Not the Same

Not Alone Novellas #2

by Gianna Gabriela

Aron Lincoln never meant to take on the role of parent.
He was only ten years old.
His job was to be a big brother, one his little brother could learn from—maybe even look up to.
He wasn’t supposed to be the one his brother depended on for protection.
But when their Dad walked away, and their Mom chose something else over them, Aron was left with no choice.
He made a vow to protect his brother, and it’s a promise he intends to keep.

Genres: New Adult

80 pages, Paperback

First published December 23, 2018

About the author

Writer of the sexy alphas you want and the strong heroines you need.

Reviews

[Annie's reading corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading Aron's story. If you like him in Not the end, here you will absolutely love him. The story was very good and emotional; truly an enjoyable reading.
I find very interesting that each of the Not Alone Novellas deals with delicate topics and they are developed beautifully.
I would really like to see Aron and Dimah in the future.

[Shelby W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent story! I had the pleasure of listening to this novella on my kindle, while at work, this story grabbed my attention and didn't let go to the last page was flipped; it was very well-written.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I read Not the End by Gabriela and I am happy to read about Aron’s story in not the same. He took over the role of protector for his little brother while his mother stayed high on drugs. They both find love from their aunt that they should have received from their mother. Very touching story :)

[Eileen (Bangor Belles) Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy 5 stars for this one.
This is Aron's story, its a story of pain, hurt, anguish, trust destroyed, betrayed and a young man living with pressures no child should endure. Son of a drug dealer and alcoholic, Aron has spent his life trying to be a parent for his younger brother whilst struggling to stay at school. This book tore at my heart, so many young people now are actually living through these kind of situations, and this author has written a harsh subject beautifully that gives you as many tears as smiles. Characcters that are down to earth and real, make it easy to get caught in their life. His devotion to his brother, just warmed my heart to the core. This book pulls a lot of punches and really makes you think and i love when that happens with a book. When it reminds us that life isn't always roses, and we never know what someone is dealing with. Aron gained my love, with his heart, his determination and his ability to love, even when he had been dealt nothing but vinegar.

[Cynthia Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Beginning to end this book takes on a very emotional heartbreaking read about Aron and the life he had to grow up fast to take care of his brother. With every page there are twist and turns that will hurt your heart and leave you with it being put back together by the end. Amazing read that left me breathless and crying and getting mad at the same time. Can't wait to see what she does next.

[Diane Plourde TDC Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 5 star novella that I just Devoured. This is Aron’s side of his story that started at a young age. Aron is in the story Not The End.

I got to see how he grew up too fast to a mother that was emotionally not there for him and his little brother. He was a parent to his parent.

I just adored Aron and Ethan, they made me feel so much. I wanted to take them under my wing and just hug them. Beautifully written where it felt just right. It didn’t feel short, it just complimented Not The End. I can’t wait for more from these characters.

I think either Not the Same and Not the End can be read first because they just compliment each other. I strongly recommend both these books.

[C Exley Books (Cassandra) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome read by this author. I read this in on sitting.

This is Aron’s story. The things he has to go through as a teenager are rough and no kid or teen should have to but unfortunately they do.

Son of a drug dealer and alcoholic, Aron has spent his life trying to be a parent for his younger brother, Ethan whilst struggling to stay at school.

This book makes us understand why Aron is the person that wanted to help and protect in Not the Same (book #1).

I highly recommend this book.

[C. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked Aron in Not The End but now I love him. This is Aron’s story. The things he has to go through as a teenager are rough and no kid or teen should have to but unfortunately they do. If I could give this 10 stars, I’d want to give it more it’s that good 🖤🖤

[Katrina Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Gianna book which this one didn't disappoint at all. It was short story. This is Aron who we meet in the Not the End🖤🖤🖤 This is such a great story which I think you will enjoy reading it.. It was such a page turner from beginning to end..

[Mary Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

As if I didn't already love Aron Lincoln enough from book one Not The End , book two Not The Same has me falling more in love with him. This is his story. These are facts of how he came to be the strong and good hearted man he is for Dimah. If you read book one (which if you haven't, go now!) then you will know Aron as her savior and the boy who showed her real love. We knew he had a past but it was a mystery mostly. Now we have the story. And it will grip your heart! Aron is proof that we make our own destiny. Just because we come from a not so great past, we make our decisions for out future. I just loved this story. Aron's strength and true excellence was radiant in each word of his story. And his story leads into Dimah's beautifully. I can't wait for more from this ground breaking series.

