for having sex in a club bathroom (but I did agree with her assessment that it was gross). Also having Sloane brag about having sex with a gondolier,
On a gondola in Venice, was massively unlikely and cringe. I am glad she is having an enjoyable sex life, but all the blatant promiscuity and unlikely sexual scenarios was just overkill.
Luke made no sense. He slept with Blaire to puss Sloane away because he believed he did not deserve her. That would insinuate he knew Sloane had feelings for him or wanted to be with him. But later on he tries to tell us that he thought Sloane never cared about him and slept with him out of pity? Make it make sense.
Luke still having an erection after Sloane’s lap dance, after truth or dare? Get a grip.
The comment Luke makes that he was just as happy to see Haley as Sloane after Evelyn turned up, but we are meant to believe he loves Sloane more?
Disappointed as Sloane was so bad ass, but in the end, a few flowery words from Luke, and she realises her own mistakes and all is forgiven?
Luke takes barely any responsibility until it’s pointed out, even having the cheek to point out he didn’t cheat on her?
Why do we never see Sloane have a discussion with her parents, I wants to hear their side!
The gran knew nothing about Sloane being the product of an affair? Sloane said her gran was the only person who had not lied to her? But Blaire knew? Why would Blaire know? She would have been too young to remember her mum not being pregnant, or Sloane being a baby. Did I miss this explanation?
Luke, Blaire and the gran just all annoyed me fiercely.
I liked Harrison, Archer and Sloane though.
Did a re read and some other issues bugged me:
I skim read this time and I was confused about Sloane, she hated her parents but it seems she lived off of the money she has from them? Sure she stripped and do bar work it appears, but that does not fund her jet set life style and hiring Lamborghini’s. Not great.
Also the whole she stopped for work for fun? Ok, that’s not exactly cutting edge or believable. I am not into slut shaming or judging people’s sex loves, but it seemed Haley was judged a lot for being a prude, as she herself was judgmental of Blaire for having sex in a club bathroom (but I did agree with her assessment that it was gross). Also having Sloane brag about having sex with a gondolier,
On a gondola in Venice, was massively unlikely and cringe. I am glad she is having an enjoyable sex life, but all the blatant promiscuity and unlikely sexual scenarios was just overkill.
Luke made no sense. He slept with Blaire to puss Sloane away because he believed he did not deserve her. That would insinuate he knew Sloane had feelings for him or wanted to be with him. But later on he tries to tell us that he thought Sloane never cared about him and slept with him out of pity? Make it make sense.
Luke still having an erection after Sloane’s lap dance, after truth or dare? Get a grip.
The comment Luke makes that he was just as happy to see Haley as Sloane after Evelyn turned up, but we are meant to believe he loves Sloane more?
Disappointed as Sloane was so bad ass, but in the end, a few flowery words from Luke, and she realises her own mistakes and all is forgiven?
Luke takes barely any responsibility until it’s pointed out, even having the cheek to point out he didn’t cheat on her?
Why do we never see Sloane have a discussion with her parents, I wants to hear their side!
The gran knew nothing about Sloane being the product of an affair? Sloane said her gran was the only person who had not lied to her? But Blaire knew? Why would Blaire know? She would have been too young to remember her mum not being pregnant, or Sloane being a baby. Did I miss this explanation?
Luke, Blaire and the gran just all annoyed me fiercely.
I liked Harrison, Archer and Sloane though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2017
Thank you to St. Martin's Press via Netgalley for the free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
When I picked this book up, I was expecting a typical New Adult read, one with mediocre writing, a bad boy hero, a good girl heroine, some instalust/love, and a lot of sex. And sometimes, to be honest, that's all I'm looking for. I am very much a mood reader. Still, the "typical" New Adult read, for me, anyway, is fun while it lasts but forgettable once it's over. They don't often leave a lasting impression.
There are exceptions to this rule, and I'm happy to say that "Until We Break" was one of them. The way this book led me to believe it was going one way, and then ended up turning in a completely different direction, kept me fascinated! I really was not expecting to be surprised! And I was, so that is great!
Let's see, where do I start? Oh how about Luke? Yes, Luke and I did not get off to a great start. To put it mildly, I hated him! He absolutely revolted me, and I did not think there was any way he could be redeemed in my eyes. But, I guess I have more forgiveness in me than I thought, because once I found out why he was such an ass, he started to worm his way into my heart. As for Sloane, she was even more surprising than Luke!!! All innocent and as Mary Sue as they come, she did a complete 180 degree turn part way through the book and my reading experience was forever changed. So yes, if you are like me and enjoy the occasional surprise, you will love what happens here!
There's quite a bit of angst and drama when Luke and Sloane are reunited after five years apart, and although I didn't love every aspect of how it all went down, I was still rooting for these two to get their happily-ever-after. I'm so happy I gave this new author a chance, and I'm looking forward to diving into any new books by Jamie Howard I can get my hands on!
When I picked this book up, I was expecting a typical New Adult read, one with mediocre writing, a bad boy hero, a good girl heroine, some instalust/love, and a lot of sex. And sometimes, to be honest, that's all I'm looking for. I am very much a mood reader. Still, the "typical" New Adult read, for me, anyway, is fun while it lasts but forgettable once it's over. They don't often leave a lasting impression.
There are exceptions to this rule, and I'm happy to say that "Until We Break" was one of them. The way this book led me to believe it was going one way, and then ended up turning in a completely different direction, kept me fascinated! I really was not expecting to be surprised! And I was, so that is great!
Let's see, where do I start? Oh how about Luke? Yes, Luke and I did not get off to a great start. To put it mildly, I hated him! He absolutely revolted me, and I did not think there was any way he could be redeemed in my eyes. But, I guess I have more forgiveness in me than I thought, because once I found out why he was such an ass, he started to worm his way into my heart. As for Sloane, she was even more surprising than Luke!!! All innocent and as Mary Sue as they come, she did a complete 180 degree turn part way through the book and my reading experience was forever changed. So yes, if you are like me and enjoy the occasional surprise, you will love what happens here!
There's quite a bit of angst and drama when Luke and Sloane are reunited after five years apart, and although I didn't love every aspect of how it all went down, I was still rooting for these two to get their happily-ever-after. I'm so happy I gave this new author a chance, and I'm looking forward to diving into any new books by Jamie Howard I can get my hands on!
December 9, 2015
ARC via Netgalley
4.0/5 stars for taking me on an emotional ride.
So, here's the deal, if you ask me whether I liked this book or not, the answer will be more no than yes. Then why did I rate it 4 stars? Short answer: Because it made me feel.
Long answer:
See, "feeling" is exactly what I'm looking for when I'm reading. And this author managed to do that -- sad, happy, angry. Mostly angry.
Sure some people will only rate a book 4 or 5 stars if they love the characters, if the story makes them happy and all. But that's not me.
Was this the sexiest book I ever read? No (though that's what I was expecting it to be when I read the blurb). Did it make me laugh? Yes. Did it make me cry? Not really, but I sniffed a few times reading it. Did it make me angry? Yes. And that's where it had me. That's why I read it in one day.
Luke and Sloane are not your conventional MC and LI. Not the cute, sexy couple. They're sexy, but they're so messed up they can't ever be considered cute.
While Sloane starts off as the nice girl (sure she did get on my nerves a couple of times, but nothing compared to the second half of the book), Luke is the troubled boy to extremes. I think he can be an even bigger douchebag than that guy from Beautiful Disaster (I feel like I've been referencing to BD a lot lately. What's up with that?). Anyway... He has sex with anything that moves. And Sloane isn't taking any of that shit. Good for her. Until, you know, she falls for him. Not a spoiler. Everyone knew that's happen.
But Luke's problems are much bigger than they seem. And I enjoyed how the author worked with his family/personal shit to give us a glimpse of why he's that way.
But when I'm finally on the Luke train, he does the unforgivable. Honestly, I had a hard time swallowing that (pun not intended - you'll get it when you read it). It was pretty awful of him. Not even being on his POV helped me fully accept his motives.
Thats when shit hit the fan and the story took a spin. That's also when I thought: oh, shit, this is going to be one of those stories that will make me so damn angry, but I won't be able to stop reading. Oh, well, I was right.
I didn't stop, and the book managed to surprise me by introducing a much more interesting and messed up version of Sloane. While LUke was the king of the first half, Sloane dominated the second part of the book. She was right up there with some of the most famous unlikable characters of the book world. Girlfriend didn't take shit from anyone. I didn't want to look, but I kept watching and following her every move.
And most of all, I didn't want Luke and Sloane together, but their interactions turned even sexier. It was crazy. My feelings were all over the place, but there were feelings! A lot of them.
So, I guess what I'm saying is: you don't have to make me like your characters to like your book. I can hate your MC and your LI, and I'll still rate it a four or even five star (heck, Gone Girl is one my favorite books of all times). All you have to do is make me feel. And Jamie did that, so you go, girl!!!!
4.0/5 stars for taking me on an emotional ride.
So, here's the deal, if you ask me whether I liked this book or not, the answer will be more no than yes. Then why did I rate it 4 stars? Short answer: Because it made me feel.
Long answer:
See, "feeling" is exactly what I'm looking for when I'm reading. And this author managed to do that -- sad, happy, angry. Mostly angry.
Sure some people will only rate a book 4 or 5 stars if they love the characters, if the story makes them happy and all. But that's not me.
Was this the sexiest book I ever read? No (though that's what I was expecting it to be when I read the blurb). Did it make me laugh? Yes. Did it make me cry? Not really, but I sniffed a few times reading it. Did it make me angry? Yes. And that's where it had me. That's why I read it in one day.
Luke and Sloane are not your conventional MC and LI. Not the cute, sexy couple. They're sexy, but they're so messed up they can't ever be considered cute.
