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MMA Fighters #1
Dodging Trains
I was twelve when a stranger at a train station taught me the meaning of ugly. He forced himself on me and threatened to kill my family if I told.
I stayed silent, and the ugliness grew.
Now, that word rolls in film clips through my mind. All I’ve done since my best friend, Keyon Arias, left town is cement how ugly I am. Ugly on the inside—deep down to my core. On the outside… I am a Vixen. I flash men a smile and make them moan out pleasure I control.
Not them. Never them.
After five years of being away, my beautiful boy has come back to town for his father's masquerade ball. He’s different. Hard muscle supersedes the skin and bone of his once boyish frame. One thing hasn’t changed though: the murderous look in his eyes when he slaughters his opponents. In the ring, I see the bullied boy, all grown up, dominating in ways he couldn’t in high school.
He’s the mayor’s son. The rising MMA fighter. The beautiful one.
I’m not the Paislee Cain of before, not the sweet girl he once knew, the one who chased away his bullies. I’m the town slut. The dirty girl whose shame will never fade no matter how many men I use. He’d disown what I’ve become.
Because beautiful can never love ugly.
I stayed silent, and the ugliness grew.
Now, that word rolls in film clips through my mind. All I’ve done since my best friend, Keyon Arias, left town is cement how ugly I am. Ugly on the inside—deep down to my core. On the outside… I am a Vixen. I flash men a smile and make them moan out pleasure I control.
Not them. Never them.
After five years of being away, my beautiful boy has come back to town for his father's masquerade ball. He’s different. Hard muscle supersedes the skin and bone of his once boyish frame. One thing hasn’t changed though: the murderous look in his eyes when he slaughters his opponents. In the ring, I see the bullied boy, all grown up, dominating in ways he couldn’t in high school.
He’s the mayor’s son. The rising MMA fighter. The beautiful one.
I’m not the Paislee Cain of before, not the sweet girl he once knew, the one who chased away his bullies. I’m the town slut. The dirty girl whose shame will never fade no matter how many men I use. He’d disown what I’ve become.
Because beautiful can never love ugly.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2016
16 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
About the author
Sunniva Dee
29 books2,130 followersSunniva Dee is a USA Today and Amazon top 100 bestselling author with an eclectic taste in books. Born and raised in Norway, Sunniva lived in the United States for 17 years before returning to the mothership, where she sucks inspiration from trolls and barn gnomes and cold little mermaids popping their heads out of the fjords. Oh, and Spotify. Always Spotify.
Sunniva dabbles in literary romance, romantic comedy, contemporary romance, young adult fiction, new adult fiction, dark romance, and paranormal. Unlike some authors, she was not raised by fairies, and unlike others, she’s not also a musician. But she boasts a ridiculous sense of humor and an obsession with furry mammals, both evident in the bestselling rom-com series #LovePranks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
April 1, 2016
Paislee & Keyon have been friends since high school. They got each other's back, so-to-speak, since everyone like bullying Keyon, Paislee is always there to support & encourage him to get through it. Those were the days, things move on and they both gone their separate ways.
Years later...
Paislee Marie Cain becomes the town slut by choice after she experienced something bad in the past. Never again to be forced into something she didn't want to do. She calls all the shot whenever she wants to be with someone's bed. It's a coping mechanism for her.
Keyon Arias becomes famous as an MMA fighter, after all these years he's going back to give support to his father after being elected as mayor.
No one is excited as much as Paislee. Will Keyon look for her? Will he recognized her after all these years? So many questions running through her mind and there's only one way to find out. Attend that inauguration, in disguise.
"I feel like Cinderella about to get an eyeful of the prince. I'm scared he'll see me--and somehow hope for it too. Keyon might not even be here. Paislee. Stop. Fretting."
After being stop at the entrance for wearing a mask/make-up, Keyon noticed the commotion and finally allowing Paislee to go in as Rubina Hood. Nope Keyon didn't recognize her. Keyon invited Paislee for a house tour and end up being in bed together. They hooked up and Paislee (Rubina) did the walk of shame.
“A hundred and thirty-five pounds? Bastard!”
That’s what Paislee saw the next morning, sort of a "wanted" poster displayed all over town. Keyon did find his Rubina but couldn’t believe it's Paislee. Friendship rekindled and spent most their free time together. But the time has come for Keyon to resume training and promised each other to stay in contact this time.
But not everything will go smoothly for Keyon and Paislee, as their long distance relationship progress. Secrets will be revealed that will affect their relationship. Can they hold on to each other and be able to overcome this or just give up and move on?
The sure thing is that this book will keep you turning pages until you reach the end. I like Paislee and her outlook towards life. She’s her own woman!
Sunniva Dee is a new author to me and glad to receive this ARC in exchange of an honest review. No doubt I’ll be checking her other books. The way this author writes will get you right in the story. Time well spent reading this amazing story.
March 27, 2016
It's like she refuses to be bound by conventional rules, plot expectations, accepted character types and sometimes even by the constructs of the English language and that, my friend, is a phenomenally good thing. Her books have a cadence all their own. A rhythm and a style that is completely and uniquely Sunniva. To be honest, it always takes me a few chapters to settle into one of her books, but once I'm in her groove, I am so invested, so enthralled and so completely sucked in to her characters and the emotions she puts down on every page. A Sunniva Dee book is a whirlwind of emotion, joy and tension, heartbreak and exhilaration, love, lust, despair and triumph.
This book is spectacular!! The best book she's written yet and she has a pretty impressive catalogue.
I freaking ADORED this book.
Paislee and Keyon are unlike anything I've read before. These characters are so complex, so unconventional and so completely refreshing and realistic. I loved them both, my heart broke for them both, I rooted for them both to find their way to success and to happiness. Never have two characters deserved it more. Paislee, I can honestly say, is unlike any other heroine I have ever read before and she is exactly that...a heroine. She's a survivor and she completely owns her choices and her consequences, but she's also a savior in her own rite and slaying her personal demons the only way she knows how. Keyon is magnificent in every way you can image. He is a selfless hero, fierce and destructive while nurturing and romantic. But he also has his own set of demons to slay and sometimes facing your demons is the hardest part.
The emotions this book pulled out of me are exactly the reasons I read. My heart swelled with love and wonder, broke with pain and fear, raced with anticipation and trepidation, and stuttered with passion and redemption. I cried, I laughed, I cheered, I swooned and I could not have loved it more.