[Clare Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

So young was he when his life was turned upside down. His family a broken mess.

Football was his thing. A passion, a commitment a freedom.

His dream shelved, as his younger brother becomes his responsibility.

Life is hard, life is tough and you gotta keep fighting.

Short and sweet but with a deep and painful message surrounded by brotherly love and commitment.

Aron undeserving of the life thrust upon him. He's the guy everyone sees as carefree but in reality that's not the case at all.

Ethan is just a child, but he does see things, and he does understand. Never underestimate children.

Beautifully told, heartbreaking material, but so real.

I feel quite shocked and devestated for what they went through. My heart goes out to them. They deserved so much more.

Gianna gets the message across in a poignant and realistic way. I'm in awe of her once again!

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book which comes after Not the End, and Wow, just wow! This is a short novella but it doesn't lack in feeling or intensity. Aron has had to grow up quickly and be the parent to his little brother, Ethan, after his father walked out on them and his mother turned to drugs. You can feel the growing frustration, the hope and the pain of hopes dashed when it everything falls apart. It shows how our actions can affect those around us, even when we're trying to shield them from what's happening. This book makes us understand why Aron is the person that wanted to help and protect in Not the Same (book #1). This kind of writing is why Gianna Gabriela is a one click author for me.

[Joy Westerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! While this is a short story, it certainly packs a punch. This second book in the series explains so much about how Aron was raised and how he became the young man we were introduced to in the first book, Not The End. His mother had issues and Aron ended up having to grow up before his time to protect and take care of his brother. The story shows his struggles and how he has to cope with day to day life. I won’t say what the issues his mother had as I don’t want to say any spoilers, but this story fully shows how hard an addiction can have on a family. I highly recommend this book of sadness, hope, love and perseverance.

[Christine Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aron has been the sole caregiver to his brother Ethan who is a few years younger than him. Aron is a football player for his high school. He gets a call when Ethan is not picked up by their mother. Their mother is a drug addict and forgets to pick up him. Aron gives up football to make sure Ethan is taking care of after school. Their mom gets cleaned for a bit and is being a good mom again. one day Aron gets a call from Ethan and he runs home to get him. Their aunt takes them in so they do not have to go to foster care. Their lives change drastically for the better. the ending of the book is when Dimah is introduced

[Kayla Busch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella deals with a difficult subject matter, that will bring out every emotion in you. I really enjoyed learning about Aron's backstory. His story is about overcoming a difficult childhood (raising his brother while his mother is battling her addictions) and the pain, anguish and fears he has to face daily. It honestly broke my heart to hear about Aron's childhood. However, the story is also about hope, moving on and never giving up on your dreams. While Aron and his brother faced a lot of hardships, they also had loved ones who were rooting for them. Not the Same, is a beautifully written book, that I highly recommend everyone reads!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aron is a high school student who is tasked with accepting way more responsibility than anyone should have to at that age. Acting as a father to his younger brother Ethan comes with sacrifices that he is more than willing to pay but even that may not be enough when those he should be able to count on disappoint him once again.

This is a heartbreaking and inspiring story about the relationship between Aron and his brother which is loving, unselfish and knows no bounds. I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook and found that the performance of the narrator was entertaining and had great flow.

[Patti Hesington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its really refreshing to have an author write a story that can come alive for me. I picture the whole story in my mind when I read and Gianna Gabriela was able to put to words one Heck of a story for Aron and his little brother Ethan.
Aron had to grow up really fast in a very short time in his early years. He has been thru some very tough times but he keeps it together as much as he can. Will he succeed or will he go down the same path that someone he use to look up to went down??
This is a must read and I cannot wait for more.

[Court · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this story. In Not the Same we get Aron's history and how he became who he is in Not the End. Aron had to grow up quick and become an adult and parent well before he should have had to. Aron is a strong, responsible, and charming character that you can't help, but fall for and want everything to work out for him. And Aron's relationship with his brother, Ethan, is amazing and what it wouldn't do for him is respectable. It makes you fall for him hard. This story is full of emotions and you feel them all throughout Aron's journey. It's an amazing story that you need to read!

