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Illusion #1
Illusion
Emma:
I never cared much for the concept of love, it never appealed to me. It was a temporary concept; everyone ends up leaving in the end. I didn’t want any part of it in my life. Until ocean eyes began to haunt me. Everywhere I turned Blue was there. Those eyes helped me see what love was capable of, but they’re also teaching me my biggest fears can come true when I open myself up. These beautiful broken ocean eyes are going to drown me in the end.
Austin:
The urge is the hardest taste I have on my tongue, till I met her. The honey golden eyes that have fire and pain within them. She wants to fight me, prove me wrong that love only breaks you in the end. I’m proof of that being true, but I’m selfish enough to still try. I know I’m only going to hurt her in the end. I have secrets, lies, betrayals that lie at the tip of my tongue, but I can’t stop now, she’s become my new addiction.
I never cared much for the concept of love, it never appealed to me. It was a temporary concept; everyone ends up leaving in the end. I didn’t want any part of it in my life. Until ocean eyes began to haunt me. Everywhere I turned Blue was there. Those eyes helped me see what love was capable of, but they’re also teaching me my biggest fears can come true when I open myself up. These beautiful broken ocean eyes are going to drown me in the end.
Austin:
The urge is the hardest taste I have on my tongue, till I met her. The honey golden eyes that have fire and pain within them. She wants to fight me, prove me wrong that love only breaks you in the end. I’m proof of that being true, but I’m selfish enough to still try. I know I’m only going to hurt her in the end. I have secrets, lies, betrayals that lie at the tip of my tongue, but I can’t stop now, she’s become my new addiction.
- GenresRomanceYoung Adult
248 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2020
9 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Karla Lopez
3 books94 followersKarla Lopez is an independent writer and romance lover. She’s debuting her first novel Illusion. She’s currently living in Maryland as a college student who loves to write on her downtime. She’s studying to be an ultrasound technician. Her roots reside in New Mexico and most of her stories are inspired by small towns. She has been writing since a very young age. The amount of love she has for the art is indescribable. She writes words to hope one day reach another soul. For them to find comfort in the characters she creates and find an escape in the worlds she gives life from her head. She loves music, much of the feelings she gets from lyrics are her inspiration to write her own words. Her novels will be New Adult and contemporary romance. She’s a lover of this genre herself and shares her love for reading within pictures in the bookstagram community. When she’s not writing she’s reading or spending time with family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 6, 2020
4.5/5 stars
People have the power to pull you in every direction and pull you apart, but every story has an end.
Ok wow, I dont even really know what to think. I loved this story so much, it was heart breakingly beautiful. It was raw, real, emotional and i felt every emotion alongside both Austin and Emma. I loved both the main characters even though there were times both frustrated me and made me mad but they were also both so broken in their own ways and once I started reading I could not stop and ended up loving every minute of it.. and that ending umm can i have book 2 please becuase I NEED to know whats happening.
Broken people shouldn't be together. There's too much of a mess to pick up each other's pieces up, one is bound to get cut by the other person pieces.
《book aesthetic made by me. I do not own the pictures, all found via pinterest》
People have the power to pull you in every direction and pull you apart, but every story has an end.
Ok wow, I dont even really know what to think. I loved this story so much, it was heart breakingly beautiful. It was raw, real, emotional and i felt every emotion alongside both Austin and Emma. I loved both the main characters even though there were times both frustrated me and made me mad but they were also both so broken in their own ways and once I started reading I could not stop and ended up loving every minute of it.. and that ending umm can i have book 2 please becuase I NEED to know whats happening.
Broken people shouldn't be together. There's too much of a mess to pick up each other's pieces up, one is bound to get cut by the other person pieces.
《book aesthetic made by me. I do not own the pictures, all found via pinterest》
December 28, 2020
I finished this book two days ago.
I needed a minute with my thoughts and feelings before writing my review.
This book messed me up. Well, the ending messed me up. From the prologue, I was super nervous reading because I just KNEW the ending would hurt.
