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Chasing Spring
I thought I'd left Blackwater, Texas behind for good. I didn't belong in the small town, but my dad wouldn't listen. He dragged me back home in his beat-up truck and dropped a bomb along the way: Chase Matthews was moving in with us. He was the golden boy of my high school, my former best friend, and the last person I wanted sleeping across the hall. His presence was too great a reminder of the ghosts I was trying to forget.
I didn't ask for a hero. I don't want to be saved.
To me, Lilah Calloway meant late nights sneakin'; out, moonlit hair, and sparklers in July. She was my best friend until the day she left and I'd assumed Blackwater had seen the last of her. Then, like a tempest, she rolled back into town for the final half of senior year. The chopped hair and dark devil-may-care attitude warned most people away, but I knew if I fought hard enough, I could find the lost girl.
I didn't want to be her hero. Some girls don't need to be saved.
I didn't ask for a hero. I don't want to be saved.
To me, Lilah Calloway meant late nights sneakin'; out, moonlit hair, and sparklers in July. She was my best friend until the day she left and I'd assumed Blackwater had seen the last of her. Then, like a tempest, she rolled back into town for the final half of senior year. The chopped hair and dark devil-may-care attitude warned most people away, but I knew if I fought hard enough, I could find the lost girl.
I didn't want to be her hero. Some girls don't need to be saved.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2016
574 people are currently reading
4870 people want to read
About the author
R.S. Grey
54 books11.9k followersR.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of over twenty-five romantic comedies. She loves books, chocolate, reality TV, and cold weather. She lives in Texas with her husband, two daughters, and dog. Visit her at rsgrey.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 541 reviews
February 10, 2017
One time R.S. Grey came to my house and spent the weekend. It was around the time this book released and I could tell by the way she cleaned up after herself and had good manners that this was a good book.
When I finally read the book, I was right. Does that make me psychic?
One time I was in New York and I went to a psychic with my cousin. The psychic was very vague, which reminds me of these socks I bought once while I was in Dallas. They say, "I have vague feelings about whatever."
Those socks don't remind me of this book, though. Because my feelings weren't vague. I think R.S. Grey did a great job with this book. It's good to read on a day when you're alive.
When I finally read the book, I was right. Does that make me psychic?
One time I was in New York and I went to a psychic with my cousin. The psychic was very vague, which reminds me of these socks I bought once while I was in Dallas. They say, "I have vague feelings about whatever."
Those socks don't remind me of this book, though. Because my feelings weren't vague. I think R.S. Grey did a great job with this book. It's good to read on a day when you're alive.
February 10, 2017
3.5 Stars!!
You know…I love nothing more than a versatile author and with this novel Rachel proved than she can write any kind of romance. “Chasing Spring” is not a light, fluffy romantic comedy and it was not like the other books I’ve read by this author. It deals with more serious issues and has a ‘nice’ doze of angst and drama. It’s a story written in dual POV about life, grief, friendship, love, moving on and last but not least finding peace and finding yourself.
Lilah and Chase have known each other since forever. They grew up together, being best friends for many years. Everything was good in their lives and between them until two years ago when something happened that had changed so many lives.
After being away for the past year and half, Lilah is forced by certain circumstances to move back in her small home town. She’s lost, trying to escape the past and she’s not very happy that she has to move back, but she doesn’t have any choice. She will have to face her father and she will have to face the town golden boy, the boy who after all this time still means so much to her.
Chase’s life is not perfect either. His father has a serious drinking problem and he has to move for a while with Lilah and Lilah's father who is his baseball coach. Lilah had changed and Chase can tell, but she’s also the same lost girl. All he wants is to tear all her walls down, to break the ice between them, to have the same relationship they had two years ago.
“Chasing Spring” is a lovely, emotional story, told both in the present from Lilah and Chase's perspective and in the past, from two other characters’ point-of-view. I liked the way the story unfolded and how gradually certain events are revealed. The plot is well build for the most part and I enjoyed the pace of the story.
Both Lilah and Chase were likeable characters. Lilah’s character was more developed IMO. I really sympathize with her. She was in so much pain and grief, so lost, lonely and insecure. The fact that she actually believed that she’s not enough for Chase, that she’s not worth saving, loving and keeping, broke my heart. I’m glad she had Chase to help her realize the past should stay in past. For the most part I liked her, but there were times when she really frustrated me. At times she acted immaturely, yes, but other times she was a strong and brave girl. However, I can’t say I related too much with her. Like I mentioned above, I felt for her, but for some reason I didn’t fully connected with her character.
I loved Chace. He was sweet, kind, caring and so patient with Lilah. His determination to help the girl he loves so deeply warmed my heart. I loved the fact he saw Lilah for what she really – a lost girl and the fact that he didn’t blame her for a past no one was to blame.
The bond between Lilah and Chase was there and it was a lovely one, but I would have liked more romance between them. I know this is a YA novel, but I think it would have been better with a more developed romance aspect.
I liked how everything progressed between these two characters, but I think the ending was a little rushed. I wouldn’t have minded the story to be longer.
Overall, a great read!
You know…I love nothing more than a versatile author and with this novel Rachel proved than she can write any kind of romance. “Chasing Spring” is not a light, fluffy romantic comedy and it was not like the other books I’ve read by this author. It deals with more serious issues and has a ‘nice’ doze of angst and drama. It’s a story written in dual POV about life, grief, friendship, love, moving on and last but not least finding peace and finding yourself.
"Does the ending even matter? Shouldn’t the middle be the happy part? It’s the biggest chunk of our life and yet no one ever asks if the two people had a happy middle."
Lilah and Chase have known each other since forever. They grew up together, being best friends for many years. Everything was good in their lives and between them until two years ago when something happened that had changed so many lives.
After being away for the past year and half, Lilah is forced by certain circumstances to move back in her small home town. She’s lost, trying to escape the past and she’s not very happy that she has to move back, but she doesn’t have any choice. She will have to face her father and she will have to face the town golden boy, the boy who after all this time still means so much to her.
“Chase was my childhood, my memories, and my happiness—things I worried I’d never get back.”
Chase’s life is not perfect either. His father has a serious drinking problem and he has to move for a while with Lilah and Lilah's father who is his baseball coach. Lilah had changed and Chase can tell, but she’s also the same lost girl. All he wants is to tear all her walls down, to break the ice between them, to have the same relationship they had two years ago.
“The truth was I loved Lilah even as she walked away from me that day.
I would always love Lilah.”
“Chasing Spring” is a lovely, emotional story, told both in the present from Lilah and Chase's perspective and in the past, from two other characters’ point-of-view. I liked the way the story unfolded and how gradually certain events are revealed. The plot is well build for the most part and I enjoyed the pace of the story.
Both Lilah and Chase were likeable characters. Lilah’s character was more developed IMO. I really sympathize with her. She was in so much pain and grief, so lost, lonely and insecure. The fact that she actually believed that she’s not enough for Chase, that she’s not worth saving, loving and keeping, broke my heart. I’m glad she had Chase to help her realize the past should stay in past. For the most part I liked her, but there were times when she really frustrated me. At times she acted immaturely, yes, but other times she was a strong and brave girl. However, I can’t say I related too much with her. Like I mentioned above, I felt for her, but for some reason I didn’t fully connected with her character.
I loved Chace. He was sweet, kind, caring and so patient with Lilah. His determination to help the girl he loves so deeply warmed my heart. I loved the fact he saw Lilah for what she really – a lost girl and the fact that he didn’t blame her for a past no one was to blame.
The bond between Lilah and Chase was there and it was a lovely one, but I would have liked more romance between them. I know this is a YA novel, but I think it would have been better with a more developed romance aspect.
I liked how everything progressed between these two characters, but I think the ending was a little rushed. I wouldn’t have minded the story to be longer.
Overall, a great read!
February 2, 2016
3.5 Stars
February 1, 2016
NOW LIVE: http://amzn.to/1PPHSW8!
It isn’t a secret that Chasing Spring wouldn’t be your typical R.S. Grey book. It wouldn’t have her signature humor, lightness and sexiness, but you should still read it! I love her other books, like 5 star love, but this book is more to me. I don’t know Rachel personally or even a little bit, but I am always impressed when an author is brave enough to go against the grain and write what they feel. I only say this to say, I highly recommend you giving this book a chance, too.
Lilah is moving back to town after being away for the past year and half. She isn’t ready to go back to the small town of Texas, full of nosey and gossiping neighbors. She isn’t ready to face her classmates, but most importantly her childhood best friend, the golden boy.
Chase may be the golden boy, but his life is anything but golden now. He is actually having to move in with Lilah because of his dad’s drinking problem. Lilah’s dad is Chase’s baseball coach and as you quickly learn Lilah and Chase have been in each other’s lives since they were babies.
This story is so unique, because as you are reading and understanding Chase and Lilah’s futures you are also seeing a glimpses of the past. The glimpse of the past are of two little girls, you watch them grow up. Please understand this isn’t two books and the scenes from the past are just brief moments. Regardless, these scenes really tied the the whole story together. These moments broke my heart. Seeing history repeat itself and fearing it would win again. Through these moments I could fell Lilah’s grief and fear as if it were my own.
I cannot begin to tell you how impressed I am with Rachel. This story is just something, the feelings I felt were overwhelming. The heartache, sorrow and empathy, I wanted more and more for these two. I don’t even mean in a romantic aspect, I just wanted happiness and peace for them period. I loved how the story unfolded to bring everything out in the open and I freaking loved how Rachel used the gardening and spring. I will always think of Lilah when I think of dirty and gardening.
As I said this story is new and different for Grey. It blows my mind to know that she has been sitting on this one for years. I absolutely loved Chasing Spring, it’s full of heart and constantly made me think and feel for the characters. I definitely recommend!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Teasers created by me with stock images purchased from depositphotos.
It isn’t a secret that Chasing Spring wouldn’t be your typical R.S. Grey book. It wouldn’t have her signature humor, lightness and sexiness, but you should still read it! I love her other books, like 5 star love, but this book is more to me. I don’t know Rachel personally or even a little bit, but I am always impressed when an author is brave enough to go against the grain and write what they feel. I only say this to say, I highly recommend you giving this book a chance, too.
"Yeah well, this is life. Not everyone gets a happy ending.”