March 29, 2016
***3/29/16: Full review***
Have you ever read one of those books where you’re sure you’re just not going to be okay afterward? Dodging Trains is one of them! I’ve read all of Sunniva Dee’s books, and while she doesn’t ever hold back, I felt like this one she pulled out all the stops! This was a roller coaster ride for my heart, filled with all the usual laughs, angst, and sweetness I’ve come to depend on when I crack open one of her novels. And she’s also one of the few authors that can somehow flawlessly pull off a gritty story full of trigger-warning issues with stunning, poetic prose. *Bows to Queen Dee, mistress of prose.*
It wasn’t just the prose that won me over. I will be the first to admit that when it comes to broken characters, I can be a wee bit stingy—to me they often come off as melodramatic, or they make painfully poor choices just ’cause (RE: broken). But Paislee—oh, sweet Paislee. I’ve been converted! This character is just so beautifully broken. I know that’s not an explanation, but how do you describe something so subtle as delivery? And it had to be delivery, because Paislee is not a girl you just like because she’s just so special and sweet and innocent and does no wrong and yadda yadda yadda. Nope, Paislee would probably be on your sh*t list except … you CAN’T dislike her. All I could think of is that she was a victim and all I wanted was for her life to be better—I was rooting for the girl! Hardcore! She was just so resilient.
Keyon is no better. He had equal reason for you to dislike him, and he was also equally broken. But the most beautiful part of the book, the part that got right under my skin, and this is where Dee is BRILLIANT, is that all the broken bits of these characters are what allowed them to save each other. I was officially a mess after this story (but a happy mess!).
***teaser review***
"Girls are capricious creatures"
Especially Paislee Cain.
This book has everything--pretty prose, a hot MMA fighter, and a beautifully broken heroine! Oh, and did I mention angst?
ANGST.
Another all around knock out by Sunniva!
*More quotes and ramblings to come!*
Until then, this one is for Sunniva:
Have you ever read one of those books where you’re sure you’re just not going to be okay afterward? Dodging Trains is one of them! I’ve read all of Sunniva Dee’s books, and while she doesn’t ever hold back, I felt like this one she pulled out all the stops! This was a roller coaster ride for my heart, filled with all the usual laughs, angst, and sweetness I’ve come to depend on when I crack open one of her novels. And she’s also one of the few authors that can somehow flawlessly pull off a gritty story full of trigger-warning issues with stunning, poetic prose. *Bows to Queen Dee, mistress of prose.*
It wasn’t just the prose that won me over. I will be the first to admit that when it comes to broken characters, I can be a wee bit stingy—to me they often come off as melodramatic, or they make painfully poor choices just ’cause (RE: broken). But Paislee—oh, sweet Paislee. I’ve been converted! This character is just so beautifully broken. I know that’s not an explanation, but how do you describe something so subtle as delivery? And it had to be delivery, because Paislee is not a girl you just like because she’s just so special and sweet and innocent and does no wrong and yadda yadda yadda. Nope, Paislee would probably be on your sh*t list except … you CAN’T dislike her. All I could think of is that she was a victim and all I wanted was for her life to be better—I was rooting for the girl! Hardcore! She was just so resilient.
Keyon is no better. He had equal reason for you to dislike him, and he was also equally broken. But the most beautiful part of the book, the part that got right under my skin, and this is where Dee is BRILLIANT, is that all the broken bits of these characters are what allowed them to save each other. I was officially a mess after this story (but a happy mess!).
***teaser review***
"Girls are capricious creatures"
Especially Paislee Cain.
This book has everything--pretty prose, a hot MMA fighter, and a beautifully broken heroine! Oh, and did I mention angst?
ANGST.
Another all around knock out by Sunniva!
*More quotes and ramblings to come!*
Until then, this one is for Sunniva:
March 28, 2016
INTENSE!!!
That's all you need to know. Everything about this book is intense: The love, the hate, the sex, the emotions. Everything.
This isn't the typical run-of-the-mill contemporary romance. The story deals with child molestation and rape by a stranger. The topic, while unpleasant to imagine, is front and center in the lives of Paislee and Keyon, and brings real-life awareness to the deplorable topic.
The tone of the story is slightly on the dark side, but I absolutely loved it. The ups and downs Paislee and Keyon ride, with each other and apart, make the story a real page-turner!
This is my second Sunniva book, and I will absolutely read anything she writes. Hers are more of a realistic romance than "fairy tale-esque," and just very well done.
***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
That's all you need to know. Everything about this book is intense: The love, the hate, the sex, the emotions. Everything.
This isn't the typical run-of-the-mill contemporary romance. The story deals with child molestation and rape by a stranger. The topic, while unpleasant to imagine, is front and center in the lives of Paislee and Keyon, and brings real-life awareness to the deplorable topic.
The tone of the story is slightly on the dark side, but I absolutely loved it. The ups and downs Paislee and Keyon ride, with each other and apart, make the story a real page-turner!
This is my second Sunniva book, and I will absolutely read anything she writes. Hers are more of a realistic romance than "fairy tale-esque," and just very well done.
***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
March 31, 2016
Dodging Trains had me not wanting to put this down staying up until 2am reading to find out what will happen...
You have a MMA fighter Keyon and a small town girl Paislee who have known each other since high school. They've always looked out for each other in high school as to my surprise Keyon was picked on and bullied until he became the bully and fruit high school Paislee seem to always be connected to him taking care of him looking out for him.. And because of some circumstances they separated move On grew up and now at a Halloween party they meet and come back together.. For me this is where the story took off wasn't your simple Romance lovey-dovey story not when both of them have secrets dark secrets they tried to bury and hide from each other.
To read and watch these two struggle with their secrets struggle with their pain of the past and discovering each other in ways you cannot imagine.
Again for me to read and watch them struggle with their demons but also coming together and helping each other overcome their past their demons and truly becoming who they're meant to be..
This book had me frustrated and crying, cheering on, falling in love and of course drooling over some of the MMA fighters..
I definitely recommend this as a great read.
You have a MMA fighter Keyon and a small town girl Paislee who have known each other since high school. They've always looked out for each other in high school as to my surprise Keyon was picked on and bullied until he became the bully and fruit high school Paislee seem to always be connected to him taking care of him looking out for him.. And because of some circumstances they separated move On grew up and now at a Halloween party they meet and come back together.. For me this is where the story took off wasn't your simple Romance lovey-dovey story not when both of them have secrets dark secrets they tried to bury and hide from each other.
To read and watch these two struggle with their secrets struggle with their pain of the past and discovering each other in ways you cannot imagine.
Again for me to read and watch them struggle with their demons but also coming together and helping each other overcome their past their demons and truly becoming who they're meant to be..
This book had me frustrated and crying, cheering on, falling in love and of course drooling over some of the MMA fighters..
I definitely recommend this as a great read.
February 18, 2016
Five AMAZING stars! More to come upon release.
March 29, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“He fights me, breaks me down, loves me so hard he shoves me to the fringes of fear.”
I finished this book in awe. In awe of the words, the story, and most importantly, the characters. You know that feeling when you finish a book? You’re left speechless and breathless all at once. This is how I felt at the end of Dodging Trains.
