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The Ivy Years #2
Was wir verbergen
Direkt bei ihrer ersten Begegnung am Harkness College spüren Scarlet Crowley und Bridger McCaulley die starke Anziehung, die zwischen ihnen herrscht. Jeder Blick, jede flüchtige Berührung lässt ihre Herzen höher schlagen - und es fällt ihnen immer schwerer, einander zu widerstehen. Dabei haben Scarlet und Bridger gute Gründe, sich dem anderen nicht vollkommen zu öffnen. Denn sie verbergen beide ein Geheimnis, das nicht nur ihr bisheriges Leben am College, sondern vor allem auch ihre gemeinsame Zukunft zerstören könnte...
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2014
886 people are currently reading
10114 people want to read
About the author
Sarina Bowen
106 books19k followers
Sarina Bowen is the 24-time USA Today bestselling and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary fiction, including: The Five Year Lie, the True North series, and the Brooklyn Hockey series. She's the co-author of Him/Us and the WAGs series with Elle Kennedy. And more!
You can find a complete reading order list of Sarina's books on her website. Or see what's coming next from Sarina, and sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss a new book or a deal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,433 reviews
November 18, 2025
5 stars
Well hello there, binge-reading. It’s nice to see you again ;) It’s been a while since I’ve completely devoured a series back to back like I’m doing with the Ivy Years Series. I can’t help it. I don’t want to stop! This series is so great! I love that each book is about a different couple, and that each story gives me the feels and keeps me completely invested in the characters lives.
Bridger and Scarlet’s story was special. They were both hiding something and it was crucial that they kept it hidden. Neither was looking for a relationship, both have a lot on their plate, but they’re drawn to each other. Gah! I loved them both so much.
Bridger was a fantastic character and an amazing big brother. His relationship with his sister Lucy was one of my favorite things about this book. I really admired him for how handled the situation with her. I loved all their interactions.
I enjoyed watching everything play out with this one in the end. It made me smile, and even brought me to tears a few times. I can’t wait to jump straight to the next one in the series. Just like book one, the narration in the audio is fantastic!
She’s hiding something big. He’s hiding someone small.
Well hello there, binge-reading. It’s nice to see you again ;) It’s been a while since I’ve completely devoured a series back to back like I’m doing with the Ivy Years Series. I can’t help it. I don’t want to stop! This series is so great! I love that each book is about a different couple, and that each story gives me the feels and keeps me completely invested in the characters lives.
Bridger and Scarlet’s story was special. They were both hiding something and it was crucial that they kept it hidden. Neither was looking for a relationship, both have a lot on their plate, but they’re drawn to each other. Gah! I loved them both so much.
Bridger was a fantastic character and an amazing big brother. His relationship with his sister Lucy was one of my favorite things about this book. I really admired him for how handled the situation with her. I loved all their interactions.
“You said a swear”. Her voice was small.While Bridger was hiding someone, Scarlet was hiding who she was. Her past identity has been sealed and she doesn’t want it ever coming out. She can’t bear for Bridger to learn her secret, even when she finds out his. But nothing can stay secret forever…
“You can say one, too. Anyone who’s throwing up gets a free swear”.
“Shit” Lucy said.
“Good one.”
I enjoyed watching everything play out with this one in the end. It made me smile, and even brought me to tears a few times. I can’t wait to jump straight to the next one in the series. Just like book one, the narration in the audio is fantastic!
October 25, 2015
Solid 4 Stars – New Adult Romance
June 10, 2016
4 stars!
“My trick is understanding that there aren't any tricks. You just have to wade through each moment as it comes.”
The Year We Hid Away is the second book in the Ivy Years series and it focuses on Scarlet and former college hockey player Bridger. Scarlet is a freshman and is escaping a horrid home and Bridger is a joint student pursuing his undergraduate and masters degrees at the same time. They meet in class, begin to hand out and become friends.
Scarlet is hiding who she is from everyone. After a high profile case on her father is made extremely public, she spent the last year being shunned by her friends and her community and is excited to start a new life in a new city with a new name. Bridger is trying to maintain a low profile while secretly raising his younger sister because their mother is addicted to drugs. Both Bridger and Scarlet have miles of issues, but the two find comfort and love in each other.
So I'm at the point where I am a bit shell-shocked that this series isn't wildly successful. I can see now why Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy teamed up to write a book together because their writing style and story format is very similar.
The best part of this book for me was it was very much the characters' own book. Yes characters from the previous book were there, but their presence didn't overwhelm the story, it enhanced it. Both characters underwent so many trials and tribulations but they stuck together for the most part and relied on each other for support and comfort, what the majority of couples should do when times get hard. Lots of sweet heartfelt moments between Scarlet and Bridger, along with Bridger's younger sister Lucy.
“Thank you, Scarlet”.
“For what? For being your Tuesday and Thursday girl?”
“For all seven days. Because I think of you on all of them."
I also felt the depiction of college life was fairly accurate in this book. No weird drama where everyone knew everything about each other, no wild parties every night. Basically a lot of stereotypes were missing or not overdone and it read like a true college experience (or at least like mine).
The reason this is not a 5? Well, I've been noticing a trend in Bowen's books where not everything is resolved, and while I know that's life, it'd be nice to know the complete HEA of all of the characters. So far these first two books felt like they were cut off before the story is over. But we'll see with the other books how it plays out.
I recommend for all of you Elle Kennedy fans out there! Low drama and low angst for those of you who hate those kinds of things.
“My trick is understanding that there aren't any tricks. You just have to wade through each moment as it comes.”
The Year We Hid Away is the second book in the Ivy Years series and it focuses on Scarlet and former college hockey player Bridger. Scarlet is a freshman and is escaping a horrid home and Bridger is a joint student pursuing his undergraduate and masters degrees at the same time. They meet in class, begin to hand out and become friends.
Scarlet is hiding who she is from everyone. After a high profile case on her father is made extremely public, she spent the last year being shunned by her friends and her community and is excited to start a new life in a new city with a new name. Bridger is trying to maintain a low profile while secretly raising his younger sister because their mother is addicted to drugs. Both Bridger and Scarlet have miles of issues, but the two find comfort and love in each other.
