Bailey Torres is hopelessly in love with Caitlyn Hunter. And who could blame her? Caitlyn is smart, generous and the kind of beautiful that makes Bailey’s stomach do backflips, then front flips, then somersaults. Needless to say, Caitlyn’s perfect in every way…well, she would be if she wasn’t Bailey’s high school English teacher. On graduation night, fueled by liquid courage, Bailey does the unthinkable and confesses her love to her former teacher. She’s all in and hopes Caitlyn will be too. Who cares if there’s an obstacle…or two…or ten in their path? True love conquers all, doesn’t it?
I just have to say right off that I was totally into this book.
It was hard to get into at first because I'm not used to whatever ghetto latina language that was going on within the Torres family and friends.
Bailey is an FSU student in Tallahassee that has always been in love with her high school English teacher, Caitlyn, who was there to help her and her family through a lot of hard times.
So much crazy shit happens in this. It was like watching a car wreck. You know you shouldn't, but can't help but look. Things would happen and I'd roll my eyes, but then get completely sucked in. I can't explain it.
So uh, slow burn for sure. A Lot of will they/won't they. Secrets. Backstories. Family. Drugs. Hood. Escorts. You name it!
Honestly, I liked this so much it could have been a 5 rating for me! But alas, it had a few issues.
There were too many instances of sucking teeth. I don't even know what that is. I would picture the characters mimicing a rabbit. 'Bailey Torres' sounds like a character from 'Greys Anatomy.' Bailey's username was too crass for her character. She was a top-of-her-class and highly motivated young woman. No way she would have something as Juvenile as '69' in her screen name. There were some editing issues. And the biggest issue for me was that scenes were not separated with dividers, so everything just confusingly ran together.
But this book was LIT (As one of the Torres family would say). HA.
Special shout out to incredible wifey tension whenever Bailey was a topic of discussion. And to an incredible in-class colorful reveal.
I think this could be a bit polarizing for some readers. But give it a shot and maybe you will like this overly dramatic story as much as I did.
I enjoyed this one even though it was incredibly dramatic at times. I think this author has a lot of potential. I read this in practically one sitting which is always a good sign. Only criticisms were some editing issues and some over the top moments, but it's an easy read and I would check out this author again.
If all the things I dislike in books had a love child it would be this book... and I really liked it. I know. It doesn’t make sense to me either. Then again, I am a classical music buff who also loves country music. Maybe it’s me....
This book throws everything and the kitchen sink at you. It would be much quicker to think of the things and plot lines that did *not* happen then to give you self a headache trying to remember what did.... But for all the chaos and drama that makes a telenovela seem like a realistic documentary, there is something so unselfconscious and charming and full of whim about this, that I simply couldn’t put it down. This story should start with “you’ll never belief this, but...” before you get thrown in with the lives of Bailey, Caitlyn, Vic, Dana, Tee and and and and more. But if you just buckle up for the ride and roll with it, well you might have as much fun as I did. It lacks editing and chapters. But it’s full of charm and I couldn’t put it down.
Lack of editing aside, stupid shit that dragged me out of the story (Punctuation. Missing words, incorrect words (her steal gray eyes. Who stole them?) I ended up enjoying this story more than I expected.
For some reason, I thought this was going to be a taboo teacher/student story. It's not. These two dance around each other for most of the book.
This wasn’t for me! I couldn’t get into it I just felt it dragged for so long and the reasons really never made sense unfortunately... I do like this author’s work but this specific one didn’t click with me so don’t mind my rating or review :)
This is surprisingly a good story. Characters are memorable and show solid relationship with one another. Lingua's were contextually appropriately and humourously done. The major downside though were the edits....no chapters and a number of spelling errors.
This is a book I’ve been wanting to read for a long time but for some reason have never gotten around to it.. I’ve really liked her other two books especially “Girls Who Pray”. And you know what, I really really liked this! Always had a thing for “forbidden” love, and even though it isn’t quite teacher/student anymore, it’s something forbidden over this. Sure it could have touched more upon Bailey’s work, had a bit less of Tee and that, and had a little more build up and angst but it’s good! Haven’t read a Dar book I didn’t like :)
When I first started this book, I thought I reading a fan fiction with the way the author started writing the Torres family but then realized she was nailing it. I couldn’t put the book down finished it in a day. It was much more than I thought it would be.
Don’t let the first few chapters steer you away. Thought I do wish Caitlyn had more of a backbone. Her character sometimes irritated the crap out of me. Sometimes making her seem to desperate and dependent. But really a good read and worth the time.
I couldn't put the book down. There was so much going on but it all meshed well together that it just made the story flow. Admittedly, I hesitated to read the book because I thought it was bordering on taboo with high school student and teacher thing, but I'm glad I gave it a chance because Bailey and Caitlyn were truly equals and partners in every way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Not for me - couldn't really get my head around the language, the morals and the behaviours of all. No one I could "support" as a main character. Skipped to the end so jumped swaves of the narrative.
