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College Bound #2
The Color of Us
**This can be read as a standalone**
Eighteen year old Alexis Sinclair is lost in the darkness of grief. Since the death of her sister in a car accident, she can’t find the will to get out and enjoy life again. When she’s forced to face her biggest fear and take a summer Driver’s Ed course, she’s surprised to find hope in the most unlikely person.
Liam O’Connell is trouble. He isn’t proud of his dark past, and he knows Alexis is the one girl he has no business pursuing. Doing the right thing has never been easy for him, but this time, it just might be impossible.
The perfect girl and troubled boy are all wrong for each other, but as Liam helps Alexis cope with her grief, they realize nothing has ever felt more right.
That is, until Alexis uncovers a secret about Liam that breaks her heart.
Liam knows he can’t allow the one good thing in his life to walk away without a fight, and he’s determined to convince Alexis they can find their way out of the darkness together.
Can he prove he’s worthy of her, or is some love too tainted to be saved?
Eighteen year old Alexis Sinclair is lost in the darkness of grief. Since the death of her sister in a car accident, she can’t find the will to get out and enjoy life again. When she’s forced to face her biggest fear and take a summer Driver’s Ed course, she’s surprised to find hope in the most unlikely person.
Liam O’Connell is trouble. He isn’t proud of his dark past, and he knows Alexis is the one girl he has no business pursuing. Doing the right thing has never been easy for him, but this time, it just might be impossible.
The perfect girl and troubled boy are all wrong for each other, but as Liam helps Alexis cope with her grief, they realize nothing has ever felt more right.
That is, until Alexis uncovers a secret about Liam that breaks her heart.
Liam knows he can’t allow the one good thing in his life to walk away without a fight, and he’s determined to convince Alexis they can find their way out of the darkness together.
Can he prove he’s worthy of her, or is some love too tainted to be saved?
Published June 20, 2016
About the author
Laura Ward
10 books618 followersLaura Ward lives in Maryland with her loud and very loving three children and husband. She married her college sweetheart and is endlessly grateful for the support he has given her through all their years together, and especially toward her goal of writing books. When not picking up toy trucks, driving to lacrosse practice, or checking spelling homework, Laura is writing or reading romance novels. Her debut novel, NOT YET, is a Top 100 Amazon Bestseller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
June 20, 2016
Seriously guys, read this book! It was so good. I was laughing, crying, and smiling like a fool! I couldn’t put it down and loved every single second of it. It gave me ALL THE FEELS!
“Without her, everything just felt…less. Pointless. Lifeless. Colorless.”
Alexis is the good girl. She does what is expected of her and that is all. She isn’t really living, especially since she lost her sister recently. She is going through the motions, meeting expectations, but she isn’t seeing the colors of the rainbows.
“He wasn’t just trouble, he was pure temptation.”
Liam was a bad boy. He did what he wanted, when he wanted, without regards to others. Until the day he met Alexis. Lex made he want to be good.
But Lex was finally starting to live, finally starting to see colors again, thanks to Liam.
“What if I’m tired of being good? What if I want to be bad? With you?”
This story made me feel! It was not only a story of finding the light after darkness, but of overcoming obstacles when you didn’t think you can go on. It showed what true friendship and true love is.
I adored Stacy. She was one of my absolute favorite parts of the story; Lex’s own rainbow. I loved that we got to see Taren again, and I absolutely cannot wait for Julie’s story!! Ladies, this is hands down another one of my top reads. Please keep giving me these amazing books!! ~ Tiffany, 5 stars
~~~
WOW, I have once again been blown away in a way I never thought I would be. This book has everything that a real romance needs—lust, love, heat, conflict, and real life issues are just a start! This book can be read as a standalone, but book one is so awesome that you will want to read that too!
Alexis is learning to live again after a loss that shook her entire life to its foundation. She feels like the world has lost its color now that her rainbow has died. Liam, on the other hand, is trouble. But he has a heart of gold, even if he thinks it’s nothing but black. He meets Alexis and his entire world is changed—he wants to be good, for her.
And Stacy… I loved her character so much. She is like a walking rainbow. Not only is she so colorful in her clothing, but also in her personality! She is like a rain that has just passed bringing the sun back.
There were so many parts of this book that were absolutely phenomenal, and I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone. I will just say you need this book in your life. You may not think it’s your genre because the main characters are young, but that honestly made so little difference. Read it! ~ Devlynn, 5 stars
“Without her, everything just felt…less. Pointless. Lifeless. Colorless.”
Alexis is the good girl. She does what is expected of her and that is all. She isn’t really living, especially since she lost her sister recently. She is going through the motions, meeting expectations, but she isn’t seeing the colors of the rainbows.
“He wasn’t just trouble, he was pure temptation.”
Liam was a bad boy. He did what he wanted, when he wanted, without regards to others. Until the day he met Alexis. Lex made he want to be good.
But Lex was finally starting to live, finally starting to see colors again, thanks to Liam.
“What if I’m tired of being good? What if I want to be bad? With you?”
This story made me feel! It was not only a story of finding the light after darkness, but of overcoming obstacles when you didn’t think you can go on. It showed what true friendship and true love is.
I adored Stacy. She was one of my absolute favorite parts of the story; Lex’s own rainbow. I loved that we got to see Taren again, and I absolutely cannot wait for Julie’s story!! Ladies, this is hands down another one of my top reads. Please keep giving me these amazing books!! ~ Tiffany, 5 stars
~~~
WOW, I have once again been blown away in a way I never thought I would be. This book has everything that a real romance needs—lust, love, heat, conflict, and real life issues are just a start! This book can be read as a standalone, but book one is so awesome that you will want to read that too!
Alexis is learning to live again after a loss that shook her entire life to its foundation. She feels like the world has lost its color now that her rainbow has died. Liam, on the other hand, is trouble. But he has a heart of gold, even if he thinks it’s nothing but black. He meets Alexis and his entire world is changed—he wants to be good, for her.