Lilah is moving back to town after being away for the past year and half. She isn’t ready to go back to the small town of Texas, full of nosey and gossiping neighbors. She isn’t ready to face her classmates, but most importantly her childhood best friend, the golden boy.
Chase may be the golden boy, but his life is anything but golden now. He is actually having to move in with Lilah because of his dad’s drinking problem. Lilah’s dad is Chase’s baseball coach and as you quickly learn Lilah and Chase have been in each other’s lives since they were babies.
This story is so unique, because as you are reading and understanding Chase and Lilah’s futures you are also seeing a glimpses of the past. The glimpse of the past are of two little girls, you watch them grow up. Please understand this isn’t two books and the scenes from the past are just brief moments. Regardless, these scenes really tied the the whole story together. These moments broke my heart. Seeing history repeat itself and fearing it would win again. Through these moments I could fell Lilah’s grief and fear as if it were my own.
I cannot begin to tell you how impressed I am with Rachel. This story is just something, the feelings I felt were overwhelming. The heartache, sorrow and empathy, I wanted more and more for these two. I don’t even mean in a romantic aspect, I just wanted happiness and peace for them period. I loved how the story unfolded to bring everything out in the open and I freaking loved how Rachel used the gardening and spring. I will always think of Lilah when I think of dirty and gardening.
As I said this story is new and different for Grey. It blows my mind to know that she has been sitting on this one for years. I absolutely loved Chasing Spring, it’s full of heart and constantly made me think and feel for the characters. I definitely recommend!
"Does the ending even matter? Shouldn’t the middle be the happy part? It’s the biggest chunk of our life and yet no one ever asks if the two people had a happy middle."
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Teasers created by me with stock images purchased from depositphotos.
February 9, 2017
4.5 STARS
Such a beautiful,intense and emotional story.I have read all of Rachel's books, but this one was different. Its so nice geting to see another side of Rachel! And now I can officially say that I would like to read more books from her in this genre.
This is a YA book that dealings with some heavy issues.Lilah, our main heroine is haunted by her past.She has a lot of insecurities and she doesn't open up easily .Especially now that she is back in her hometown and has to live under the same roof as her childhood friend Chase.Due to the fact that Chase's father is drunk, Chase must live with Lilah and her father.Things aren't the same between Chase and Lilah.
But Chase is there for Lilah.He is sweet, patient and he cares for Lilah.And he is the one that he will try to break the wall that she has built around herself. I loved how everything develops slowly in this story. Both have what the other needs.
I believe that everyone should read this story.
*An advance reading copy was generously provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Such a beautiful,intense and emotional story.I have read all of Rachel's books, but this one was different. Its so nice geting to see another side of Rachel! And now I can officially say that I would like to read more books from her in this genre.
This is a YA book that dealings with some heavy issues.Lilah, our main heroine is haunted by her past.She has a lot of insecurities and she doesn't open up easily .Especially now that she is back in her hometown and has to live under the same roof as her childhood friend Chase.Due to the fact that Chase's father is drunk, Chase must live with Lilah and her father.Things aren't the same between Chase and Lilah.
But Chase is there for Lilah.He is sweet, patient and he cares for Lilah.And he is the one that he will try to break the wall that she has built around herself. I loved how everything develops slowly in this story. Both have what the other needs.
I believe that everyone should read this story.
*An advance reading copy was generously provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
February 16, 2017
4.5 Stars
From beginning to end, this book was perfect! The writing beautiful and the execution flawless.
I've read two of R.S. Grey's previous books and loved them immensely! So naturally, I jumped on the chance to read her newest novel, 'Chasing Spring'. Whereas her other work has a lighter tone and what I would classify as Romantic Comedy, 'Chasing Spring' deals with some heavier topics and is surprisingly refreshing. I love the heavy. The heavier the better. Bring on the FEELS! 'Chasing Spring' did not disappoint me.
Chase Matthews and Lilah Calloway's lives have been intertwined since before they were born. Childhood best friends just as their mothers were, but ripped apart by one persons selfishness and bad decisions and then left to pick up the pieces.
Two years ago, tragedy struck their families, rocking them all to the core and leaving grief and destruction in its wake. Lilah leaves behind her small town of whispers with no intention of ever coming back. But after a year and a half away, circumstance has her back in her hometown of Blackwater, Texas. And if being back in her small town of liars and hypocrites wasn't bad enough -- SURPRISE, Chase Matthews is moving into her house.
Both Chase and Lilah's lives have been forever changed by certain events that I won't go into detail about. Whereas Lilah has spent the last two years trying to outrun the past, Chase has been letting go and moving forward. Chase has a bright future ahead of him and no matter how much Lilah loves and needs his strength, she can't see herself traveling down the same path and refuses to drag him down with her. Chase desperately wants to repair their fractured relationship but Lilah's misplaced blame constantly keeps him at arms length. Can Lilah learn to move forward and let Chase in, or will she always be a victim of their past?
I loved this book and the way the story was told. The pacing was smooth and the backstory flowed with the present effortlessly bringing the story full circle. The way the events of the past were slowly unveiled, kept me on the edge of my seat and turning page after page in anticipation. There was no stopping me once I started this book.
I feel that the synopsis is a little misleading because I definitely wasn't expecting what I got! This story is packed with so many emotions. Sadness, grief, heartache, forgiveness, love, and most of all, hope. Chase and Lilah go through more than anyone should have to at their age and show matureness beyond their years. My heart ached the most for the little girl sitting on the curb waiting for her mother to come back.
This is a story that will stay with me for a long time. I love that R.S. Grey took on a completely different writing style, really showing what an incredible and versatile author she is. A truly heart felt, thought provoking, must read!
*Huge thank you to R.S. Grey for providing me with an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.*
From beginning to end, this book was perfect! The writing beautiful and the execution flawless.
I've read two of R.S. Grey's previous books and loved them immensely! So naturally, I jumped on the chance to read her newest novel, 'Chasing Spring'. Whereas her other work has a lighter tone and what I would classify as Romantic Comedy, 'Chasing Spring' deals with some heavier topics and is surprisingly refreshing. I love the heavy. The heavier the better. Bring on the FEELS! 'Chasing Spring' did not disappoint me.
Chase Matthews and Lilah Calloway's lives have been intertwined since before they were born. Childhood best friends just as their mothers were, but ripped apart by one persons selfishness and bad decisions and then left to pick up the pieces.
Two years ago, tragedy struck their families, rocking them all to the core and leaving grief and destruction in its wake. Lilah leaves behind her small town of whispers with no intention of ever coming back. But after a year and a half away, circumstance has her back in her hometown of Blackwater, Texas. And if being back in her small town of liars and hypocrites wasn't bad enough -- SURPRISE, Chase Matthews is moving into her house.
Both Chase and Lilah's lives have been forever changed by certain events that I won't go into detail about. Whereas Lilah has spent the last two years trying to outrun the past, Chase has been letting go and moving forward. Chase has a bright future ahead of him and no matter how much Lilah loves and needs his strength, she can't see herself traveling down the same path and refuses to drag him down with her. Chase desperately wants to repair their fractured relationship but Lilah's misplaced blame constantly keeps him at arms length. Can Lilah learn to move forward and let Chase in, or will she always be a victim of their past?
I loved this book and the way the story was told. The pacing was smooth and the backstory flowed with the present effortlessly bringing the story full circle. The way the events of the past were slowly unveiled, kept me on the edge of my seat and turning page after page in anticipation. There was no stopping me once I started this book.
I feel that the synopsis is a little misleading because I definitely wasn't expecting what I got! This story is packed with so many emotions. Sadness, grief, heartache, forgiveness, love, and most of all, hope. Chase and Lilah go through more than anyone should have to at their age and show matureness beyond their years. My heart ached the most for the little girl sitting on the curb waiting for her mother to come back.
This is a story that will stay with me for a long time. I love that R.S. Grey took on a completely different writing style, really showing what an incredible and versatile author she is. A truly heart felt, thought provoking, must read!
*Huge thank you to R.S. Grey for providing me with an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.*
February 11, 2016
4 Spring Stars.
Lilah is a girl troubled by her past and is afraid that her choices will eventually make her repeat her mother’s mistakes.
Chase is a boy with some family issues, and he’s currently living in Lilah’s house. They grew up together and fell in love together, until Lilah went away.
Now she’s back and Chase is living in her house, and Chase is decided to bring the Lilah he used to know back.
But how can one person let go of the past and become her true self?
Let me be very honest, don’t let the gorgeous cover of this book fool you. This is not your usual sexy, funny and witty R. S Grey.
This is YA, angsty and very emotional. The characters are a little broken and they have a long way until their happy ending.
I love how the author took a chance and took a chance on a genre that is not her usual, because it paid off. It is a really good YA book and if you like those, than you should try this one.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: Chase was a really nice guy and I liked how supportive and protective he was of Lilah. Lilah had a lot of troubles with her past so it was a little harder to go over her broken shell, but other than that, she was a likable enough heroine,
Steam: Meh.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Lilah is a girl troubled by her past and is afraid that her choices will eventually make her repeat her mother’s mistakes.
Chase is a boy with some family issues, and he’s currently living in Lilah’s house. They grew up together and fell in love together, until Lilah went away.
Now she’s back and Chase is living in her house, and Chase is decided to bring the Lilah he used to know back.
But how can one person let go of the past and become her true self?
Let me be very honest, don’t let the gorgeous cover of this book fool you. This is not your usual sexy, funny and witty R. S Grey.
This is YA, angsty and very emotional. The characters are a little broken and they have a long way until their happy ending.
I love how the author took a chance and took a chance on a genre that is not her usual, because it paid off. It is a really good YA book and if you like those, than you should try this one.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: Chase was a really nice guy and I liked how supportive and protective he was of Lilah. Lilah had a lot of troubles with her past so it was a little harder to go over her broken shell, but other than that, she was a likable enough heroine,
Steam: Meh.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
February 6, 2016
3.5 Stars
I really liked this one but the abrupt ending left me unsatisfied.
Lilah and Chase's moms are best friends. They do everything together so it was only natural that they are pregnant at the same time. Lilah and Chase grow up together and are best friends until something tragic happens and Lilah leaves to go live with her grandma. She leaves everyone behind and is very closed off. With a few months left of her senior year Lilah has moved back home. She doesn't want to move back there but her dad is making her. When her dad informs her that they will also have a house guest until school is over Lilah is completely shocked when she finds out its Chase. The schools golden boy. Her former best friend. The boy who she loves but can't be with.