The first half of the book did move a little bit slow for me, but the back half I devoured. The characters were well developed. You get to know what type of people they are pretty early on and Austin and Emma share a lot of the same pain. Just different circumstances.
Through getting to know Austin, I fell in love. His story broke my heart. He provoked lots of feelings out of me--that tugging feeling in my chest, anger, fear and sometimes he'd even make me smile.
Emma, while she's smart, grounded, self-assured and good, she's is also a bit naive and closed off. Although they both struggle with opening up to each other, she was just harder to convince. Because of what Emma went through as a child she stayed guarded throughout her life. They both had walls the size of mount Everest so it was interesting watching them climb over them.
Don't even get me started on that ENDING. JFC!!!
I HAVE THEORIES!!! But that's for another day.
This is Karla's debut and overall, I say she KILLED it! Like I said in the beginning, I read this a couple of days before leaving this review and this story and these characters are still on my mind. I loved their chemistry, the sex scenes were very well written and HOT, Austin is my baby and I CANNOT wait until she puts out book two!!!
(photos found on Pinterest, edit made by me)
*I received an ARC for an honest review*
I needed a minute with my thoughts and feelings before writing my review.
This book messed me up. Well, the ending messed me up. From the prologue, I was super nervous reading because I just KNEW the ending would hurt.
The first half of the book did move a little bit slow for me, but the back half I devoured. The characters were well developed. You get to know what type of people they are pretty early on and Austin and Emma share a lot of the same pain. Just different circumstances.
Through getting to know Austin, I fell in love. His story broke my heart. He provoked lots of feelings out of me--that tugging feeling in my chest, anger, fear and sometimes he'd even make me smile.
Emma, while she's smart, grounded, self-assured and good, she's is also a bit naive and closed off. Although they both struggle with opening up to each other, she was just harder to convince. Because of what Emma went through as a child she stayed guarded throughout her life. They both had walls the size of mount Everest so it was interesting watching them climb over them.
Don't even get me started on that ENDING. JFC!!!
I HAVE THEORIES!!! But that's for another day.
This is Karla's debut and overall, I say she KILLED it! Like I said in the beginning, I read this a couple of days before leaving this review and this story and these characters are still on my mind. I loved their chemistry, the sex scenes were very well written and HOT, Austin is my baby and I CANNOT wait until she puts out book two!!!
(photos found on Pinterest, edit made by me)
*I received an ARC for an honest review*
Read
September 2, 2021WHAT. THE. FUCK.
I am shocked. It doesn’t make sense. Wtf?!!!
So you’re telling me that it never happened?!? WTFFFFF
What’s next? She can finally fall in love with Kyle since THERE IS NO AUSTIN????
WHAT IS HAPPENING????
NOOOOOO, I thought Austin was going to die or something. But this? This is the worst thing that ever happened to me! You can’t just do that! You don’t get hit by a car and just imagine all that shit on a daily basis.
I’m not rating this book bc I don’t know how I’m feeling rn. I am very confused. And I am not doing well.
Call me when the 2nd book is out. Bye
I am shocked. It doesn’t make sense. Wtf?!!!
So you’re telling me that it never happened?!? WTFFFFF
What’s next? She can finally fall in love with Kyle since THERE IS NO AUSTIN????
WHAT IS HAPPENING????
NOOOOOO, I thought Austin was going to die or something. But this? This is the worst thing that ever happened to me! You can’t just do that! You don’t get hit by a car and just imagine all that shit on a daily basis.
I’m not rating this book bc I don’t know how I’m feeling rn. I am very confused. And I am not doing well.
Call me when the 2nd book is out. Bye
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2020
I had the opportunity to read an Advance Readers Copy (ARC) of Karla's debut book and was pleasantly surprised! I was really timid to read something from someone I have been able to create a bond with but this read did not disappoint.
Karla threw herself into the other side of the industry, the business side filled with new rules and standards of indie authors to write a romance of her very own and I could not be more proud! This is no small accomplishment! This is HUGE, girl.
Illusions is based on two stubborn, complicated, angst filled characters that melt your heart.
You want to know more about Austin immediately - like yesterday and why he is the way he is.