And Stacy… I loved her character so much. She is like a walking rainbow. Not only is she so colorful in her clothing, but also in her personality! She is like a rain that has just passed bringing the sun back.
There were so many parts of this book that were absolutely phenomenal, and I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone. I will just say you need this book in your life. You may not think it’s your genre because the main characters are young, but that honestly made so little difference. Read it! ~ Devlynn, 5 stars
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September 13, 2017I really really liked this book! I haven't found a lot of contemporary books that I think are that good, but this one definitely was. Liam is one of my favorite male characters that I have read! He was so sweet and amazing to Alexis aka Lex. It was an emotional ride and a great read for the summer. There were a lot of times when I wanted to shake Alexis because she was making me so frustrated! Luckily she got into my good zone again. You can check out my full review on my blog 6/3/2016 https://literarydust.wordpress.com/20...
August 19, 2017
3.5 stars - this was much better than book 1 - full review to come
April 30, 2018
3.5 ☆
* A copy of this book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review - all opinions are my own *
This book follows our main characters Alexis and Liam on their journey of love and self discovery through life and family struggles.
I thought that the concept was wonderful but just not executed well. From the situation given - the heroine having lost her sister, I thought it would take a while for her to get settled into life again but despite her initial reluctancy to even leave her house, she moved past her grief pretty fast.
The main characters went from strangers to cutesy nickname basis - flirt buddies real quick. Alexis gave me whiplash, one second, she was shy, scared of and intimidated by Liam because he has a reputation and the next, she was throwing herself in his arms. Next level insta-love I tell ya!
Things move way too fast and feelings run way too deep all of a sudden. Alexis and Liam become your walking cliche new adult romance novel couple pretty early on.
The authors were clearly going for much deeper emotional impact on the readers which I personally don’t think they’ve achieved. The plot twists and turns didn’t shock or surprise me because it felt like It seemed to me that petty problems were given more time and thought than serious ones.
One thing that really drove me towards the story was the relationship Alexis had with her mother - It was nice to read about something that had a slightly relatable aspect for me but that won’t be the case for everyone.
If I go into details about the plot, there will be inevitable spoilers so I’ll be vague but nonetheless detailed. It all felt too predictable, the writing was pretty good except the occasional typical dialogue or internal monologue to emphasize on the characters love for each other or their struggles which became frustrating and eye roll worthy at times.
The characters ( main and secondary ) often felt plastic, I could easily picture them as ameture actors on a stage play giving a mediocre performance with a sub-par script. I personally think Liam was a far better and more enjoyable character to read about than Alexis (or Lex, that he immediately starts calling her upon their first encounter.) *IKR*
There were heart-warming poignant moments that you can see shine throughout the book, ex : Alexis’ relationship with her dad was a very sweet aspect of the story.
The story as a whole is quite enjoyable if you’re in the mood for something quick, sexy but nothing too complicated. Everything happens in fast forward that As far as the characters are concerned, I really didn’t get to know them. They were mostly strangers to me even once I had finished the book.
If you’re expecting complex plotting, structure, deep rooted emotions and character dynamics then you might want to look else where.
The story is your typical new adult cliche but does pack a punch around the third quarter of the book. In terms of the story line, there are constant ups and downs -one second you’ll be captivated and the next, rolling your eyes.
As a somewhat experienced reader of the genre, I have to be honest and say this isn’t upto par with other authors complex storylines.
I was in a reading slump of sorts and so had a really nice time reading the book because despite all it’s problems it was smooth sailing however, I know people who love the kind of plotline and trope this book has. For me personally, the word to use would be ‘okay’.
* A copy of this book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review - all opinions are my own *
This book follows our main characters Alexis and Liam on their journey of love and self discovery through life and family struggles.
I thought that the concept was wonderful but just not executed well. From the situation given - the heroine having lost her sister, I thought it would take a while for her to get settled into life again but despite her initial reluctancy to even leave her house, she moved past her grief pretty fast.
The main characters went from strangers to cutesy nickname basis - flirt buddies real quick. Alexis gave me whiplash, one second, she was shy, scared of and intimidated by Liam because he has a reputation and the next, she was throwing herself in his arms. Next level insta-love I tell ya!
Things move way too fast and feelings run way too deep all of a sudden. Alexis and Liam become your walking cliche new adult romance novel couple pretty early on.
The authors were clearly going for much deeper emotional impact on the readers which I personally don’t think they’ve achieved. The plot twists and turns didn’t shock or surprise me because it felt like It seemed to me that petty problems were given more time and thought than serious ones.
One thing that really drove me towards the story was the relationship Alexis had with her mother - It was nice to read about something that had a slightly relatable aspect for me but that won’t be the case for everyone.
If I go into details about the plot, there will be inevitable spoilers so I’ll be vague but nonetheless detailed. It all felt too predictable, the writing was pretty good except the occasional typical dialogue or internal monologue to emphasize on the characters love for each other or their struggles which became frustrating and eye roll worthy at times.
The characters ( main and secondary ) often felt plastic, I could easily picture them as ameture actors on a stage play giving a mediocre performance with a sub-par script. I personally think Liam was a far better and more enjoyable character to read about than Alexis (or Lex, that he immediately starts calling her upon their first encounter.) *IKR*
There were heart-warming poignant moments that you can see shine throughout the book, ex : Alexis’ relationship with her dad was a very sweet aspect of the story.
The story as a whole is quite enjoyable if you’re in the mood for something quick, sexy but nothing too complicated. Everything happens in fast forward that As far as the characters are concerned, I really didn’t get to know them. They were mostly strangers to me even once I had finished the book.
If you’re expecting complex plotting, structure, deep rooted emotions and character dynamics then you might want to look else where.
The story is your typical new adult cliche but does pack a punch around the third quarter of the book. In terms of the story line, there are constant ups and downs -one second you’ll be captivated and the next, rolling your eyes.
As a somewhat experienced reader of the genre, I have to be honest and say this isn’t upto par with other authors complex storylines.