Chase and Lilah are both broken. Both of them dealing with things differently. I loved Chase and how he tried to tear down Lilahs walls. I loved Lilah at times and understood her struggles. I got why she didn't feel like she needed to be with Chase. I however didn't feel why if she didn't want to be like her mother she kept making the decisions she made. I couldn't help myself when I was shaking my kindle pretending it was Lilah. lol She grated my nerves throughout the book.
Now why just 3.5 stars?
I didn't feel the love between Chase and Lilah. We got two kisses and that was it. I don't need sex in a book that's not what my issue was. I just didn't feel these two together as lovers. I felt like we didn't get enough of them together as a couple. I felt this was more about Lilah and her healing rather than a romance.
The ending though that was abrupt! It left me with questions. I hate books with out an epilogue.
I really liked this one but the abrupt ending left me unsatisfied.
Lilah and Chase's moms are best friends. They do everything together so it was only natural that they are pregnant at the same time. Lilah and Chase grow up together and are best friends until something tragic happens and Lilah leaves to go live with her grandma. She leaves everyone behind and is very closed off. With a few months left of her senior year Lilah has moved back home. She doesn't want to move back there but her dad is making her. When her dad informs her that they will also have a house guest until school is over Lilah is completely shocked when she finds out its Chase. The schools golden boy. Her former best friend. The boy who she loves but can't be with.
Chase and Lilah are both broken. Both of them dealing with things differently. I loved Chase and how he tried to tear down Lilahs walls. I loved Lilah at times and understood her struggles. I got why she didn't feel like she needed to be with Chase. I however didn't feel why if she didn't want to be like her mother she kept making the decisions she made. I couldn't help myself when I was shaking my kindle pretending it was Lilah. lol She grated my nerves throughout the book.
Now why just 3.5 stars?
I didn't feel the love between Chase and Lilah. We got two kisses and that was it. I don't need sex in a book that's not what my issue was. I just didn't feel these two together as lovers. I felt like we didn't get enough of them together as a couple. I felt this was more about Lilah and her healing rather than a romance.
The ending though that was abrupt! It left me with questions. I hate books with out an epilogue.
February 1, 2016
"My family's secrets had been plucked, pressed, preserved, and put on display.
It wasn't fair that everyone knew my secrets but I didn't know theirs. The scales were tipped in their favor, and since I couldn't erase the secrets on my side, it was time to start weighing down theirs."
It's been about a week since I read Chasing Spring and I'm still thinking of it. To be honest, I'm not sure why I was so taken aback by this book. I mean, the author implored her readers that this was DIFFERENT from anything else she had put out before.
And that was correct.
This is a complete departure from normal RomCom R.S. Grey and I freaking LOVED it.
I'm still processing this angst-filled novel. It was intense, full of raw, rough, and tumultuous feels. It had a darker edge to it, with the subject matter being heart breaking in every sense. The characters felt layered and heavy, their pain transparent in each word I read. And the writing felt fierce and alive, beautiful and poignant.
Lilah—our main character—is having to return home after being away for two years. You can literally feel her misery as she returns to town, this place that holds so much pain for her. I really connected to her character. I wish I could give you a detailed report of every way we're alike (hahahaha), but that would spoil the book. Just know that this girl... she's carrying around some heavy feelings of worthlessness. She's lost, searching for her identity. She feels abandoned, unloved by the one person who should have loved her unconditionally. She's broken. She doesn't know how to process her emotions. But behind that sense of not knowing who she is, or what she's worth, is this fighting spirit that I loved so much.
"I thought about the possibility of becoming her every single day. It was easy to see the similarities, but every time I indulged myself, my logic would eventually kick in. I wasn't her. I knew that. Still, people viewed me as her spawn. I've been branded as trouble from the start."
Lilah shows up in town and she's no longer the blonde, lighthearted girl who left. She's done a 360. Chase see's her, and he see's behind the pixie cut and black hair dye, he see's the girl he once knew, hiding behind a hardened facade, and he's ready to find his Lilah again.
You see, Chase and Lilah are childhood best friends. Linked together from the time they were little. But they haven't talked since Lilah left home.
There's so much history between these two.
So many things that have not been spoken about.
God, you guys, it's INTENSE. I can't give many details, but the HISTORY is heart pounding. These characters have gone through more than anyone should. And despite the anguish they are still trudging through, their soul-deep connection remains.
"I loved the golden boy. I woke up loving him and I drifted to sleep loving him, but having that love returned, letting that love blossom wasn't a possibility. Even if we could work our way through our past, no one thought I was good enough for him--and honestly, I wasn't."
Again, this story is gripping. We get to see what has lead to Chase and Lilah's current day situation, through a series of flashbacks that are captivating and terribly sad.
The writing in Chasing Spring is intricate and beautiful. RS Grey stunned me stupid with the level of angst that had me crying. I could tell the author's heart was in this book. I could tell she had worked and worked on this story. It was intoxicating, and it pulled on my heart so so so much.
I highly recommend that you give this a go. If you like angst, if you like books that are just more, then this is for you. I was so captivated by these characters. Totally invested in every page. And I was wholly impressed by the way my fav Romantic Comedy author literally transformed into an angst queen!
#4.5 Perfect Stars.
It wasn't fair that everyone knew my secrets but I didn't know theirs. The scales were tipped in their favor, and since I couldn't erase the secrets on my side, it was time to start weighing down theirs."
It's been about a week since I read Chasing Spring and I'm still thinking of it. To be honest, I'm not sure why I was so taken aback by this book. I mean, the author implored her readers that this was DIFFERENT from anything else she had put out before.
And that was correct.
This is a complete departure from normal RomCom R.S. Grey and I freaking LOVED it.
I'm still processing this angst-filled novel. It was intense, full of raw, rough, and tumultuous feels. It had a darker edge to it, with the subject matter being heart breaking in every sense. The characters felt layered and heavy, their pain transparent in each word I read. And the writing felt fierce and alive, beautiful and poignant.
Lilah—our main character—is having to return home after being away for two years. You can literally feel her misery as she returns to town, this place that holds so much pain for her. I really connected to her character. I wish I could give you a detailed report of every way we're alike (hahahaha), but that would spoil the book. Just know that this girl... she's carrying around some heavy feelings of worthlessness. She's lost, searching for her identity. She feels abandoned, unloved by the one person who should have loved her unconditionally. She's broken. She doesn't know how to process her emotions. But behind that sense of not knowing who she is, or what she's worth, is this fighting spirit that I loved so much.
"I thought about the possibility of becoming her every single day. It was easy to see the similarities, but every time I indulged myself, my logic would eventually kick in. I wasn't her. I knew that. Still, people viewed me as her spawn. I've been branded as trouble from the start."
Lilah shows up in town and she's no longer the blonde, lighthearted girl who left. She's done a 360. Chase see's her, and he see's behind the pixie cut and black hair dye, he see's the girl he once knew, hiding behind a hardened facade, and he's ready to find his Lilah again.
You see, Chase and Lilah are childhood best friends. Linked together from the time they were little. But they haven't talked since Lilah left home.
There's so much history between these two.
So many things that have not been spoken about.
God, you guys, it's INTENSE. I can't give many details, but the HISTORY is heart pounding. These characters have gone through more than anyone should. And despite the anguish they are still trudging through, their soul-deep connection remains.
"I loved the golden boy. I woke up loving him and I drifted to sleep loving him, but having that love returned, letting that love blossom wasn't a possibility. Even if we could work our way through our past, no one thought I was good enough for him--and honestly, I wasn't."
Again, this story is gripping. We get to see what has lead to Chase and Lilah's current day situation, through a series of flashbacks that are captivating and terribly sad.
The writing in Chasing Spring is intricate and beautiful. RS Grey stunned me stupid with the level of angst that had me crying. I could tell the author's heart was in this book. I could tell she had worked and worked on this story. It was intoxicating, and it pulled on my heart so so so much.
I highly recommend that you give this a go. If you like angst, if you like books that are just more, then this is for you. I was so captivated by these characters. Totally invested in every page. And I was wholly impressed by the way my fav Romantic Comedy author literally transformed into an angst queen!
#4.5 Perfect Stars.
February 4, 2016
“This was our story and happy endings are few and far between.”
With her latest, Author R.S. Grey indelibly proves that not only can her words make us lose it in a fit of giggles, but they can also make us feel as tears threaten to fall. Chasing Spring was an evocative coming-of-age tale of two high schoolers who have gone through more than most should at their age. Theirs is the kind of story that makes your heart ache as all its layers unravel, revealing the rawness of a reticent, but resounding pain. Grey delivers the story in multiple point of views, as we experience the push and pull between our two protagonists. It’s a duel between their past and present, between fighting their pain and relenting to their sorrow.
“My family’s secrets had been plucked, pressed, preserved and put on display”
The last thing Lilah Calloway wants is to go back to Blackwater, Texas. That small town represented everything she wanted to bury, everything she struggled to deal with. Unfortunately, circumstances made leaving Austin a necessity and she reluctantly goes back home knowing she’d have to face it all again. Making matters worse, her ex best friend, Chase Matthews, was to be moving in with her and her dad.
“He was the golden boy, and I was the lost girl.”
Chase Matthews was Blackwater’s golden boy—good looking, kind, loyal, the town’s talented baseball player. Lilah and Chase had grown up together, their mothers were best friends. But now, Lilah was coming back to town towing a tough attitude, her blond hair dyed black. She planned to ignore Chase and just survive her last year of high school.
As expected, coming home stirred up emotions she didn’t—couldn’t—deal with as ghosts haunted her every waking minute. Loss and addiction had shaped her life, horrible choices scarred her in ways that would never diminish. She feared her own turbulent feelings would make her lose control, following dangerous footsteps she feared to tread.
“What if I’m past the point of return?”
There is so much to Chase and Lilah’s story. As the story reveals what happened, I felt crushed by the gravity of what these two people had gone through. But as somber and serious as the topics explored are, this is also a story of hope, resilience and fighting to grasp onto the love we have in our lives.