Emma was the sweetest, most stubborn, soul dead set on avoiding love and protecting herself from everything Austin is (the allure, the mystery, the ache she feels by just looking at him). None of us are safe from love and just when you see it all come together Karla shredded my heart with the world's biggest cliffhanger!
Girl, you better be writing that damn second book.
Karla threw herself into the other side of the industry, the business side filled with new rules and standards of indie authors to write a romance of her very own and I could not be more proud! This is no small accomplishment! This is HUGE, girl.
Illusions is based on two stubborn, complicated, angst filled characters that melt your heart.
You want to know more about Austin immediately - like yesterday and why he is the way he is.
Emma was the sweetest, most stubborn, soul dead set on avoiding love and protecting herself from everything Austin is (the allure, the mystery, the ache she feels by just looking at him). None of us are safe from love and just when you see it all come together Karla shredded my heart with the world's biggest cliffhanger!
Girl, you better be writing that damn second book.
January 2, 2020
Don’t mind me... I’m a wreck... In the best possible way!!! This story was beautiful and so much fun to read! These characters are so complex, intricate, and so easy to fall in love with.
Emma and Austin each have the same main focus and goal: self-preservation. Their walls are high and thick to those around them, yet when they find each other... it’s wonderful. To see characters who are deeply hurt and have endured far more in life than they ever should have and unintentionally find comfort in one another. It’s a beautiful story of tragedy, grief, and unexpected love. Be prepared to want the next book immediately!
Thank you again Karla for allowing me to receive an ARC! I can’t wait to see where you take this story and these characters!
Emma and Austin each have the same main focus and goal: self-preservation. Their walls are high and thick to those around them, yet when they find each other... it’s wonderful. To see characters who are deeply hurt and have endured far more in life than they ever should have and unintentionally find comfort in one another. It’s a beautiful story of tragedy, grief, and unexpected love. Be prepared to want the next book immediately!
Thank you again Karla for allowing me to receive an ARC! I can’t wait to see where you take this story and these characters!
January 2, 2020
When I say I love a book, I literally mean I cannot stop thinking about it. Austin and Emma are two characters that I haven't been able to get out of my mind since the first read through. Maybe I'm biased, maybe I just know good literature, but overall, I definitely know this book is going to be one of the most popular books of 2020. Karla, you did an amazing job in creating the perfect illusion! I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for you!!!
P.s. I need a book two like yesterday.
P.s. I need a book two like yesterday.
May 6, 2021
WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS ENDING!?!
FUCK, I NEED THE SEQUEL 😭😭
HOW CAN THIS ENDING BE, WHEN THE PROLOGUE HAPPEND?
I AM CONFUSION.
I have so many questions right now, but aside from that-
God, this book was angsty af. The emotions of the characters were displayed beautifully and you just felt for them.
Both main characters are heavily traumatised and desperately need therapy 🙈
Austin needs to be protected at all cost. God, I hate his father. And I never liked Kyle anyway.
The other characters though, were so precious.🥺
Especially Liam. Such a great friend 🥺
FUCK, I NEED THE SEQUEL 😭😭
HOW CAN THIS ENDING BE, WHEN THE PROLOGUE HAPPEND?
I AM CONFUSION.
I have so many questions right now, but aside from that-
God, this book was angsty af. The emotions of the characters were displayed beautifully and you just felt for them.
Both main characters are heavily traumatised and desperately need therapy 🙈
Austin needs to be protected at all cost. God, I hate his father. And I never liked Kyle anyway.
The other characters though, were so precious.🥺
Especially Liam. Such a great friend 🥺
January 5, 2020
*I was lucky enough to be a BETA reader for this story*
Illusion is the debut novel of Karla Lopez and oh my goodness, I loved it!!! From the very beginning, I felt like I knew the characters very well & that they were really relatable. Add that to the story building & strong emotions and I was hooked! There were so many heartbreaking moments for both main characters, Emma and Austin. My heart felt like it was shattering at times. But that’s what I loved so much; Karla knew how to tap into that emotion and make it feel real & memorable. There were lots of poetic quotes as well, which I’m a sucker for. I know she poured herself into every bit of this story & I cannot wait to see how it continues. And more importantly to see how her talent grows as the story goes on. Overall, this was such a good debut novel! At times, I got super frustrated with the characters choices and sometimes I wanted to scream at them (okay, I definitely did 🤣). But then they’d turn right around and be sweet and I was like, “Okay, I love you, don’t worry!!!”