This book could have 5 syars easy. 4 stars because I lost myself few times and I wasn't sure if I missed something or not. A little thing as page break between people would be enough, something to show the reader someone else is thinking now. That's the only thing that confused me. Otherwise the story itself with characters and all was really nice.
I’m not sure what happened. I read the reviews and people said it was a lot, annoyingly a lot, but “can’t put it down” good. I didn’t think it could be true. Well the other reviewers were right. I rolled my eyes, reread pages, scoff, close the app and let it be, only to be back at it 5 minutes later.
Student-Teacher crush, drug dealing, shootings, jail, escorts, unfaithfulness, blackmail, indecision, and a hundred things more.
3/5 I can't do this anymore. This book just keeps and keeps hurting me.
Basically through this whole book Bayley deserved better, and Caitlyn didn't gived it to her.
Honestly I doubt Caitlyn was actually in love with Bayley, I wish there was a moment that would convince but instead every choice she will make it only hurted Bayley to a point where I didn't wanted them together.
After reading the summary of this book I was very excited but now I'm feeling disappointed
I'm disappointed not because the book was horrible but because it could've been so much more.
The Author spent the pre chapters introducing us to these characters and decisions that lead them on their journey captivating and left me intrigued especially after Bailey made her choice a young woman trying to keep her nose clean but without the resources to do so took matters into her own hands to ensure she has a brighter future you can't help but respect her Hustle.
Unto the chapters where we learn what's been happening in these characters life's and I'm wondering what happened? The author spent an abundant amount of time showing how abusive Dana is, how broken and self conscious Caitlyn is and how Bailey despite all odds was making her go at college; now let's factor in the angst and continued emotional and manipulative abuse and I'm wondering when will the story evolve? How many chapters until she finally moves on, how many chapters until we finally get B&C? The answer was the nine minute epilogue.
I can understand if the Author wanted to keep the book short but I'm yet to read how B&C finally get together, how Bailey transitioned from her past into handling her present, their first date? Moving in together anything that actually represented the two main characters I expected to read about? I feel cheated out of experiencing their growth I'm unable to just accept a cheap happy ending barely scraped together to placate me further more how can you have given Dana that tenor? How was she not found out for all her indiscretion?
The waisted potential is upsetting I want more than a nine minute epilogue of their story together
Definitely not for me. I had to skim, because I just simply couldn't keep reading every detail any longer. When I discovered they were close in age, I was kind of glad. I don't usually have issue with an age gap, but due to the circumstances, it eased the unease a little. The thick/heavy subject of infidelity and didn't help.
The rest of the story was so dramatic, and the wife was a soap opera villain. She was so out of touch with sanity I didn't understand what I was reading and why. It's an HEA, but I wonder if ALL that needed to occur for it to have happened. I get being ghetto, and I grew up with it, but there are certain things... eh. It no longer has anything to do with circumstances, in my opinion.
I just couldn't get into it. Maybe it was a cultural difference, but from my experience there was always that parental "third eye" waiting with a switch. Even as an adult I'm afraid, so yeah, I don't get it. Work of fiction, I know.
Mind you this wasn't for me, but "different strokes for different folks". My friends would love this, and we read stuff like this when we were much younger (don't judge, we kind of went without supervision in school), so if it's for you, go for it.
This book was very well done! Elements of diversity, abuse of power, and unrequited love. All of these elements were represented by the author in a tasteful fashion. The chemistry between Bailey and Caitlin was off the charts even thought he age gap was not okay at the end of high school but the maturity evolved as Bailey got older in college. Dana represents how far someone goes to abuse her power and resorting to blackmail to get her way. All in all, a well done story!
Really good reading! Lots of happening, different than that expected. Kept my attention till the end... The missig thing that for me werehe intimate scenes... There are few.. But a bit too vague and I was expecting defenitly more on that front
The book begins at the end of Bailey's senior year of high school when after harboring an intense crush on Caitlyn, her married English teacher, she goes for it on graduation night, setting up an awkward moment between the two. This is after Bailey inadvertently is introduced to Caitlyn's wife. The book continues throughout Bailey's college years at the same time that it chronicles Caitlyn's disintegrating marriage and her inability to stand up to her controlling, selfish wife.
Bailey is a Latinx lesbian from a poor Puerto Rican family in Tallahassee, Florida. With her mother disabled and her butch cousin into the illegal survival economy, Bailey has to succumb as well in order to make her tuition and keep her family from starving. In high school, Caitlyn was a great help to the family and she did everything she could to encourage Bailey, who was an exceptional student.
Evelyn Dar is one of my go-to authors. I've read and loved her two of her other three books (Girls Who Pray and How Sweet the Sound). It's Complicated was her first book, and while she has definitely improved, this book still caught me and I couldn't stop reading. Engagement is one of the top factors I take into account when rating a book. If I'm so engaged that I can't put it down then I know the book's plot, characters and the writing is very strong. And for that reason, I'm giving this one 5 stars, especially since it's a debut.