I was in a reading slump of sorts and so had a really nice time reading the book because despite all it’s problems it was smooth sailing however, I know people who love the kind of plotline and trope this book has. For me personally, the word to use would be ‘okay’.
September 29, 2018
Why did I read this after I didn't like book one?
Well I guess I'm an idiot or a masochist... or both.
First half of the book was an okay read but after that stupid reason to break up...everything just fell apart for me.
I think this is more of young adult book, never mind the fact that they are 18-20 yo.
Stupid behavior all around!
This is one of those books that has a lot of good things going on but the final result and execution is just not working out.
I still read it, so there is that.
Great cover! Better book than the book one in the series, and it can be read as standalone.
Well I guess I'm an idiot or a masochist... or both.
First half of the book was an okay read but after that stupid reason to break up...everything just fell apart for me.
I think this is more of young adult book, never mind the fact that they are 18-20 yo.
Stupid behavior all around!
This is one of those books that has a lot of good things going on but the final result and execution is just not working out.
I still read it, so there is that.
Great cover! Better book than the book one in the series, and it can be read as standalone.
August 2, 2016
A story and characters that has officially taken permanent place in my heart, cliche right? But I don't care. Such an amazing and soulful book!
Review coming up!
<3
Review coming up!
<3
November 8, 2016
The FEELS!!!
I don't want to ruin this for you but I'll leave a few hints :D
Awesome book.. Heart wrenching.. Beautifully written and worth every second of your time.. ♥
I don't want to ruin this for you but I'll leave a few hints :D
Awesome book.. Heart wrenching.. Beautifully written and worth every second of your time.. ♥
July 3, 2016
3.5 stars.
Enjoyed it, didn't love it like the first one. The MC's time apart was WAY too long and I didn't like that he didn't get in contact once while away. The time apart dragged on and on.
Also didn't like that the heroine strung a guy along for 2 years I felt bad for him.
I think when the hero came back, things were resolved too easily, I would've been so pissed that he didn't contact me for so long.
I enjoyed it otherwise!
Enjoyed it, didn't love it like the first one. The MC's time apart was WAY too long and I didn't like that he didn't get in contact once while away. The time apart dragged on and on.
Also didn't like that the heroine strung a guy along for 2 years I felt bad for him.
I think when the hero came back, things were resolved too easily, I would've been so pissed that he didn't contact me for so long.
I enjoyed it otherwise!
June 20, 2016
My Thoughts:
When the theory of opposites really comes true.
Full review posted at: http://goo.gl/IKlRME
When the theory of opposites really comes true.
Full review posted at: http://goo.gl/IKlRME
July 12, 2018
This is the second installment in a trilogy. This book was really good. I absolutely loved Alexis and Liam. Even though they have had vastly different upbringings, they fit perfectly together. Liam is such a caring, thoughtful, generous guy, and exactly what Alexis needs. They are perfect together. I also really liked Alexis' friends, who are incredibly supportive. I can't wait to read the next book.
Reviewed by: Clare M.
Reviewed by: Clare M.
Want to read
March 14, 2020🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (3/14/2020)! 🎁
May 23, 2016
I read an ARC of the first book in this series and I loved it a lot, so when one of the authors asked me if I would like an ARC of this book, I instantly said yes! I couldn't wait to read this book and I started it as soon as I received my ARC! I zoomed through this book! It was just amazing and I had such a hard time putting it down until I had finished it! The plot was also amazing! It developed a lot further than I was expecting and it was just so, so beautiful! It was very sad at points as well and I did cry several times whilst reading it! My tears were both happy and sad lol! I also wasn't expecting to cry as much as I did, but I knew that this book was going to be quite emotional before I started reading it! There were also some seriously hot scenes in the plot too, and they were really, really hot! There was lots of romance in the plot as well, but not a lot of action and suspense! The romance was definitely enough to make this plot for me and I just couldn't get enough of it! The characters were also amazing and totally made this book for me! Alexis was the main female character, and in this book she had just been through something very difficult and lost someone who meant the world to her! This made my heart completely go out to her because it had left Alexis feeling lost and confused! Alexis then went through even more loss in this book and this made my heart go out to her even more! She just went through so much, but she was such a strong character and she powered on and kept going! It was amazing to see Alexis become a stronger person and get her confidence back! Liam was the main male character and love interest of Alexis! Liam was seriously hot in this book and was such a bad boy! You could tell he was a bad boy just because of the clothes he wore and some of the things he did! Liam was also such a sweetheart as well though, and he helped Alexis through a lot! He was always there for her too and he was very protective of her! Liam also wanted to prove to Alexis that he was good enough for her and he definitely did! I just had so much admiration for Liam and he came such a long way in this book! I loved that this book was written from both Alexis and Liam's point of views! I was expecting it to be as this book is co-written, but I'm really happy it was! It expanded the plot and helped me connect even more with both characters! I also couldn't tell again which author wrote which point of view lol! I still haven't read any of their separate books yet, so I wasn't expecting to be able to tell which author wrote which character lol! I also enjoyed the chapter that was written from a secondary characters point of view! I know that there's going to be another book in this series, which makes me really excited! I'm definitely going to be anticipating its release and I can't wait to read it once it does! The cover for this book is also stunning! It suits the book perfectly and I love it a lot! I love how well it suits the cover for the first book too! Big thank you to Laura and Christine for an ARC of The Color of Us!
June 17, 2016
When I initially started reading this story I thought it was going to be a predictable college romance kind of book/ bad boy meets good girl. But OMG! Was I wrong. It cut deeply into my heart. I should have known that Laura's stories are far from predictable and that her writing style is impeccable. I have never read anything written by Christine before but she didn't disappoint me. This combination of authors have created an amazing 5 star story. If reading a story makes me shed some tears, it deserves all the stars in the sky.
This is about Alexis, an 18 year old who's living in darkness thinking that there is not any possible light or color in sight for her. She's grieving in her own way. She meets Liam, who's got the bad boy vibe going for him. He's seen his share of trouble by also being on the wrong side of the tracks. Together they will bring color into their lives that's until it all comes crashing down on them. Liam needs to step up and grow up so he will make some life altering changes. Alexis will be going through yet again some life changes.