Chasing Spring is a quickly read, emotional coming-of-age that both young and adult readers will enjoy.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
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February 7, 2016
3 Healing Wounds and Searching for Peace Stars
Chasing Spring reminds me of Jessica Sorensen books. There’s teen angst, tension filled drama and someone is always in the deep end. I think Chasing Spring works for a lot of people, you just have to go into it with the right mind set.
Chasing Spring is a descriptive book with a lot going on. It’s a Young Adult book with zero steam, but it has a lot of heart. I love teenager angst, so you have to take it for it is. It’s about two young adults overcoming past traumatic issues which are revealed slowly throughout the book.
Chase is the Hero and Lilah is the Heroine. Chase is the star athlete. He has an alcoholic father and he now lives with Lilah because of this. Lilah is a big mess and she’s the star of the book. She dyed her hair from blond to black and dresses kind of grunge Goth. She left town for a bit and now she is back. Now, her and Chase are back together, but they aren’t close friends as they once were.
The problem between Chase and Lilah was good mild tension that was the focal point of the book. You wanted Lilah to be better and you wanted Chase to do that for her. The MAIN problem of this book and the reason for the mixed reviews is the execution of the story.
The first problem is we didn’t know the problem. Why is Lilah the way she is? How are Chase and Lilah sharing this joint problem? There were so many questions and as much as I would like to discover past mistakes, I think Lilah had too many problems. Meaning, her problems should have been the main part of the book, instead of having these flashback chapters explaining what happened to their mother’s seemed like over kill. I skimmed those pages.
The second problem is that there wasn’t enough “romance” between Lilah and Chase. There was so much tension that it over shadow any love connection they could form. The only connection I got is that they shared a past, but I didn’t feel Chase’s love nor Lilah’s, it wasn’t organic, very forced in my opinion.
The third problem is that this book seemed like a New Adult book, but it should have been marketed as a Young Adult. I wanted more passion between Chase and Lilah, I was waiting for it to the very end and when I realized it never came to be, I was thinking to myself if I knew this was a young adult book I wouldn’t have been disappointed.
Overall, the book had a lot of potential, but I feel like it dragged at some parts, or when there was tension, it was just too much and there wasn’t enough romance. It’s a beautiful story, but it wasn’t for me.
Read on Kindle Unlimited
Chasing Spring reminds me of Jessica Sorensen books. There’s teen angst, tension filled drama and someone is always in the deep end. I think Chasing Spring works for a lot of people, you just have to go into it with the right mind set.
Chasing Spring is a descriptive book with a lot going on. It’s a Young Adult book with zero steam, but it has a lot of heart. I love teenager angst, so you have to take it for it is. It’s about two young adults overcoming past traumatic issues which are revealed slowly throughout the book.
Chase is the Hero and Lilah is the Heroine. Chase is the star athlete. He has an alcoholic father and he now lives with Lilah because of this. Lilah is a big mess and she’s the star of the book. She dyed her hair from blond to black and dresses kind of grunge Goth. She left town for a bit and now she is back. Now, her and Chase are back together, but they aren’t close friends as they once were.
The problem between Chase and Lilah was good mild tension that was the focal point of the book. You wanted Lilah to be better and you wanted Chase to do that for her. The MAIN problem of this book and the reason for the mixed reviews is the execution of the story.
The first problem is we didn’t know the problem. Why is Lilah the way she is? How are Chase and Lilah sharing this joint problem? There were so many questions and as much as I would like to discover past mistakes, I think Lilah had too many problems. Meaning, her problems should have been the main part of the book, instead of having these flashback chapters explaining what happened to their mother’s seemed like over kill. I skimmed those pages.
The second problem is that there wasn’t enough “romance” between Lilah and Chase. There was so much tension that it over shadow any love connection they could form. The only connection I got is that they shared a past, but I didn’t feel Chase’s love nor Lilah’s, it wasn’t organic, very forced in my opinion.
The third problem is that this book seemed like a New Adult book, but it should have been marketed as a Young Adult. I wanted more passion between Chase and Lilah, I was waiting for it to the very end and when I realized it never came to be, I was thinking to myself if I knew this was a young adult book I wouldn’t have been disappointed.
Overall, the book had a lot of potential, but I feel like it dragged at some parts, or when there was tension, it was just too much and there wasn’t enough romance. It’s a beautiful story, but it wasn’t for me.
Read on Kindle Unlimited
May 22, 2016
Wow! Such a different story from R.S. Grey, but I loved it. Because I've decided to read all of her books, I didn't even stop to read the blurb, so I was surprised, in a good way, to see her move away from romantic comedy to cover a much more serious topic like addiction. She continues to prove how talented she is and I couldn't be happier.
Lilah Calloway left Blackwater, Texas two years ago to live with her aunt, thinking she had safely ran away from her past. But when her aunt has to move, she's has to go back home, to the one place she didn't ever want to return.
"She'd been the brightest part of my childhood and now she was evading me at all costs."
When Lilah returns home she learns that her ex-best friend, Chase Matthews was moving in with them. His dad began drinking when his mom passed away and it's gotten worse over the years. Chase is the baseball star and heartthrob of the school. Because their mothers were best friends, they grew up together and we're best friends. Then when tragedy struck their families, it tore them apart.
"Life had done its best to stomp her back into dust, but I wouldn't let it happen."
Lilah never really dealt with her loss and grief. Instead she deflects those feelings and channels it into finding out the rest of the towns secrets. It's only fair right, since the small town she lived in decided to gossip about her family during one of their worst times. She also avoids Chase whenever possible and begins hanging out with the wrong crowd.
I loved Chase's determination to get through to Lilah. They loved one another, but were lost when it came to being together. I also loved that not only was this told in dual POV, but that some of chapters were told about their mothers. It was great to get their story too and begin to understand some of Lilah's worries about following in her mother's footsteps. I could totally understand her fear.
Again, Grey did a fantastic job with this book. This story had me from the beginning. I couldn't read fast enough. I wanted to know what happened to both Lilah and Chase, why they weren't friends anymore and how were they going to make their way back to each other. Even though there wasn't a lot of romance in this book, I didn't miss it. This focused more on the effects of addiction and healing from loss. I can't wait to read the next book by Grey.
Lilah Calloway left Blackwater, Texas two years ago to live with her aunt, thinking she had safely ran away from her past. But when her aunt has to move, she's has to go back home, to the one place she didn't ever want to return.
"She'd been the brightest part of my childhood and now she was evading me at all costs."
When Lilah returns home she learns that her ex-best friend, Chase Matthews was moving in with them. His dad began drinking when his mom passed away and it's gotten worse over the years. Chase is the baseball star and heartthrob of the school. Because their mothers were best friends, they grew up together and we're best friends. Then when tragedy struck their families, it tore them apart.
"Life had done its best to stomp her back into dust, but I wouldn't let it happen."
Lilah never really dealt with her loss and grief. Instead she deflects those feelings and channels it into finding out the rest of the towns secrets. It's only fair right, since the small town she lived in decided to gossip about her family during one of their worst times. She also avoids Chase whenever possible and begins hanging out with the wrong crowd.
I loved Chase's determination to get through to Lilah. They loved one another, but were lost when it came to being together. I also loved that not only was this told in dual POV, but that some of chapters were told about their mothers. It was great to get their story too and begin to understand some of Lilah's worries about following in her mother's footsteps. I could totally understand her fear.
Again, Grey did a fantastic job with this book. This story had me from the beginning. I couldn't read fast enough. I wanted to know what happened to both Lilah and Chase, why they weren't friends anymore and how were they going to make their way back to each other. Even though there wasn't a lot of romance in this book, I didn't miss it. This focused more on the effects of addiction and healing from loss. I can't wait to read the next book by Grey.
March 14, 2016
3.5 stars!
R.S. Grey is the author I run to whenever I need a pick-me-up book. Are you having a shitty day? Well, read one of her books and I assure you that she will chase away the sadness for a few hours.
So, what was my reaction when I read that she was writing an emotional YA book?
This book was totally different from her other books, but I love when authors get out of their comfort zone and explore different genres.
This is the story of Chase and Lilah, who have been friends forever. Unfortunately, life happens, tragic things happen and Lilah needs to get away and put her past behind.
When she has no other choices than going home, she has to face the demons of her past and Chase, the boy she left two years before.
Will she be able to overcome her fears and to accept herself? Will she be able to let go of the past and move forward?
There's something in R.S. Grey's writing style that works easily for me and that touches the deepest cords in my soul.
Chase and Lilah's story was touching and I have to admit that I shed a few tears while reading this book. The story was angsty and very emotional and I couldn't put the book down.
I only wish that we got an extended epilogue! Hopefully, the author will give us one in the future :P
But I kind of understand her choice, since Lilah's self discovery was the main aspect of the story, more than the romance one.
I'm glad that the author decided to share this story to the world! I really enjoyed it and I recommend it to lovers of the YA genre.
R.S. Grey is the author I run to whenever I need a pick-me-up book. Are you having a shitty day? Well, read one of her books and I assure you that she will chase away the sadness for a few hours.
So, what was my reaction when I read that she was writing an emotional YA book?
This book was totally different from her other books, but I love when authors get out of their comfort zone and explore different genres.
This is the story of Chase and Lilah, who have been friends forever. Unfortunately, life happens, tragic things happen and Lilah needs to get away and put her past behind.
When she has no other choices than going home, she has to face the demons of her past and Chase, the boy she left two years before.
Will she be able to overcome her fears and to accept herself? Will she be able to let go of the past and move forward?
There's something in R.S. Grey's writing style that works easily for me and that touches the deepest cords in my soul.
Chase and Lilah's story was touching and I have to admit that I shed a few tears while reading this book. The story was angsty and very emotional and I couldn't put the book down.
I only wish that we got an extended epilogue! Hopefully, the author will give us one in the future :P
But I kind of understand her choice, since Lilah's self discovery was the main aspect of the story, more than the romance one.
I'm glad that the author decided to share this story to the world! I really enjoyed it and I recommend it to lovers of the YA genre.
Want to read
March 16, 2016 NEW BOOK BY R.S GREY???
HELL YES!!!! GIVE IT TO ME!!!!
HELL YES!!!! GIVE IT TO ME!!!!
February 1, 2016
★★ 4.5 stars! ★★
Chasing Spring is actually my first book by RS Grey. I know that she is typically a romantic comedy writer, but I am actually glad I got to start with a story that is heavier and more serious. This book is both intense and emotional, but also beautifully written and amazingly wonderful. There are so many secrets to discover in it's pages, and I couldn’t wait to learn about each one.