So I'm at the point where I am a bit shell-shocked that this series isn't wildly successful. I can see now why Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy teamed up to write a book together because their writing style and story format is very similar.
The best part of this book for me was it was very much the characters' own book. Yes characters from the previous book were there, but their presence didn't overwhelm the story, it enhanced it. Both characters underwent so many trials and tribulations but they stuck together for the most part and relied on each other for support and comfort, what the majority of couples should do when times get hard. Lots of sweet heartfelt moments between Scarlet and Bridger, along with Bridger's younger sister Lucy.
“Thank you, Scarlet”.
“For what? For being your Tuesday and Thursday girl?”
“For all seven days. Because I think of you on all of them."
I also felt the depiction of college life was fairly accurate in this book. No weird drama where everyone knew everything about each other, no wild parties every night. Basically a lot of stereotypes were missing or not overdone and it read like a true college experience (or at least like mine).
The reason this is not a 5? Well, I've been noticing a trend in Bowen's books where not everything is resolved, and while I know that's life, it'd be nice to know the complete HEA of all of the characters. So far these first two books felt like they were cut off before the story is over. But we'll see with the other books how it plays out.
I recommend for all of you Elle Kennedy fans out there! Low drama and low angst for those of you who hate those kinds of things.
August 22, 2018
Ich hab eeeeeeecht lange gebraucht um dieses dünne Büchlein zu beenden.
Das hat auch einen ganz einfachen Grund: es hat mich einfach nicht mitreißen können. Mir hat einfach das Kribbeln, die Chemie, zwischen unseren beiden Protagonisten total gefehlt. Ich mochte die beiden an sich ja echt gerne und die haben sich auch wirklich verdient um sich gegenseitig zu unterstützen, aber mir war das doch am Anfang zu viel Insta-Love mit zu wenig Schmetterlingen im Bauch. Und auch im weiteren Verlauf des Buches hatte ich das Gefühl, dass die Liebesgeschichte total untergeht und grade auf die freue ich mich ja bei Büchern von Sarina Bowen. Schade, das erste Buch von ihr bisher, was mich nicht so ganz überzeugen konnte, trotz witzig-spritzigem Schreibstil.
Das hat auch einen ganz einfachen Grund: es hat mich einfach nicht mitreißen können. Mir hat einfach das Kribbeln, die Chemie, zwischen unseren beiden Protagonisten total gefehlt. Ich mochte die beiden an sich ja echt gerne und die haben sich auch wirklich verdient um sich gegenseitig zu unterstützen, aber mir war das doch am Anfang zu viel Insta-Love mit zu wenig Schmetterlingen im Bauch. Und auch im weiteren Verlauf des Buches hatte ich das Gefühl, dass die Liebesgeschichte total untergeht und grade auf die freue ich mich ja bei Büchern von Sarina Bowen. Schade, das erste Buch von ihr bisher, was mich nicht so ganz überzeugen konnte, trotz witzig-spritzigem Schreibstil.
July 25, 2018
Es war so schön! Aber leider viel zu kurz ... manchmal ging die Handlung viel zu schnell, besonders am Anfang. Da hat mir das Kribbeln gefehlt. Aber trotzdem hab ich das Buch sehr gemocht. Bridger <3
October 16, 2015
Two five star books in a row in this series. (If you want me to be honest, the novella that comes after this has already been devoured as well, and it's a 4.5 Star) That's almost unheard of for me, especially lately. What is it about this series that is blowing me away? I pick up a book and can't stop reading...it's been a long time since I've been unable to put a book down.
Scarlett and Bridger's journey was a rough one...not because of angst and New Adult insecurity, but because of the heavy responsibilities on their shoulders and the way they handled them. Bridger, who we met in book one, has given up watching his drug addicted mother put his baby sister in danger, and he's stepped up and manned up and done whatever he can to keep her safe and loved. If that means giving up his hockey career, his social life, and all the freedoms that come with being the drop dead gorgeous athlete on an Ivy League campus, then that's what he'll do. Because he's just effing awesome like that. Scarlett is pretty literally running from her past. Through no fault of her own, she's under public scrutiny. She changes her life and her name and settles into Harkness, just putting her head down and living her life.
Much like book one, this duo becomes good friends before the sparks start to fly, and it made all the difference in how much I rooted for them to succeed. Sarina Bowen is my newest addiction. I don't get one of those often, and I'm thrilled to still have a few books of hers to read. Her books are sweet and sexy yet realistic and heavy at times. Perfect combo for this reader. Five huge stars...I liked this one even better than book one. I'd give it six if I could!
So far, the first two books can totally be read as stand alones...another plus.
Scarlett and Bridger's journey was a rough one...not because of angst and New Adult insecurity, but because of the heavy responsibilities on their shoulders and the way they handled them. Bridger, who we met in book one, has given up watching his drug addicted mother put his baby sister in danger, and he's stepped up and manned up and done whatever he can to keep her safe and loved. If that means giving up his hockey career, his social life, and all the freedoms that come with being the drop dead gorgeous athlete on an Ivy League campus, then that's what he'll do. Because he's just effing awesome like that. Scarlett is pretty literally running from her past. Through no fault of her own, she's under public scrutiny. She changes her life and her name and settles into Harkness, just putting her head down and living her life.
Much like book one, this duo becomes good friends before the sparks start to fly, and it made all the difference in how much I rooted for them to succeed. Sarina Bowen is my newest addiction. I don't get one of those often, and I'm thrilled to still have a few books of hers to read. Her books are sweet and sexy yet realistic and heavy at times. Perfect combo for this reader. Five huge stars...I liked this one even better than book one. I'd give it six if I could!
So far, the first two books can totally be read as stand alones...another plus.
July 8, 2016
3.5 stars
Interesting little story. I liked it just a bit more than the first book, but they're both pretty good. Bridger and Scarlet have an amazing chemistry and I liked reading about them. Bridger has an adorable little secret, which I loved as well. The aspect of characters' dark past was quite a huge deal in this book, and it was done well. I am definitely ready to jump onto the next book, I heard so many good things about it!
Interesting little story. I liked it just a bit more than the first book, but they're both pretty good. Bridger and Scarlet have an amazing chemistry and I liked reading about them. Bridger has an adorable little secret, which I loved as well. The aspect of characters' dark past was quite a huge deal in this book, and it was done well. I am definitely ready to jump onto the next book, I heard so many good things about it!