This wonderful story had different facets to it. Pure first love that stayed in the depth of them and prevailed. Going through grief of loved ones. The need to find themselves by becoming mature responsible adults. Finding a middle ground by enjoying living life in an healthy way. Above all forgiving others in order to be able to move on.
This story is so beautifully written with words that are like music to my ears. I basically read this story in a day because it was engaging, endearing and very addictive. I was kept on the edge of my seat because of the numerous sweet twists and turns that surprised and moved me.
These characters had raw emotions that made me feel for them in a major way by making me weep. This story flowed well with never a dull moment. I connected with these characters for personal reasons.
Standalone told in a dual POV with a much deserved HEA. This is the second story in the College Bound series. I highly recommend this emotional journey of laughing, crying, swooning that left me happily smiling at the end. Its a full ride I do not regret getting on. I'm anxious to read more from these combined authors.
July 9, 2016
http://rpmbt-blog.com/rpmbt/review-th...
The Color of Us is one emotional read!
Alexis has known so much heartbreak in such a short amount of time. She’s trying to stay strong after the death of her sister, Sam, but all she is doing is hiding her feelings and counting down the days till college starts. When she meets Liam, a whirlwind summer romance begins, and everything starts to look up for Alexis, until it all falls apart again.
This book spans a few years and just when you think that Alexis has known enough heartbreak to last a lifetime, something comes up and tries to break her again. I really wished that she would have opened up more to Taren and Julie and let them help her in the beginning, instead of hiding what was going on in her life.
Even though we only see Liam’s point of view a few times in this book, to me it was his character that grew the most. Alexis did grow a bit stronger, but Liam shined in his character growth. He went from a punk kid, to something amazing, all because of love, where Alexis, hid most of the time in this book, and didn’t really start to grow until she opened up.
I wanted to love this book, but to me it felt like some parts drug on while others went by way too fast. I would have loved to have seen more of Liam’s point of view and for the ending to not have ended so quickly! I am definitely looking forward to Julie’s story though, I have a feeling hers is going to be a wild ride!
If you are looking for an emotional new adult book full of heartbreak and angst, The Color of Us may just be the book for you!
The Color of Us is one emotional read!
Alexis has known so much heartbreak in such a short amount of time. She’s trying to stay strong after the death of her sister, Sam, but all she is doing is hiding her feelings and counting down the days till college starts. When she meets Liam, a whirlwind summer romance begins, and everything starts to look up for Alexis, until it all falls apart again.
This book spans a few years and just when you think that Alexis has known enough heartbreak to last a lifetime, something comes up and tries to break her again. I really wished that she would have opened up more to Taren and Julie and let them help her in the beginning, instead of hiding what was going on in her life.
Even though we only see Liam’s point of view a few times in this book, to me it was his character that grew the most. Alexis did grow a bit stronger, but Liam shined in his character growth. He went from a punk kid, to something amazing, all because of love, where Alexis, hid most of the time in this book, and didn’t really start to grow until she opened up.
I wanted to love this book, but to me it felt like some parts drug on while others went by way too fast. I would have loved to have seen more of Liam’s point of view and for the ending to not have ended so quickly! I am definitely looking forward to Julie’s story though, I have a feeling hers is going to be a wild ride!
If you are looking for an emotional new adult book full of heartbreak and angst, The Color of Us may just be the book for you!
October 12, 2016
The Color of Us is the second book in the College Bound series and it is even better than the first one.
This story is so good that when I turned last page I was ready to start it again.
Laura Ward and Christine Manzari writing blended so well that the story flew effortlessly.
Alexis and Liam are two broken souls,they came from different worlds, who met at the right time healing each other.
They fought against nasty prejudices,darkness and loneliness to finally reach their happiness and to live a colorful life together.
"I don't want you to live the rest of your life hating that I died.I want you to spend it loving that I lived."
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
June 20, 2016
Full review and more available at: http://oneguysguidetogoodreads.blogsp...
***
My Thoughts:
Last summer, I discovered that two of my favorite NA authors were teaming up to co-write a new NA series that was sure to impress. I anxiously awaited The Pledge and absolutely devoured it. While I had a few issues with their collaborative debut, I knew I saw a spark in this series that would only grow brighter with each passing chapter. By the end of book one, I was confident they had found their stride and was pumped about book two. Knowing the readers would get an incredible novel made this long wait almost unbearable.
I am so excited to say that the wait was well worth it. In fact, The Color of Us may have just become one of my favorite novels of the year!
I will admit that much like The Pledge, it took me a few chapters to really get into the story on this one. Thankfully, it didn't take too long though before I was absolutely immersed in the story Ward and Manzari had crafted. It's their best collaborative work yet!
I'll talk about this more a little later, but people. Be prepared for feels. I'll tell you, the plot for The Color of Us is an emotional roller coaster if I've ever seen one. You'll go from mad to happy to excruciating emotional pain over the span of this novel. The plot is so intimate and the settings and situations are so real, you can almost reach out and comfort the characters yourself in their time of need. It's truly an eye-opening novel and while I won't spoil any of the plot for anyone, I really didn't see most of it coming. I was a little iffy about one particular aspect of this story, but in the end I think it really helped pull the story together in the best of ways. Ward and Manzari make use of time jumps. The story isn't chronologically set in one time period, but rather jumps months or years into the future. It was very easy to follow, but I will admit there were times I would have like to see more in one time frame before jumping to the next. For a variety of reasons, this literary device worked extremely well in TCoU compared to other stories in which I have seen it attempted. My biggest input I can give on the plot of this one is to not give up, and certainly expect the unexpected. I won't say there are huge plot twists left and right, but there were several points in the story where I was genuinely surprised (and overtaken with emotion) with what I had read. It's truly a work of collaborative literary genius,
When it comes to the characters in this one, I don't even know where to start. Both Liam and Alexis are written to perfection, but I have to be perfectly honest and say that Liam really stole the show for me in this one. Alexis was extremely well-written and we see some great scenes and quotes from her, but Liam's story really hit hard for this reader. It may just be me relating to the male character by default, but I found Liam's struggles to be so real and fitting to the story that I ended TCoU with massive amounts of respect for his trials. While the NA genre is really known for it's college-age character and campus settings, I really appreciated the path the authors took with Liam's character choosing an alternate path in life. It's important for young readers to realize that college is not the only path in life. I was extremely pleased by the authors presentation of Liam. The relationship that Alexis and Liam build is truly an unconventional one, but Ward and Manzari definitely did an incredible job crafting a respectable relationship and not falling to the trends of insta-love. The secondary characters in the story are numerous, but each play an important role in the story and build up the emotional plot that I fell in love with.
