Perception of Life

Perception: Original Series #1

by Shandi Boyes

Noah Taylor is on the cusp of stardom with his band 'Rise Up'. Noah's soul has been shattered beyond repair after a series of devastating family events. The last thing that Noah wants is a committed relationship. But Noah soon learns that life doesn't always work out the way you plan. Sometimes life can take you on a small detour.

You will never want another book boyfriend after you meet Noah Taylor.

This novel is sexy, gritty and a little bit raw.

Please note this novel contains adult content, such as swear words and sexual references.

Full length novel at 96,000 words.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, College, Music, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

388 pages, Paperback

First published February 29, 2016

About the author

Shandi Boyes is a USA Today Bestselling Author who was an avid reader for many years before she discovered the love of writing in February 2016. Her first penned novel 'Perception of Life’ is a new adult rockstar romance that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very last word.

In September 2016, her focus shifted to hot alpha men in steamy contemporary reads that sizzle off the pages. Shandi’s novel ‘Enigma of Life’ is an award-winning story on an FBI agent and the subject she was assigned to investigate. Her men are swoon-worthy, devoted, and alpha; and her heroines are strong-willed, determined, and loveable. You should start her stories first thing in the morning, or you may not sleep.

You will laugh and you will cry, but Shandi's characters will stay with you for a lifetime!

Join my newsletter: subscribepage.com/authorshandi

SERIES ORDER:
Perception of Life (Noah and Emily #1)
Reality of Life (conclusion of Noah's story #2)
Fight of Life (Jacob's story - standalone #3)
Player of Life (Nick & Jenny - standalone #4)
Beats of Life (Slater's story - standalone #5)

Enigma:

Enigma of Life (Isaac #1) - ** FREE **
Unraveling an Enigma (Isaac #2)
Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Isaac #3)
Enigma: The Final Chapter (conclusion of Isaac's story #4)
Beneath the Secrets (Hugo #1)
Beneath the Sheets (Hugo #2)
Spy Thy Neighbor (Hunter's Story)
The Opposite Effect
I Married a Mob Boss
Second Shot

Bound:

Chains
Links
Bound
Restrained

Russian Mob Chronicles:

Nikolai: A Mafia Prince Romance
Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine
Nikolai: What's Left of Me

You will laugh and you will cry, but my characters will stay with you forever!

I love writing and reading. They are both my passion. My genre is generally set to new adult and contemporary, with a few twists thrown in.

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Shand...

Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01D8C13WU

Enjoy reading!

Reviews

[Kristy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow, where do I begin. First off let me say that I'm a reader who always reads reviews before I get a new book. Not only that, I tend to focus mainly on the one and two star reviews because I feel they are the most honest. That being said the reviews for 'Perception of Life' were over-the-top good - there were barely ANY bad reviews. The reviews were so good, in fact, that I said to myself, 'hey, this author must've captured lightening in a bottle.' The ratio of reviews to ratings rivaled that of 50 Shades and Twilight!

DISAPPOINTMENT is an understatement and maybe I wouldn't have been SO disappointed had i not been duped into reading it by all the great reviews. What am I missing here? Honestly, I couldn't even finish it. I must add that I did received from amazon an updated version on my kindle but unfortunately at this point I'm so turned off by the whole experience that I can't even be bothered giving it another chance. Don't waste your time on this one.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a book. It kept me entertained page after page.
Noah is a little hot headed at times, but his love is fierce.
The character development is great and I have been left wanting more.
I can't wait for book two to be published.
Well done on publishing your first indie book. You should be proud. I know I am proud of you.

[Serena O'Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining read which kept me enthralled. You will love following the passionate love story of Noah and Emily. A great effort for the first time author.

[Latora Cattley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book from the very beginning. The end of each chapter had me anxious to continue and find out what was going to happen to the characters I had fallen so in love with. I can hardly wait for the next instalment of this series, I desperately need to know where life takes the characters that have come to mean so much to me.

Well done Shandi Boyes on such an engaging, emotionally charged novel.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic book the characters are very likeable and will leave you caring about them throughout the whole book. For a debut author to leave you wanting more is a pretty good sign that they have wtote an amazing story I highly recommend reading this story

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will leave you wanting more a great read from start to finish.
Loved it.

[Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know you enjoyed a book when you can't stop reading it!

I hate reading, it's never something I have been interested in. But I enjoyed this book, now they need to make it into a movie.

Can't wait for book 2!

[Haidyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only book that has kept me entertained that I wanted to finish it! Now I want book 2 like immediately!

A good fun story. I laughed and enjoyed the story.

[Emma Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, great characters!! Can't wait to read the next one!

[Metessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: New Adult Romance -

Perception of Life is the love story of Noah and Emily successfully written in alternating point of views. I found the entire cast of characters interesting and distinct, I liked all of them. The storyline is simple, slow in the beginning with a slightly rushed ending but it did hold my attention. Very impressive for a first book.

The author gives a detailed description of each character, which I loved in spite of our very different taste in fashion. To show my appreciation for these great mental images, I set this read up on iflist. (http://www.iflist.com/stories/percept...).

Classified as "Angsty New Adult", I felt like the story needed more real time anguish. It lacks any real conflicts through most of the book; I was constantly waiting for something to happen. All the heartache is either in hindsight or short lived so I never got emotionally invested. Admittedly due to the extremely high ratings, as well as my inexperience with this genre, my expectations maybe too high.

I loved the alternating POVs! Boyes pulled it off, I never was confused and the extra insight really helped develop the main characters. The narrations did seem to overlap more in the second half causing unnecessary repetitiveness, it's not too bad but noticeable enough to cause skimming.

This book does not venture into erotica but it is vulgar at times. The profanity didn't bother me personally but it does limit who I would recommend the book to. And honestly it's out of place with the rest of the book. I think older teens would gobble this book up but you can't really target that demographic due to a handful of crude comments so I didn't really get why the author went there.

I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. Now I'm trying to work up the courage to read Reality of Life (Perception #2), I have a feeling it's going to be heart-wrenching!

[Kristy Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get your box of tissues because this book will be a roller coaster ride of emotions. It ends in a cliffhanger. The love that Noah and Emily have is so romantic. You can feel every emotion in the words you read. To come so far and lose it all.

[Kristie Eagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down. Love when a book makes you want to read til the end no matter how tired you are. Loved the characters and the story. Loved that it wasn't a predictable ending. Can't wait for the next instalment

[Katina Liebich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book that leaves you wanting more.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/7/2019)! 🎁

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book caused way more tears than I would like to admit, but it was really good. When an author can make you feel so many emotions, they know they are good at their job.

[Ashley Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC for a honest review!

WHAT THE F*CK! Ok this book was not what I expected at all. I'm so speechless right now. That ending was not what I thought it would be. God that ending! Sorry but I'm really caught up on the ending.

This book is based on young love and the ups and downs of trying to keep that love afloat while still following your dreams. The main characters are Emily and Noah. Noah is in an up and coming band. He has so many trials and tribulations in life and once he starts dating Emily thing seem to be looking up. Their love was not perfect and of course they had to fight to keep things together but you can feel the chemistry between these two. This is not the typical happy ending either. So if that's what you are looking for I advise you not to read this book. This book did have a few typos and sometimes with the wording you could possibly get confused about the setting of the book. Because when the author would use words like "bloke" and I also got confused when she kept referring to "primary school" as "middle school". Atleast from where I'm from prek-3rd are considered primary school. Middle school would be 4th grade -5th. Jr high 7th grade -8th and so forth. But other than better editing the book was pretty good. It felt sort of rushed at times like she was trying to fit so much in at one time. Especially with the time jumps. I would have loved to see the development of Emily's and Noah's relationship a little bit more.

I have received the second part of this series so I'm interested in seeing Noah's journey with everything that has happened.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read this book! Perception of Life turned out to be a truly amazing story.

Perception of Life is the first book in the Perception series by Shandi Boyes and tells the story of the amazing relationship between Noah and Emily. I enjoyed this book a lot. The characters were wonderful and the relationship between Noah and Emily grows to be so strong that it truly captivates you and leaves you anxious to continue reading after each chapter. I feel like the more I read the book the better the writing got. I am impressed that this was the first writing attempt for this author! The plot twist at the end came out of no where for me. I also had a copy of the second book in the series that was provided for me by the author and I'm so glad she did! Thank you for that Shandi! I wasn't planning on reading the second book right away, but after the major cliffhanger at the end of Perception of Life, I jumped right into the second book, Reality of Life. If you choose to read this book you must continue on to read the second book as well. Both books read consecutively really are what made this story amazing for me!

Perception of Life is worth checking out if you love New Adult novels.

*Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback*

[Books Laid Bare · Rating 4 out of 5]

This caught me off guard, I hadn’t expected it to be so quick off the mark.
Literally from the first chapter it has its claws out and had me hooked.
When I start to read, I normally just get stuck in and don’t stop until I either reach a natural break or the book is finished but in more than one occasion I found that I reluctantly had to lay the book down and walk away.
Noah Taylor, oh where have you been all my life…man you are welcome back at any time, in fact I don’t ever want to let you go!
The relationship between Noah and Emily had me guessing but in a good way, could they keep up the intensity of their passion or would they burn themselves out?
I couldn’t wait to find out, it was desperate at times but it was all I could think about. I will admit at times I found myself shaking my head at the kindle wondering what the heck Noah was playing at but what I couldn’t doubt was the love that he had, he left nothing behind.
I laughed and smiled most of my way through the book and finished with an almighty grin, I cannot wait for book two.

[Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right now there are a thousand emotions running through my mind and heart. You can't read this book and not feel deeply about Emily and Noah. At first, I planned to give this book a 4 because I hate when books fast forward and have tons of errors, but after the emotion upheaval, I experienced from the middle to the end of this book, there was no way I could rate it less than a five. I just know this book will haunt me for a long while. I almost threw my kindle across the room a few times, but I had to keep reading. Now I am left heartbroken and angry and can't stop crying. What an epic love story! It touched me to my very core, and I am a little afraid of what will happen in book two. I have no idea where the next book will go, but I am sure Shandi will leave me once again in an emotion mess. Warning!!! Read with a box of tissues and no throwing books!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and promotions, go to bbsbookreviews.com

[Paula White · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75*

I was gifted a copy for an honest review.

This is Noah and Emily's story - apparently 1 of 2 - which is interesting considering the ending to book 1 - so glad the author also gifted book 2 as I will be getting straight on that!

Noah is a great character, standing up for his and Emily's relationship - and being committed. He was a little bit stupid but his reasoning was sound. You could tell he clearly loved Emily and felt the world of her. Emily was just as committed and there were no moments where you think the h is being stupid - a refreshing change!

A love story with low level angst, two people who clearly love each other - like I said a refreshing change!

Now on to book 2 because the end and how that leads in to a second book has me puzzling!

[Caitlin Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what it is, but I keep picking out these books that leave me devastated and heart broken. The authors are ripping out my heart and leaving me a empty shell. The pain I feel for these characters are almost unbearable. The love and the heart ache all wrapped in one.

This book is once again one of the books that will leaving you hurting, but happy with the love story. It will leaving you wanting to cry and to throw the book aside to wallow in your own pain.

I loved your book Shandi Boyes, but you have left my heart bleeding.

I have received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Apryl Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 bc I very rarely give 5, but this was close! Maybe even 4.75 haha!

I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for s review.

I'll be honest. It started a little cliche. Not that I have a problem with angsty cliche, but I don't! I just wasn't AS excited when I saw a familiar storyline of bad boy rockstar can't be tamed then falls instantly in love. BUT then the story does something I was never expecting and I was like "what the actual hell?" Thankfully, the author provided me with book 2 so I could immediately start it bc I HAD to know what happened! Great book! Thanks Shandi!!!

[Pinky · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW !!!

What can I possibly say about this author and this book?? Ms Boyes puts you inside her books as if you are one of the characters!

This book touched all my emotions from love, sadness, happiness, love of friends, and every other emotion! I loved Noah and Emily in this book. Their love for one another is so evident. He becomes a famous rock singer and she is a college student.

I loved everything about this book. It could not have been any better. My tears are still falling....I cannot explain why as it would be a spoiler.

I am downloading Perception 2 asap!

[Medavis66 · Rating 5 out of 5]

WoW! I had to settle down after reading this to gather my thoughts enough to write this review. I'm devastated by the end of this book. Absolutely crushed. I was captured in Noah's spell from the onset and I don't want to ever be released. This had a fantastic story to it. This book was so real that I swear I could almost see Emily and Noah together at times. Your emotions will both soar high and crash while traveling this journey. Be prepared. You will feel pain and love to the Nth degree.

ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review.

[Bobbi Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, this was such a captivating story! I feel in love with Noah and Emily. Although sometimes they made me angry. Amazing first book and after the end I MUST find out what happens next.
Definitely a book that will make you go through many emotions (which I like) and hook you all the way through!

[Ines · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 38%

While the book started promising, the developement of the character and their relationship turned out really bad and mostly childish, hurried and unrealistic. I just couldnt make myself reading on after the heroine started crying over a question about her past after she knew the guy like one day.

[Lauren McIlvenie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It got me in from the start and had me laughing and crying! Couldn't put it down, so read in two days! Can't wait for the follow up to see what happens to my favourite characters. Well done shandi

[Olivia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book couldn't put it down can't wait for book 2

[Nakita Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic effort for a first time author!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book so well written. A think I have a little crush on Noah. Both Noah and Emily are fantastic people. I couldn't put the book away a gripping story I can't wait to the next book