September 23, 2017
3.5 Stars
Not as strong as the first in this series but still very, very solid.
Scarlet is hiding and for good reasons. Her dad has been charged with a horrendous crime, and thus her entire life has been hell for the last year. She just wants to escape to college and start anew, and that begins with changing her identity. The only bright thing in her life is the growing friendship she has with hottie Bridger, as they help each other with classes and studying.
The thing is, Bridger too, is hiding some big secrets. His mom has spiraled into self destruction after the sudden death of his father a few years back, so much so, his little sister Lucy has been grossly neglected. Being the great guy he is, Bridger’s taken it upon himself to care for her, keeping fingers and toes crossed that no one finds out he’s breaking all sorts of rules that can get him kicked out of college or forcing Lucy into foster care. He’s burning the candle at both ends and something inevitably is gonna give.
Once again, Bowen excels so much at her male protagonists. Bridger was a dream. Caring, loyal, immensely earnest and gentle, and wonderful in all the ways one can be as a big brother and boyfriend. *dreamy sigh* Scarlet herself, wasn’t too bad. There's a bit of melodrama which kinda made me roll my eyes, as she sacrifices her relationship for the good of all involved. Ugh. However it was totally understandable. I guess. This is where communication is key, and it frustratingly took awhile for that to happen.
Overall, a good entry to this series. Obviously, the majority of points goes towards Bridger. This was consistently sweet and sexy - I doubt many will complain about this at all. Enjoy!
Not as strong as the first in this series but still very, very solid.
Scarlet is hiding and for good reasons. Her dad has been charged with a horrendous crime, and thus her entire life has been hell for the last year. She just wants to escape to college and start anew, and that begins with changing her identity. The only bright thing in her life is the growing friendship she has with hottie Bridger, as they help each other with classes and studying.
The thing is, Bridger too, is hiding some big secrets. His mom has spiraled into self destruction after the sudden death of his father a few years back, so much so, his little sister Lucy has been grossly neglected. Being the great guy he is, Bridger’s taken it upon himself to care for her, keeping fingers and toes crossed that no one finds out he’s breaking all sorts of rules that can get him kicked out of college or forcing Lucy into foster care. He’s burning the candle at both ends and something inevitably is gonna give.
Once again, Bowen excels so much at her male protagonists. Bridger was a dream. Caring, loyal, immensely earnest and gentle, and wonderful in all the ways one can be as a big brother and boyfriend. *dreamy sigh* Scarlet herself, wasn’t too bad. There's a bit of melodrama which kinda made me roll my eyes, as she sacrifices her relationship for the good of all involved. Ugh. However it was totally understandable. I guess. This is where communication is key, and it frustratingly took awhile for that to happen.
Overall, a good entry to this series. Obviously, the majority of points goes towards Bridger. This was consistently sweet and sexy - I doubt many will complain about this at all. Enjoy!
February 10, 2018
WOW. I wasn't really sure what to expect from this, but I absolutely loved it. There was no crazy drama and I managed to be surprised at almost every turn (probably because I was expecting some crazy drama). Bridger was perfection! I loved how his man-whore status wasn't the main focus of the novel, he owned up to it and wasn't afraid of a relationship. Scarlet was the same way, she had reservations but she wasn't running from anything. It was great to see two strong characters fight for each other, despite all the crap the world threw at them. I loved how their romance came together, and how they handled everything in between. Like I said, there wasn't one BIG climatic moment, but a bunch of little things that could have derailed them. It was realistic without being boring. I wasn't in love with the first novel in the series, but this one more than made up for it! And I'm very excited to continue :)
April 19, 2018
Spoiler -ish!
5 Tuesday & Thursday Stars.
I loved this book. It has angst and two stories that are heartbreaking for the MC. This book stayed with me all throughout the night.
Scarlet had her name changed as over the past year she turned into a pariah. Her father has been accused of sexually abusing young boys (really iffy topic for me here) She escapes to Harkness in the hopes that everything will change. But the past can never be outrun.
I liked Scarlet and although she wanted to separate herself from her parents issues it is futile. She has to face her demons and come out on top. It was painful to ride what she was going through and I was hoping that she would come away with very little scars, I think she did.
Bridger former playboy and party animal has done a 180 after seeing that his mother has been deteriorating even more and that is former house is now a meth lab. He’s taken his sister Lucy to live in his dorm room although it is against the rules.
The highlights of Scarlet and Bridger’s week are Tuesdays & Thursdays where they have statistics and music theory together. In time things change and develop. These two are perfect for each other I every way. Although they are also both stubborn.
A known fact is I’m really picky when it comes to NA this basically means I stay away from it as I consider to be the plague, but this series see seems to have convinced me that not all NA is bad. I must say so far it has gotten under my skin.
Maybe it is because of the theme of the book and that the MC are so mature with what they had to deal with. I reckon it is also the character development and most certainly the author’s writing style. The pace was amazing and there was never a boring moment. I felt as if I was riding an emotional rollercoaster ride without wanting to.
She grips me with her words and storytelling and I didn’t want to put it down. Luckily, I didn’t have to 😉
This content won’t be for everyone it made me feel uncomfortable at times and a lot of things don’t bother me. I recommend the book.
P.S. No o/w drama
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5 Tuesday & Thursday Stars.
I loved this book. It has angst and two stories that are heartbreaking for the MC. This book stayed with me all throughout the night.
Scarlet had her name changed as over the past year she turned into a pariah. Her father has been accused of sexually abusing young boys (really iffy topic for me here) She escapes to Harkness in the hopes that everything will change. But the past can never be outrun.
I liked Scarlet and although she wanted to separate herself from her parents issues it is futile. She has to face her demons and come out on top. It was painful to ride what she was going through and I was hoping that she would come away with very little scars, I think she did.
Bridger former playboy and party animal has done a 180 after seeing that his mother has been deteriorating even more and that is former house is now a meth lab. He’s taken his sister Lucy to live in his dorm room although it is against the rules.
The highlights of Scarlet and Bridger’s week are Tuesdays & Thursdays where they have statistics and music theory together. In time things change and develop. These two are perfect for each other I every way. Although they are also both stubborn.