“With him, pleasure mixes with terror, and I lose the ability to breathe. I hate it. I love it. I want it.”
Silence. Paislee Cain has allowed years of silence to deaden her heart. Something so precious was stolen from her when she was just twelve years old. As time went on, Paislee realized that with men she would always need to be in control. Always stay in the lead. Until Keyon Arias comes back into town. He’s her old best friend. The little boy who she used to stand up for when he was bullied. He is no longer a boy, but now a man and an up and coming MMA fighter. While now he’s the dominating one with fierce eyes and in total control, Paislee recognizes something in him. Something dark. She knows this, because sees this same darkness within herself.
“Your body, baby, will be the death of me. Do you not feel me below you?”
True love is loving someone enough to sustain them during the times when they cannot love themselves. True love is powerful, moving. It stands up to every circumstance. It lessens the pain. This is what Keyon’s love did for Paislee. He loved her through darkness. Through HER darkness. He loved her through her past, her pain, the ugly. He loved her down to her soul. Only he could truly see her beauty. Because beneath all the layers of pain and hurt she so desperately tries to hide, Keyon sees her stripped raw. His love saves.
“I wish I were the sum of your beliefs. I wish, I wish.”
Keyon and Paislee’s story is not an easy one. It’s dark. Raw. But the most beautiful testimony to the power of love. While Paislee knows Keyon is slowly putting together back her broken pieces, little does she know she is doing the same for him. Life has made him a fighter. He fights through everything, but when it comes to his love for Paislee? It brings him to his knees. He relishes in her love. It makes him better. Brighter. And gives hope that just maybe he can escape the darkness. But what happens when secrets come to light?
“Never beauty.”
“Always beauty. Here.”
“Everywhere.”
The author speaks to the hearts of so many with this one. To those that feel ugly. Used. Never enough. Well you matter. The author’s VOICE is loud. She doesn’t hold back. The author pushes you. Challenges you. But isn’t that what reading is about? For the author to push you out of your comfort zone and allow you to experience real, raw, and genuine emotions? THIS is that book. You will question their love, your heart will soar, but it will also break. The writing is seamless as she places you within the hearts of her characters as they both face a darkness that changed their entire lives.
“Tender, violent, and difficult like me, he preaches love and ever-afters…”
Dodging Trains is a story of hope and resilience even at the darkest hour. The author brilliantly captured the vulnerability of two flawed individuals that had to understand that despite their past, they deserve to be loved. To be desired. To be whole. This book is full of emotions and it is a story to easily lose yourself in. This is not your typical romance. This author doesn’t do typical. Her writing is mesmerizing, her talent in crafting a story is unparalleled, and she has an uncanny ability to ensure that every single word of her story is felt deeply within your heart. Dodging Trains is a beautiful, raw, and gritty journey that I had the privilege to read. This author gave a voice to everyone living in silence. No longer must you accept that silence. Love loudly. Love boldly. You are worth it. Always.
“He fights me, breaks me down, loves me so hard he shoves me to the fringes of fear.”
I finished this book in awe. In awe of the words, the story, and most importantly, the characters. You know that feeling when you finish a book? You’re left speechless and breathless all at once. This is how I felt at the end of Dodging Trains.
“With him, pleasure mixes with terror, and I lose the ability to breathe. I hate it. I love it. I want it.”
Silence. Paislee Cain has allowed years of silence to deaden her heart. Something so precious was stolen from her when she was just twelve years old. As time went on, Paislee realized that with men she would always need to be in control. Always stay in the lead. Until Keyon Arias comes back into town. He’s her old best friend. The little boy who she used to stand up for when he was bullied. He is no longer a boy, but now a man and an up and coming MMA fighter. While now he’s the dominating one with fierce eyes and in total control, Paislee recognizes something in him. Something dark. She knows this, because sees this same darkness within herself.
“Your body, baby, will be the death of me. Do you not feel me below you?”
True love is loving someone enough to sustain them during the times when they cannot love themselves. True love is powerful, moving. It stands up to every circumstance. It lessens the pain. This is what Keyon’s love did for Paislee. He loved her through darkness. Through HER darkness. He loved her through her past, her pain, the ugly. He loved her down to her soul. Only he could truly see her beauty. Because beneath all the layers of pain and hurt she so desperately tries to hide, Keyon sees her stripped raw. His love saves.
“I wish I were the sum of your beliefs. I wish, I wish.”
Keyon and Paislee’s story is not an easy one. It’s dark. Raw. But the most beautiful testimony to the power of love. While Paislee knows Keyon is slowly putting together back her broken pieces, little does she know she is doing the same for him. Life has made him a fighter. He fights through everything, but when it comes to his love for Paislee? It brings him to his knees. He relishes in her love. It makes him better. Brighter. And gives hope that just maybe he can escape the darkness. But what happens when secrets come to light?
“Never beauty.”
“Always beauty. Here.”
“Everywhere.”
The author speaks to the hearts of so many with this one. To those that feel ugly. Used. Never enough. Well you matter. The author’s VOICE is loud. She doesn’t hold back. The author pushes you. Challenges you. But isn’t that what reading is about? For the author to push you out of your comfort zone and allow you to experience real, raw, and genuine emotions? THIS is that book. You will question their love, your heart will soar, but it will also break. The writing is seamless as she places you within the hearts of her characters as they both face a darkness that changed their entire lives.
“Tender, violent, and difficult like me, he preaches love and ever-afters…”
Dodging Trains is a story of hope and resilience even at the darkest hour. The author brilliantly captured the vulnerability of two flawed individuals that had to understand that despite their past, they deserve to be loved. To be desired. To be whole. This book is full of emotions and it is a story to easily lose yourself in. This is not your typical romance. This author doesn’t do typical. Her writing is mesmerizing, her talent in crafting a story is unparalleled, and she has an uncanny ability to ensure that every single word of her story is felt deeply within your heart. Dodging Trains is a beautiful, raw, and gritty journey that I had the privilege to read. This author gave a voice to everyone living in silence. No longer must you accept that silence. Love loudly. Love boldly. You are worth it. Always.
March 28, 2016
Dodging Trains will most definitely soar to the top of your favorites list! In perfect Sunniva Dee style, she blends just the right amount of angst, emotion, and drama while leaving your heart full and your lips smiling at the end. You will want to read this book!
Paislee is our heroine, and I've gotta be honest here, she is NOT your typical story heroine. She isn't the good girl or the ordinary girl-next-door type. She's not the kind of girl most people would want as a friend, and she's definitely not the bring-home-and-meet-the-parents girl. She's got baggage. A past. And a crap load of inner pain. But she knows who she is, why she does what she does, and hates it all at the same time.