[Melissa Jagessar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another outstanding book by Gianna. It was so emotionally taxing. I truly had to stop reading a couple times but pushed through. Though fictional, these characters are so genuine. Aron Lincoln is the hero in this story. My heart truly broke for Aaron. Having to play the role of a parent prematurely is not ideal but is necessary. This book is actually a prequel to Not The End, which helps the reader to know Aron’s backstory. I appreciate him so much more now. He’s such a strong, brave role model. This book is categorized as YA but it can be enjoyed by anyone seeking a gripping story.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Day after day broken promises. My life is not my own. I spend it taking protecting my younger brother. He's an innocent and I want him to stay that way. My future is lost. I just need to protect him. I won't let anything happen to him while she's like this. We can't depend on her, she wont stop, not for us anyway.

Once again this author writes a tale that grabs the heart, mind and soul. She has a way of creating stories that have characters you know. They are the neighbor, the co-worker, the grocery clerk, the high school kid who's the star quarterback. You don't know their story, their struggle but she tells it. Drugs, alcohol, dependency, abuse, neglect they experience them all. I can't wait for her to tie in the story of Dimah and Aron, there's so much more to tell because they aren't the same. . . and they aren't alone.

[Natalie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a prequel to Not the End. It is the story of Aron Lincoln; what shaped him, forced him to grow up too fast and to become the parent to his own parent and his younger brother. The story is his own words and it made me love him even more.

Just like her other books, Gianna Gabriela draws you in, vividly painting the characters and making you become attached. I loved that we got Aron’s back story and I can’t wait to get the next story in this series!

[Heather Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my like always with Gianna this book definitely has heart ❤️ my gosh .... this book was so emotional for me to read while I read it in one sitting because I just needed to know what happens next I think it will take me a while to get over it yes book hangover here we come !
Words that come to mind with this book is heartbreaking beautiful strong .... just to name a few while this book is fiction it could sadly very easy be someone's reality !
Another must read ....

[Cassie Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Aron and his ability to grow up and take care of his little brother Ethan while his mom battless drugs. I can't wait to follow Aron's story. This is a nice short read but definitely keeps you interested from beginning to end and leaves you waiting for the next! Gianna is absolutely one of my favorite authors, all of her words have meaning, no random fluff to fill the pages!

[Lisa Lyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an amazing read another beautifully written story from gianna. My heart literally broke for aron and his little brother and what they went through, i can kinda relate abit. I was so glad that things turn good in the end for both the boys. Really great read would definitely recommend this one ladies

[Natalia Acuña · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! the feels!! You guys will ove this story!! This book tells a sad reality a lot of teens have to deal with nowadays! Yet somehow some of them are resilient to that hard reality they were dealt. Aron was strong and despite all the bad things that happened to him, he overcame them, he succeeded.
Hope you all give this book a chance! It's amazing =)

[Yatarika Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story goes along with Not the End. This is a prequel, but definitely read it after Not the End. This was well written and out of the normal realm of what Gianna writes. I loved that she went this direction and gave a back story. Usually I give a little more into the book description wise, but this is one book where I just have to say that you will have to read it to see her brilliance! I highly recommend this book.

[Nora Fresse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww, I absolutely loved this story. It was great to read Aron's backstory. Not The Same gives us insight into why Aron is so mature for his age and his aversion to drugs and alcohol. His love for his brother was so touching and he was so protective that he would sacrifice anything for his little brother.

This is a great, emotionally gripping story that I highly recommend.

[Beatriz · Rating 4 out of 5]

We met Aron in Not the Same. This is a short story about the struggles he suffered growing up. And how at such a young age he has to take care of his brother and himself. Easy and quick to read. I think the way the author approach the life events in Aron life is brilliant. Is well written and the development of the story is great. You will need to read first Not the End.

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart broke for Aron. Having to deal with drug addiction and a younger sibling is something no child should ever have to do. The dialogue at the end of the story between Aron and Ethan is something every person in rehab should read over and over again. Highly emotional and heart wrenching while providing hope at the end of a tragedy. Simply one of the best books of 2018.

[Cynthia Judd · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read the first book Not the End read that first. This book tells Arons story. Aron struggles to shelter his little brother from his mothers drug addiction and abusive boyfriend. Giannas story telling keeps you turning the page needing to know the outcome for Aron and Ethan.