A known fact is I’m really picky when it comes to NA this basically means I stay away from it as I consider to be the plague, but this series see seems to have convinced me that not all NA is bad. I must say so far it has gotten under my skin.
Maybe it is because of the theme of the book and that the MC are so mature with what they had to deal with. I reckon it is also the character development and most certainly the author’s writing style. The pace was amazing and there was never a boring moment. I felt as if I was riding an emotional rollercoaster ride without wanting to.
She grips me with her words and storytelling and I didn’t want to put it down. Luckily, I didn’t have to 😉
This content won’t be for everyone it made me feel uncomfortable at times and a lot of things don’t bother me. I recommend the book.
P.S. No o/w drama
═══ PLEASE SUBSCRIBE / LIKE / FOLLOW US ════
Blog : https://www.jerisbookattic.com
FB Page : https://www.facebook.com/JerisBookAttic
Twitter : https://twitter.com/JeriTRyan
Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
Bloglovin : https://www.bloglovin.com/@jerisbooka...
January 8, 2022
Sadly, I do not quite enjoy this book very much. It is OK story. The Year We Hid Away is intended for NA audience. The drama is minimum. I was hoping for more from Miss Bowen.
When I listened to the audiobook, I feel the story is flat in the middle. Although the drama with Lucy is promosing, it was reseolved very quickly
Overall this is not entirely bad book. Just OK.
3 stars
When I listened to the audiobook, I feel the story is flat in the middle. Although the drama with Lucy is promosing, it was reseolved very quickly
Overall this is not entirely bad book. Just OK.
3 stars
August 14, 2018
4,5 Sterne
Want to read
December 27, 2017GUYS! Kindle freebie 12/27/17!
April 1, 2016
5 I love Bridger Stars
The year We Hid Away is part of the Ivy Years series and is a standalone. I haven’t read a Sarina Bowen book. I’ve seen her books everywhere, but I never started this series because I thought you had to read them in order. Well, you don’t. When I realized each books were a standalone, I decided to start with this one.
I absolutely loved it!
I really liked the storyline and I loved the writing style. The Year we Hid Away is a college NA romance novel, it had everything I was looking for in a read. I got my swoon worthy hero, Heroine I want to be friends with and an addictive plot. I loved this book from page one.
Bridger and Scarlet both have secrets. Okay, so the book isn’t about secrets, but it’s about two college kids struggling on their own. Scarlet’s father is under investigation for some sordid crimes. Scarlet, not having the best relationship with her dad already, wants nothing to do with her father still.
Scarlet was a bit head-strong at times, but I love her loyalty and need to be independent. I liked that yes, she had a rough childhood, but she doesn’t let it define her and she uses college as way to start over.
Bridger is this mysterious guy on campus, he was once a player, but now he’s secluded. He works three jobs and is always busy. No one seems to be able to track him down. I really loved Bridger! I loved how mysterious he was and I loved that he only had Tuesdays and Thursdays afternoon off for a few hours where he would spend some time with Scarlet, his new study buddy.
I loved Scarlet and Bridger together. I loved it when they study, flirt and have random dialogue. I was glued to the pages and I smiled from ear to ear because I found the relationship really adorable.
But of course both have issues and both are trying to find some normal in their lives despite the issues and I really liked that. I liked how they try very hard to keep the issues out of their relationship, it was endearing and sweet.
I can’t believe it took me so long to start this series. I loved simply loved it
The Year We Fell Down #1 AMAZON
The Year We Hid Away #2 AMAZON
Blonde Date #2.5 AMAZON
The Understatement of the Year #3 AMAZON
The Shameless Hour #4 AMAZON
The Fifteenth Minute #5 AMAZON
The year We Hid Away is part of the Ivy Years series and is a standalone. I haven’t read a Sarina Bowen book. I’ve seen her books everywhere, but I never started this series because I thought you had to read them in order. Well, you don’t. When I realized each books were a standalone, I decided to start with this one.
I absolutely loved it!
I really liked the storyline and I loved the writing style. The Year we Hid Away is a college NA romance novel, it had everything I was looking for in a read. I got my swoon worthy hero, Heroine I want to be friends with and an addictive plot. I loved this book from page one.
Bridger and Scarlet both have secrets. Okay, so the book isn’t about secrets, but it’s about two college kids struggling on their own. Scarlet’s father is under investigation for some sordid crimes. Scarlet, not having the best relationship with her dad already, wants nothing to do with her father still.
Scarlet was a bit head-strong at times, but I love her loyalty and need to be independent. I liked that yes, she had a rough childhood, but she doesn’t let it define her and she uses college as way to start over.
Bridger is this mysterious guy on campus, he was once a player, but now he’s secluded. He works three jobs and is always busy. No one seems to be able to track him down. I really loved Bridger! I loved how mysterious he was and I loved that he only had Tuesdays and Thursdays afternoon off for a few hours where he would spend some time with Scarlet, his new study buddy.
I loved Scarlet and Bridger together. I loved it when they study, flirt and have random dialogue. I was glued to the pages and I smiled from ear to ear because I found the relationship really adorable.
But of course both have issues and both are trying to find some normal in their lives despite the issues and I really liked that. I liked how they try very hard to keep the issues out of their relationship, it was endearing and sweet.
I can’t believe it took me so long to start this series. I loved simply loved it
The Year We Fell Down #1 AMAZON
The Year We Hid Away #2 AMAZON
Blonde Date #2.5 AMAZON
The Understatement of the Year #3 AMAZON
The Shameless Hour #4 AMAZON
The Fifteenth Minute #5 AMAZON
October 3, 2020
"Was schuldet man ihnen?"
"Wem?"
"Eltern, die es so gründlich vermasseln? Wie viel muss man schlucken, als Dank dafür, dass sie einen in die Welt gesetzt haben?"
4,25 Sterne
Also ich lese ja eigentlich nicht viel reine Romanzen. Aber The Ivy Years begeistert mich auf's Neue. Die Charaktere könnten aberwitzigeren Hintergrundgeschichten haben und doch glaubt man es alles sofort und hinterfragt nicht unbedingt. Die Geschichte ist toll erzählt und man bekommt Einblicke in das Leben der Figuren aus dem ersten Teil (man muss diesen aber nicht zwingend gelesen haben, um alles zu verstehen). Das Buch bietet die Gelegenheit für eine kurzweilige Unterhaltung, das man so schnell nicht aus der Hand legen kann (ich habe es in einem Rutsch gelesen). Freue mich auf mehr Bücher aus der Reihe!