While Sloane starts off as the nice girl (sure she did get on my nerves a couple of times, but nothing compared to the second half of the book), Luke is the troubled boy to extremes. I think he can be an even bigger douchebag than that guy from Beautiful Disaster (I feel like I've been referencing to BD a lot lately. What's up with that?). Anyway... He has sex with anything that moves. And Sloane isn't taking any of that shit. Good for her. Until, you know, she falls for him. Not a spoiler. Everyone knew that's happen.
But Luke's problems are much bigger than they seem. And I enjoyed how the author worked with his family/personal shit to give us a glimpse of why he's that way.
But when I'm finally on the Luke train, he does the unforgivable. Honestly, I had a hard time swallowing that (pun not intended - you'll get it when you read it). It was pretty awful of him. Not even being on his POV helped me fully accept his motives.
Thats when shit hit the fan and the story took a spin. That's also when I thought: oh, shit, this is going to be one of those stories that will make me so damn angry, but I won't be able to stop reading. Oh, well, I was right.
I didn't stop, and the book managed to surprise me by introducing a much more interesting and messed up version of Sloane. While LUke was the king of the first half, Sloane dominated the second part of the book. She was right up there with some of the most famous unlikable characters of the book world. Girlfriend didn't take shit from anyone. I didn't want to look, but I kept watching and following her every move.
And most of all, I didn't want Luke and Sloane together, but their interactions turned even sexier. It was crazy. My feelings were all over the place, but there were feelings! A lot of them.
So, I guess what I'm saying is: you don't have to make me like your characters to like your book. I can hate your MC and your LI, and I'll still rate it a four or even five star (heck, Gone Girl is one my favorite books of all times). All you have to do is make me feel. And Jamie did that, so you go, girl!!!!
November 6, 2015
**I received an advance reader copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Oh this book…. It took me on a roller coaster ride where I wanted to hug the main characters and shake them and hang out with them and kick them too. I wanted to jump into the pages and give them advice, show them the way. I suspect readers will have strong reactions. And that’s the sign of a skilled writer.
This is a debut? I gotta tell you, Ms. Howard, made me care so much for these characters that I felt vested in how things turned out.
It takes serious writing chops to put the reader on a journey of highs and lows in a way that is relatable and authentic and personal.
In the end, I can say without reservation that I loved this story. The story broke my heart, gave me hope, pissed me off, made my laugh, and in the final analysis, it made grateful that I read it.
If you’re looking for a book that has sizzle (plenty of it!) and heart (a lot of it), then you’ve found the right one.
I highly recommend UNTIL WE BREAK by Jamie Howard.
Oh this book…. It took me on a roller coaster ride where I wanted to hug the main characters and shake them and hang out with them and kick them too. I wanted to jump into the pages and give them advice, show them the way. I suspect readers will have strong reactions. And that’s the sign of a skilled writer.
This is a debut? I gotta tell you, Ms. Howard, made me care so much for these characters that I felt vested in how things turned out.
It takes serious writing chops to put the reader on a journey of highs and lows in a way that is relatable and authentic and personal.
In the end, I can say without reservation that I loved this story. The story broke my heart, gave me hope, pissed me off, made my laugh, and in the final analysis, it made grateful that I read it.
If you’re looking for a book that has sizzle (plenty of it!) and heart (a lot of it), then you’ve found the right one.
I highly recommend UNTIL WE BREAK by Jamie Howard.
October 5, 2016
This is a brave book by a brave author. Luke and Sloane's journey is not an easy one and defies what you'd find in a typical NA romance. The emotion is real. The struggles are heartbreaking. It unfolds on the page amidst Howard's mastery of voice. Her male POV is a thing of beauty. This is a book worth reading.
Read
October 1, 2016DNF. Angst and more angst then cheating and revenge and then I didn't really care any more. Very depressing. Gave up completely at about 80%.
no-dnf-zzz-avoid
November 13, 2015Not for me.
See:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Thanks, Judy
See:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Thanks, Judy
January 2, 2016
4 stars.
This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool.
I don't even know where to begin with this book. So I guess I'll start at the beginning.
Heartbroken over a terrible breakup with her high school sweetheart, eighteen-year-old rich princess Sloane is spending the summer with her grandmother when she meets nineteen-year-old Luke, a gorgeous guy from the wrong size of the tracks and total manwhore. Sparks immediately fly between them, but they're not sure if it's mutual lust or hatred. A series of epic miscommunications has them each believing they can't stand each other. The stars seem to align for them for a brief moment, but after a few overheard (and misunderstood) conversations, one of them to does something unthinkable.
Fast forward five years and Sloane gets a desperate call to come back to her grandmother's. She does so, very reluctantly, to face the very people who wronged her when she ran. She can barely handle the feelings she has, so she covers them up by becoming the (man)whore she despised all those years ago. With fate (and Gran) intervening, can Luke and Sloane deny their feelings again?
This story, ya'll. It all pretty much centered around horrible miscommunication. I accept that for the first half of the story, when they're eighteen and nineteen years old, because what teenagers sit down and discuss their feelings with the boy or girl who seems to not dig them? None. But the fact that it so dramatically alters their lives makes me think that one of them would talk to someone about it! Nope.
The thing Luke does is unforgivable. While I love dual first-person POV (and thank rob we had that in this book or I would have definitely flounced), I don't understand his motivations even while he's explaining them in his head! Also,
The entire second half is just unbelievable. I don't believe that Sloane would subject herself to those people at all. And don't even get me started on Haley. Ugh to the second power. I am pretty upset that the companion book is going to be about her. I wish it were focused on Archer. I loved that guy!
Luke's character had such dimension, even though I hated him during much of the book. When he was young, he truly felt like he was being objectified, even though that's all he would allow people to see. Sloane made him feel...not worthless. In the after part, he was a better person. He took a terrible tragedy (or a couple of them, really) to turn his life around.
So why the four stars? When it all boils down to it, Until We Break made me laugh, cry, and swoon. And I guess I couldn't ask for more than that. Except for Luke to not have done what he did. The feelings were real and though I might not have been rooting for them in the end, I'm glad things turned out the way they did, and I'm proud of Luke for (finally) being a stand-up guy. Debut author Jamie Howard is without a doubt a force to be reckoned with. If you want to read a New Adult story with all the feels, I recommend this story. Just don't say I didn't warn you that you might want to throw your kindle across the room a couple of times.
This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool.
I don't even know where to begin with this book. So I guess I'll start at the beginning.
Heartbroken over a terrible breakup with her high school sweetheart, eighteen-year-old rich princess Sloane is spending the summer with her grandmother when she meets nineteen-year-old Luke, a gorgeous guy from the wrong size of the tracks and total manwhore. Sparks immediately fly between them, but they're not sure if it's mutual lust or hatred. A series of epic miscommunications has them each believing they can't stand each other. The stars seem to align for them for a brief moment, but after a few overheard (and misunderstood) conversations, one of them to does something unthinkable.
Fast forward five years and Sloane gets a desperate call to come back to her grandmother's. She does so, very reluctantly, to face the very people who wronged her when she ran. She can barely handle the feelings she has, so she covers them up by becoming the (man)whore she despised all those years ago. With fate (and Gran) intervening, can Luke and Sloane deny their feelings again?
This story, ya'll. It all pretty much centered around horrible miscommunication. I accept that for the first half of the story, when they're eighteen and nineteen years old, because what teenagers sit down and discuss their feelings with the boy or girl who seems to not dig them? None. But the fact that it so dramatically alters their lives makes me think that one of them would talk to someone about it! Nope.
The thing Luke does is unforgivable. While I love dual first-person POV (and thank rob we had that in this book or I would have definitely flounced), I don't understand his motivations even while he's explaining them in his head! Also,
The entire second half is just unbelievable. I don't believe that Sloane would subject herself to those people at all. And don't even get me started on Haley. Ugh to the second power. I am pretty upset that the companion book is going to be about her. I wish it were focused on Archer. I loved that guy!
Luke's character had such dimension, even though I hated him during much of the book. When he was young, he truly felt like he was being objectified, even though that's all he would allow people to see. Sloane made him feel...not worthless. In the after part, he was a better person. He took a terrible tragedy (or a couple of them, really) to turn his life around.
So why the four stars? When it all boils down to it, Until We Break made me laugh, cry, and swoon. And I guess I couldn't ask for more than that. Except for Luke to not have done what he did. The feelings were real and though I might not have been rooting for them in the end, I'm glad things turned out the way they did, and I'm proud of Luke for (finally) being a stand-up guy. Debut author Jamie Howard is without a doubt a force to be reckoned with. If you want to read a New Adult story with all the feels, I recommend this story. Just don't say I didn't warn you that you might want to throw your kindle across the room a couple of times.
November 15, 2015
Luke and Sloane have this weird relationship. One that I cannot even slap a label on and the first half of the book, Sloane is this sweet, wonderful girl who meets this guy named Luke and their relationship is just this type where it starts off the type where girl meets bad boy , girl has this off the wall fantastic sex. They have this instant spark, this instant bond yet they fight it-- Luke is the type of guy I would warn my best friends, heck even my worst enemy away from—he is whorish in his behavior. Reason I say that is he screws anything that has legs and that walks—Sloane let it be known that she wouldn’t put up with that if he were going to date her and she thought that when they were seeing each other, things changed . But then something terrible happened which led to the unforgiveable to happen…..And it led to Sloane leaving in heartbreak…5 years past, years where she is completely different , hardened from her past. ***I had to sit awhile and let what happened wash over me, crying . I felt so bad for Sloane—Luke isn’t any better but he is completely different –They are completely different people which makes me wonder why didn’t they just speak to each other instead of letting what happen go down the way It did***
Sloane has to go back home and see her grandmother and knowing that she is going home, she deep down knows she may see Luke. The twists and turns that her trip takes is an emotional experience. She does see Luke. Her sister and Luke try to reach her, to change her back to the lovely and sweet woman she was before the “incident” of 5 years past which has turned her into a person who has a “I don’t give a &u*k attitude”. She would do things now that she would never , ever do 5 years past and that was because of the things of what happened before 5 years past and of the betrayal at the hands of the man she loved and of how he did it to her. But now she is home, things are being shown to her that there is more to the story she didn’t know and things are rushed thru. I will say that I am glad that Sloane and Luke finally had a chance to rest the ghosts from the past and that I have really never cried as much as I have and its due to this book. It made me an emotional wreck but this two MC were so broken and they ended up taking their pieces and putting them back together –together with each other. I do feel so bad for Haley though—She didn’t deserve what happened and the wreckage of her life. When you read this book, you’ll understand about her and I do believe her story is next in book 2 of the next book due out and she will get her story.