Speaking of secrets, they are a huge part of Lilah’s life and the center of the story. When tragedy struck not only her family, but Chase’s as well, the details of her family’s life we broadcast all over their small town. Lilah becomes obsessed with other people’s indiscretions to divert the grief that is weighing on her so heavily. She hasn’t let herself deal with her losses (yes, there were a few), but she is doing the best she can. The fact that you catch small glimpses of the ‘old Lilah’ throughout the story is proof of that.
Chasing Spring isn’t a soft and fluffy romance. This isn’t even a light and happy story, but that just makes the bright and shining moments stand out. It deals with painful and emotional subjects, but Grey handles them with grace and compassion.
There were several times that my heart was beating fast and I was flying through the pages. By the end, I was worn out emotionally, but you and I both know that’s a good thing with books. It means you are invested in the characters and need to see that they would be okay in the end. There is so much growth, healing, and acceptance that I felt heartened and reassured about having to part with the characters at the end of the book.
Now that I have finished Chasing Spring, I will definitely be going back to read the rest of RS Grey’s books. After seeing the way she handled this difficult book with ease, I am definitely curious about her lighter books.
▸ ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
▸ Order: Kindle | Paperback
▸ For more reviews, visit
June 22, 2017
Me pareció un libro normal nada destacable...para pasar el rato solamente. Pero de verdad, al leer la sinopsis y comenzar a leerlo, me esperaba otra cosa... no esta tan mal pero tampoco es maravilloso.
No es de esos libros que te marcan ni nada de eso.
Me pareció más juvenil o Young Adult (que es el tipo de lectura que me gustan) pero no terminó de engancharme... creo que porque me resultó en algunas partes confuso o no terminaban de explicar.
La protagonista, Lilah, muchas veces me exasperó y al comienzo no la entendía, el por qué se comportaba así y trataba a Chase de ese modo... ya después explican algo de porqué está así... pero igual el motivo de su actitud me pareció exagerada hasta más no poder.
Y Chase... el inocente en todo esto, fue encantador como la mayoría de los protagonistas adolescentes que leemos en muchos libros... lindo, deportista, sexy, maravilloso con la protagonista etc, etc etc...
La madre de Lilah...
Ya, no sé que más decir....
No es de esos libros que te marcan ni nada de eso.
Me pareció más juvenil o Young Adult (que es el tipo de lectura que me gustan) pero no terminó de engancharme... creo que porque me resultó en algunas partes confuso o no terminaban de explicar.
La protagonista, Lilah, muchas veces me exasperó y al comienzo no la entendía, el por qué se comportaba así y trataba a Chase de ese modo... ya después explican algo de porqué está así... pero igual el motivo de su actitud me pareció exagerada hasta más no poder.
Y Chase... el inocente en todo esto, fue encantador como la mayoría de los protagonistas adolescentes que leemos en muchos libros... lindo, deportista, sexy, maravilloso con la protagonista etc, etc etc...
La madre de Lilah...
Ya, no sé que más decir....
February 4, 2017
“Sometimes life is too short for explanations.”
This story can totally be related to our generation. Like this is the real shit ppl are facing in the real world, not so covered up lovey dovey stuff all the time. I absolutely understand where her place is in this book, and i could relate to her problems and worries.
This was a change of scene for me and an eye opener that not everything in this world is perfect and that was just have to move on and prepare for the future hopefully something better and full of life ❤️
❤❤
This story can totally be related to our generation. Like this is the real shit ppl are facing in the real world, not so covered up lovey dovey stuff all the time. I absolutely understand where her place is in this book, and i could relate to her problems and worries.
This was a change of scene for me and an eye opener that not everything in this world is perfect and that was just have to move on and prepare for the future hopefully something better and full of life ❤️
❤❤
August 10, 2023
ARC provided by the author in favor of an honest review.
Lilah Calloway is obsessed with secrets, and when she has to go back home, she finds the perfect opportunity to find out everyone's secrets.
Before I start talking about the book, I want to talk about how Rachel's writing is always easy to read through, it flows perfectly and is worded just the right way. I was hooked from the prologue up until the last word, and still wishing there was more to the story. The ending was so beautiful, I can't even put it into words, but it was a great way toend begin a story.
Now, let's talk about the book.
I cried, a lot, while reading this book. I felt really sad when reading some parts of this book, and was always rooting for Lilah. There's a lot of darkness in Lilah's life, and she's haunted by her past. Lilah Calloway had to return to Blackwater, Texas for the last semester of her senior year. Coincidentally, her childhood best friend Chase Matthews is moving into her house with her dad because of his drunken father. They ended things roughly before she left to live with her Aunt in Austen, but it doesn't take long before Chase has broken through the wall of Lilah's life. Lila has a thing for secrets, she wants to know everyone's secrets, she finds them interesting and helps her realize that not everyone have perfect lives. Her life is shattered back to reality when the past is ripped open again, and she's forced to face the truth. Lila and Chase don't have it easy, she wasn't looking for an angel, and he wasn't looking to be her hero, but some things just happen.
A lot of people have demons on the inside, refusing to let other people see, but some are just the opposite, showing only their demons while refusing to show people who they really are. This is a story about two teenagers trying to figure their life out, and trying to forgive and stop being angry at ghosts of the past. A story you don't want to miss.
Lilah and Chase go through a lot together, especially with their dark past and their families tie together that will forever be in their history. Lila refuses to get close to Chase, afraid of what will happen if she does, but Chase doesn't care, he's always cared for lilac and always will. In the last semester of their High School life, and life at Blackwater, they will decide if they're worth having a happy middle.
Rachel Grey, I salute you and your incredible mind for writing such a beautiful and dark story, I couldn't stop crying and smiling at the same time, and i'm glad you decided to publish Chasing Spring. I'm also thankful to have received an early copy, and that I got the chance to read Lilah and Chase's story.
I recommend this book to any and everyone, It's officially my favorite book by Rachel and if I could give it 6 stars, then I would. Go online and buy it!
Lilah Calloway is obsessed with secrets, and when she has to go back home, she finds the perfect opportunity to find out everyone's secrets.
"I love secrets and i'm good at finding them. For the least two years, I've learned to collect secrets one by one because secrets are flames and no place deserves to burn more than my small town." - Prologue of Chasing Spring.
Before I start talking about the book, I want to talk about how Rachel's writing is always easy to read through, it flows perfectly and is worded just the right way. I was hooked from the prologue up until the last word, and still wishing there was more to the story. The ending was so beautiful, I can't even put it into words, but it was a great way to
Now, let's talk about the book.
I cried, a lot, while reading this book. I felt really sad when reading some parts of this book, and was always rooting for Lilah. There's a lot of darkness in Lilah's life, and she's haunted by her past. Lilah Calloway had to return to Blackwater, Texas for the last semester of her senior year. Coincidentally, her childhood best friend Chase Matthews is moving into her house with her dad because of his drunken father. They ended things roughly before she left to live with her Aunt in Austen, but it doesn't take long before Chase has broken through the wall of Lilah's life. Lila has a thing for secrets, she wants to know everyone's secrets, she finds them interesting and helps her realize that not everyone have perfect lives. Her life is shattered back to reality when the past is ripped open again, and she's forced to face the truth. Lila and Chase don't have it easy, she wasn't looking for an angel, and he wasn't looking to be her hero, but some things just happen.
"Which little white pill makes a mother forget her dautgher?"
A lot of people have demons on the inside, refusing to let other people see, but some are just the opposite, showing only their demons while refusing to show people who they really are. This is a story about two teenagers trying to figure their life out, and trying to forgive and stop being angry at ghosts of the past. A story you don't want to miss.
"We'd forever be moving in opposite directions- after all, he was the golden boy, and I was the lost girl."
Lilah and Chase go through a lot together, especially with their dark past and their families tie together that will forever be in their history. Lila refuses to get close to Chase, afraid of what will happen if she does, but Chase doesn't care, he's always cared for lilac and always will. In the last semester of their High School life, and life at Blackwater, they will decide if they're worth having a happy middle.
Rachel Grey, I salute you and your incredible mind for writing such a beautiful and dark story, I couldn't stop crying and smiling at the same time, and i'm glad you decided to publish Chasing Spring. I'm also thankful to have received an early copy, and that I got the chance to read Lilah and Chase's story.
I recommend this book to any and everyone, It's officially my favorite book by Rachel and if I could give it 6 stars, then I would. Go online and buy it!
February 6, 2016
I read my first R.S. Grey novel back in December of last year and immediately fell in love with her way of writing. There was a real wittiness and humour to the book that I loved. When offered the chance to read an ARC of Chasing Spring I jumped at the opportunity. If I thought I was in for the same type of book then I was clearly mistaken.
Lilah and Chase have been friends since childhood, so they have a long history together. But events forced them apart and drove Lilah to move out of town, and they haven't spoken since. But now Lilah's returning only to find that Chase is moving into her house, so she'll be forced to encounter him everyday. How will she be able to keep up the walls that she's built when Chase is so determined to get back what they once had?
While Chasing Spring was written just as wonderfully as the previous book I read, it was a much grittier novel, with a much deeper subject matter. These type of books are my weakness. I love characters that have troubled pasts or are dealing with a range of issues.
The book shifts between present day, but then slips just as easily into the past so that we get brief glimpses to help us understand what lead the characters to where they are today. It was these glimpses that I found the most heartbreaking. To see how the actions of others impacted so greatly on the young lives of Chase and Lilah, and to be able to picture how different things could have been.
While I instantly loved Chase and his patience and protectiveness of Lilah, I have to admit that it took me a little while longer to feel that connection with Lilah. She was much more closed off, and while she tried to keep Chase at arms length I felt that she was doing the same to me. But as Chase's charms wore her down, I was able to see the girl hiding behind the tough exterior. And I liked her. I liked her a lot.
Chasing Spring was a story about friendship, pain, loss, love, and ultimately hope. Just my type of story. Having read two books by this author I can see the diversity in her writing and it's guaranteed that I'll be picking up more of her books.
4/5 Stars.