July 13, 2016
4 stars
I enjoyed this short, sweet read with lots of twists and turns. I love that this couple connected from the beginning and were true to their feelings. No push-pull apart from trying to protect each other. I enjoyed their friendship and loved their loyalty towards each other.
A definite worth- your- time read.
I enjoyed this short, sweet read with lots of twists and turns. I love that this couple connected from the beginning and were true to their feelings. No push-pull apart from trying to protect each other. I enjoyed their friendship and loved their loyalty towards each other.
A definite worth- your- time read.
August 25, 2022
First year college student Scarlet Crowley is in hiding. She legally changed her name and is avoiding the press. Scarlet doesn't enjoy lying to her fellow students about her past; but she just can't make herself tell them what happened and see the revulsion in their eyes. Former hockey player Bridger McCaulley has a secret too. He has taken his eight-year-old sister Lucy from his drug addicted mother's house and secretly moved her into his college dorm. Bridger hasn't told anyone because he fears that she will be put in foster care. Juggling his classes, a job, and making sure his sister is getting her homework done has taken a toll on his dating life. After meeting Scarlet in his statistics class, she and Bridger build a relationship that is based on secrets and lies.
The second book in The Ivy Years series is even better than the last. Scarlet's father is a former hockey player who has been accused of sexually abusing several boys who he met through his charitable foundation. When the story hit the papers, Scarlet lost her friends and became a pariah overnight. Now she wants to start over with a clean slate and no baggage from her past.
We met Bridger in the previous book. He was a ladies' man and party animal who just wanted to have a good time. Now he is very serious, making sure no one finds out he is hiding Lucy in his room. He doesn't have enough money to pay for off-campus housing. Actually, he's lucky that he can afford food for both of them. I loved how he looked out for his sister, giving up any free time for her.
I enjoyed this New Adult Romance novel and am looking forward to more books in the series. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Saskia Maarleveld & Nick Podehl. Both did an excellent job. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
The second book in The Ivy Years series is even better than the last. Scarlet's father is a former hockey player who has been accused of sexually abusing several boys who he met through his charitable foundation. When the story hit the papers, Scarlet lost her friends and became a pariah overnight. Now she wants to start over with a clean slate and no baggage from her past.
We met Bridger in the previous book. He was a ladies' man and party animal who just wanted to have a good time. Now he is very serious, making sure no one finds out he is hiding Lucy in his room. He doesn't have enough money to pay for off-campus housing. Actually, he's lucky that he can afford food for both of them. I loved how he looked out for his sister, giving up any free time for her.
I enjoyed this New Adult Romance novel and am looking forward to more books in the series. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Saskia Maarleveld & Nick Podehl. Both did an excellent job. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
May 28, 2014
**The Year We Hid Away generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
5 Hidden Stars
The Year We Hid Away provides the second installment to the Ivy Years Series focusing on Hartley’s friend Bridger and a new character Scarlet. This story gives us another new adult title by Ms. Bowen that lends itself to being completely fresh and unique yet following new adult structure perfectly. The crafting of this plot weaves in two completely different back stories for Bridger and Scarlet – each hiding something major in their lives. Again, just as in the first book, I’ve yet to read a plot base like this and again Ms. Bowen flawlessly made me a believer in her work. The writing is so precise and clean that we never get caught up in meaningless points.
Whereas the heroine was the shining star in book one, the hero is my shining star in book two. If you’ve read book one you undoubtedly have an idea about Bridger in your mind. I had a couple of ideas. Well he blows expectations out of the water. He’s strong, solid, confident, vulnerable, loyal, and mature with so much love to give it surrounds him like an aura. I refuse to give anything away about the plot but you will fall in love with Bridger.
Scarlet’s story being so unique drew me to her. The questions just her back story raised I found titillating, really thinking about the impact of her situation and the devastation it left on her life and her views of her family. Scarlet’s strength fortifies her as a great heroine. She doesn’t dwell, she doesn’t complain but she’s hidden behind a wall of fear. There were a couple points in her story that I had wished were developed a bit further but overall this is a great heroine.
Sarina Bowen writes fast moving plots with engaging characters laced with a just a bit of mystery. The love story of Bridger and Scarlet is so simple compared to the complicated lives they lead outside of each other. The difficulties bind them to each other, developing a trust you’ll envy. For young love, these two have got it together – testament to lives they know with absolute certainty they don’t want. I’m happy I’ve had the opportunity to read these new adult books. Coming off a contemporary darker romance they just slayed me, it was nice to sit down with easy, uplifting love stories.
August 8, 2021
College is a great place to reinvent yourself. For our heroine and hero it is a good place to hide. Our heroine has had to change her name so she can go to school in peace and not pay for the sins of her father. Our hero has a secret that he must protect at all costs.
This is a good story about two people that find each other over major obstacles.
This is a good story about two people that find each other over major obstacles.
August 27, 2025
Five Stars of Pure Gold
Pure Gold. That’s what this book is. The Year We Hid Away is the second installment in the Ivy Years series, and it is as good as the first one. I’m completely in love with every book Sarina Bowen has written because I can’t get enough of her words. She has a way with words that fascinates me. Her style is wonderful, and her plots are usually very well developed. And I find really interesting that she tackles issues that are not very common in romance novels, like child molestation or drug abuse. But she does it with tact and sensitivity, and in a way that doesn’t alienate the reader at all, or turn the story too dark. But these issues are there, and make you think and feel. She doesn’t shy away from real life in any way. And in my opinion, that makes her truly special.
This is the story of Bridger and Scarlet, and it is really, really sweet. It has plenty of drama on both their ends, but their relationship develops beautifully from friends to lovers, and their chemistry is really hot. Bridger is so sweet, and hot, and wonderful. He’s going through the worst year of his life and hiding all his problems from his friends, avoiding them and doing what he thinks is best. But he wasn’t expecting to meet someone special.