Keyon is the book's hero. He's the mayor's son, an upcoming MMA fighter, and he's gotten real good at burying his past. Just one good punch between the eyes, and his past is nothing but something moldable and controllable under his feet, and that's how he likes it. In fact, it's the only way he can deal with the demons from back then.
Then, after years of being apart, Paislee and Keyon find each other again. Long lost best friends, but they aren't who they once were. Now, they have a choice: face their past together and rely on each other for strength or go at it alone until their inner monsters tear them apart.
Sunniva Dee doesn't shy away from tough storylines. Nothing is off-limits. Her characters become so real they jump off the page and suddenly you start to care about them and you have no idea when that happened. Somewhere in Dee's story, Paislee and Keyon stopped being just characters in a book or an author's imagination. They became more than that. They become the people you root for. You cheer for. You cry for.
So check out the cool cover, the awesome blurb, skim through a few reviews, then go buy the book and see for yourself. Dee's stories aren't something you just read; they are something you have to experience.
Paislee is our heroine, and I've gotta be honest here, she is NOT your typical story heroine. She isn't the good girl or the ordinary girl-next-door type. She's not the kind of girl most people would want as a friend, and she's definitely not the bring-home-and-meet-the-parents girl. She's got baggage. A past. And a crap load of inner pain. But she knows who she is, why she does what she does, and hates it all at the same time.
Keyon is the book's hero. He's the mayor's son, an upcoming MMA fighter, and he's gotten real good at burying his past. Just one good punch between the eyes, and his past is nothing but something moldable and controllable under his feet, and that's how he likes it. In fact, it's the only way he can deal with the demons from back then.
Then, after years of being apart, Paislee and Keyon find each other again. Long lost best friends, but they aren't who they once were. Now, they have a choice: face their past together and rely on each other for strength or go at it alone until their inner monsters tear them apart.
Sunniva Dee doesn't shy away from tough storylines. Nothing is off-limits. Her characters become so real they jump off the page and suddenly you start to care about them and you have no idea when that happened. Somewhere in Dee's story, Paislee and Keyon stopped being just characters in a book or an author's imagination. They became more than that. They become the people you root for. You cheer for. You cry for.
So check out the cool cover, the awesome blurb, skim through a few reviews, then go buy the book and see for yourself. Dee's stories aren't something you just read; they are something you have to experience.
March 30, 2016
I was generously given an ARC of this book by the author, this is my honest review. First off this was a solid 4.5, a very close 5 star read as it will be one of those stories that stay with me long from now. I was furious it took me so long to put aside every day obligations to read through this book, any other time I would have been able to devour this book in 2 - 3 days and I wanted nothing more than to lose myself in the pages it was so good!
As usual Sunniva Dee gives us deep yet realistic characters to connect to. She writes beautifully broken characters in this book without making them weak or pathetic. She shows the inner struggles subtly yet clearly. A true gift this author has!
There are so many fabulous things that happen in this story that I want to go on and on about but I can't do that without ruining the plot for new readers. I will say the characters struggles are very relatable, the mix of past and present is seamless, the fear yet hope the characters try to come to terms with is so real you can feel it inside yourself, and the conversations between the characters and the choices they make are spot on. You will find yourself smiling, heartbroken, and pumping up your fist cheering!
I am an MMA fan in real life so I have to give props to Sunniva Dee for doing her homework. The technical descriptions she uses are perfect, her terminology is appropriate, the details involved with training for a fight were a clever plot point, and her knowledge of what goes on in a fighters head made this book fantastic. There are parts of a fighters lifestyle that effect those close to him (or her) that can be compared to quite a few other professions so even if you're not a fight fan you will still be able to immerse yourself in the lifestyle, friendships, and mindset of the characters. That shows real talent by an author, let this be your first Sunniva Dee book if you don't know her already. You will happily move on to other great books by her.
As usual Sunniva Dee gives us deep yet realistic characters to connect to. She writes beautifully broken characters in this book without making them weak or pathetic. She shows the inner struggles subtly yet clearly. A true gift this author has!
There are so many fabulous things that happen in this story that I want to go on and on about but I can't do that without ruining the plot for new readers. I will say the characters struggles are very relatable, the mix of past and present is seamless, the fear yet hope the characters try to come to terms with is so real you can feel it inside yourself, and the conversations between the characters and the choices they make are spot on. You will find yourself smiling, heartbroken, and pumping up your fist cheering!
I am an MMA fan in real life so I have to give props to Sunniva Dee for doing her homework. The technical descriptions she uses are perfect, her terminology is appropriate, the details involved with training for a fight were a clever plot point, and her knowledge of what goes on in a fighters head made this book fantastic. There are parts of a fighters lifestyle that effect those close to him (or her) that can be compared to quite a few other professions so even if you're not a fight fan you will still be able to immerse yourself in the lifestyle, friendships, and mindset of the characters. That shows real talent by an author, let this be your first Sunniva Dee book if you don't know her already. You will happily move on to other great books by her.
April 15, 2017
2 estrellas
No sé... me costo mucho leer este libro, casi lo abondono en el cap 5 de lo aburrido que era.... creo que fue la forma de escribir de la autora, algo aburida, y mira que tenía potencial, con una trama que trata un tema fuerte... pero no me supo enganchar, tampoco los protagonistas.
Es mi primer libro de esta autora y no me ha parecido muy bueno.
No sé... me costo mucho leer este libro, casi lo abondono en el cap 5 de lo aburrido que era.... creo que fue la forma de escribir de la autora, algo aburida, y mira que tenía potencial, con una trama que trata un tema fuerte... pero no me supo enganchar, tampoco los protagonistas.
Es mi primer libro de esta autora y no me ha parecido muy bueno.
April 5, 2016
As I turned the last page of this book, I knew I was going to struggle to try to put my thoughts into words. A part of me feels like I'm swimming up from the deep depths that it pulled me down into. I feel a little bruised and a little achey—even despite the happy ending. There's just so much here. The world building was phenomenal, and I feel a little stuck in it now—honestly, I feel like I haven't even really felt the full impact of this book yet, like my brain is still processing and my heart isn't quite sure what to do with itself.
This was my first Sunniva Dee book, and it took some getting used to. The writing style is a little different, and I had to train my brain to work with her flow. Because of that, the first quarter of the book moved kind of slowly for me. I had trouble connecting to the characters, and sometimes even understanding what was going on. And then, it clicked for me and I couldn't put it down.
Paislee was so heartbreaking—tough and kind-hearted despite the circumstances of her life and, as her relationship with Keyon unfolded, I was mesmerized by the changes. Their exchanges were intense, beautiful and yet, heartbreaking in their own way. And that was just the tip of the iceberg of all the ways my heart was going to break on this journey.