Happy release day, Karla!!! Thank you for everything & I’m so super proud of you! You’re amazing!! 💙💙✨
Illusion is the debut novel of Karla Lopez and oh my goodness, I loved it!!! From the very beginning, I felt like I knew the characters very well & that they were really relatable. Add that to the story building & strong emotions and I was hooked! There were so many heartbreaking moments for both main characters, Emma and Austin. My heart felt like it was shattering at times. But that’s what I loved so much; Karla knew how to tap into that emotion and make it feel real & memorable. There were lots of poetic quotes as well, which I’m a sucker for. I know she poured herself into every bit of this story & I cannot wait to see how it continues. And more importantly to see how her talent grows as the story goes on. Overall, this was such a good debut novel! At times, I got super frustrated with the characters choices and sometimes I wanted to scream at them (okay, I definitely did 🤣). But then they’d turn right around and be sweet and I was like, “Okay, I love you, don’t worry!!!”
Happy release day, Karla!!! Thank you for everything & I’m so super proud of you! You’re amazing!! 💙💙✨
January 4, 2020
OMG! What did I just read?! I mean Austin and Emma are such special characters, I never expected to feel this way toward this story but these two really surprised me. Their story is so real, raw and heartbreaking. There were some parts where my heart just aches from all the pain they had to endure.
Karla did such a great job creating the story. It‘s different and special and she managed to create this tension through the whole book that makes it a page-turner. I can’t wait to know more about them and to see how the story goes.
Ps, I also need Liam’s book, this guy intrigued me so much! Definitely a side character I want to know more about!!
Karla did such a great job creating the story. It‘s different and special and she managed to create this tension through the whole book that makes it a page-turner. I can’t wait to know more about them and to see how the story goes.
Ps, I also need Liam’s book, this guy intrigued me so much! Definitely a side character I want to know more about!!
January 5, 2020
Emma and Austin are two broke souls that I wanna protect forever, their story is so heartbreaking but so cute at the same time, and omg THAT ENDING, I need book two asap.
January 14, 2020
5 stars!
5 amazing stars for this debut author!
I don’t even know where to begin with this book. The prologue sucked me in and I absolutely loved this wild bumpy ride between Austin and Emma.❤️
They are both filled with so much grief from their pasts so it is very hard for them to open up to one another.. Getting to see these characters fall in love and learn to open up to each other was so beautiful.
This was an amazing debut novel from Karla and I cannot wait to get more from her! Especially after that massive cliffhanger of an ending!
5 amazing stars for this debut author!
I don’t even know where to begin with this book. The prologue sucked me in and I absolutely loved this wild bumpy ride between Austin and Emma.❤️
They are both filled with so much grief from their pasts so it is very hard for them to open up to one another.. Getting to see these characters fall in love and learn to open up to each other was so beautiful.
This was an amazing debut novel from Karla and I cannot wait to get more from her! Especially after that massive cliffhanger of an ending!
February 17, 2021
This is getting 4 stars because of the ending. Like, really? No! You can't leave us hanging like that!
Illusion is Karla's first novel and I loved it!
“Why do girls love the assholes of every story?” “Because they love the danger and the mystery that comes from a bad boy.”
Karla created two compelling characters, Austin and Emma, who are both broken. I adored Austin so much. He was far from perfect, yet I found him interesting and intriguing, full of secrets that kept me reading and wanting more. He was both the bad guy and the good guy, switching roles, being completely unexpected all the time. I loved his character so much! My heart ached for him through the book.
"She’s like a sad poem with a double meaning."