My rating: 4.0 stars ****
***A gifted copy was provided by the publisher via NETGALLEY for my honest review****
Sloane has to go back home and see her grandmother and knowing that she is going home, she deep down knows she may see Luke. The twists and turns that her trip takes is an emotional experience. She does see Luke. Her sister and Luke try to reach her, to change her back to the lovely and sweet woman she was before the “incident” of 5 years past which has turned her into a person who has a “I don’t give a &u*k attitude”. She would do things now that she would never , ever do 5 years past and that was because of the things of what happened before 5 years past and of the betrayal at the hands of the man she loved and of how he did it to her. But now she is home, things are being shown to her that there is more to the story she didn’t know and things are rushed thru. I will say that I am glad that Sloane and Luke finally had a chance to rest the ghosts from the past and that I have really never cried as much as I have and its due to this book. It made me an emotional wreck but this two MC were so broken and they ended up taking their pieces and putting them back together –together with each other. I do feel so bad for Haley though—She didn’t deserve what happened and the wreckage of her life. When you read this book, you’ll understand about her and I do believe her story is next in book 2 of the next book due out and she will get her story.
My rating: 4.0 stars ****
***A gifted copy was provided by the publisher via NETGALLEY for my honest review****
November 10, 2015
Fun, smexy, romance, drama, betrayal, misunderstandings, and lots of emotions.
What's not to like?
Until We Break is the story of Sloane and Luke. Two people broken in very different ways, but share an instant connection, a connection they both try to fight knowing they aren't right for each other. And because of that, they both do some really hurtful things in the end.
Normally the "misunderstanding" card is one I do not care for. It lends to unnecessary frustration for me. But the author was able to give you the frustration without it reaching the level of aggravation with her solid writing that had the story line flowing.
The story is told in two parts, the before and the after.
It's been five years since the hurt and betrayal had torn them apart and Sloane returns at the wish of her grandmother. It was basically a lure to help her because Sloane turned in to a very different person, distancing herself from her family and friends. She took all her hurt and betrayal and targeted it on anyone she could, in very cruel ways, making them feel just as bad as she does.
This included her sister, who BTW was included in the betrayal, but didn't know because Sloane walked away without saying anything.
Now that Sloane's back, she pretty much sets out to stomp all over everyone, especially Luke who has done an about face with his life, and is in a committed relationship.
Lot's of shenanigans ensue before they get themselves together and everything hashed out, leaving someone else hurt and betrayed.
The story was a merry go round of emotions!
The authors writing was solid. The story line flowed, and the characters though unlikable at parts, kept me engaged.
I would say the only objection I had was the wrap up was a bit to quick, would have liked to have seen things played out a bit more, but overall a very enjoyable story. One I recommend for those who enjoy the roller coaster!
Really nice debut from the author and one I will be keeping my eye on.
Stop by Books and Fandom for an excerpt.
ARC received with thanks from publisher.
What's not to like?
Until We Break is the story of Sloane and Luke. Two people broken in very different ways, but share an instant connection, a connection they both try to fight knowing they aren't right for each other. And because of that, they both do some really hurtful things in the end.
Normally the "misunderstanding" card is one I do not care for. It lends to unnecessary frustration for me. But the author was able to give you the frustration without it reaching the level of aggravation with her solid writing that had the story line flowing.
The story is told in two parts, the before and the after.
It's been five years since the hurt and betrayal had torn them apart and Sloane returns at the wish of her grandmother. It was basically a lure to help her because Sloane turned in to a very different person, distancing herself from her family and friends. She took all her hurt and betrayal and targeted it on anyone she could, in very cruel ways, making them feel just as bad as she does.
This included her sister, who BTW was included in the betrayal, but didn't know because Sloane walked away without saying anything.
Now that Sloane's back, she pretty much sets out to stomp all over everyone, especially Luke who has done an about face with his life, and is in a committed relationship.
Lot's of shenanigans ensue before they get themselves together and everything hashed out, leaving someone else hurt and betrayed.
The story was a merry go round of emotions!
The authors writing was solid. The story line flowed, and the characters though unlikable at parts, kept me engaged.
I would say the only objection I had was the wrap up was a bit to quick, would have liked to have seen things played out a bit more, but overall a very enjoyable story. One I recommend for those who enjoy the roller coaster!
Really nice debut from the author and one I will be keeping my eye on.
Stop by Books and Fandom for an excerpt.
ARC received with thanks from publisher.
December 9, 2015
This story was a mess.
I honestly enjoyed the first 40% of the book, the build was engaging, I was into it. But the drama around the halfway mark took the story in an over the top direction that only got crazier and crazier as the rest of the story evolved. The second part of the book.... the AFTER... was a cluster. There was zero chemistry between the main characters. In fact, the main characters weren't even the same main characters anymore. It was like reading a completely different book about completely different people by a completely different author, honestly. It lacked fluidity, it lacked believability, it lacked an engaging plot, it was rife with over the top antics and dialogue more remeniscent of a cheesy soap opera than a contemporary romance. I really liked the voice the author gave to her characters in the first half of the story, I thought the male POV was spot on... but even that went by the way side in the second half of the book. I don't know what happened, but it crashed and burned. And after all of that, the ending felt abrupt and forced. The decent start was not enough to redeem this story from the serious bomb that was the second half.
I honestly enjoyed the first 40% of the book, the build was engaging, I was into it. But the drama around the halfway mark took the story in an over the top direction that only got crazier and crazier as the rest of the story evolved. The second part of the book.... the AFTER... was a cluster. There was zero chemistry between the main characters. In fact, the main characters weren't even the same main characters anymore. It was like reading a completely different book about completely different people by a completely different author, honestly. It lacked fluidity, it lacked believability, it lacked an engaging plot, it was rife with over the top antics and dialogue more remeniscent of a cheesy soap opera than a contemporary romance. I really liked the voice the author gave to her characters in the first half of the story, I thought the male POV was spot on... but even that went by the way side in the second half of the book. I don't know what happened, but it crashed and burned. And after all of that, the ending felt abrupt and forced. The decent start was not enough to redeem this story from the serious bomb that was the second half.
November 5, 2015
LOVED this one! It's a wonderful story from a fantastic new author. Really enjoyed the writing style and the characters are deep, real, and raw. Loved how we got Luke and Sloane's down and dirty backstory at the beginning of the book with a bit of a cliffhanger from the past to the present. Five years later when Luke and Sloane are was again reunited they are two entirely different people. In Luke's case this is a good thing, for Sloane - not so much. You can definitely tell there is a lot of unfinished business between them but getting through Sloane's anger and bitterness won't be easy. You know someone is bound to end up hurt but until the very end you really have no idea who.
This is one you want to give a chance. I highly recommend it.
This is one you want to give a chance. I highly recommend it.
October 26, 2015
Holy wow did this book kick me right in the feels. LOVED it. Full review coming on November 17th on the blog for the blog tour. :) Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the free ebook copy (via NetGalley) in exchange for my honest review.
August 5, 2021
I liked Sloane, she was snarky and self deprecating, yet under the surface she had a soft core. She was the only redeeming character in this book. Luke was a heel.
Sloane and Luke initially barely tolerated each other, he had a revolving door of willing females at his disposal, until tragedy struck and they comforted each other; he is convinced that Sloane slept with him out of pity and ultimately self-destructs.
Twenty four hours after sleeping with Luke, she wants to confess that she loves him and sets out to find him...
“Luke leans against the wall with his eyes closed and his lips slightly parted. His fingers are fisted in a fall of dark brown hair, as a head bobs up and down. Running a hand up under his shirt, the girl pulls back just slightly and looks up at him. It takes me a second to realize that it’s not the light that’s making her eyes look green. They are green.”
The realization hits me like a baseball bat to the stomach—it’s Blaire (her sister).
Luke:::
“It was, one of the highest and lowest points of my life. It was one of the first altruistic things I’d ever done (yes, noble, that’s the reason he’s never confessed to Blair that he slept with both of them). I had accomplished it by sleeping with her sister, the cleanest and easiest way I knew to break it and whatever was happening between us. Only now did I realize that by easiest, I meant easiest for me.”
She is shattered. Devastated that she was about to admit her feelings and he obliterated her. From that point she vows to never let anyone in and guards her heart.
Current day
Luke was all about self-preservation
After Sloane disappeared, it took hours to locate her. “In the six months that I continued calling her, she never answered, never called me back. She couldn’t even be bothered sending me a damn text message. For about five minutes when I ran into Blaire the summer after, I blamed myself for their rift. How could I not, when I was sure Blaire told Sloane that we slept together? My logic seemed sound until Blaire admitted that she never even told Sloane. Which also meant there was a very good chance that Blaire didn’t know what happened between Sloane and me” (He’s so bloody cavalier).
“I’m just dying to know. Which one of us was the better lay, me … or Blaire?”
“Within a twenty-four-hour period.”
“Oh, my God, ew.” Blaire grabs her napkin and starts wiping her tongue (LOL).
“You slept with her, and then we…” Blaire waves a hand at her mouth and then lower, gagging. “Oh, my God; oh, my God; oh, my God.” Now she’s swishing water around her mouth.
“For God’s sake Blaire, it was five years ago,” I say, my voice finally coming back to me.”
“Yes, it’s true. I slept with Sloane and then I slept with Blaire. Happy?” I snap at her.”