There's a darkness to this book—in both content and atmosphere. As Paislee and Keyon navigate their way through their feelings, dealing with the consequences of opening your heart after leaving it closed up for so long, it is alternately beautiful, bittersweet, heartbreaking, and redemptive. This is no simple love story, these are not simple characters, and in the end, while I celebrated their joyous ending, my heart was still wary; bruised and weary, as it tried to process the entire journey Ms. Dee just took it on.
This book is not for the faint of heart but if you're up to the challenge, it's an intense, gritty, emotional ride, punctuated with these achingly beautiful moments that add lightness to an otherwise heavy book. Paislee and Keyon are not forgettable characters and this book will leave a mark—but if anything, those are just the most compelling reasons you should read it. ~ Shelly, 4 stars
Please note: We also had a reviewer that did not finish this book, after finding herself unable to connect to the story and the characters. That's books, right?
This was my first Sunniva Dee book, and it took some getting used to. The writing style is a little different, and I had to train my brain to work with her flow. Because of that, the first quarter of the book moved kind of slowly for me. I had trouble connecting to the characters, and sometimes even understanding what was going on. And then, it clicked for me and I couldn't put it down.
Paislee was so heartbreaking—tough and kind-hearted despite the circumstances of her life and, as her relationship with Keyon unfolded, I was mesmerized by the changes. Their exchanges were intense, beautiful and yet, heartbreaking in their own way. And that was just the tip of the iceberg of all the ways my heart was going to break on this journey.
There's a darkness to this book—in both content and atmosphere. As Paislee and Keyon navigate their way through their feelings, dealing with the consequences of opening your heart after leaving it closed up for so long, it is alternately beautiful, bittersweet, heartbreaking, and redemptive. This is no simple love story, these are not simple characters, and in the end, while I celebrated their joyous ending, my heart was still wary; bruised and weary, as it tried to process the entire journey Ms. Dee just took it on.
This book is not for the faint of heart but if you're up to the challenge, it's an intense, gritty, emotional ride, punctuated with these achingly beautiful moments that add lightness to an otherwise heavy book. Paislee and Keyon are not forgettable characters and this book will leave a mark—but if anything, those are just the most compelling reasons you should read it. ~ Shelly, 4 stars
Please note: We also had a reviewer that did not finish this book, after finding herself unable to connect to the story and the characters. That's books, right?
March 25, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Paislee was raped on a train and has never forgotten it, but now she turns that hurt into being the town slut. She had a best friend that was just about to turn into something more when he left. All this is about to change when Keyon comes back into town. She doesn't want him to recognize her. But somehow he does a little bit, not completely and that was ok with her, she didn't want him to know about her now.
Keyon was bullied something fierce in school, and Paislee his BFF stood up for him. The something tragic happens to him and he disappears. Now he is back in town and he is a well known MMA fighter as well as the mayor's son. A party at the mayor's mansion and Paislee (who he doesn't know is Paislee) and him hook up. She does the disappearing act but he finds her.
Things get strong and emotional and in depth and all sorts of chemistry explodes. Then his secret comes out, and it is surprising and yet scary for him to admit. Paislee who knows this well has to once again protect and stand up for her friend. Only this time he fights back.
Does he win these fights? Does he win Paislee after the bomb drops of what happened to him? Does Paislee stay and they have a happily ever after? Do they change and make the best of their tragedies? You need to read this book and find out. It keeps you into the entire time. This is a bit heavier than sweeter romance books, but it is an awesome book.
Paislee was raped on a train and has never forgotten it, but now she turns that hurt into being the town slut. She had a best friend that was just about to turn into something more when he left. All this is about to change when Keyon comes back into town. She doesn't want him to recognize her. But somehow he does a little bit, not completely and that was ok with her, she didn't want him to know about her now.
Keyon was bullied something fierce in school, and Paislee his BFF stood up for him. The something tragic happens to him and he disappears. Now he is back in town and he is a well known MMA fighter as well as the mayor's son. A party at the mayor's mansion and Paislee (who he doesn't know is Paislee) and him hook up. She does the disappearing act but he finds her.
Things get strong and emotional and in depth and all sorts of chemistry explodes. Then his secret comes out, and it is surprising and yet scary for him to admit. Paislee who knows this well has to once again protect and stand up for her friend. Only this time he fights back.
Does he win these fights? Does he win Paislee after the bomb drops of what happened to him? Does Paislee stay and they have a happily ever after? Do they change and make the best of their tragedies? You need to read this book and find out. It keeps you into the entire time. This is a bit heavier than sweeter romance books, but it is an awesome book.
March 20, 2016
I received this Arc in return for an honest review. Omg Omg Omg..
This book had me hooked from start to finish. Keyon and Paislee, two amazing people who are friends that haven't seen each other in years. This book had me in so many emotions through the whole book.
Keyon is an amazing man who has anger issues for reasons you will learn when reading this book. He learns martial arts to protect himself, who years later remembers something tragic and horrifying because what he thought it was, was something he made up in his mind.
Paislee is an amazing person in so many ways with her own demons. Who copes in a way that she feels very unworthy.
These two see each other years later and the roller coaster of so many emotions begin.
Through this whole book while reading it, there where times that I wanted to jump in an hug them both. This book touched my heart and soul because It felt so real. I truly enjoyed reading this book, because I also felt the love of Keyon and Paislee.
Thank you Savinna for this book, I truly enjoyed reading it!!!
This book had me hooked from start to finish. Keyon and Paislee, two amazing people who are friends that haven't seen each other in years. This book had me in so many emotions through the whole book.
Keyon is an amazing man who has anger issues for reasons you will learn when reading this book. He learns martial arts to protect himself, who years later remembers something tragic and horrifying because what he thought it was, was something he made up in his mind.
Paislee is an amazing person in so many ways with her own demons. Who copes in a way that she feels very unworthy.
These two see each other years later and the roller coaster of so many emotions begin.
Through this whole book while reading it, there where times that I wanted to jump in an hug them both. This book touched my heart and soul because It felt so real. I truly enjoyed reading this book, because I also felt the love of Keyon and Paislee.
Thank you Savinna for this book, I truly enjoyed reading it!!!
March 20, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Wow!!! Just wow!! Dodging Trains is unlike any other book that Sunniva has written. Sunniva has a way of luring readers in and capturing them quickly! The writing is fantastic and flows smoothly. There are some touchy subjects in this book that may offend some readers. With that said, those situations made this book what it is. The connection between Paislee and Keyon was heartbreaking but beautiful. They both lived horrible pasts and they both are able to overcome it. Keyon is the hot alpha male MMA fighter while Paislee is the girl domineering men. The two reconnect and it takes off from there. Their pasts and future collide and seeing how they work through everything to get to what they want was inspiring. This book is full of angst, laughter, alpha male, heartache... I definitely would recommend this book to everyone!! I'm hoping that Sunniva plans to write more about them soon!! I didn't want their story to end!!