While this novel is the second in a series, it has very little to do with The Pledge and each novel can be read as a standalone. I definitely recommend reading book one as well, but rest assured you won't be missing out on any part of the plot by starting with book two.
In true Ward-Manzari fashion, you probably won't make it to the epilogue without drowning in feels. I know I sure couldn't. Right from the very first chapter we see the signs that TCoU is about to hit on some extremely hard hitting themes. Themes of maturity and forgiveness are huge in this story. Definitely themes that are very important to all New Adults. Other hard hitting themes include death, family, love, and overcoming uncertainty. It's truly a testament to the writing styles of Ward and Manzari that they can relate so fully to the trials of the NA generation. It's so refreshing to read an NA about true NAs. Honestly. Major kudos to them.
As you guys can clearly see, I was a huge fan in the second installment of the College Bound series by Ward and Manzari. It impressed me beyond my wildest dreams and I am so glad to have gotten to read it. I can definitely say that I am more than excited about the future of this series. With the combined genius that is the Ward-Manzari team, I know this series will get better with each passing installment! That being said, it should come as no surprise that I am granting The Color of Us a near-perfect 5-star review. I highly recommend this read to all lovers of New Adult and romance series. Don't miss out on this read!
**This can be read a a standalone**
***
***
My Thoughts:
Last summer, I discovered that two of my favorite NA authors were teaming up to co-write a new NA series that was sure to impress. I anxiously awaited The Pledge and absolutely devoured it. While I had a few issues with their collaborative debut, I knew I saw a spark in this series that would only grow brighter with each passing chapter. By the end of book one, I was confident they had found their stride and was pumped about book two. Knowing the readers would get an incredible novel made this long wait almost unbearable.
I am so excited to say that the wait was well worth it. In fact, The Color of Us may have just become one of my favorite novels of the year!
I will admit that much like The Pledge, it took me a few chapters to really get into the story on this one. Thankfully, it didn't take too long though before I was absolutely immersed in the story Ward and Manzari had crafted. It's their best collaborative work yet!
I'll talk about this more a little later, but people. Be prepared for feels. I'll tell you, the plot for The Color of Us is an emotional roller coaster if I've ever seen one. You'll go from mad to happy to excruciating emotional pain over the span of this novel. The plot is so intimate and the settings and situations are so real, you can almost reach out and comfort the characters yourself in their time of need. It's truly an eye-opening novel and while I won't spoil any of the plot for anyone, I really didn't see most of it coming. I was a little iffy about one particular aspect of this story, but in the end I think it really helped pull the story together in the best of ways. Ward and Manzari make use of time jumps. The story isn't chronologically set in one time period, but rather jumps months or years into the future. It was very easy to follow, but I will admit there were times I would have like to see more in one time frame before jumping to the next. For a variety of reasons, this literary device worked extremely well in TCoU compared to other stories in which I have seen it attempted. My biggest input I can give on the plot of this one is to not give up, and certainly expect the unexpected. I won't say there are huge plot twists left and right, but there were several points in the story where I was genuinely surprised (and overtaken with emotion) with what I had read. It's truly a work of collaborative literary genius,
When it comes to the characters in this one, I don't even know where to start. Both Liam and Alexis are written to perfection, but I have to be perfectly honest and say that Liam really stole the show for me in this one. Alexis was extremely well-written and we see some great scenes and quotes from her, but Liam's story really hit hard for this reader. It may just be me relating to the male character by default, but I found Liam's struggles to be so real and fitting to the story that I ended TCoU with massive amounts of respect for his trials. While the NA genre is really known for it's college-age character and campus settings, I really appreciated the path the authors took with Liam's character choosing an alternate path in life. It's important for young readers to realize that college is not the only path in life. I was extremely pleased by the authors presentation of Liam. The relationship that Alexis and Liam build is truly an unconventional one, but Ward and Manzari definitely did an incredible job crafting a respectable relationship and not falling to the trends of insta-love. The secondary characters in the story are numerous, but each play an important role in the story and build up the emotional plot that I fell in love with.
While this novel is the second in a series, it has very little to do with The Pledge and each novel can be read as a standalone. I definitely recommend reading book one as well, but rest assured you won't be missing out on any part of the plot by starting with book two.
In true Ward-Manzari fashion, you probably won't make it to the epilogue without drowning in feels. I know I sure couldn't. Right from the very first chapter we see the signs that TCoU is about to hit on some extremely hard hitting themes. Themes of maturity and forgiveness are huge in this story. Definitely themes that are very important to all New Adults. Other hard hitting themes include death, family, love, and overcoming uncertainty. It's truly a testament to the writing styles of Ward and Manzari that they can relate so fully to the trials of the NA generation. It's so refreshing to read an NA about true NAs. Honestly. Major kudos to them.
As you guys can clearly see, I was a huge fan in the second installment of the College Bound series by Ward and Manzari. It impressed me beyond my wildest dreams and I am so glad to have gotten to read it. I can definitely say that I am more than excited about the future of this series. With the combined genius that is the Ward-Manzari team, I know this series will get better with each passing installment! That being said, it should come as no surprise that I am granting The Color of Us a near-perfect 5-star review. I highly recommend this read to all lovers of New Adult and romance series. Don't miss out on this read!