Sloane:::
“Raising a water glass, she clinks a fork against it. “Excuse me, everyone. I’m sorry to interrupt your lovely dinner, but will you please raise your hand if you’ve ever slept with Luke Evans?” She points at me and I consider crawling underneath the table. I would definitely lose some man points for that. I can’t even look at Haley’s face. There are a few snickers and more than a few raised eyebrows, but to no one’s surprise, except maybe Haley’s, a good number of hands go up. Sloane smiles at them all, thanks them, and then sits back down.
Sloane was not depicted as a martyr, she was confident of her sexuality and proud of it. Everyone else especially Luke, the hypocrite, had an issue.
Haley to Luke:::
“You told her you’d break up with me,”
“And then you let me sleep here with you last night!”
“I’m sorry. I set an alarm so that I could get up on time and talk to you, but my phone’s dead—”
“You set an alarm? An alarm!”
Sh*t, that did not sound like a bad thing in my head.
What self respecting jerk sets an alarm to break up with his girlfriend?
Blaire to Luke:::
“What kind of douche bag sets an alarm to break up with his girlfriend?”
“Really, that’s what we’re focusing on right now?”
Sloane to Luke after he catches up to her on the side of the road...”You set an alarm to break up with your girlfriend? Who does that?”
Sloane had an arsenal of hurt feelings to resolve, she was adept at making a spectacle...including at the engagement toast.
Her scathing comments to Haley were priceless yet Luke, the ever loving boyfriend (not) never defended her. He wasn’t particularly endearing, considering he’s with Haley, yet thinking of Sloane.
All is forgiven at the end.
Sloane and Luke initially barely tolerated each other, he had a revolving door of willing females at his disposal, until tragedy struck and they comforted each other; he is convinced that Sloane slept with him out of pity and ultimately self-destructs.
Twenty four hours after sleeping with Luke, she wants to confess that she loves him and sets out to find him...
“Luke leans against the wall with his eyes closed and his lips slightly parted. His fingers are fisted in a fall of dark brown hair, as a head bobs up and down. Running a hand up under his shirt, the girl pulls back just slightly and looks up at him. It takes me a second to realize that it’s not the light that’s making her eyes look green. They are green.”
The realization hits me like a baseball bat to the stomach—it’s Blaire (her sister).
Luke:::
“It was, one of the highest and lowest points of my life. It was one of the first altruistic things I’d ever done (yes, noble, that’s the reason he’s never confessed to Blair that he slept with both of them). I had accomplished it by sleeping with her sister, the cleanest and easiest way I knew to break it and whatever was happening between us. Only now did I realize that by easiest, I meant easiest for me.”
She is shattered. Devastated that she was about to admit her feelings and he obliterated her. From that point she vows to never let anyone in and guards her heart.
Current day
Luke was all about self-preservation
After Sloane disappeared, it took hours to locate her. “In the six months that I continued calling her, she never answered, never called me back. She couldn’t even be bothered sending me a damn text message. For about five minutes when I ran into Blaire the summer after, I blamed myself for their rift. How could I not, when I was sure Blaire told Sloane that we slept together? My logic seemed sound until Blaire admitted that she never even told Sloane. Which also meant there was a very good chance that Blaire didn’t know what happened between Sloane and me” (He’s so bloody cavalier).
“I’m just dying to know. Which one of us was the better lay, me … or Blaire?”
“Within a twenty-four-hour period.”
“Oh, my God, ew.” Blaire grabs her napkin and starts wiping her tongue (LOL).
“You slept with her, and then we…” Blaire waves a hand at her mouth and then lower, gagging. “Oh, my God; oh, my God; oh, my God.” Now she’s swishing water around her mouth.
“For God’s sake Blaire, it was five years ago,” I say, my voice finally coming back to me.”
“Yes, it’s true. I slept with Sloane and then I slept with Blaire. Happy?” I snap at her.”
Sloane:::
“Raising a water glass, she clinks a fork against it. “Excuse me, everyone. I’m sorry to interrupt your lovely dinner, but will you please raise your hand if you’ve ever slept with Luke Evans?” She points at me and I consider crawling underneath the table. I would definitely lose some man points for that. I can’t even look at Haley’s face. There are a few snickers and more than a few raised eyebrows, but to no one’s surprise, except maybe Haley’s, a good number of hands go up. Sloane smiles at them all, thanks them, and then sits back down.
Sloane was not depicted as a martyr, she was confident of her sexuality and proud of it. Everyone else especially Luke, the hypocrite, had an issue.
Haley to Luke:::
“You told her you’d break up with me,”
“And then you let me sleep here with you last night!”
“I’m sorry. I set an alarm so that I could get up on time and talk to you, but my phone’s dead—”
“You set an alarm? An alarm!”
Sh*t, that did not sound like a bad thing in my head.
What self respecting jerk sets an alarm to break up with his girlfriend?
Blaire to Luke:::
“What kind of douche bag sets an alarm to break up with his girlfriend?”
“Really, that’s what we’re focusing on right now?”
Sloane to Luke after he catches up to her on the side of the road...”You set an alarm to break up with your girlfriend? Who does that?”
Sloane had an arsenal of hurt feelings to resolve, she was adept at making a spectacle...including at the engagement toast.
Her scathing comments to Haley were priceless yet Luke, the ever loving boyfriend (not) never defended her. He wasn’t particularly endearing, considering he’s with Haley, yet thinking of Sloane.
All is forgiven at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
Holy book debuts, bookaholics! When I was invited to read and review this debut release, I took one look at the synopsis and went for it, thinking this was going to be a pleasant second chance romance with a bit of angst here and there. But nope! Until We Break threw me for a loop, with a heartrendingly painful story between two teenagers who seem to start off on the wrong foot and find an unexpected kind of love during the summer only to have everything turn on its head by one terrible betrayal. The story is told in two parts--the first one from the summer and the second five years later. It was fascinating to read how both lead characters, Sloane Avery and Luke Evans, were when they spend their first summer together in Briscoll Bay and how they've both changed when their paths expectantly cross again after five years apart.
With Sloane and Luke being as young as they were five years ago, they were bound to do thoughtless things and make ill-conceived choices. More often than not, it was easier to walk or run away from a situation rather than confront it and that can lead to even worse decisions being made. They both made assumptions that were going to lead them down very different avenues, so that when they meet again, so much has changed and it's almost as if they've swapped places. There were a number of times that I so wanted to shake these two to make them see the error of their ways, but sometimes you need to learn fall in order to get back up again. There were a few surprises in the story that certainly strengthened my belief that this wasn't your run-of-the-mill second chance romance and with that, I am one satisfied bookaholic.
Now, don't think that this was all angsty and drama-filled. You'll end up sadly mistaken, because there were quite a few moments of lightheartedness, courtesy of the notable supporting characters, especially Blaire Avery, Sloane's younger sister, and Gran Bunny, their grandmother. This book had one of the most memorable main character pairings I've come across in quite a while, and I can't help but give kudos to the author for making Sloane unapologetically real in her pain and anger. She did things in this book that I'm sure many women only dream about doing to those who have hurt and crossed them. I'm thinking this is the first in a still-untitled series since the author's next book, Until It's Right, is about another supporting character here. Of course, I could be wrong, but either way, Until We Break is a five-plus-star must-read. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
Holy book debuts, bookaholics! When I was invited to read and review this debut release, I took one look at the synopsis and went for it, thinking this was going to be a pleasant second chance romance with a bit of angst here and there. But nope! Until We Break threw me for a loop, with a heartrendingly painful story between two teenagers who seem to start off on the wrong foot and find an unexpected kind of love during the summer only to have everything turn on its head by one terrible betrayal. The story is told in two parts--the first one from the summer and the second five years later. It was fascinating to read how both lead characters, Sloane Avery and Luke Evans, were when they spend their first summer together in Briscoll Bay and how they've both changed when their paths expectantly cross again after five years apart.
With Sloane and Luke being as young as they were five years ago, they were bound to do thoughtless things and make ill-conceived choices. More often than not, it was easier to walk or run away from a situation rather than confront it and that can lead to even worse decisions being made. They both made assumptions that were going to lead them down very different avenues, so that when they meet again, so much has changed and it's almost as if they've swapped places. There were a number of times that I so wanted to shake these two to make them see the error of their ways, but sometimes you need to learn fall in order to get back up again. There were a few surprises in the story that certainly strengthened my belief that this wasn't your run-of-the-mill second chance romance and with that, I am one satisfied bookaholic.
Now, don't think that this was all angsty and drama-filled. You'll end up sadly mistaken, because there were quite a few moments of lightheartedness, courtesy of the notable supporting characters, especially Blaire Avery, Sloane's younger sister, and Gran Bunny, their grandmother. This book had one of the most memorable main character pairings I've come across in quite a while, and I can't help but give kudos to the author for making Sloane unapologetically real in her pain and anger. She did things in this book that I'm sure many women only dream about doing to those who have hurt and crossed them. I'm thinking this is the first in a still-untitled series since the author's next book, Until It's Right, is about another supporting character here. Of course, I could be wrong, but either way, Until We Break is a five-plus-star must-read. ♥
November 10, 2015
*ARC provided by the publishers, St Martin’s Press, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This is the debut book by Jamie Howard and an absolute stunner of a second chance romance that takes you on an emotive ride that leaves you gasping by the end.
It is a book of two halves, the first half being how Sloane and Luke came to be and the latter half being five years later. It was one of those reads that throws the unexpected at you.
Sloane Avery is hanging out with her sister for the summer at their grandmother’s home. At the various parties and hang outs she keeps bumping into Luke Evans. To say he is a bit of a douche and a man whore is putting it mildly. Yes this sexy young man likes to put it about. However they finally reach an agreement that friendship is the road for them but then feelings get a little distorted and lines blurred. When a devastating incident happens, it leads to heart breaking actions being taken that severs the promise of Sloane and Luke moving on any further together.