Wow!!! Just wow!! Dodging Trains is unlike any other book that Sunniva has written. Sunniva has a way of luring readers in and capturing them quickly! The writing is fantastic and flows smoothly. There are some touchy subjects in this book that may offend some readers. With that said, those situations made this book what it is. The connection between Paislee and Keyon was heartbreaking but beautiful. They both lived horrible pasts and they both are able to overcome it. Keyon is the hot alpha male MMA fighter while Paislee is the girl domineering men. The two reconnect and it takes off from there. Their pasts and future collide and seeing how they work through everything to get to what they want was inspiring. This book is full of angst, laughter, alpha male, heartache... I definitely would recommend this book to everyone!! I'm hoping that Sunniva plans to write more about them soon!! I didn't want their story to end!!
March 25, 2016
Dodging Trains is Reality-Wrapped Gorgeousness
I discovered Sunniva Dee's writing a few months ago and have fallen in love with the way she tells a story. BUT. I wasn't prepared for the exquisite telling of Dodging Trains.
Paislee and Keyon have a shared history only neither knows how shared it really is. Former high school friends, they are reunited after a five year absence. Paislee survives the only way she knows how in her small-minded town and Keyon takes no prisoners while he excels as an MMA fighter. Vastly different than who they were, both have a need for the other to understand who they are.
Their individual stories are painful and real and told in the most gorgeous way. Dodging Trains is poetic in how it interweaves current day and memories in a very unique way.
Dodging Trains is a Five Star read for me and I anxiously await Ms. Dee's next book.
I discovered Sunniva Dee's writing a few months ago and have fallen in love with the way she tells a story. BUT. I wasn't prepared for the exquisite telling of Dodging Trains.
Paislee and Keyon have a shared history only neither knows how shared it really is. Former high school friends, they are reunited after a five year absence. Paislee survives the only way she knows how in her small-minded town and Keyon takes no prisoners while he excels as an MMA fighter. Vastly different than who they were, both have a need for the other to understand who they are.
Their individual stories are painful and real and told in the most gorgeous way. Dodging Trains is poetic in how it interweaves current day and memories in a very unique way.
Dodging Trains is a Five Star read for me and I anxiously await Ms. Dee's next book.
March 19, 2016
Dodging Trains by Sunniva Dee is a beautiful, emotional and twisted book.
We get to know the story of Paislee and Keyon, who were best friends in highschool, until one day when Keyon moved. They both passed through some traumatic experiences and learned to cope in different ways. They reunite when Keyon came to the masquerade party held in honor of his father, who became the mayor. Long story short, they started to see each other. Of course they had to overcame some hard situations, but love is hard.
It is a story well written, with developed characters and I liked how the author described the emotions of Paislee and Keyon. I look forward to read other books by Sunniva Dee.
I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We get to know the story of Paislee and Keyon, who were best friends in highschool, until one day when Keyon moved. They both passed through some traumatic experiences and learned to cope in different ways. They reunite when Keyon came to the masquerade party held in honor of his father, who became the mayor. Long story short, they started to see each other. Of course they had to overcame some hard situations, but love is hard.
It is a story well written, with developed characters and I liked how the author described the emotions of Paislee and Keyon. I look forward to read other books by Sunniva Dee.
I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2016
I enjoyed reading Dodging Trains. Although I didn't really connect with the characters, I still felt all sorts of emotions throughout the book: I felt happy, I felt sad, I felt my heart ache, i even shed a tear or two
I like Paislee. She's one tough cookie. I love that she knows what she wants and knows when to "tap out". I love the way she handles Keyon, so in tuned to what he really needs.
Dodging Trains has just the right amount of drama, plot twists and happiness to keep readers intrigued.
I like Paislee. She's one tough cookie. I love that she knows what she wants and knows when to "tap out". I love the way she handles Keyon, so in tuned to what he really needs.
Dodging Trains has just the right amount of drama, plot twists and happiness to keep readers intrigued.
April 27, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book is told in first person, with alternating POVs and a HEA.
4.5 Star review
Paislee is a young woman who was raped in a train station at the age of 12 and was told to keep quiet. Now she struggles with the emotional aftermath. After her best friend in high school, Keyon, moved away, her feelings of ugliness and unworthiness grew and the secret festered. She becomes the town vixen and takes comfort in not being the victim anymore. While attending a party, she sees Keyon again for the first time in five years. Now a rising MMA star, she notices that he is different, harder, and it is not just physically. He has some inner demons of his own. Her desire to see him, and fear of rejection war, because she is no longer the sweet innocent girl he once knew. At this books heart, it is about two people who begin the journey of fighting their inner demons, and along the way find their inner worthiness to love and be loved.
Keyon and Paislee were both flawed humans with real emotions that I found easy to connect to. I was easily able to feel the love they had for each other and enjoyed experiencing their journey to self worth and love. Importantly, I found this book to be tasteful and insightful, despite the ugliness of some of its content. I noticed right off that Sunniva seems to really understand that sexual assault victims do not all fit into a box and that everyone responds differently, that the psychological aspect of the rape is just as violating as the physical. She seemed to really grasp the feeling that a lot of rape survivors have, that no matter what you do, a piece of you always feels dirty and ugly.
"I feel like his evil lives inside me and breeds ugly on a daily basis..."
I enjoyed this book very much and definitely recommend it.
To me, some of the best romances are the ones that are earned, not given, and both Keyon and Paislee earned theirs.
If rape or assault is a trigger for you, I would recommend staying away, but if you are at the point in your journey where seeings other peoples journey out of the depths to healing is helpful, I say give this a try!
This book is told in first person, with alternating POVs and a HEA.
4.5 Star review
Paislee is a young woman who was raped in a train station at the age of 12 and was told to keep quiet. Now she struggles with the emotional aftermath. After her best friend in high school, Keyon, moved away, her feelings of ugliness and unworthiness grew and the secret festered. She becomes the town vixen and takes comfort in not being the victim anymore. While attending a party, she sees Keyon again for the first time in five years. Now a rising MMA star, she notices that he is different, harder, and it is not just physically. He has some inner demons of his own. Her desire to see him, and fear of rejection war, because she is no longer the sweet innocent girl he once knew. At this books heart, it is about two people who begin the journey of fighting their inner demons, and along the way find their inner worthiness to love and be loved.
Keyon and Paislee were both flawed humans with real emotions that I found easy to connect to. I was easily able to feel the love they had for each other and enjoyed experiencing their journey to self worth and love. Importantly, I found this book to be tasteful and insightful, despite the ugliness of some of its content. I noticed right off that Sunniva seems to really understand that sexual assault victims do not all fit into a box and that everyone responds differently, that the psychological aspect of the rape is just as violating as the physical. She seemed to really grasp the feeling that a lot of rape survivors have, that no matter what you do, a piece of you always feels dirty and ugly.