Scarlet has her own secrets to keep, and is hiding in plain sight. Lying about who she really is, she tries to start a new life in Harkness College without the stigma of her family history. She refuses to open up to Bridger, choosing to fight her battles on her own. So when lies and half truths are exposed, they will need to trust each other and forgive mistakes to make their relationship work.
As I said, I loved this book. It’s sweet, romantic and has plenty of heat. Bridger and Scarlet are very well developed as characters and the plot is perfectly paced and though out. It has many sources of drama and angst, and the secondary characters are pretty awesome, as always. I specially enjoyed little Lucy, Bridger’s 8 year old sister, and Andy, Bridger’s friend and neighbor. It is truly a beautiful book, very easy to read and enjoy, and pretty impossible to put down.
Pure Gold. That’s what this book is. The Year We Hid Away is the second installment in the Ivy Years series, and it is as good as the first one. I’m completely in love with every book Sarina Bowen has written because I can’t get enough of her words. She has a way with words that fascinates me. Her style is wonderful, and her plots are usually very well developed. And I find really interesting that she tackles issues that are not very common in romance novels, like child molestation or drug abuse. But she does it with tact and sensitivity, and in a way that doesn’t alienate the reader at all, or turn the story too dark. But these issues are there, and make you think and feel. She doesn’t shy away from real life in any way. And in my opinion, that makes her truly special.
This is the story of Bridger and Scarlet, and it is really, really sweet. It has plenty of drama on both their ends, but their relationship develops beautifully from friends to lovers, and their chemistry is really hot. Bridger is so sweet, and hot, and wonderful. He’s going through the worst year of his life and hiding all his problems from his friends, avoiding them and doing what he thinks is best. But he wasn’t expecting to meet someone special.
Scarlet has her own secrets to keep, and is hiding in plain sight. Lying about who she really is, she tries to start a new life in Harkness College without the stigma of her family history. She refuses to open up to Bridger, choosing to fight her battles on her own. So when lies and half truths are exposed, they will need to trust each other and forgive mistakes to make their relationship work.
As I said, I loved this book. It’s sweet, romantic and has plenty of heat. Bridger and Scarlet are very well developed as characters and the plot is perfectly paced and though out. It has many sources of drama and angst, and the secondary characters are pretty awesome, as always. I specially enjoyed little Lucy, Bridger’s 8 year old sister, and Andy, Bridger’s friend and neighbor. It is truly a beautiful book, very easy to read and enjoy, and pretty impossible to put down.
November 9, 2018
3 out of 5 stars! ⭐️ I must say that I liked the first book in ‘The Ivy Years‘ a lot better than this one. I felt like the romance part was so badly described in this book. It seemed so forced and as a reader it was really weird to read it, the atmosphere was strange at times and I could not connect with the characters whatsoever. 😰
So here is what the book is about: Scarlet Crowley’s life was torn apart the day father was arrested for unspeakable crimes. Now the shock has worn off, but not the horror. Bridger McCaulley is a varsity hockey star known for being a player both on and off the ice. But a sobering family crisis takes that all away. The two form a tentative relationship based on the understanding that some things must always be held back. But will their relationship survive their family drama?
So basically it’s a nice story and, overall, quite entertaining, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before. It could have been a lot better, but it could also have been a lot worse too. Plus one more thing: the german translation was so bad! It literally made me cringe so many times! 📚
“But tonight I understood that if you kept your heart in the game, there would always be one more period to play. And excellent people to play it with. Game on.“ - Sarina Bowen, ‘The Year We Hid Away‘ (The Ivy Years, #2)
So here is what the book is about: Scarlet Crowley’s life was torn apart the day father was arrested for unspeakable crimes. Now the shock has worn off, but not the horror. Bridger McCaulley is a varsity hockey star known for being a player both on and off the ice. But a sobering family crisis takes that all away. The two form a tentative relationship based on the understanding that some things must always be held back. But will their relationship survive their family drama?
So basically it’s a nice story and, overall, quite entertaining, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before. It could have been a lot better, but it could also have been a lot worse too. Plus one more thing: the german translation was so bad! It literally made me cringe so many times! 📚
“But tonight I understood that if you kept your heart in the game, there would always be one more period to play. And excellent people to play it with. Game on.“ - Sarina Bowen, ‘The Year We Hid Away‘ (The Ivy Years, #2)
May 15, 2019
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book, but ended up feeling a little disappointed. I found Bridger and Scarlet’s personal plot lines to be the most interesting parts of the story and I wish Sarina Bowen would have focused on those more.
Bridger has quit hockey, is working multiple jobs, and secretly caring for his 8 year old sister while going to school full time.
Scarlet has recently changed her name and is trying to start a new life away from the awful child molestation allegations her father is facing. Her senior year of high school was alienating and lonely, and she’s hoping to leave that all behind.
Bridger and Scarlet meet and blah blah blah. Their romance was actually the weakest part of the story. Their early times spent together are mostly fade to black, so I never really felt any attraction or butterflies. That would have been fine if their side stories mentioned above were described and developed more. It definitely would have changed the book from romance to more regular fiction and it would have made the book more interesting.
Bridger has quit hockey, is working multiple jobs, and secretly caring for his 8 year old sister while going to school full time.
Scarlet has recently changed her name and is trying to start a new life away from the awful child molestation allegations her father is facing. Her senior year of high school was alienating and lonely, and she’s hoping to leave that all behind.
Bridger and Scarlet meet and blah blah blah. Their romance was actually the weakest part of the story. Their early times spent together are mostly fade to black, so I never really felt any attraction or butterflies. That would have been fine if their side stories mentioned above were described and developed more. It definitely would have changed the book from romance to more regular fiction and it would have made the book more interesting.
February 19, 2018
Some people manage to skate through their life with little to no drama and others seem to get everything thrown at them. I don't know why that is but the old saying - it's not what happens to you, it's how you deal with it - is very true.
Bridger is a college hockey star who has a very bright future ahead of him when he has no choice but to remove his little sister from their family to be her sole caregiver. He has always helped look after her anyway but now he is responsible for providing for her in every way a parent would have. He is about to learn the art of juggling as he copes with his study requirements, a part time job, getting Lucy to school each day and hiding the fact that she lives in his dorm. He has no time for anything else in his life, including his beloved hockey.