I gave this book 4 stars and was not completely satisfied with my decision. It could have went up one and down one. The storyline was good one. Bailey is in love with her English teacher and on graduation she decides to tell Caitlin Hunter this and kisses her. But Mrs. Hunter tells Bailey she is married and introduces her to her wife Dana. Bailey is upset and leaves. The next time they come face to face Bailey is in jail. The story takes you through the lives of Bailey and Caitlin as both are crumbling down. What I did like, was how their relationship was in the beginning, happy, flirty and fun loving. I also loved the end, it did exactly what it was supposed to do. It left you with a good feeling and happy to know that both got what they deserved. As for Dana, that was left blank. It was not okay what she was doing, she got tenure which is all she wanted and released Caitlin. The whole middle of the story was all over the place and I was not prepared for the uneven flow off book after reading some of Evelyn’s other books. I still think this is worth the read. I hope to see more from this writer.
I think her other book is better (how sweet the sound) but that 1 has its issues too. As another reviewer noted it handles rape and sexual harassment way too freaking lightly. This story does the same, but maybe worse. Everyone knows 1 character is basically a misogynist and goes after young women but oh, it’s ok because she’s a woman? Come on now. It’s skeezy, tacky and harmless, also an abuse of power. So that was very annoying. The trashy characters who constantly say yo, cuz, bae, etc made my eyes roll. They were flat and only served 1 purpose-to juxtapose how smart the main character was. The older main character is weak for a long time. I have an issue with characters who don’t have a backbone. Sometimes the drama was very over the top. I found myself thinking oh god-just talk like adults. It’s a decent read. Doesn’t have much depth.
Bailey has been hopelessly in love with Caitlyn since she was in high school and Caitlyn was her favorite English teacher. Their relationship has always been complicated but they’ve always been connected somehow. It’s not till years later and a millions situations later that the two may have a chance.
This book had me on edge with ‘will they or won’t they’ scenarios, and as time progressed for them both, life also gets more complicated until they decide to uncomplicate everything and finally find happiness. Bailey has had a hard life and Caitlyn’s is no picnic, but the two women each grow and mature in different ways that’ll make your heart cry for them, especially when they finally get a chance to be happy together. The ups and downs of their relationship are unique and saddening at times but will bring you a smile in the end.
“I think life is way harder than anyone ever admits and everybody’s just pretending they have their shit together. In reality, we’re all one missed promotion, or failed relationship away from jumping out the nearest window.” + • + • + • +
Absolutely wonderfully written, the story just flowed almost effortlessly & easily. Despite being able to anticipate the final outcome, it still didn't diminish drive or desire to keep reading & see how it actually plays out.
Loved the journey of discovery, understanding, acceptance & love as it developed & intensified was just marvelous l!!
What to say...when you have a deep feeling for someone. Bam! and it hits me, the story has a strong message to love. I was hook line and sinker when it comes to love stories and happily ever after. Needless to say, this story pulls on the heartstring and plays on the emotional roller coaster. For the story of Bailey and Caitlyn, I give it a high rating. I am appreciate the literary connection. The author presented very nicely written book to what can be.
I'm glad I gave this book a chance. The premise kinda had an ick factor with the Mrs. Robinson-type story line. Fortunately, it moved forward in time fairly quickly and I was able to look beyond that to enjoy the writing and the well done story. Not very steamy, but a really interesting story. It is really nice to find a new author who writes well and tells a great story that just happens to be f-f. I am disappointed that it doesn't look like libraries can purchase it.
The first book I've read by Evelyn Dar, and most certainly won't be my last. The story takes us on a journey of heartbreak, pain, anger, and happiness from the first word right to its last.
We are first introduced to Bailey who is graduating from high school, Bailey has had a rough start to life, with no father a mother who was injured in a accident, and with younger siblings to care for. Catylin saw something in Bailey, she had talent beyond measure and was dedicated to make Bailey see that. Catlyin went far and beyond her teachers job description to allow Bailey to see that she can achieve her dreams.
Beautifully written, would love to.read a sequel to this. Highly recommend
Very stereotypical of "ghetto" speak and life, and too white-savior-y. Also a high school teacher lusting after her (former) student, even if she's now in university, is always :C. I gave this a chance because someone said it kinda subverted that, but having them have an affair 4 years after the student graduated high school is not subversive. The teacher's wife is also one big cliché of a powerful misogynistic manipulative possessive condescending cheating-with-students professor.
I started this book on a whim and I’m so happy I did! After the first few pages I couldn’t put it down. The story was beyond addicting and the chemistry between Caitlyn and Bailey was off the charts. I loved everything about this book and I can’t wait for more from the author.
Amazing characters that manage to pull you in and have you cheering for them. It has almost impossibly flawed people and yet you still cheer for them and want them to succeed. It’s an emotional roller coaster, but definitely one worth taking. I am a fan of the author anyway, but this is my favorite of her so far.
This book was great, from beginning to end. I loved the way that the author presented flashbacks to explain the depth of feeling between Caitlyn and Bailey. And I love the way Bailey tells Dr. Hunter that “she is THE bitch”....lol! Well written and easy to read. I will watch for more from this author.