Lilah and Chase have been friends since childhood, so they have a long history together. But events forced them apart and drove Lilah to move out of town, and they haven't spoken since. But now Lilah's returning only to find that Chase is moving into her house, so she'll be forced to encounter him everyday. How will she be able to keep up the walls that she's built when Chase is so determined to get back what they once had?
While Chasing Spring was written just as wonderfully as the previous book I read, it was a much grittier novel, with a much deeper subject matter. These type of books are my weakness. I love characters that have troubled pasts or are dealing with a range of issues.
The book shifts between present day, but then slips just as easily into the past so that we get brief glimpses to help us understand what lead the characters to where they are today. It was these glimpses that I found the most heartbreaking. To see how the actions of others impacted so greatly on the young lives of Chase and Lilah, and to be able to picture how different things could have been.
While I instantly loved Chase and his patience and protectiveness of Lilah, I have to admit that it took me a little while longer to feel that connection with Lilah. She was much more closed off, and while she tried to keep Chase at arms length I felt that she was doing the same to me. But as Chase's charms wore her down, I was able to see the girl hiding behind the tough exterior. And I liked her. I liked her a lot.
Chasing Spring was a story about friendship, pain, loss, love, and ultimately hope. Just my type of story. Having read two books by this author I can see the diversity in her writing and it's guaranteed that I'll be picking up more of her books.
4/5 Stars.
August 15, 2016
Birkaç gündür yaşadığım bir takım şeylerden dolayı oldukça huzursuz günler geçiriyorum. Ve bu kitap bu günlerin tam üzerine geldi ve sonunu okuduğumda yüzüme buruk bir gülümseme kondurdu. Hepimizin hayatının bir gün bir yerde yoluna gireceğine dair bir umut serpti içime. Ama yarın ama bir yıl sonra.
Kitabın kapağına bakınca cıvıl cıvıl bir kitap bekliyor insan. Fakat bu kitap cıvıl cıvıl değil. Hüzünlü bir kitaptı. Karakterler hüzünlüydü.
Lilah çoğu zaman tahammül edemediğim bir karakter oldu. Evet kötü şeyler yaşamıştı, bu halde olmakta haklıydı ama ne kötü kız olmayı becerebildi ne de iyi kız. Kendini insanlardan uzaklaştırmak için elinden geleni yaptı, arkadaş istemedi, kötülerle takıldı ama onlarla olmak istemedi. İyilerle takıldı iyi olmak istemedi. Kendisini çok geç buldu. Sonlara doğru Lilah kendini buldukça ben rahatladım.
Chase, Lilah kadar kötü şeyler yaşadığı halde hayata hatta Lilah'ya tutunmaya devam etmesi ile benim gönlümü fethetti. Asla pes etmeyişi, bir şeylerin yoluna gireceğine dair inancı çok güzeldi.
Tek sorun geçmişi anlatan kesitlerin bana az gelmesiydi. Keşke Hannah ile Elaine'i daha fazla okusaydık. Çünkü geçmişte anlatılan kısımlar gerçekten çok ilgi çekiciydi.
Kısacası yazarın anlatımını, olayları oldukça sevdim. Severek okudum. Biraz hüzünlü, biraz hayata tutunmalı güzel bir aşk vardı bu kitapta :')
Kitabın kapağına bakınca cıvıl cıvıl bir kitap bekliyor insan. Fakat bu kitap cıvıl cıvıl değil. Hüzünlü bir kitaptı. Karakterler hüzünlüydü.
Lilah çoğu zaman tahammül edemediğim bir karakter oldu. Evet kötü şeyler yaşamıştı, bu halde olmakta haklıydı ama ne kötü kız olmayı becerebildi ne de iyi kız. Kendini insanlardan uzaklaştırmak için elinden geleni yaptı, arkadaş istemedi, kötülerle takıldı ama onlarla olmak istemedi. İyilerle takıldı iyi olmak istemedi. Kendisini çok geç buldu. Sonlara doğru Lilah kendini buldukça ben rahatladım.
Chase, Lilah kadar kötü şeyler yaşadığı halde hayata hatta Lilah'ya tutunmaya devam etmesi ile benim gönlümü fethetti. Asla pes etmeyişi, bir şeylerin yoluna gireceğine dair inancı çok güzeldi.
Tek sorun geçmişi anlatan kesitlerin bana az gelmesiydi. Keşke Hannah ile Elaine'i daha fazla okusaydık. Çünkü geçmişte anlatılan kısımlar gerçekten çok ilgi çekiciydi.
Kısacası yazarın anlatımını, olayları oldukça sevdim. Severek okudum. Biraz hüzünlü, biraz hayata tutunmalı güzel bir aşk vardı bu kitapta :')
January 3, 2020
Eh, it was okay. Not my favorite by R.S. Grey though.
Chasing Spring is more of a YA than NA book in my opinion. Mostly because they, Lilah and Chase, are both in High School. They were okay-ish characters in my eyes. I liked Chase a lot more because he actually tried to get to know Lilah more and more. Then there's Lilah who just annoyed me. There was just something about her that I didn't like. So, yeah, at one point I didn't want them to end up together.
Besides their lack of chemistry, I was really bored throughout this entire thing. It was a lot longer than I imagined it would be and I just wanted to sleep through it all. Nothing was really grabbing my attention with these two. Overall, I'm glad that it's over.
Chasing Spring is more of a YA than NA book in my opinion. Mostly because they, Lilah and Chase, are both in High School. They were okay-ish characters in my eyes. I liked Chase a lot more because he actually tried to get to know Lilah more and more. Then there's Lilah who just annoyed me. There was just something about her that I didn't like. So, yeah, at one point I didn't want them to end up together.
Besides their lack of chemistry, I was really bored throughout this entire thing. It was a lot longer than I imagined it would be and I just wanted to sleep through it all. Nothing was really grabbing my attention with these two. Overall, I'm glad that it's over.
February 11, 2016
I really love R.S. Grey, but sadly this wasnt her best book.
I'm so glad that I started my journey with her book Scoring Wilder, it was far the best book I've read of hers.
" Just because a bad thing has happened, it doesnt mean the world is going to stop hitting you"
This is a fact... a fact we should all consider. You may fall over and over again thats life and you have to deal with that, but always get up show life that youre not scared that youre ready to battle every time it knocks you down. Fall down seven, get up eight ;)
Chasing Spring talks about a broken, sad vampire girl name Lilah AKA "Bella" whose mom left her when she was 7 years old, and a guardian angel golden boy named Chase AKA " Edward".
"Does the almighty Chase Matthews want to be ab Edward to her Bella?"
Connor laughed. "Does this make me Jacob? "
Lilah's mom's past as a drug addict, and her being involved with the murder of her best friend Hannah (Chase's mom) had made Lilah's life a living hell. Everyone criticizing her, talking about her future as following the steps of her mom, mainly judging her based on her mothers actions. To a point that she started to actually believe that she would become the person she feared the most "her mother".
Long story short, Chase was the one who helped Lil kill her demons.
" I was a human punching bag and Lilah was a wrecking ball."
He brought upon her the gardening book of her mothers in which she kept little notes of her days with Lilah while gardening.
Lil loved those moments, she knew than after finishing the book that her mother loved her deeply just not in the way most mothers show.
What I didnt like about this book, was the chapters that didnt need to be written in order to reach the main plot of the book!
In one chapter I'd be reading that Lilah and Chase's dad came to his baseball game, and than suddenly theres a new chapter and Lilah is waking up to a new day.
ummmm excuse me but WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED IN BETWEEN
Just yesterday I was arguing that The Great Gatsby had so much details that could be eliminated, but than this book had so little details I needed more. I thought the events were unorganized and just without purpose.
But I can give credit to the author for writing an amazing plot. Sometimes the beginning and the end dont matter, its whats in the middle that counts. That's something most of us dwell on. We all wish for happy endings and forget that whats between the beginning and the finish line is the most important.... its where the memories lie
" Sometimes life is too short for explanations."
THE END
THE BEGINNING
I'm so glad that I started my journey with her book Scoring Wilder, it was far the best book I've read of hers.
" Just because a bad thing has happened, it doesnt mean the world is going to stop hitting you"
This is a fact... a fact we should all consider. You may fall over and over again thats life and you have to deal with that, but always get up show life that youre not scared that youre ready to battle every time it knocks you down. Fall down seven, get up eight ;)
Chasing Spring talks about a broken, sad vampire girl name Lilah AKA "Bella" whose mom left her when she was 7 years old, and a guardian angel golden boy named Chase AKA " Edward".
"Does the almighty Chase Matthews want to be ab Edward to her Bella?"
Connor laughed. "Does this make me Jacob? "
Lilah's mom's past as a drug addict, and her being involved with the murder of her best friend Hannah (Chase's mom) had made Lilah's life a living hell. Everyone criticizing her, talking about her future as following the steps of her mom, mainly judging her based on her mothers actions. To a point that she started to actually believe that she would become the person she feared the most "her mother".
Long story short, Chase was the one who helped Lil kill her demons.
" I was a human punching bag and Lilah was a wrecking ball."
He brought upon her the gardening book of her mothers in which she kept little notes of her days with Lilah while gardening.
Lil loved those moments, she knew than after finishing the book that her mother loved her deeply just not in the way most mothers show.
What I didnt like about this book, was the chapters that didnt need to be written in order to reach the main plot of the book!
In one chapter I'd be reading that Lilah and Chase's dad came to his baseball game, and than suddenly theres a new chapter and Lilah is waking up to a new day.
ummmm excuse me but WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED IN BETWEEN
Just yesterday I was arguing that The Great Gatsby had so much details that could be eliminated, but than this book had so little details I needed more. I thought the events were unorganized and just without purpose.
But I can give credit to the author for writing an amazing plot. Sometimes the beginning and the end dont matter, its whats in the middle that counts. That's something most of us dwell on. We all wish for happy endings and forget that whats between the beginning and the finish line is the most important.... its where the memories lie
" Sometimes life is too short for explanations."
THE BEGINNING
March 8, 2017
Boring. No connection. No build up. No nothing ugh.
August 14, 2019
I love R.S. Grey's writing but Chasing Spring was definitely one of her weaker novels. The story was just quite predictable and pretty boring most of the time. Overall however, it was still an enjoyable and quick read which is why I think three stars is an adequate rating for it.