Scarlet is in her first year at college, desperate to make a fresh start. She plans on laying low, getting on with her work and enjoy the breathing space that being away from her home town and family now offers her. She may be away from the chaos for now but the issues in her family life keep knocking on her door. Her plan to keep to herself all year ends when she meets someone, the super cute and persistent Bridger. Initially she steers clear of him but he is either stalking her or they keep meeting by coincidence, or maybe it is fate?
Bridger and Scarlet become friends. Both of them have secrets they are hiding from each other and the world in general but having someone you can count on is something they both need. Individually, they are going through some heavy stuff, things that have forced them to grow up and be projected into adulthood a bit faster than normal. It's amazing what you can cope with when you have no choice but to do just that.
Everything they have to deal with brings them closer together and they find strength in each other. I loved Bridger, his dedication to his sister and how his sense of family was so important to him despite what his home situation was like. There is a lot happening in this story but it is also a journey of two people finding their first loves.
Bridger is a college hockey star who has a very bright future ahead of him when he has no choice but to remove his little sister from their family to be her sole caregiver. He has always helped look after her anyway but now he is responsible for providing for her in every way a parent would have. He is about to learn the art of juggling as he copes with his study requirements, a part time job, getting Lucy to school each day and hiding the fact that she lives in his dorm. He has no time for anything else in his life, including his beloved hockey.
Scarlet is in her first year at college, desperate to make a fresh start. She plans on laying low, getting on with her work and enjoy the breathing space that being away from her home town and family now offers her. She may be away from the chaos for now but the issues in her family life keep knocking on her door. Her plan to keep to herself all year ends when she meets someone, the super cute and persistent Bridger. Initially she steers clear of him but he is either stalking her or they keep meeting by coincidence, or maybe it is fate?
Bridger and Scarlet become friends. Both of them have secrets they are hiding from each other and the world in general but having someone you can count on is something they both need. Individually, they are going through some heavy stuff, things that have forced them to grow up and be projected into adulthood a bit faster than normal. It's amazing what you can cope with when you have no choice but to do just that.
Everything they have to deal with brings them closer together and they find strength in each other. I loved Bridger, his dedication to his sister and how his sense of family was so important to him despite what his home situation was like. There is a lot happening in this story but it is also a journey of two people finding their first loves.
March 19, 2020
Der zweite Teil war sogar noch besser als Band 1. Ich mochte Scarlet & Bridger. Sie sind toll und wie er sich um seine Schwester kümmert, finde ich richtig toll. Bin gespannt auf Band 3.
4,5 Sterne
4,5 Sterne
June 5, 2018
This is second in a series, though they're only tangentially related. You see Bridger in the previous book and some of those characters show up in this one (because they're his friends), but it isn't a strong presence. Some of the backstory for the friends plays a role here, though, and that may feel like something is missing. Still, you're okay starting here, if you like, I think.
I was interested to see what Bowen would do with Bridger, the player. And I was gratified to see him handled so well. His life has taken a nosedive in this book so he's not so much a player as he is a hermit. I loved seeing him so concerned with his sister and there are few things I like better than the strong, caring guy providing for and protecting the ones he loves. It doesn't hurt that Lucy is such a sweetie doing her best to deal with the crap hand life has dealt her.
But I was surprised with how much I was drawn into Scarlet's world, too. Her background strains credulity if you go with "what are the odds" thinking, but that's a background I haven't seen before and one I thought Bowen handled at least realistically enough to be interesting and make me think through her trials (what does happen with the daughter of a famous man brought up on multiple child molestation charges?). It gets a bit piled on with the scummy thug-lawyers, though, so I couldn't give Bowen a complete win on this aspect of the story.
I did like the growth of their relationship, despite a bit of insta-love. It actually makes sense if you consider how both are each others' safe haven but it was on the convenient side, even so. Still, they fit well and I enjoyed their growing intimacy, both emotional and physical.
And I really liked the parts at the end where they learn of those who are willing, even eager, to help them. And yeah, it was one of those things-came-together-conveniently that I enjoyed enough not to care that it might be on the unlikely side.
Anyway, I'm setting this at four stars even with all the convenient contrivances. I was fully engaged with the story as it unfolded and enjoyed my time with the characters and environment.
A note about Steamy: There were some explicit sex scenes. I kind of skimmed the details so I don't remember their number or length. It felt like the middle of my steam tolerance, but it was probably a bit higher if I'd bothered to pay attention. The fact of their intimacy was more important than the details and sex in NA novels tends to be more fantastical than I care for.
I was interested to see what Bowen would do with Bridger, the player. And I was gratified to see him handled so well. His life has taken a nosedive in this book so he's not so much a player as he is a hermit. I loved seeing him so concerned with his sister and there are few things I like better than the strong, caring guy providing for and protecting the ones he loves. It doesn't hurt that Lucy is such a sweetie doing her best to deal with the crap hand life has dealt her.
But I was surprised with how much I was drawn into Scarlet's world, too. Her background strains credulity if you go with "what are the odds" thinking, but that's a background I haven't seen before and one I thought Bowen handled at least realistically enough to be interesting and make me think through her trials (what does happen with the daughter of a famous man brought up on multiple child molestation charges?). It gets a bit piled on with the scummy thug-lawyers, though, so I couldn't give Bowen a complete win on this aspect of the story.
I did like the growth of their relationship, despite a bit of insta-love. It actually makes sense if you consider how both are each others' safe haven but it was on the convenient side, even so. Still, they fit well and I enjoyed their growing intimacy, both emotional and physical.
And I really liked the parts at the end where they learn of those who are willing, even eager, to help them. And yeah, it was one of those things-came-together-conveniently that I enjoyed enough not to care that it might be on the unlikely side.
Anyway, I'm setting this at four stars even with all the convenient contrivances. I was fully engaged with the story as it unfolded and enjoyed my time with the characters and environment.
A note about Steamy: There were some explicit sex scenes. I kind of skimmed the details so I don't remember their number or length. It felt like the middle of my steam tolerance, but it was probably a bit higher if I'd bothered to pay attention. The fact of their intimacy was more important than the details and sex in NA novels tends to be more fantastical than I care for.
November 9, 2021
This book made me ugly cry. Bridger. Gah. I can't even with him.