Five years later Sloane is back in town but she has changed, oh yes she is totally different to the happy go lucky girl she used to be. But Luke has changed too and for the better. It is like they both swapped personalities over the five years they were apart. But can they ever be back to who they were back then and can the promise of the love story they could have been get back on track?
This was an absolute divine angst driven read that had me hooked from the start. It had me laughing, crying and so angry I nearly threw my kindle against the wall. Yes it is one of those kinds of reads. Amazing!
The passion and chemistry between Sloane and Luke was easy to feel in the intensity expressed between the lines. The secondary characters were essential to the plotline but some I just wanted to push aside (well just the one) and shout ‘back off’ even though she was a lovely sweet thing. But that’s because I was routing for Sloane and Luke to sort their past and insecurities out and give me what I was wanting – that elusive HEA we all strive for in our romance reads.
The complexities and depth of the characterisations were cleverly interwoven with a fast paced storyline that flowed beautifully. An absolute MUST read that I highly recommend. Five Stars.
This is the debut book by Jamie Howard and an absolute stunner of a second chance romance that takes you on an emotive ride that leaves you gasping by the end.
It is a book of two halves, the first half being how Sloane and Luke came to be and the latter half being five years later. It was one of those reads that throws the unexpected at you.
Sloane Avery is hanging out with her sister for the summer at their grandmother’s home. At the various parties and hang outs she keeps bumping into Luke Evans. To say he is a bit of a douche and a man whore is putting it mildly. Yes this sexy young man likes to put it about. However they finally reach an agreement that friendship is the road for them but then feelings get a little distorted and lines blurred. When a devastating incident happens, it leads to heart breaking actions being taken that severs the promise of Sloane and Luke moving on any further together.
Five years later Sloane is back in town but she has changed, oh yes she is totally different to the happy go lucky girl she used to be. But Luke has changed too and for the better. It is like they both swapped personalities over the five years they were apart. But can they ever be back to who they were back then and can the promise of the love story they could have been get back on track?
This was an absolute divine angst driven read that had me hooked from the start. It had me laughing, crying and so angry I nearly threw my kindle against the wall. Yes it is one of those kinds of reads. Amazing!
The passion and chemistry between Sloane and Luke was easy to feel in the intensity expressed between the lines. The secondary characters were essential to the plotline but some I just wanted to push aside (well just the one) and shout ‘back off’ even though she was a lovely sweet thing. But that’s because I was routing for Sloane and Luke to sort their past and insecurities out and give me what I was wanting – that elusive HEA we all strive for in our romance reads.
The complexities and depth of the characterisations were cleverly interwoven with a fast paced storyline that flowed beautifully. An absolute MUST read that I highly recommend. Five Stars.
November 11, 2015
Kindly provided with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review......
4 "WHAT A ROLLER COASTER JOURNEY THAT WAS" Stars from me !!
This story takes place in 2 parts over a 5 year span. There is the before, when Luke and Sloane meet, become friends, fall in love and have one hell of an emotionally ride together......
Then there is what I will refer to as the incident that REALLY SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED !!!.Hence, the second part of the book 5 years later.
I really liked the characters from the start....Luke - UBER manslut....or so he wants the world to see him that way. Yup, he sure is getting the experience for his self proclaimed title....however there is deep down such ingrained feelings of low self worth and loathing that this is just what he does and who he lets the world see to be numb and cope. You will have to read to find out his reasons.....
Moving on.....Sloane......perfect leading lady. Adorable, spirited, funny as hell but with such an amazingly kind, wonderful heart. Oh Luke, I know you thought you were doing the right thing but NO !!! YOU WEREN'T !!!.
As you can surmise out story brings our two leads back together and it's not all roses.....honestly. Fundamental changes have occurred to both Luke and Sloane.....the only question to be answered is.....was what they had strong enough to stand the test of time and the half truths and omissions ?......YOUR JUST GOING TO HAVE TO TRUST ME AND GIVE THIS BOOK AND GO TO FIND OUT !. Oh, I am wicked I know xxx
Would I recommend....in a heartbeat.
So why not 5 stars Donna ? I hear you ask. Well I will confess that I could not get past Luke's actions to send Sloane running off. Sheesh dude....really ?. God bless Sloane because I sure as hell would never have spoken to you again !!! My grumbling explanation for 4 Shinny Stars opposed to 5 !!
Enough !. Well done Jamie for a well written and immensely entertaining read.
Many thanks to Netgalley for this opportunity.
Later peeps xx
4 "WHAT A ROLLER COASTER JOURNEY THAT WAS" Stars from me !!
This story takes place in 2 parts over a 5 year span. There is the before, when Luke and Sloane meet, become friends, fall in love and have one hell of an emotionally ride together......
Then there is what I will refer to as the incident that REALLY SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED !!!.Hence, the second part of the book 5 years later.
I really liked the characters from the start....Luke - UBER manslut....or so he wants the world to see him that way. Yup, he sure is getting the experience for his self proclaimed title....however there is deep down such ingrained feelings of low self worth and loathing that this is just what he does and who he lets the world see to be numb and cope. You will have to read to find out his reasons.....
Moving on.....Sloane......perfect leading lady. Adorable, spirited, funny as hell but with such an amazingly kind, wonderful heart. Oh Luke, I know you thought you were doing the right thing but NO !!! YOU WEREN'T !!!.
As you can surmise out story brings our two leads back together and it's not all roses.....honestly. Fundamental changes have occurred to both Luke and Sloane.....the only question to be answered is.....was what they had strong enough to stand the test of time and the half truths and omissions ?......YOUR JUST GOING TO HAVE TO TRUST ME AND GIVE THIS BOOK AND GO TO FIND OUT !. Oh, I am wicked I know xxx
Would I recommend....in a heartbeat.
So why not 5 stars Donna ? I hear you ask. Well I will confess that I could not get past Luke's actions to send Sloane running off. Sheesh dude....really ?. God bless Sloane because I sure as hell would never have spoken to you again !!! My grumbling explanation for 4 Shinny Stars opposed to 5 !!
Enough !. Well done Jamie for a well written and immensely entertaining read.
Many thanks to Netgalley for this opportunity.
Later peeps xx
October 26, 2015
**ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
UNTIL WE BREAK is now on my list of favorite books. It's exactly my type of book: sexy beach setting, deep, though-proking characters, and a love story that just won't quit.
I fell in love with Luke first. Despite the obvious face that he's a total man-whore, he has so much depth to him. He's broken inside, that much was clear. And I wanted to know more. When we're introduced to Luke's family, his home life, it's evident that he was scarred a long time ago, and he's dong the very best he can to hold himself together for his brother. But falling in love? That's not a part of the plan for the sexy, damaged Luke.
And then I fell in love with Sloane. It took awhile, because at first she seems snobby and rude. I instantly judged her for the way she looked down on Luke. But then I realized that Jamie Howard does an amazing job of making characters so much more than what they seem. I loved the way Sloane saw right through Luke's front and held him to a higher standard. And I loved even more the way he rose to that standard like a champion.
As every romance must do, we're torn apart when the couple is. Something so devastating happens to the hero that he can't move past it, and he ends up hurting Sloane in the process of trying to heal, and trying to protect her from a guy like him. I cried. Oh, how I cried. And then I cursed the name of the author. And then I closed my kindle and threw it. And then, the next day, I picked up again. And I didn't stop reading until the story was over, and I was happy again.
This story carried me on a roller coaster of a thousand emotions, and that's exactly what I expect a great romance to do. Until We Break never disappointed me for a second. In fact, I wish I could read it all over again for the first time.
UNTIL WE BREAK is now on my list of favorite books. It's exactly my type of book: sexy beach setting, deep, though-proking characters, and a love story that just won't quit.
I fell in love with Luke first. Despite the obvious face that he's a total man-whore, he has so much depth to him. He's broken inside, that much was clear. And I wanted to know more. When we're introduced to Luke's family, his home life, it's evident that he was scarred a long time ago, and he's dong the very best he can to hold himself together for his brother. But falling in love? That's not a part of the plan for the sexy, damaged Luke.
And then I fell in love with Sloane. It took awhile, because at first she seems snobby and rude. I instantly judged her for the way she looked down on Luke. But then I realized that Jamie Howard does an amazing job of making characters so much more than what they seem. I loved the way Sloane saw right through Luke's front and held him to a higher standard. And I loved even more the way he rose to that standard like a champion.
As every romance must do, we're torn apart when the couple is. Something so devastating happens to the hero that he can't move past it, and he ends up hurting Sloane in the process of trying to heal, and trying to protect her from a guy like him. I cried. Oh, how I cried. And then I cursed the name of the author. And then I closed my kindle and threw it. And then, the next day, I picked up again. And I didn't stop reading until the story was over, and I was happy again.
This story carried me on a roller coaster of a thousand emotions, and that's exactly what I expect a great romance to do. Until We Break never disappointed me for a second. In fact, I wish I could read it all over again for the first time.
November 7, 2015
OMG I flew through reading this book!! I could NOT put it down!!
I read a lot of books and come across debut authors once in while and usually their books are good, but you can tell it's their debut. Jamie Howard's writing, for me, in no way says she's a debut author! She writes like a seasoned writer, for sure! What an amazing, amazing book!!
Sloane Avery blows by a guy broken down on the side of the road and she decides to turn around her Maserati around and go help. She approaches Luke Evans, looks under the hood of his jeep like she knows what she's looking for. So begins the snarky comments between them.
Luke finds out Sloane is wealthy and Sloane finds out Luke is the town man whore. Somehow she winds up with him for the summer!!? WHAT?! He knows he's no good for her and after tragedy happens in his life Luke decides to form a plan to make Sloane hate him and move on. WOW! That plan worked or was it considered a back fire?
Sloane moves away for a bit and when she comes back to town, she's an uncaring, heartless person. Did she get that way while she was gone or is that what Luke's plan did to her? Can Luke or Sloane's sister help her become the sweet, caring person she was? Maybe they could think of a "plan" to break her and feel emotions again? All great questions that you will find an answer to by reading this great book!