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February 3, 2016
5- Not The End, The Beggining- Stars
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Wow. I’m so emotionally devastated right now! I knew that this will not be the typical Rachel Grey book, but I didn’t know that it will break me into little pieces. It was really different from anything I’ve ever read from her before and this wasn’t, for sure, an easy reading but it was an unforgettable one.
Lilah returns to her home town for the last semester of her senior year in high school. She left two years ago after a tragic event and she hasn’t returned so far. When she arrives home, her father lets her know that her childhood best friend, Chase Matthews is also moving into their house because of his drunken father. Chase and Lilah always had a special bond since they were born, but they didn’t speak with each other since Lilah moved to Austen to her Aunt two years ago.
Lilah is so lost, in so much pain and grief and hunted by the past of the mistakes of others. She is no longer the popular smiling blond girl from the dance team, she has now a black pixie haircut, with sadness in her eyes and she tries to keep everyone at arm's length from her, but Chase is determined to trying breaking through her walls and to find his Lilah again. He tries to help her find her way out from the darkness but it’s not an easy journey. She has to let off so much remorse and so much pain.
The story is brilliantly built up! It splits into two parallel timelines with the story of two different lives. As the story flicks back and forth between present and past, threads of the story slowly reveal and step by step the whole picture starts to fit together. The way this story unfolds is flawless and the writing style is also astonishing.
The book was emotional and was dealing with some serious issues. Before the release, the author drew attention to the fact that maybe not everybody will love this story. Yes, this story is raw and emotional but guys, I have to tell you that this book has so much deepness and beauty! I loved every single line of this book! I loved all the roughness around the edges, all the imperfections of the characters and I really am glad that she decided to publish this book, despite the first rejection of a publisher because I felt that she poured her heart into every page.
I loved the secrets in this book and the “investigations” of Lilah gave a special hue to this story. Although at the end I felt that maybe this thread of the story didn’t unfold completely, but I loved the message that everybody has their own daemons and own secrets, they just don’t always break to the surface. Maybe I would have loved to read much more romantic scenes. We didn’t get much glimpse into Chase and Lilah’s relationship and I’m a little disappointed about this, and I also missed an epilogue.
I’m so impressed with this amazing book! At the end it even brought tears to my eyes. Not because it has a very sad ending, but maybe because the storytelling evoked such deeply felt emotions. Maybe it was not perfect, but it handed over so much emotions and it was full with heart and soul, so I absolutely can’t give less than 5 stars!
For more of my reviews please visit my blog:
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https://veronikasreaderfeeder.wordpre...
Wow. I’m so emotionally devastated right now! I knew that this will not be the typical Rachel Grey book, but I didn’t know that it will break me into little pieces. It was really different from anything I’ve ever read from her before and this wasn’t, for sure, an easy reading but it was an unforgettable one.
Lilah returns to her home town for the last semester of her senior year in high school. She left two years ago after a tragic event and she hasn’t returned so far. When she arrives home, her father lets her know that her childhood best friend, Chase Matthews is also moving into their house because of his drunken father. Chase and Lilah always had a special bond since they were born, but they didn’t speak with each other since Lilah moved to Austen to her Aunt two years ago.
Lilah is so lost, in so much pain and grief and hunted by the past of the mistakes of others. She is no longer the popular smiling blond girl from the dance team, she has now a black pixie haircut, with sadness in her eyes and she tries to keep everyone at arm's length from her, but Chase is determined to trying breaking through her walls and to find his Lilah again. He tries to help her find her way out from the darkness but it’s not an easy journey. She has to let off so much remorse and so much pain.
The story is brilliantly built up! It splits into two parallel timelines with the story of two different lives. As the story flicks back and forth between present and past, threads of the story slowly reveal and step by step the whole picture starts to fit together. The way this story unfolds is flawless and the writing style is also astonishing.
The book was emotional and was dealing with some serious issues. Before the release, the author drew attention to the fact that maybe not everybody will love this story. Yes, this story is raw and emotional but guys, I have to tell you that this book has so much deepness and beauty! I loved every single line of this book! I loved all the roughness around the edges, all the imperfections of the characters and I really am glad that she decided to publish this book, despite the first rejection of a publisher because I felt that she poured her heart into every page.
I loved the secrets in this book and the “investigations” of Lilah gave a special hue to this story. Although at the end I felt that maybe this thread of the story didn’t unfold completely, but I loved the message that everybody has their own daemons and own secrets, they just don’t always break to the surface. Maybe I would have loved to read much more romantic scenes. We didn’t get much glimpse into Chase and Lilah’s relationship and I’m a little disappointed about this, and I also missed an epilogue.
I’m so impressed with this amazing book! At the end it even brought tears to my eyes. Not because it has a very sad ending, but maybe because the storytelling evoked such deeply felt emotions. Maybe it was not perfect, but it handed over so much emotions and it was full with heart and soul, so I absolutely can’t give less than 5 stars!
For more of my reviews please visit my blog:
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March 17, 2016
RS Grey is fast becoming one of my must buy authors. I loved taking a break from her usual new adult romance, for a darker ya story.
This book is heart breaking. It deals with a lot of issues that we don't normally see in a contemporary YA read. It deals with loss, drug addiction, murder, and coming to terms with ones past. The story of Lilah and Chase is so entwined with the story of their mothers. It makes for a rich and emotional read.
The story is told in dual perspective in the past and present. We get glimpses into the lives of both Lilah and Chase's mothers. How they meet, and ultimately end up having children that are best friends as well. While the stories of the past unfold, you hear from the present. In the voices of Lilah and Chase. Whereas I usually don't like a ton of perspective changes. The way it was done made sense for the story. It gives just enough glimpses into the past to not overwhelm the story going on in the present.
The overall tone of this book is darker than her usual books. It gives way for a larger conversation about mental health, addiction, and how it effects those around you. Lilah is such a complex character. She is haunted by her mother at every step, yet tries to cling onto her as much as she can. It's so heartbreaking to see her struggle with and come to terms with her mother's actions. How she seeks to know why her mother sought after the next high.
Chase is the light to Lilah's dark. Much like his mother was. Always there to "save the day." All while dealing with his own demons. Coming to terms with his own past and present. How Lilah's mother effected his life, and now has to deal with a parent of addiction in the present.
Overall I loved this book. I read it, beginning to end, in one sitting. I got so sucked into the lives of this book. The ups and downs, and the raw emotionality of it. I really hope to see more books like this from RS Grey. I'm so glad she surprised me with the depth of this book.
This book is heart breaking. It deals with a lot of issues that we don't normally see in a contemporary YA read. It deals with loss, drug addiction, murder, and coming to terms with ones past. The story of Lilah and Chase is so entwined with the story of their mothers. It makes for a rich and emotional read.
The story is told in dual perspective in the past and present. We get glimpses into the lives of both Lilah and Chase's mothers. How they meet, and ultimately end up having children that are best friends as well. While the stories of the past unfold, you hear from the present. In the voices of Lilah and Chase. Whereas I usually don't like a ton of perspective changes. The way it was done made sense for the story. It gives just enough glimpses into the past to not overwhelm the story going on in the present.
The overall tone of this book is darker than her usual books. It gives way for a larger conversation about mental health, addiction, and how it effects those around you. Lilah is such a complex character. She is haunted by her mother at every step, yet tries to cling onto her as much as she can. It's so heartbreaking to see her struggle with and come to terms with her mother's actions. How she seeks to know why her mother sought after the next high.
Chase is the light to Lilah's dark. Much like his mother was. Always there to "save the day." All while dealing with his own demons. Coming to terms with his own past and present. How Lilah's mother effected his life, and now has to deal with a parent of addiction in the present.
Overall I loved this book. I read it, beginning to end, in one sitting. I got so sucked into the lives of this book. The ups and downs, and the raw emotionality of it. I really hope to see more books like this from RS Grey. I'm so glad she surprised me with the depth of this book.
January 31, 2016
Chasing Spring is the latest standalone from R.S. Grey. It comes to us on the tails of a few of the funniest romantic comedies I've read in a while, but this is so new and different and more than that, unexpected.
"This was our story and happy endings are few and far between. We'd forever be moving in opposite directions -- after all, he was the golden boy, and I was the lost girl."
Chase and Lilah were best friends from infancy. After tragedy strikes their families, Lilah finds herself coming back to her hometown to deal with the aftermath and hopefully taking their mutual affection to another level.
"I'd never asked him to take me to the gray. I was perfectly happy living in the black."
I've found myself without words after finishing Chasing Spring. This book was so fresh and new and like nothing I'm used to from R.S. Grey. It's refreshing to see an author step out of the norm and grant us with such a beautifully thoughtful story that really makes you think. Life is messy, high school is hard, and we don't always come out on top. Chasing Spring gives us those points in a beautiful and touching story with some tears along the way.
"This was our story and happy endings are few and far between. We'd forever be moving in opposite directions -- after all, he was the golden boy, and I was the lost girl."
Chase and Lilah were best friends from infancy. After tragedy strikes their families, Lilah finds herself coming back to her hometown to deal with the aftermath and hopefully taking their mutual affection to another level.
"I'd never asked him to take me to the gray. I was perfectly happy living in the black."
I've found myself without words after finishing Chasing Spring. This book was so fresh and new and like nothing I'm used to from R.S. Grey. It's refreshing to see an author step out of the norm and grant us with such a beautifully thoughtful story that really makes you think. Life is messy, high school is hard, and we don't always come out on top. Chasing Spring gives us those points in a beautiful and touching story with some tears along the way.
June 20, 2017
Tal vez puede que la puntuación sea 2.5, me esperaba otra cosa de este libro no se lo que pensé, pero fue distinto pero no me convenció del todo empezando con la protagonista que fue insoportable la mayor parte del libro, pero su actitud para mi fue injustificada tipo Jared de Bully pero con el lo pase por alto por ser Jared, a Lil no, fue inmadura, insufrible y al principio de libro hizo cosas que casi hago que lo abandone y sobre todo ser una perra con mayúsculas con Chase y me preguntaba que fue lo que le hizo para que lo trate así? y cuando llegué a eso fue NADA él no le hizo nada al contrario, el fue la víctima de las circunstancias y odié tanto a Lil por hacerse la víctima la incomprendida la que perdió todo.