**This can be read a a standalone**
***
June 9, 2016
"True worth isn't measured in dollar signs and shiny things. It's measured by the strength of your heart."
The Color of Us by Laura Ward and Christine Manzari is the second book in the College Bound Series and touched my heart in ways I will never be able to express in words. I loved everything about this book, despite the sadness that it invoked within me, causing me to ugly cry in such a way that I had to put down my ipad because I was unable to see the wonderfully amazing words these two authors had penned to page. If I could give this book a rainbow full of stars I would because it surely surpassed 5 stars for me and found its way in the top 5 of my favorite books from 2016. I literally cannot wait to see what is next for these two authors as they continue to collaborate on this fantastic series.
"It wasn't luck. I prefer to call it destiny. I think in the end, we helped each other discover who we deserved to be. Together we fought our way out of the dark and into the light. That's love."
Alexis was in a dark place where she was always super careful, worrying about how her actions would affect her family following the tragic death of her beloved sister; a sister she missed every single minute of every day. Alexia met Liam and she began to let down her guard a little at a time and have a little more fun and be a little less rigid the more time she spent with him. But the end of their relationship was coming, and the reader almost anticipates it from the very beginning, as you know what their connection to each other is before Liam ever gets up the nerve to confess what may very well be the chasm that tears them apart forever, the unforgivable act in his mind and probably in his Lex's mind too. When Alexis accidentally discovers the secret that Liam has been hiding from her, she once again puts her families happiness before her own and walks away from who she knows in her heart is the true love of her life. Liam becomes a broken man without the woman that he loves more than his own life and is determined to become a man that she can be proud to be with, a man that she could love despite their past. It is in this story that the reader finds out Alexis and Liam both pull themselves out of the darkness of the sadness that often consumes them into the light of possibility that they offer each other with the unconditional love that they have.
I have been a HUGE fan of Laura Ward since I took a chance on her very first published book and I haven't been disappointed since. I eagerly await more fantastically amazing stories from her because the manner in which the words are written, has the reader immersed in a story so deeply you cannot stop reading until its conclusion.
Thank you Laura Ward for the opportunity to receive and read the ARC for this book. It was an honor and a privilege and I enjoyed every teary minute spent reading it!
The Color of Us by Laura Ward and Christine Manzari is the second book in the College Bound Series and touched my heart in ways I will never be able to express in words. I loved everything about this book, despite the sadness that it invoked within me, causing me to ugly cry in such a way that I had to put down my ipad because I was unable to see the wonderfully amazing words these two authors had penned to page. If I could give this book a rainbow full of stars I would because it surely surpassed 5 stars for me and found its way in the top 5 of my favorite books from 2016. I literally cannot wait to see what is next for these two authors as they continue to collaborate on this fantastic series.
"It wasn't luck. I prefer to call it destiny. I think in the end, we helped each other discover who we deserved to be. Together we fought our way out of the dark and into the light. That's love."
Alexis was in a dark place where she was always super careful, worrying about how her actions would affect her family following the tragic death of her beloved sister; a sister she missed every single minute of every day. Alexia met Liam and she began to let down her guard a little at a time and have a little more fun and be a little less rigid the more time she spent with him. But the end of their relationship was coming, and the reader almost anticipates it from the very beginning, as you know what their connection to each other is before Liam ever gets up the nerve to confess what may very well be the chasm that tears them apart forever, the unforgivable act in his mind and probably in his Lex's mind too. When Alexis accidentally discovers the secret that Liam has been hiding from her, she once again puts her families happiness before her own and walks away from who she knows in her heart is the true love of her life. Liam becomes a broken man without the woman that he loves more than his own life and is determined to become a man that she can be proud to be with, a man that she could love despite their past. It is in this story that the reader finds out Alexis and Liam both pull themselves out of the darkness of the sadness that often consumes them into the light of possibility that they offer each other with the unconditional love that they have.
I have been a HUGE fan of Laura Ward since I took a chance on her very first published book and I haven't been disappointed since. I eagerly await more fantastically amazing stories from her because the manner in which the words are written, has the reader immersed in a story so deeply you cannot stop reading until its conclusion.
Thank you Laura Ward for the opportunity to receive and read the ARC for this book. It was an honor and a privilege and I enjoyed every teary minute spent reading it!
June 18, 2016
Lex and Liam's story completely sucked me in from the very beginning. I felt the connection they had from the first time they met...and so did they. To say that Alexis "Lex", has some huge heartbreak in this book is such an understatement. My heart broke and broke for this girl. She is a sweet, loyal, intelligent and strong person who keeps getting hit emotionally but keeps going forward the best she can. Everything changes when she meets Liam.
"And then I met you, and you made life brilliant and colorful again. Like I'm Dorothy and I just fell into the middle of Oz."
Liam is a bad boy with a heart of gold. But he never thought he was good enough for Lex. He truly believed this even though time and time again through actions and words, he proved he always was good enough. Lex always knew this, but he didn't. The time they spent together helped Lex heal in ways she never thought possible and living like she never knew she could.
"I closed my eyes and smiled. We might never catch a rainbow, but this summer with Liam was everything. I'd found the color in my life again, thanks to him."
To Liam, Lex was this angel sent to save him, to change him for the better, to become the man he should be .
"Being with Lex was like walking on the surface of the sun. When I was with her, I felt all the dark, corrupt parts of me fade away. I was a better man with her."
But secrets were uncovered and circumstances arrived and more heartbreak for both of them. They both grew up more through the heartbreak and the whole time I was just holding on to the hope that everything would work out. It was killing me every time I had to put the book down because I needed to know what was happening next......so dinner was late a night or two and bedtimes a little early :) I won't share to much because there truly were such amazing, heartwarming moments that were so incredible to watch happen.
"You've always been my light, Lex. My good angel. I was meant for sin. Until I met you. Until you saved me. And with every touch and every kiss, you healed my soul. You filled me with hope for something better."
Right there.....right there if I hadn't already fallen for Liam....I would've completely went off the cliff in love with him then. Lex had the best girlfriends you could wish for at college, Julie and Taren. Julie especially bringing some laugh out loud moments. And who didn't fall in love with Stacy immediately.