"I feel like his evil lives inside me and breeds ugly on a daily basis..."
I enjoyed this book very much and definitely recommend it.
To me, some of the best romances are the ones that are earned, not given, and both Keyon and Paislee earned theirs.
If rape or assault is a trigger for you, I would recommend staying away, but if you are at the point in your journey where seeings other peoples journey out of the depths to healing is helpful, I say give this a try!
June 4, 2018
"Dodging Trains" by Sunniva Dee is a novel full of emotional and psychological angst. It was a gripping story, which I could not put down.
I didn’t know how to feel about the main character, Paislee Cain. She was unbelievably strong. Her self-esteem, however, suffered immensely. In the beginning, I was shocked yet sympathetic. I couldn’t find another emotion until her story unfolded. When it did, my emotions ran the gambit from anger to sympathy to love. Paislee experienced something which shouldn’t happen to ANYONE. Ever.
You see, Paislee Cain was a victim of a terrible thing. She let that experience color her future. Her story isn’t about a good girl loved by everyone in a small town. No. Far from it. This young woman used sex as a tool to heal her shattered spirit. Her response to sex was how she regained control in her life. As long as her partner didn’t come with attachments, she was good. But as life would have it, connections can’t be avoided.
Enter the character of Keyon Arias, another victim turned MMA fighter. This man used his terrible past to create a violent future. It wasn’t until he unearthed hurtful memories that violence threatened to undo him.
As usual, Dee creates characters that you fall in love with. Characters with pain so palpable it leaps off the pages. In "Dodging Trains" she gives readers two broken people who found self-destructive ways to heal their pasts. They both considered themselves unworthy people. Their wounds were so deep, but together they found a way, through love, to mend each other.
I loved this story. If you are someone with emotional triggers, this book will be hard to read. If you’re good in that department, you owe it to yourself to read "Dodging Trains". It shines a light on a topic people shy away from. Hopefully, enough people will read and discuss this worthwhile novel. It may not change people’s views, but it might just encourage a little understanding.
I didn’t know how to feel about the main character, Paislee Cain. She was unbelievably strong. Her self-esteem, however, suffered immensely. In the beginning, I was shocked yet sympathetic. I couldn’t find another emotion until her story unfolded. When it did, my emotions ran the gambit from anger to sympathy to love. Paislee experienced something which shouldn’t happen to ANYONE. Ever.
You see, Paislee Cain was a victim of a terrible thing. She let that experience color her future. Her story isn’t about a good girl loved by everyone in a small town. No. Far from it. This young woman used sex as a tool to heal her shattered spirit. Her response to sex was how she regained control in her life. As long as her partner didn’t come with attachments, she was good. But as life would have it, connections can’t be avoided.
Enter the character of Keyon Arias, another victim turned MMA fighter. This man used his terrible past to create a violent future. It wasn’t until he unearthed hurtful memories that violence threatened to undo him.
As usual, Dee creates characters that you fall in love with. Characters with pain so palpable it leaps off the pages. In "Dodging Trains" she gives readers two broken people who found self-destructive ways to heal their pasts. They both considered themselves unworthy people. Their wounds were so deep, but together they found a way, through love, to mend each other.
I loved this story. If you are someone with emotional triggers, this book will be hard to read. If you’re good in that department, you owe it to yourself to read "Dodging Trains". It shines a light on a topic people shy away from. Hopefully, enough people will read and discuss this worthwhile novel. It may not change people’s views, but it might just encourage a little understanding.
March 30, 2016
Sunniva, I must begin by saying that whenever I dig into one of your books I am amazed by the depth of your characters. I realized quite quickly that this book would be taking me on an emotional journey that I soon would not forget. I love when characters take you down a path that you did not expect and leave you in an emotional puddle on the floor. This is not your average cookie cutter friends to lovers romance. If you love angst, lust, heartbreak, tragedy, darkeness and healing than this maybe right up your book lover alley.
Paislee and Keyon are childhood friends brought together by extenuating circumstances. They have each been given trauma at a young age and are left to learn to deal and cope in their own way. The bond they share is not readily exposed . The past slowly begins to reveal itself in layers as they rekindle their friendship.
Paislee has now grown into a beautiful woman that certainly has developed quite a knack for getting what she wants and needs . She is living with her past on a daily basis and you may find her ways of coping unconventional to say the least. This way of coping has only led to Paislee placing a bandaid over her emotional wounds and she has yet to learn to love herself. She deserves to finally have happiness but she feels as though she is undeserving.
Kenyon is now a professional fighter that has been using his fists to deal with his own demons. These injuries are buried so deep that he has yet to fully uncover all of them . When these two battered souls finally reconnect it may be emotionally fatal for both of them.
Is it possible that these two amazing individuals can learn to love and heal themselves to finally be able to find their own happiness? I think that you may need to pick this one up and find out!
Michele McMullen
Paislee and Keyon are childhood friends brought together by extenuating circumstances. They have each been given trauma at a young age and are left to learn to deal and cope in their own way. The bond they share is not readily exposed . The past slowly begins to reveal itself in layers as they rekindle their friendship.
Paislee has now grown into a beautiful woman that certainly has developed quite a knack for getting what she wants and needs . She is living with her past on a daily basis and you may find her ways of coping unconventional to say the least. This way of coping has only led to Paislee placing a bandaid over her emotional wounds and she has yet to learn to love herself. She deserves to finally have happiness but she feels as though she is undeserving.
Kenyon is now a professional fighter that has been using his fists to deal with his own demons. These injuries are buried so deep that he has yet to fully uncover all of them . When these two battered souls finally reconnect it may be emotionally fatal for both of them.
Is it possible that these two amazing individuals can learn to love and heal themselves to finally be able to find their own happiness? I think that you may need to pick this one up and find out!
Michele McMullen
March 28, 2016
I was given a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
My First book by Sunniva Dee & I was not disappointed.
Once I started reading Paislee & Keyon's story I didn't want to put it down.
They are such strong characters that are beautifully written.
Paislee is a young woman trying to get through life the only way she knows how. After being raped as a young girl she has found that "friendships" with the men in town is the only way for her to cope & take charge of her own life. That is until Keyon returns to town. You get to see flashbacks of their friendship before Keyon & his family suddenly up & left town years ago.
Keyon himself has his own demons to slay & now that he is an MMA fighter & beating on his opponents is the best way for him to deal with all the anger he has inside. When Keyon's traumatic past comes to light, I couldn't help but be drawn further into their emotion journey & was held captive until the very last paragraph.
Paislee & Keyon's story is one that will stay with you long after you put the book down.
My First book by Sunniva Dee & I was not disappointed.