This book was an OMG, shocking, jaw dropping, sweet, devastating, funny, snarky and sweet book! Probably the best book I've read this year! Did I say jaw dropping?! There were SO MANY jaw dropping moments that I didn't see coming!! I will definitely be reading more writings by Jamie Howard, she's amazing!!
This book, in my opinion, is the must read book of 2015!!
**Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha**
I read a lot of books and come across debut authors once in while and usually their books are good, but you can tell it's their debut. Jamie Howard's writing, for me, in no way says she's a debut author! She writes like a seasoned writer, for sure! What an amazing, amazing book!!
Sloane Avery blows by a guy broken down on the side of the road and she decides to turn around her Maserati around and go help. She approaches Luke Evans, looks under the hood of his jeep like she knows what she's looking for. So begins the snarky comments between them.
Luke finds out Sloane is wealthy and Sloane finds out Luke is the town man whore. Somehow she winds up with him for the summer!!? WHAT?! He knows he's no good for her and after tragedy happens in his life Luke decides to form a plan to make Sloane hate him and move on. WOW! That plan worked or was it considered a back fire?
Sloane moves away for a bit and when she comes back to town, she's an uncaring, heartless person. Did she get that way while she was gone or is that what Luke's plan did to her? Can Luke or Sloane's sister help her become the sweet, caring person she was? Maybe they could think of a "plan" to break her and feel emotions again? All great questions that you will find an answer to by reading this great book!
This book was an OMG, shocking, jaw dropping, sweet, devastating, funny, snarky and sweet book! Probably the best book I've read this year! Did I say jaw dropping?! There were SO MANY jaw dropping moments that I didn't see coming!! I will definitely be reading more writings by Jamie Howard, she's amazing!!
This book, in my opinion, is the must read book of 2015!!
**Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha**
November 2, 2015
Wow.
Almost a week later and I'm still thinking about this book. Still thinking about Luke and Sloane and their families. Still thinking about the angst and the setting and the kissing.
OMG, the kissing!
*ahem*
A lovely story full of lust and love and tragedy. Fabulous pacing that kept me up half the night flipping pages. And characters that made me think and feel. Not much more I could want in a romance.
Almost a week later and I'm still thinking about this book. Still thinking about Luke and Sloane and their families. Still thinking about the angst and the setting and the kissing.
OMG, the kissing!
*ahem*
A lovely story full of lust and love and tragedy. Fabulous pacing that kept me up half the night flipping pages. And characters that made me think and feel. Not much more I could want in a romance.
January 23, 2016
Review to come!
December 16, 2015
4 stars.
I don't even know where to begin with this book. So I guess I'll start at the beginning.
Heartbroken over a terrible breakup with her high school sweetheart, eighteen-year-old rich princess Sloane is spending the summer with her grandmother when she meets nineteen-year-old Luke, a gorgeous guy from the wrong size of the tracks and total manwhore. Sparks immediately fly between them, but they're not sure if it's mutual lust or hatred. A series of epic miscommunications has them each believing they can't stand each other. The stars seem to align for them for a brief moment, but after a few overheard (and misunderstood) conversations, one of them to does something unthinkable.
Fast forward five years and Sloane gets a desperate call to come back to her grandmother's. She does so, very reluctantly, to face the very people who wronged her when she ran. She can barely handle the feelings she has, so she covers them up by becoming the (man)whore she despised all those years ago. With fate (and Gran) intervening, can Luke and Sloane deny their feelings again?
This story, ya'll. It all pretty much centered around horrible miscommunication. I accept that for the first half of the story, when they're eighteen and nineteen years old, because what teenagers sit down and discuss their feelings with the boy or girl who seems to not dig them? None. But the fact that it so dramatically alters their lives makes me think that one of them would talk to someone about it! Nope.
The thing Luke does is unforgivable. While I love dual first-person POV (and thank rob we had that in this book or I would have definitely flounced), I don't understand his motivations even while he's explaining them in his head! Also, I hate Blaire. Regardless of what Sloane said, Blaire could tell that she liked him.
The entire second half is just unbelievable. I don't believe that Sloane would subject herself to those people at all. And don't even get me started on Haley. Ugh to the second power. I am pretty upset that the companion book is going to be about her. I wish it were focused on Archer. I loved that guy!
Luke's character had such dimension, even though I hated him during much of the book. When he was young, he truly felt like he was being objectified, even though that's all he would allow people to see. Sloane made him feel...not worthless. In the after part, he was a better person. He took a terrible tragedy (or a couple of them, really) to turn his life around.
So why the four stars? When it all boils down to it, Until We Break made me laugh, cry, and swoon, and I could not put this book down. And I guess I couldn't ask for more than that. Except for Luke to not have done what he did. The feelings were real and though I might not have been rooting for them in the end, I'm glad things turned out the way they did, and I'm proud of Luke for (finally) being a stand-up guy. Debut author Jamie Howard is without a doubt a force to be reckoned with. If you want to read a New Adult story with all the feels, I recommend this story. Just don't say I didn't warn you that you might want to throw your kindle across the room a couple of times.
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool.
I don't even know where to begin with this book. So I guess I'll start at the beginning.
Heartbroken over a terrible breakup with her high school sweetheart, eighteen-year-old rich princess Sloane is spending the summer with her grandmother when she meets nineteen-year-old Luke, a gorgeous guy from the wrong size of the tracks and total manwhore. Sparks immediately fly between them, but they're not sure if it's mutual lust or hatred. A series of epic miscommunications has them each believing they can't stand each other. The stars seem to align for them for a brief moment, but after a few overheard (and misunderstood) conversations, one of them to does something unthinkable.
Fast forward five years and Sloane gets a desperate call to come back to her grandmother's. She does so, very reluctantly, to face the very people who wronged her when she ran. She can barely handle the feelings she has, so she covers them up by becoming the (man)whore she despised all those years ago. With fate (and Gran) intervening, can Luke and Sloane deny their feelings again?
This story, ya'll. It all pretty much centered around horrible miscommunication. I accept that for the first half of the story, when they're eighteen and nineteen years old, because what teenagers sit down and discuss their feelings with the boy or girl who seems to not dig them? None. But the fact that it so dramatically alters their lives makes me think that one of them would talk to someone about it! Nope.
The thing Luke does is unforgivable. While I love dual first-person POV (and thank rob we had that in this book or I would have definitely flounced), I don't understand his motivations even while he's explaining them in his head! Also, I hate Blaire. Regardless of what Sloane said, Blaire could tell that she liked him.
The entire second half is just unbelievable. I don't believe that Sloane would subject herself to those people at all. And don't even get me started on Haley. Ugh to the second power. I am pretty upset that the companion book is going to be about her. I wish it were focused on Archer. I loved that guy!
Luke's character had such dimension, even though I hated him during much of the book. When he was young, he truly felt like he was being objectified, even though that's all he would allow people to see. Sloane made him feel...not worthless. In the after part, he was a better person. He took a terrible tragedy (or a couple of them, really) to turn his life around.
So why the four stars? When it all boils down to it, Until We Break made me laugh, cry, and swoon, and I could not put this book down. And I guess I couldn't ask for more than that. Except for Luke to not have done what he did. The feelings were real and though I might not have been rooting for them in the end, I'm glad things turned out the way they did, and I'm proud of Luke for (finally) being a stand-up guy. Debut author Jamie Howard is without a doubt a force to be reckoned with. If you want to read a New Adult story with all the feels, I recommend this story. Just don't say I didn't warn you that you might want to throw your kindle across the room a couple of times.
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool.
October 19, 2015
**Special thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review**
I was lucky enough to read an early draft of this novel over a year before its publication date. Upon getting this ARC a year later, I thought I could read it again, in full book form, without 1.) Flying into a seething rage toward a certain character in a certain scene. 2.) Becoming an emotional wreck.
Nope. I failed miserably at both. Again.
Sloane Avery has no patience for men who sleep around. In the wake of her cheating ex, Sloane isn't ready to open her heart up to anyone - especially anyone who reminds her of the man who broke her heart. So when she decides to spend the summer working in her grandmother's diner, she's less than thrilled to meet Briscoll Bay's resident man-whore, Luke Evans.
Luke Evans has slept with so many women, he's lost count. As the hot bartender known for his sexual prowess, women are lining up to take a turn with him. Too bad none of them care about the man behind the sex. No one sees Luke for who he really is: a hard working man who uses sex to mask the pain of his difficult childhood. So when the new girl Sloane sees through his sexy exterior and has no interest in sleeping with him, Luke can't help but be intrigued.
As the summer progresses, Luke and Sloane go from enemies, to friends, to... something else...despite both of their better judgments. When a tragedy occurs, Luke does the only thing he knows how to do - he pushes Sloane away, in a betrayal he knows she won't be able to forgive.
Five years later, Sloane and Luke meet again, but they're not the same people they were that summer long ago. As old scars resurface and secrets come out, Sloane and Luke are forced to decide if love is worth the pain they've caused each other, or another pesky feeling best kept hidden.
Howard has a real gift of character development. Sloane and Luke are so voicey, they jump off the page; it's easy to forget they're not real. They're flawed, they're endearing, and they both drove me so crazy I wanted to rip my hair out...and curl up in a corner and cry, because I didn't want them to hurt anymore. The banter was awesome. There were also multiple scenes where I burst out laughing - particularly at Sloane's one-liners and insults. In fact, "Five years later Sloane" is probably one of my favorite book characters of all time. Howard also has a gift for setting the scene; whether it was the beach, the diner, or a yacht in the middle of the ocean, I felt like I was right there, experiencing it with the characters.
UNTIL WE BREAK is a touching and emotional story full of love, betrayal, and forgiveness. Having read it before, I wasn't expecting to laugh, cry, and be shocked at the twists again... and yet I was. And it hit me right in the feels, even harder than the first time I read it. Curse you, Jamie Howard.