January 28, 2016
4.5 Stars!
Review by Lisa Kane
Lilah Calloway is going back to Blackwater, Texas. She's been living with her aunt in Austin for the last year and a half, but her aunt has to go away and there's no way that Lilah's dad will let her finish her senior year in high school living by herself. She left town when her mother died and she wants no parts of going back. Blackwater is full of deception and hypocrites and liars.
Blackwater, Texas-Population: small.
As if things couldn't get worse, her father, who coaches the high school baseball team, tells her that Chase Matthews is going to be living with them for awhile. His father's drinking problem is out of control and since his mother died, there is no alternative but to let him stay with them. How much worse can it get for Lilah-she and Chase were best friends until both their worlds were rocked by tragedy. They haven't even spoken and now they are supposed to live in the same house?
"He's going to be staying with us for the next few months-"
"WHAT?"
"I know that it's going to be an adjustment, but it's just for a little while---'til graduation at the latest."
Chase has spent the last year and a half without Lilah. Not by his choice, but by hers. He's casually dated Kimberly, more of a friends who became more for a while but it's not really going anywhere. He's uncomfortable staying with the Calloways, but he's going away to college after he graduates anyway. He tries his best to get Lilah to talk to him but that's not going so well.
I'd been done the first day she'd started to ignore me, but she'd moved off to Austin and left a gulf between us. Now that she was back, I wondered if her silence would last.
Lilah has a need to know the town's secrets. Everyone has them. Everyone in that small town knows hers. It's only fair that she finds out what they are covering up, and let's face it; they are all living a lie.
It wasn't fair that everyone knew my secrets but I didn't know theirs. The scales were tipped in their favor, and since I couldn't erase the secrets on my side, it was time to start weighing down theirs.
Lilah is trying to find her way. She's tried hanging with the stoners; Ashley and Trent may not be the best influences but it gives her an outlet to let off steam. Chase is the chosen one at school-he hangs with the jocks, he's smart and he's surrounded by the Diamond Girls. A group of the beautiful girls that are self appointed cheerleaders for the baseball team. Lilah doesn't really fit in anywhere.
But Chase had said it best: this was our story and happy endings are few and far between. We'd forever be moving in opposite directions-after all, he was the golden boy, and I was the lost girl.
No matter how hard they want to-there is an ugly truth that separates Chase and Lilah. A connection of the worst kind and neither one is sure that they can ever move past it. Chase wants to move on and not let his father's descent into the bottle and his mother's death define his future. But Lila isn't there yet.
I hated how stubbornly I loved Lilah. She could tear me in two and I'd still come back. A dark part of me wanted to hate her. It'd be so much easier if I thought she was as evil as she thought she was, but I knew the secret she tried so hard to hide: she was scared shitless, scared of letting anything happen between us, scared of looking past everyone's flaws to get to the meat of life.
Chasing Spring is a beautiful story so different from Ms. Grey's other works. It's a young adult story with serious undertones about substance abuse and betrayal and death. But there are many light hearted moments; particularly Lilah's memories of gardening with her mother, long before her mother gave in to her demons. It's about forgiveness-the kind that lets you forgive others but mostly yourself. Most of all it's about change-people can change if they want to; if they allow themselves to move forward and to learn from both their mistakes and the mistakes of those they love.
I gardened because I was obsessed with the notion of finding beauty in the dirt. Dirt is chaos, gritty, full of bugs and decay, but from that dirt comes such immense beauty.
Review by Lisa Kane
Lilah Calloway is going back to Blackwater, Texas. She's been living with her aunt in Austin for the last year and a half, but her aunt has to go away and there's no way that Lilah's dad will let her finish her senior year in high school living by herself. She left town when her mother died and she wants no parts of going back. Blackwater is full of deception and hypocrites and liars.
Blackwater, Texas-Population: small.
As if things couldn't get worse, her father, who coaches the high school baseball team, tells her that Chase Matthews is going to be living with them for awhile. His father's drinking problem is out of control and since his mother died, there is no alternative but to let him stay with them. How much worse can it get for Lilah-she and Chase were best friends until both their worlds were rocked by tragedy. They haven't even spoken and now they are supposed to live in the same house?
"He's going to be staying with us for the next few months-"
"WHAT?"
"I know that it's going to be an adjustment, but it's just for a little while---'til graduation at the latest."
Chase has spent the last year and a half without Lilah. Not by his choice, but by hers. He's casually dated Kimberly, more of a friends who became more for a while but it's not really going anywhere. He's uncomfortable staying with the Calloways, but he's going away to college after he graduates anyway. He tries his best to get Lilah to talk to him but that's not going so well.
I'd been done the first day she'd started to ignore me, but she'd moved off to Austin and left a gulf between us. Now that she was back, I wondered if her silence would last.
Lilah has a need to know the town's secrets. Everyone has them. Everyone in that small town knows hers. It's only fair that she finds out what they are covering up, and let's face it; they are all living a lie.
It wasn't fair that everyone knew my secrets but I didn't know theirs. The scales were tipped in their favor, and since I couldn't erase the secrets on my side, it was time to start weighing down theirs.
Lilah is trying to find her way. She's tried hanging with the stoners; Ashley and Trent may not be the best influences but it gives her an outlet to let off steam. Chase is the chosen one at school-he hangs with the jocks, he's smart and he's surrounded by the Diamond Girls. A group of the beautiful girls that are self appointed cheerleaders for the baseball team. Lilah doesn't really fit in anywhere.
But Chase had said it best: this was our story and happy endings are few and far between. We'd forever be moving in opposite directions-after all, he was the golden boy, and I was the lost girl.
No matter how hard they want to-there is an ugly truth that separates Chase and Lilah. A connection of the worst kind and neither one is sure that they can ever move past it. Chase wants to move on and not let his father's descent into the bottle and his mother's death define his future. But Lila isn't there yet.
I hated how stubbornly I loved Lilah. She could tear me in two and I'd still come back. A dark part of me wanted to hate her. It'd be so much easier if I thought she was as evil as she thought she was, but I knew the secret she tried so hard to hide: she was scared shitless, scared of letting anything happen between us, scared of looking past everyone's flaws to get to the meat of life.
Chasing Spring is a beautiful story so different from Ms. Grey's other works. It's a young adult story with serious undertones about substance abuse and betrayal and death. But there are many light hearted moments; particularly Lilah's memories of gardening with her mother, long before her mother gave in to her demons. It's about forgiveness-the kind that lets you forgive others but mostly yourself. Most of all it's about change-people can change if they want to; if they allow themselves to move forward and to learn from both their mistakes and the mistakes of those they love.
I gardened because I was obsessed with the notion of finding beauty in the dirt. Dirt is chaos, gritty, full of bugs and decay, but from that dirt comes such immense beauty.
March 15, 2016
Lilah is a bit of a mess. She’s back in Texas living with her father, the school’s baseball coach, while grieving the loss of her mother. She has quite a bit of guilt over the death of her mother, and she’s having trouble working through it. Chase Matthews, the golden boy, star baseball player, and Lilah’s former best friend, ends up moving in with her and her father, throwing her emotions into a spin. Lilah and Chase have a past… a past that involves their mothers and some very dark activity. Chase is eager for Lilah to work through it, to find the “old” Lilah again, but Lilah is lost and unwilling to accept the way things are.
I love when characters have a history. I also adore when that history is slowly revealed throughout the story. In this case, the story is told through both Lilah’s and Chase’s points of view. The back-and-forth of the chapters, along with a few older chapters from the past, kept this story moving quickly at a very fun pace. The darker elements were a bit hard to read at times. This story touches on a few dark topics, the largest one being drug use and addiction. Often a difficult topic to read about, I struggle with drug use in books. However, R.S. Grey was able to address it in a very realistic and intimate way that had my stomach in knots and tears filling my eyes. A very emotional read, which I wasn’t quite expecting.
The only complaint I really have is that I had trouble with the age of the characters. I went into this story thinking it was a New Adult title. I was surprised to see the main characters were in high school. I had trouble accepting their age, as I felt they acted and thought like twenty-somethings. I would have felt a stronger connection, I believe, if they were a bit older. Maybe 22 to 24 years old, as that’s how they acted to me. Not a big issue, just something that irked me a bit.
Speaking of the that… I’m a bit confused by the New Adult categorization with this one. I was under the impression it was a NA title as well, but the characters are in high school throughout the entire book. Maybe it’s because it’s a bit darker and the characters do turn age 18 toward the end? I’m not really sure… but since the characters are in high school, I would categorize it as YA. I’m not sure if this is correct, so I figured an explanation could help any potential readers.
My first R.S. Grey read was officially a success! I really enjoyed this, despite the tiny issue I had. Overall, a very strong story with broken characters that experience quite a bit of personal growth and development throughout their journey. A truly thought-provoking must-read!
(Thanks to R.S. Grey for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
I love when characters have a history. I also adore when that history is slowly revealed throughout the story. In this case, the story is told through both Lilah’s and Chase’s points of view. The back-and-forth of the chapters, along with a few older chapters from the past, kept this story moving quickly at a very fun pace. The darker elements were a bit hard to read at times. This story touches on a few dark topics, the largest one being drug use and addiction. Often a difficult topic to read about, I struggle with drug use in books. However, R.S. Grey was able to address it in a very realistic and intimate way that had my stomach in knots and tears filling my eyes. A very emotional read, which I wasn’t quite expecting.
The only complaint I really have is that I had trouble with the age of the characters. I went into this story thinking it was a New Adult title. I was surprised to see the main characters were in high school. I had trouble accepting their age, as I felt they acted and thought like twenty-somethings. I would have felt a stronger connection, I believe, if they were a bit older. Maybe 22 to 24 years old, as that’s how they acted to me. Not a big issue, just something that irked me a bit.
Speaking of the that… I’m a bit confused by the New Adult categorization with this one. I was under the impression it was a NA title as well, but the characters are in high school throughout the entire book. Maybe it’s because it’s a bit darker and the characters do turn age 18 toward the end? I’m not really sure… but since the characters are in high school, I would categorize it as YA. I’m not sure if this is correct, so I figured an explanation could help any potential readers.
My first R.S. Grey read was officially a success! I really enjoyed this, despite the tiny issue I had. Overall, a very strong story with broken characters that experience quite a bit of personal growth and development throughout their journey. A truly thought-provoking must-read!
(Thanks to R.S. Grey for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
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