Once I started reading Paislee & Keyon's story I didn't want to put it down.
They are such strong characters that are beautifully written.
Paislee is a young woman trying to get through life the only way she knows how. After being raped as a young girl she has found that "friendships" with the men in town is the only way for her to cope & take charge of her own life. That is until Keyon returns to town. You get to see flashbacks of their friendship before Keyon & his family suddenly up & left town years ago.
Keyon himself has his own demons to slay & now that he is an MMA fighter & beating on his opponents is the best way for him to deal with all the anger he has inside. When Keyon's traumatic past comes to light, I couldn't help but be drawn further into their emotion journey & was held captive until the very last paragraph.
Paislee & Keyon's story is one that will stay with you long after you put the book down.
March 29, 2016
I received this free book in exchange for an honest review.
5 Stars
Wow. Dodging Trains is a beautiful, emotional, and kinda dark story of Paislee and Keyon, two best friends from high school who were each other’s worlds. They stuck up for each other through everything until Keyon and his family moved away.
Paislee is one of the strongest characters I’ve read in a while. Raped as a child and has carried the weight of that on her shoulders for so long, and completely alters the way she views herself. Keyon is an MMA fighter and on his way to the top. When he unexpectedly finds himself back in the hometown he hates, he is anxious to look up his old friend. She hears he’s back for a visit and she doesn’t want him to know how she’s become the town slut.
This is the first book I’ve read of Sunniva’s and it was fantastic. There is tons of emotions in this book and definitely worth the read.
Angela - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
January 25, 2017
I believe I'm hooked on this fabulous author!! Her books are just amazing!!
After having read Victor's story the kinda series continues with Kenyon's story. It is a standalone but it is along the storyline of the MMA fight club they all belong to.
This author always manages to make me feel so much through her characters. The happiness. The pain. The jealousy. The hatred.
Paislee and Keyon having gone through the same torture when they were young being raped by probably the same man in the train have to overcome what that horrible even has made them become.she has no self esteem and uses sex to be in control of her sexual aspect of life and he's rough during sex to have to the control he needs.
I love this couple!! I love this author!! I'm so impressed that I bought every book she has on Amazon!!
Can't wait to read more from her!!
After having read Victor's story the kinda series continues with Kenyon's story. It is a standalone but it is along the storyline of the MMA fight club they all belong to.
This author always manages to make me feel so much through her characters. The happiness. The pain. The jealousy. The hatred.
Paislee and Keyon having gone through the same torture when they were young being raped by probably the same man in the train have to overcome what that horrible even has made them become.she has no self esteem and uses sex to be in control of her sexual aspect of life and he's rough during sex to have to the control he needs.
I love this couple!! I love this author!! I'm so impressed that I bought every book she has on Amazon!!
Can't wait to read more from her!!
March 29, 2016
4.5 Well-Done Stars!
Let me start by saying that this is the first book I have read by Sunniva and she did an AMAZING job with a difficult subject, she made me "feel" the story and I had to nurse a book hangover!
Keyon & Paislee (love the names) stories were realistic and emotional ~ they were both struggling with secrets that caused them to deal with their situations in a way that is not easy to handle or understand. They helped each other to heal through their intense love scenes, though deep friendship and shared experiences they were able to have new beginnings they deserved.
Would I recommend? Most definitely.
This was a ARC that I was glad to have a chance to read & review.
Let me start by saying that this is the first book I have read by Sunniva and she did an AMAZING job with a difficult subject, she made me "feel" the story and I had to nurse a book hangover!
Keyon & Paislee (love the names) stories were realistic and emotional ~ they were both struggling with secrets that caused them to deal with their situations in a way that is not easy to handle or understand. They helped each other to heal through their intense love scenes, though deep friendship and shared experiences they were able to have new beginnings they deserved.
Would I recommend? Most definitely.
This was a ARC that I was glad to have a chance to read & review.
March 24, 2016
This was a tough book to read at times. Both Paislee and Keyon experienced traumatic events that changed how they saw themselves. It changed how they behaved and made me wonder what things would have been like if it hadn't happened.
Despite them bearing the wounds of what happened Paislee and Keyon are great support structures for one another. They're able to talk about what happened and find comfort. I loved the flash backs to them as children. Reading about how great of friends they were back then was sweet and one of my favorite parts.
Be prepared for the angst! This is a novel about coping and healing. People handle it differently and it's rarely a sunshiny process.
Despite them bearing the wounds of what happened Paislee and Keyon are great support structures for one another. They're able to talk about what happened and find comfort. I loved the flash backs to them as children. Reading about how great of friends they were back then was sweet and one of my favorite parts.
Be prepared for the angst! This is a novel about coping and healing. People handle it differently and it's rarely a sunshiny process.
March 24, 2016
Loved it!! Sunniva has done it again! This story takes us through the lives of 2 best friends, who were torn away from each other is high school. Now a few years later Keyon is trying to make it as a MMA fighter and Paislee is just trying to make it in her small town. When Keyon's parents move back to Rigita he comes for a visit and runs into Paislee. Only he doesn't know it's her. They begin a relationship, but it's a rocky one. When Keyon's ugly past comes between them Paislee tries to help him through it. She has been through it. They end up helping each other.
This is an amazing story!
This is an amazing story!
March 21, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this book. You get a feel for Paislee's character from the very first chapter. I love the way the Author blends past and present to give you an even better feel for the characters. I enjoyed reading about Keyon and Paislee's past struggles and what they go through to finally get past it. This is definitely an intense book that had me in knots while reading it. I would recommend everyone read this book!
March 27, 2016
I thought this was an amazing story. Keyon and Paislee were friends in high school and then he left. When he returns five years later, life for both is so different yet they are both suffering inside. Enjoy this story of finding happiness and dealing with demons. Loved it and hope to see more of them in the future. Not ready to let them go.
March 28, 2016
I loved this book. The characters are broken,but strong and their story heartfelt. It was beautiful and Heartbreaking at the same time. I've always had a weakness for fighters. I love when you get to see their strong and vulnerable side. Keyon and Paislee's story was one I couldn't put down. It was an incredible 4.6 stars!!
December 14, 2016
Dodging Trains
Amazing, awesome and yet another wonderful read. Enjoyed every page, word and sentence and as true as the story is, it's still heartbreaking to see how many people are or have been abused.
Sunniva, thank you for another wonderful and Amazing read and since I have all of you're other books, ill start reading the others.
Thanks again - Hengy Etebar
Amazing, awesome and yet another wonderful read. Enjoyed every page, word and sentence and as true as the story is, it's still heartbreaking to see how many people are or have been abused.
Sunniva, thank you for another wonderful and Amazing read and since I have all of you're other books, ill start reading the others.
Thanks again - Hengy Etebar
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