(Side note. I was happy to see the first chapter of the UNTIL WE BREAK sequel, UNTIL IT'S RIGHT, included in the back of this book. I felt so bad for and am glad gets a story, and hopefully, a happy ending.)
I was lucky enough to read an early draft of this novel over a year before its publication date. Upon getting this ARC a year later, I thought I could read it again, in full book form, without 1.) Flying into a seething rage toward a certain character in a certain scene. 2.) Becoming an emotional wreck.
Nope. I failed miserably at both. Again.
Sloane Avery has no patience for men who sleep around. In the wake of her cheating ex, Sloane isn't ready to open her heart up to anyone - especially anyone who reminds her of the man who broke her heart. So when she decides to spend the summer working in her grandmother's diner, she's less than thrilled to meet Briscoll Bay's resident man-whore, Luke Evans.
Luke Evans has slept with so many women, he's lost count. As the hot bartender known for his sexual prowess, women are lining up to take a turn with him. Too bad none of them care about the man behind the sex. No one sees Luke for who he really is: a hard working man who uses sex to mask the pain of his difficult childhood. So when the new girl Sloane sees through his sexy exterior and has no interest in sleeping with him, Luke can't help but be intrigued.
As the summer progresses, Luke and Sloane go from enemies, to friends, to... something else...despite both of their better judgments. When a tragedy occurs, Luke does the only thing he knows how to do - he pushes Sloane away, in a betrayal he knows she won't be able to forgive.
Five years later, Sloane and Luke meet again, but they're not the same people they were that summer long ago. As old scars resurface and secrets come out, Sloane and Luke are forced to decide if love is worth the pain they've caused each other, or another pesky feeling best kept hidden.
Howard has a real gift of character development. Sloane and Luke are so voicey, they jump off the page; it's easy to forget they're not real. They're flawed, they're endearing, and they both drove me so crazy I wanted to rip my hair out...and curl up in a corner and cry, because I didn't want them to hurt anymore. The banter was awesome. There were also multiple scenes where I burst out laughing - particularly at Sloane's one-liners and insults. In fact, "Five years later Sloane" is probably one of my favorite book characters of all time. Howard also has a gift for setting the scene; whether it was the beach, the diner, or a yacht in the middle of the ocean, I felt like I was right there, experiencing it with the characters.
UNTIL WE BREAK is a touching and emotional story full of love, betrayal, and forgiveness. Having read it before, I wasn't expecting to laugh, cry, and be shocked at the twists again... and yet I was. And it hit me right in the feels, even harder than the first time I read it. Curse you, Jamie Howard.
(Side note. I was happy to see the first chapter of the UNTIL WE BREAK sequel, UNTIL IT'S RIGHT, included in the back of this book. I felt so bad for and am glad gets a story, and hopefully, a happy ending.)
November 26, 2015
Newly published author Jamie Howard's knocks us upside the head with an intensely stirring read in Until We Break. Howard introduces us to Sloane and Luke, teenagers in a beach town community who encounter each other during the summer break. There is contention between them from the start as they are quick to judge each other and neither claim to like what they see. Between assumptions ( whether right or wrong), they both hold back on their true feelings, and in some cases simply lie. I spent a fair portion of the time frustrated with both characters, but still hoping to see their true feelings exposed. Luke has an appalling family situation and when one of the worst things that could happen to him transpires, the push and pull between them amplifies. We are left with a “Part One” cliffhanger that will steal your breath ( you know, the kind that makes your stomach clinch). Going into Part Two my heart was aching and it became clear to me that I’d be finishing this book in one sitting. I thought about trying to “put it down at the end of the next chapter” but I couldn’t do it. Howard’s provides addictive reading material and gives really good reasons to hang in until the end.
The story picks up 5 years later with a vastly different Sloane returning home at her grandmother's plea. Sloane is estranged from her parents and not on good speaking terms with her sister Blaire and in both cases, she’s not being unreasonable. The premise in Part Two is centered on Blaire trying to get her sister "back" and once again in the family fold. The hurt and anger she experienced at 18 wiped out the naive and sensitive girl she was. Blaire and Luke now team up to try to “shock” - antagonize her - to the point that she'll cave in and grant forgiveness all around. Sloan warns them off and in the ensuing chapters, we watch them chip away at each other. So, although we get a sassy and snarky Sloane, she’s clearly B.R.O.K.E.N. She “turns off” her feelings so that sex isn’t about love and love has nothing to do with her family. She carries a badge of loneliness that is quite heartbreaking and the distrust with Luke and Blaire intensifies. Knowing what we know it's almost cruel the way they “try to make her break” and it's for not entirely altruistic reasons. There is a particularly poignant moment where hot tears poured down my face. I’ll call it the “kitten and rainbows” incident. I'm clearly #TeamSloane. You’ll read it and you’ll know it, and then you’ll have to wait to see how it ends.
Until We Break is one of my top angsty reads for the year and one of the best New Adult stories that I’ve experienced in a while. There are some very funny moments, and some sexy ones too that counter the anguish. One thing is certain, the lack of communication causes a lot of heartbreak and you have to be willing to take a chance or you could end up with nothing. I’m looking very forward to the follow-up Until It’s Right where one of the most unlikely likable characters from Until We Break will hopefully get an HEA.
5 Stars and Recommendation!
The story picks up 5 years later with a vastly different Sloane returning home at her grandmother's plea. Sloane is estranged from her parents and not on good speaking terms with her sister Blaire and in both cases, she’s not being unreasonable. The premise in Part Two is centered on Blaire trying to get her sister "back" and once again in the family fold. The hurt and anger she experienced at 18 wiped out the naive and sensitive girl she was. Blaire and Luke now team up to try to “shock” - antagonize her - to the point that she'll cave in and grant forgiveness all around. Sloan warns them off and in the ensuing chapters, we watch them chip away at each other. So, although we get a sassy and snarky Sloane, she’s clearly B.R.O.K.E.N. She “turns off” her feelings so that sex isn’t about love and love has nothing to do with her family. She carries a badge of loneliness that is quite heartbreaking and the distrust with Luke and Blaire intensifies. Knowing what we know it's almost cruel the way they “try to make her break” and it's for not entirely altruistic reasons. There is a particularly poignant moment where hot tears poured down my face. I’ll call it the “kitten and rainbows” incident. I'm clearly #TeamSloane. You’ll read it and you’ll know it, and then you’ll have to wait to see how it ends.
Until We Break is one of my top angsty reads for the year and one of the best New Adult stories that I’ve experienced in a while. There are some very funny moments, and some sexy ones too that counter the anguish. One thing is certain, the lack of communication causes a lot of heartbreak and you have to be willing to take a chance or you could end up with nothing. I’m looking very forward to the follow-up Until It’s Right where one of the most unlikely likable characters from Until We Break will hopefully get an HEA.
5 Stars and Recommendation!
November 14, 2015
‘Contemplating anything happening between Luke and I is emotional suicide.’
I have extreme mixed emotions about this book and struggled to come up with a rating as well as what to write in my review. On one hand it was well written with a plot that kept me constantly engaged and turning pages. For the first 30 percent of this book I read it like any other, reading when I could then going about normal life, then it started to pick up and around 45 percent something happened that made real life impossible and I read the rest in one sitting.
‘Luke Evans didn’t just shatter my heart, he pulverized it.’
Sloan and Luke could not be more different. She’s rich and he is from the “other” side of town. Normally they wouldn’t even meet but when Sloan and her sister Blaire come to his neighborhood to spend the summer with their Grandmother the two cross paths and their lives are forever changed. So much happens in this book and several of my personal buttons were pushed. If you have sensitive triggers please feel free to message me and I can help guide you to if this book is for you. The first half of this book I adored Sloan and Luke truly pushed my buttons but what surprised me is that the second half of the book (which is years later) those roles are completely reversed and Luke started to improve in my eyes and I desperately wanted to slap Sloan.
‘Sloan is like a drug, and I just can’t seem to get her out of my system.’
Luke and Sloan’s journey to a happily ever after was a truly difficult one but when we got there (and we do get there) it was like a breath of fresh air. The one thing I would say about the book is that for how hard the journey was I felt the end was a tad rushed. Their struggle was so difficult I almost hoped it would have a cliffhanger just so there would be more time to hash it all out, which is bizarre for me since I typically prefer standalones. But still Until We Break was an angst filled New Adult love story that anyone who enjoys to be filled with extreme emotions will definitely enjoy!
~miranda
I have extreme mixed emotions about this book and struggled to come up with a rating as well as what to write in my review. On one hand it was well written with a plot that kept me constantly engaged and turning pages. For the first 30 percent of this book I read it like any other, reading when I could then going about normal life, then it started to pick up and around 45 percent something happened that made real life impossible and I read the rest in one sitting.
‘Luke Evans didn’t just shatter my heart, he pulverized it.’
Sloan and Luke could not be more different. She’s rich and he is from the “other” side of town. Normally they wouldn’t even meet but when Sloan and her sister Blaire come to his neighborhood to spend the summer with their Grandmother the two cross paths and their lives are forever changed. So much happens in this book and several of my personal buttons were pushed. If you have sensitive triggers please feel free to message me and I can help guide you to if this book is for you. The first half of this book I adored Sloan and Luke truly pushed my buttons but what surprised me is that the second half of the book (which is years later) those roles are completely reversed and Luke started to improve in my eyes and I desperately wanted to slap Sloan.
‘Sloan is like a drug, and I just can’t seem to get her out of my system.’
Luke and Sloan’s journey to a happily ever after was a truly difficult one but when we got there (and we do get there) it was like a breath of fresh air. The one thing I would say about the book is that for how hard the journey was I felt the end was a tad rushed. Their struggle was so difficult I almost hoped it would have a cliffhanger just so there would be more time to hash it all out, which is bizarre for me since I typically prefer standalones. But still Until We Break was an angst filled New Adult love story that anyone who enjoys to be filled with extreme emotions will definitely enjoy!