Seriously though, Bridger was such a stand-up guy. All the sacrifices he made for his sister? He melted my heart.
Scarlett, too. It's funny how a situation can be so different than publicly perceived, especially from the inside.
Definitely a recommended read.
Seriously though, Bridger was such a stand-up guy. All the sacrifices he made for his sister? He melted my heart.
Scarlett, too. It's funny how a situation can be so different than publicly perceived, especially from the inside.
Definitely a recommended read.
May 30, 2015
finished book #1 and jumped right into this one.
loving this series!
the characters are rocking my world.
the topics this book deals with... well I love reading something just a bit different.
loving this series!
the characters are rocking my world.
the topics this book deals with... well I love reading something just a bit different.
November 26, 2015
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 10, 2019
So muss NA sein: tolle Geschichte, tiefgründig und mit viel Gefühl, tollen Figuren und vom Schreibstil bin ich ein Fan.
Es erinnert mich an "Der letzte erste Blick", was ich gerade erst gelesen habe, gefällt mir aber besser.
Scarlet will neu anfangen, weit weg vom Skandal um ihre Eltern, auch wenn sie dafür lügen muss.
Bridger, den man als Bad Boy kennt, hat sich zurückgezogen und hat keine Zeit mehr für Parties oder Frauen.
Sie mögen sich, wollen aber mehr voneinander als sie einander geben können. Und was wenn ihre Geheimnisse rauskommen?
Die Protagonisten sind super entwickelt, total sympathisch und authentisch. Ich mochte beide unglaublich gern und fand sie auch zusammen toll.
Bridger weil seine Wandlung so authentisch ist und er der tollste Typ ist, dem ich seit langem begegnet bin. Wie er versucht seine Zeit zwischen Kursen, Arbeit und Lucy aufzuteilen, dabei nur Dienstage und Donnerstage für Scarlet bleiben... Er ist so toll und genau wie Scarlet, kann man nicht anders als sich in ihn und Lucy zu verlieben.
Und Scarlet weil ihre eigensinnige Art nachvollziehbar ist und ihr Drang zur Unabhängigkeit toll. Und wie zerrissen sie ist weil sein Geheimnis ihn noch toller macht, während ihres einfach nur hässlich ist.
Beide haben ihre Geheimnisse, es geht aber auch vor allem darum, wie sie mit ihren Problemen umgehen. Und da hat es mir besonders gefallen, dass keine Funken zwischen ihnen sprühen, sondern bei dem ganzen Drama, ihre Beziehung ruhig ist und sich echt anfühlt. Viel Gefühl statt viel Leidenschaft.
Große Geheimnisse und viel Drama, wobei es nicht die typischen College-Probleme sind, sondern ernsthafte. Die Story ist einfach speziell und toll ausgearbeitet, auch im Verlauf und die einzige Kritik wäre, dass es gerne länger hätte sein können. Die Hintergründe der beiden hätten ausführlicher dargestellt sein können. Und ich hätte gerne einen Peek auf auf Andy und Katie gehabt. Aber sonst ist die Umsetzung total gelungen.
Ich fand es besser als den ersten Teil der Reihe. Story, Stil und Protagonisten - alles überzeugt.
Es erinnert mich an "Der letzte erste Blick", was ich gerade erst gelesen habe, gefällt mir aber besser.
Scarlet will neu anfangen, weit weg vom Skandal um ihre Eltern, auch wenn sie dafür lügen muss.
Bridger, den man als Bad Boy kennt, hat sich zurückgezogen und hat keine Zeit mehr für Parties oder Frauen.
Sie mögen sich, wollen aber mehr voneinander als sie einander geben können. Und was wenn ihre Geheimnisse rauskommen?
Die Protagonisten sind super entwickelt, total sympathisch und authentisch. Ich mochte beide unglaublich gern und fand sie auch zusammen toll.
Bridger weil seine Wandlung so authentisch ist und er der tollste Typ ist, dem ich seit langem begegnet bin. Wie er versucht seine Zeit zwischen Kursen, Arbeit und Lucy aufzuteilen, dabei nur Dienstage und Donnerstage für Scarlet bleiben... Er ist so toll und genau wie Scarlet, kann man nicht anders als sich in ihn und Lucy zu verlieben.
Und Scarlet weil ihre eigensinnige Art nachvollziehbar ist und ihr Drang zur Unabhängigkeit toll. Und wie zerrissen sie ist weil sein Geheimnis ihn noch toller macht, während ihres einfach nur hässlich ist.
Beide haben ihre Geheimnisse, es geht aber auch vor allem darum, wie sie mit ihren Problemen umgehen. Und da hat es mir besonders gefallen, dass keine Funken zwischen ihnen sprühen, sondern bei dem ganzen Drama, ihre Beziehung ruhig ist und sich echt anfühlt. Viel Gefühl statt viel Leidenschaft.
Große Geheimnisse und viel Drama, wobei es nicht die typischen College-Probleme sind, sondern ernsthafte. Die Story ist einfach speziell und toll ausgearbeitet, auch im Verlauf und die einzige Kritik wäre, dass es gerne länger hätte sein können. Die Hintergründe der beiden hätten ausführlicher dargestellt sein können. Und ich hätte gerne einen Peek auf auf Andy und Katie gehabt. Aber sonst ist die Umsetzung total gelungen.
Ich fand es besser als den ersten Teil der Reihe. Story, Stil und Protagonisten - alles überzeugt.
April 29, 2019
😍😍😍 Zwischendurch ist so ein bisschen Drama einfach perfekt 😅.
Ich liebe den Schreibstil von Sarina Bowen und obwohl mir die True North Reihe etwas besser gefällt, mag ich auch The Ivy Years total gerne 😍.
Ich habe zu ungefähr bis zur Hälfte gebraucht, bis mich das Buch richtig packen konnte, aber das könnte auch an meiner Leseflaute liegen 😅
Ich liebe den Schreibstil von Sarina Bowen und obwohl mir die True North Reihe etwas besser gefällt, mag ich auch The Ivy Years total gerne 😍.
Ich habe zu ungefähr bis zur Hälfte gebraucht, bis mich das Buch richtig packen konnte, aber das könnte auch an meiner Leseflaute liegen 😅
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