I absolutely loved this story from start to finish and looking forward to reading more in this series.
*Had the privilege of receiving an Arc in exchange for honest review*
"And then I met you, and you made life brilliant and colorful again. Like I'm Dorothy and I just fell into the middle of Oz."
Liam is a bad boy with a heart of gold. But he never thought he was good enough for Lex. He truly believed this even though time and time again through actions and words, he proved he always was good enough. Lex always knew this, but he didn't. The time they spent together helped Lex heal in ways she never thought possible and living like she never knew she could.
"I closed my eyes and smiled. We might never catch a rainbow, but this summer with Liam was everything. I'd found the color in my life again, thanks to him."
To Liam, Lex was this angel sent to save him, to change him for the better, to become the man he should be .
"Being with Lex was like walking on the surface of the sun. When I was with her, I felt all the dark, corrupt parts of me fade away. I was a better man with her."
But secrets were uncovered and circumstances arrived and more heartbreak for both of them. They both grew up more through the heartbreak and the whole time I was just holding on to the hope that everything would work out. It was killing me every time I had to put the book down because I needed to know what was happening next......so dinner was late a night or two and bedtimes a little early :) I won't share to much because there truly were such amazing, heartwarming moments that were so incredible to watch happen.
"You've always been my light, Lex. My good angel. I was meant for sin. Until I met you. Until you saved me. And with every touch and every kiss, you healed my soul. You filled me with hope for something better."
Right there.....right there if I hadn't already fallen for Liam....I would've completely went off the cliff in love with him then. Lex had the best girlfriends you could wish for at college, Julie and Taren. Julie especially bringing some laugh out loud moments. And who didn't fall in love with Stacy immediately.
I absolutely loved this story from start to finish and looking forward to reading more in this series.
*Had the privilege of receiving an Arc in exchange for honest review*
June 19, 2016
Let's all take a minute to appreciate how amazing this cover is! The story inside is even better! Now, let that sink in.
Alexis is grieving. Alexis lost her best friend, her sister in a drunk driving accident. She hasn't gotten over it, she hasn't moved on, and she doesn't want to keep living. Her mom has finally had enough and forces her out of the house. That decision changes her life, forever.
"My heart stuttered to hear him call me Lex. My family always called me Alexis. I was the good girl. I was predictable. I did what was expected of me. But Lex sounded like someone who knew how to have fun. Lex sounded like she tested boundaries. Lex sounded like someone Sam would have hung out with. I wouldn't mind being a different person. I wouldn't mind being Lex."
Liam is the boy your daddy doesn't want you to date. Liam is the boy every girl dreams of. Liam is my latest book boyfriend. Liam has a rough life. He supports his mom, he works hard, and he gets into trouble. Liam is also the breath of fresh air that Lex needs.
"I decided then and there that Liam O'Connell should come with a warning label - or maybe several.
Warning: Not approved by parents. Warning: May cause heart palpitations. Warning: Magic lips may result in difficulty breathing. Warning: Intense feelings may cause panties to burst into flames.
Because seriously, he was a supernova. He burned brilliant and fierce, and I knew I didn't have much time with him."
The Color of Us is a roller-coaster ride of emotions. This story gives you hope, breaks your heart, and puts you back together all at once. I laughed. I cried. I swooned. I loved it! One of my top reads this year. This was my first read by these authors and it definitely won't be my last! I truly can't express how much I loved this story.
Alexis is grieving. Alexis lost her best friend, her sister in a drunk driving accident. She hasn't gotten over it, she hasn't moved on, and she doesn't want to keep living. Her mom has finally had enough and forces her out of the house. That decision changes her life, forever.
"My heart stuttered to hear him call me Lex. My family always called me Alexis. I was the good girl. I was predictable. I did what was expected of me. But Lex sounded like someone who knew how to have fun. Lex sounded like she tested boundaries. Lex sounded like someone Sam would have hung out with. I wouldn't mind being a different person. I wouldn't mind being Lex."
Liam is the boy your daddy doesn't want you to date. Liam is the boy every girl dreams of. Liam is my latest book boyfriend. Liam has a rough life. He supports his mom, he works hard, and he gets into trouble. Liam is also the breath of fresh air that Lex needs.
"I decided then and there that Liam O'Connell should come with a warning label - or maybe several.
Warning: Not approved by parents. Warning: May cause heart palpitations. Warning: Magic lips may result in difficulty breathing. Warning: Intense feelings may cause panties to burst into flames.
Because seriously, he was a supernova. He burned brilliant and fierce, and I knew I didn't have much time with him."
The Color of Us is a roller-coaster ride of emotions. This story gives you hope, breaks your heart, and puts you back together all at once. I laughed. I cried. I swooned. I loved it! One of my top reads this year. This was my first read by these authors and it definitely won't be my last! I truly can't express how much I loved this story.
June 20, 2016
Alexis has been terrified of getting behind the wheel of a car since her sisters accident. Being forced to go through driving school before she leaves College she meets tall dark and broody Liam and although he is everything she knows her mom wants her to stay away from she just can't seem to.
Speeding landed him in driving school but Alexis may just be the one to keep him there. As he learns more about her he finds it harder and harder to keep the secrets of his past but secrets always have a way of coming out.
Alexis might be the epitome of a book nerd but she has a wild side that wants to come out, and Liam brings it out and her. But is he bringing out the best or the worst?
Liam is a sweetie he may have a bit of a reckless side but he is thoughtful kind and caring.
Their story takes place over a period of several years so you truly get to take the journey with them. This isn't an insta love story but a roller coaster ride of emotions as they each learn more about themselves as well as each other and grow into what they truly want to become for the future.
Speeding landed him in driving school but Alexis may just be the one to keep him there. As he learns more about her he finds it harder and harder to keep the secrets of his past but secrets always have a way of coming out.
Alexis might be the epitome of a book nerd but she has a wild side that wants to come out, and Liam brings it out and her. But is he bringing out the best or the worst?