~miranda
November 10, 2015
My thoughts and feels are everywhere right now. When I come up with something that doesn't have me just blubbering and sobbing and giggling and swooning, I'll leave a more coherent review.
*UPDATE*
So, after I've had sufficient time to gather my feels for this story, I'm back with my review.
This is story of Sloane and Luke, two individuals who met at the wrong time in life, but found a summer love so worthy that neither of them could forget it, even after five years of being apart.
Luke is a playboy—loves women, loves sex, loves the rush of letting go of his life for those two things just for a little bit of peace. He’s charismatic, funny, an amazing brother…but not necessarily the type of guy that Sloane, our heroine, is looking to fall for.
Sloane is sweet, a good person, and comes from a wealthy family, but doesn’t necessarily know where she’s going in life either. A typical college-esque character. What she doesn’t expect is to fall for the one person she shouldn’t, and that’s Luke.
But, alas, it happens…only to lead to something so unexpected.
Something tragic. Something I still get sniffly over when I think of it and with it comes the inevitable fall out between these two characters. Of course I’m not going tell you what happens, but PLEASE be prepared for the angst and heartbreak that awaits. Like, rip your heart to shreds I-can’t-even-believe-that-happened angst. I cried. And
I don’t normally cry over books. But…I did in this one and it wasn’t just some teary eyed, that’s sad moment. It was a blubber.
Is there an HEA? Yeah, there is, but the process of getting there takes you on a roller coaster with a fall so steep your heart will be reeling for days.
This is Jamie Howard’s debut novel, and let me just say…I’m floored. Like, wow. She’s got some skills. Flowing words, perfectly imperfect characters, and the ability to weave a story so brilliant that you won’t be able to read for days. (true story here.) I am absolutely in love with Until We Break. It’s a phenomenal book that readers need like their last breath.
*UPDATE*
So, after I've had sufficient time to gather my feels for this story, I'm back with my review.
This is story of Sloane and Luke, two individuals who met at the wrong time in life, but found a summer love so worthy that neither of them could forget it, even after five years of being apart.
Luke is a playboy—loves women, loves sex, loves the rush of letting go of his life for those two things just for a little bit of peace. He’s charismatic, funny, an amazing brother…but not necessarily the type of guy that Sloane, our heroine, is looking to fall for.
Sloane is sweet, a good person, and comes from a wealthy family, but doesn’t necessarily know where she’s going in life either. A typical college-esque character. What she doesn’t expect is to fall for the one person she shouldn’t, and that’s Luke.
But, alas, it happens…only to lead to something so unexpected.
Something tragic. Something I still get sniffly over when I think of it and with it comes the inevitable fall out between these two characters. Of course I’m not going tell you what happens, but PLEASE be prepared for the angst and heartbreak that awaits. Like, rip your heart to shreds I-can’t-even-believe-that-happened angst. I cried. And
I don’t normally cry over books. But…I did in this one and it wasn’t just some teary eyed, that’s sad moment. It was a blubber.
Is there an HEA? Yeah, there is, but the process of getting there takes you on a roller coaster with a fall so steep your heart will be reeling for days.
This is Jamie Howard’s debut novel, and let me just say…I’m floored. Like, wow. She’s got some skills. Flowing words, perfectly imperfect characters, and the ability to weave a story so brilliant that you won’t be able to read for days. (true story here.) I am absolutely in love with Until We Break. It’s a phenomenal book that readers need like their last breath.
November 12, 2015
The blurb for this story had me very intrigued and once I started reading, I was not disappointed! I was completely captivated and finished this book in one whole long sitting. I loved the characters, the storyline, the emotions it invoked; I just loved everything about this book.
I loved the connection between Sloan and Luke, although the author made me slightly dislike them both in the second half of the book. You will be rooting for them both to get the happily ever after that they both greatly deserve. You will laugh, yell, and possibly even cry throughout this book.
This book had everything I love and want to see in a book: thought provoking characters, a romantic beach city, and a never ending love story that prevails through anything.
I fell in love with Luke first since we got his POV in the beginning. Even though the author labeled him a manwhore, you could tell there was more to the story than that. He had a broken home life and a less than supportive mother. He had to support her and raise his little brother. I love how Jamie Howard made the characters more than they seem. Sloane sees right through Luke's manwhoreish ways and holds him to a higher standard.
Like all great romances, we are torn apart when the couple is. Something completely tragic and unexpected happens that tears Luke apart and he can't find a way to move past it. Feeling like he isn't good enough for Sloane, he does something he immediately regrets but hurts Sloane in the process. You will cry and possibly need tissues! I was so emotional at this tragic event and cursed the author, and contemplated throwing my kindle at the wall I was so upset. But I was captivated and read through till the very end!
This is the author's debut novel and I can't believe I have to wait till March 2016 to read more of her great writing skills. You will be taken on a roller coaster of emotions and experience everything the character's are and this is something you want in a good romance novel. I wish I could go back and experience it all for the very first time.
I loved the connection between Sloan and Luke, although the author made me slightly dislike them both in the second half of the book. You will be rooting for them both to get the happily ever after that they both greatly deserve. You will laugh, yell, and possibly even cry throughout this book.
This book had everything I love and want to see in a book: thought provoking characters, a romantic beach city, and a never ending love story that prevails through anything.
I fell in love with Luke first since we got his POV in the beginning. Even though the author labeled him a manwhore, you could tell there was more to the story than that. He had a broken home life and a less than supportive mother. He had to support her and raise his little brother. I love how Jamie Howard made the characters more than they seem. Sloane sees right through Luke's manwhoreish ways and holds him to a higher standard.
Like all great romances, we are torn apart when the couple is. Something completely tragic and unexpected happens that tears Luke apart and he can't find a way to move past it. Feeling like he isn't good enough for Sloane, he does something he immediately regrets but hurts Sloane in the process. You will cry and possibly need tissues! I was so emotional at this tragic event and cursed the author, and contemplated throwing my kindle at the wall I was so upset. But I was captivated and read through till the very end!
This is the author's debut novel and I can't believe I have to wait till March 2016 to read more of her great writing skills. You will be taken on a roller coaster of emotions and experience everything the character's are and this is something you want in a good romance novel. I wish I could go back and experience it all for the very first time.
September 16, 2016
--Read my full review of the book at seriesousbookreviews.com! Spoiler Free!
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**
I actually read the follow-up to this book (Until It's Right) first. So I already knew the outcome of this book--but I still enjoyed reading this one a lot.
It was nice to get to find out what happened between Luke and Sloane. I really had a biased about Sloane coming into this book because of the other novel and I wasn't sure if I could have been sympathetic to her character or not while reading this one. Because the first half of the novel is the flash back to when Luke and Sloane first meet, it was super easy to see why these two loved each other and why they should be together. Normally, I don't enjoy second chance romances that much but I really liked this one.
This book has a darker and jaded edge to it given all that happens to these characters. I did feel like the character development could have been a little stronger because of this. It was more implied than anything and I know that Jamie Howard can do it because it is perfect in Until It's Right. I just wanted a little more but it definitely makes sense and has a great flow to it regardless.
It's a solid New Adult debut and I know that Jamie Howard has now won me over as a fan for sure with this piece! If you want a sweet and dramatic New Adult romance that isn't dripping in sex, this is a great one!
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
Full Review: http://wp.me/p7hLUw-1pe
Actual Rating: 4/5
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**
I actually read the follow-up to this book (Until It's Right) first. So I already knew the outcome of this book--but I still enjoyed reading this one a lot.
It was nice to get to find out what happened between Luke and Sloane. I really had a biased about Sloane coming into this book because of the other novel and I wasn't sure if I could have been sympathetic to her character or not while reading this one. Because the first half of the novel is the flash back to when Luke and Sloane first meet, it was super easy to see why these two loved each other and why they should be together. Normally, I don't enjoy second chance romances that much but I really liked this one.
This book has a darker and jaded edge to it given all that happens to these characters. I did feel like the character development could have been a little stronger because of this. It was more implied than anything and I know that Jamie Howard can do it because it is perfect in Until It's Right. I just wanted a little more but it definitely makes sense and has a great flow to it regardless.
It's a solid New Adult debut and I know that Jamie Howard has now won me over as a fan for sure with this piece! If you want a sweet and dramatic New Adult romance that isn't dripping in sex, this is a great one!
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
Full Review: http://wp.me/p7hLUw-1pe
Actual Rating: 4/5
November 14, 2015
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
Until We Break by Jamie Howard is your standard New Adult romance storyline that takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions. This book definitely can be described as a rollercoaster because the first half had the thrilling, exciting, and palpable aspect for readers like myself to get intrigued, but the second half of the book is where the author failed to get me excited. Once I reached 40% into the book, I could not get into the story and characters. Characters were no longer likable and relatable. The angst was so redundant and I just wished the author didn't drag it on so long. The journey to the HEA for the main characters took so long to get there and when we finally got to that point, I was emotionally drained out. I love the idea and premise of the story of having two friends turned to lovers and their journey of happiness and love over a five year span but my lack of emotional connection to the characters was the reason why this book was just okay for me. Overall, this book may appeal to readers who love their angst.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
Until We Break by Jamie Howard is your standard New Adult romance storyline that takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions. This book definitely can be described as a rollercoaster because the first half had the thrilling, exciting, and palpable aspect for readers like myself to get intrigued, but the second half of the book is where the author failed to get me excited. Once I reached 40% into the book, I could not get into the story and characters. Characters were no longer likable and relatable. The angst was so redundant and I just wished the author didn't drag it on so long. The journey to the HEA for the main characters took so long to get there and when we finally got to that point, I was emotionally drained out. I love the idea and premise of the story of having two friends turned to lovers and their journey of happiness and love over a five year span but my lack of emotional connection to the characters was the reason why this book was just okay for me. Overall, this book may appeal to readers who love their angst.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
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