Liam is a sweetie he may have a bit of a reckless side but he is thoughtful kind and caring.
Their story takes place over a period of several years so you truly get to take the journey with them. This isn't an insta love story but a roller coaster ride of emotions as they each learn more about themselves as well as each other and grow into what they truly want to become for the future.
June 4, 2016
Seeing color return to a darkened world brings joy, and this book brought color and therefore it brought joy. As part of the College Bound series, the writing team of Laura Ward and Christine Manzari again share with the reader two characters that must grow to bring light and color into their lives.
Alexis (Lex) is grieving and truly suffering because she has lost her big sister to a car accident. She is timid where her sister, Sam, was bright and outgoing. When Alexis meets Liam, he nicknames her Lex and with that new name comes a new, braver girl. It is the beginning of her growth towards color. Liam, a young man with a shady background, needs a safe haven, and Lex is exactly that for him. For her, and with her, he too grows.
I truly enjoyed this book and the further I read the more I liked it. I appreciate the authors' style and sense of humor. There were parts that made me tear up and other parts that had me giggling. All in all it had everything I wanted in a good book. I recommend it highly.
Alexis (Lex) is grieving and truly suffering because she has lost her big sister to a car accident. She is timid where her sister, Sam, was bright and outgoing. When Alexis meets Liam, he nicknames her Lex and with that new name comes a new, braver girl. It is the beginning of her growth towards color. Liam, a young man with a shady background, needs a safe haven, and Lex is exactly that for him. For her, and with her, he too grows.
I truly enjoyed this book and the further I read the more I liked it. I appreciate the authors' style and sense of humor. There were parts that made me tear up and other parts that had me giggling. All in all it had everything I wanted in a good book. I recommend it highly.
May 29, 2016
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. This is book 2 in the College Bound Series. After I read The Pledge I was hooked on these characters and these books. I didn't think it was possible to out do The Pledge because that story was so well thought out and every detail nailed. But I think I may have fallen in love with this book. I spent most of the book crying - not necessarily in a bad way but because it was so well written that I could feel all of the emotions. Liam and Lex: One of my new favorite couples. They go through such a journey in this book. The story takes place after Lex loses her sister in a car accident and has to pick up her life and move on without her. The first 3rd of the book follows Lex's life before she goes to College (where The Pledge starts) and then all of the other characters join in. This story just took my breath away.
July 2, 2016
This book makes all the feels happen! This book is just amazing. It's the good girl falling for the bad boy but it's so much more than that.
Alexis had lost her sister in a car accident so rightfully so, she's scared of cars and driving. But she takes a Driver's Education class anyway. She's still heavily into grieving and just trying to make it through the day. And then she meets Liam.
Liam is the "bad boy" but who brings the light back into Alexis' life and helps her get through a very tough and trying time. He wants to stay away from Alexis but he just can't do that.
This was such an amazing, heart-wrenching and joyful story. It's so easy to get wrapped up in Alexis' grief, their relationship and just truly enjoying the story.
Alexis had lost her sister in a car accident so rightfully so, she's scared of cars and driving. But she takes a Driver's Education class anyway. She's still heavily into grieving and just trying to make it through the day. And then she meets Liam.
Liam is the "bad boy" but who brings the light back into Alexis' life and helps her get through a very tough and trying time. He wants to stay away from Alexis but he just can't do that.
This was such an amazing, heart-wrenching and joyful story. It's so easy to get wrapped up in Alexis' grief, their relationship and just truly enjoying the story.
July 12, 2018
After reading the first book in the Collage Bound series I was interested in the character Alexis and the relationship she had with Liam. The colour of us was about these two characters and I got all the answers I wanted about these two. I found his story to be really enjoyable
Alexia was a sweet character that had recently experienced a lot of grief and heartbreak in her life. She was the good girl that did everything that was asked of her until she met Liam.
Liam was the bad boy of the story and I really loved reading about him. I loved the way he looked after his mom.
I’m really enjoying this writing duet of these two authors and find that they know how to write a really enjoyable collage romance story. I cant wait to read more from these two authors.
Alexia was a sweet character that had recently experienced a lot of grief and heartbreak in her life. She was the good girl that did everything that was asked of her until she met Liam.
Liam was the bad boy of the story and I really loved reading about him. I loved the way he looked after his mom.
I’m really enjoying this writing duet of these two authors and find that they know how to write a really enjoyable collage romance story. I cant wait to read more from these two authors.
May 29, 2016
I received an ARC of this book, and since I haven't read the first in this series, I had no idea what to expect going in. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement - the plot sucked me right in, and I really couldn't put the book down. It's a light read but fully-packed with a lot of feels, angst and drama, which is right up my alley. I had some issues with the insta-love in this book, but I felt like it all evened out eventually considering that this story spans over several years. All in all, a very enjoyable read that I would recommend to all romantics out there!
June 5, 2016
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was really looking forward to reading this one! I had a hard time putting this down once I started. The character development is great and I found myself falling deeper and deeper into the story. The feels in this book are everywhere!!! Liam and Lex are both great characters, but I fell hard for Liam! Great writing, captivating story line and characters! Can't wait to see what is next in this series!!!
June 20, 2016
I Received a free copy in exchange for n honest review. WOW what can I say, this book took me on a emotional roller-coaster that I will not likely be forgetting any time soon. This book was wonderfully written and the characters were amazing. Laura Ward is quickly becoming one of my go to authors. The characters are funny, sassy and independent along with that ability to be vulnerable. This was a beautiful story that I highly recommend.
June 20, 2016
I absolutely LOVED this book. The cover alone is breathtakingly beautiful!! I adored Liam & Alexis right from the start. Talk about a roller-coaster of emotions. I loved the unexpected turns that occurred throughout their beautiful story. It was anything but predictable that's for sure. Thanks for another 5 star read Laura & Christine! !
June 17, 2016
Finished in under 24 hours! Such a great read and full of a wide variety of emotions for me, loved every word!!
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