Emma, on the other hand, was more simple, still broken, but far less... and I wanted to punch her a few times. Like every time she'd talk to Kyle, go near him or mention him. Ugh, I hated Kyle so much! I didn't grow to love her as much as I wanted, as sometimes she would do crazy things for no reason, but it didn't bother me that much.
"I have gone my whole life thinking I was living, but since the day I first felt his touch was when I realized I was never really alive. It's a scary thought that most people, even yourself included, can go their whole lives living and never being truly alive."
Their love story was beautiful. It was everything wrapped up in one - love, hate, lust, secrets. It was overwhelming and a full-blown emotional rollercoaster, but I liked it. Their chemistry was easily visible and very well written. As for the plot, every time I felt like the story was moving into a cliche a twist came in shaking up things. I was never once bored.
"When you get comfortable life always has a way of throwing you curve balls. And you need those in your life to make you stronger."
But that ending... I refuse to talk about that part until the next books come out. Honestly, I was so mad I almost threw my kindle across the underground and jelled at it. I mean, I knew something bad was about to happen since the beginning, but this was just pure evil. I can't wait for the next book!
"You can't walk away when things get hard. It's my life too you know."
Illusion is Karla's first novel and I loved it!
“Why do girls love the assholes of every story?” “Because they love the danger and the mystery that comes from a bad boy.”
Karla created two compelling characters, Austin and Emma, who are both broken. I adored Austin so much. He was far from perfect, yet I found him interesting and intriguing, full of secrets that kept me reading and wanting more. He was both the bad guy and the good guy, switching roles, being completely unexpected all the time. I loved his character so much! My heart ached for him through the book.
"She’s like a sad poem with a double meaning."
Emma, on the other hand, was more simple, still broken, but far less... and I wanted to punch her a few times. Like every time she'd talk to Kyle, go near him or mention him. Ugh, I hated Kyle so much! I didn't grow to love her as much as I wanted, as sometimes she would do crazy things for no reason, but it didn't bother me that much.
"I have gone my whole life thinking I was living, but since the day I first felt his touch was when I realized I was never really alive. It's a scary thought that most people, even yourself included, can go their whole lives living and never being truly alive."
Their love story was beautiful. It was everything wrapped up in one - love, hate, lust, secrets. It was overwhelming and a full-blown emotional rollercoaster, but I liked it. Their chemistry was easily visible and very well written. As for the plot, every time I felt like the story was moving into a cliche a twist came in shaking up things. I was never once bored.
"When you get comfortable life always has a way of throwing you curve balls. And you need those in your life to make you stronger."
But that ending... I refuse to talk about that part until the next books come out. Honestly, I was so mad I almost threw my kindle across the underground and jelled at it. I mean, I knew something bad was about to happen since the beginning, but this was just pure evil. I can't wait for the next book!
"You can't walk away when things get hard. It's my life too you know."
July 8, 2020
Karla’s writing gives me literal chills with her writing. Illusion is her debut novel! And it’s amazing!!! I’m so proud and an awe of how powerful Karlas writing is.
From the very beginning Emma and Austin draw you in with their own personal battles their dealing with. Austin and Emma are two young people who are struggling to bring down the walls they’ve put up for their entire life. Searching for love without knowing it. That missing piece that they’ve been lacking to make them whole. Although Austin and Emma are from completely different worlds they still share this strong connection. The connection that Emma and Austin have is so beautiful and is beautiful written. There’s pain and tears but theirs also love, happiness, and growth from this two beautiful characters.
I did not want this story to end and I can not wait for the second book! Definitely will be a must read in 2020 by many!
From the very beginning Emma and Austin draw you in with their own personal battles their dealing with. Austin and Emma are two young people who are struggling to bring down the walls they’ve put up for their entire life. Searching for love without knowing it. That missing piece that they’ve been lacking to make them whole. Although Austin and Emma are from completely different worlds they still share this strong connection. The connection that Emma and Austin have is so beautiful and is beautiful written. There’s pain and tears but theirs also love, happiness, and growth from this two beautiful characters.
I did not want this story to end and I can not wait for the second book! Definitely will be a must read in 2020 by many!
December 9, 2020
Okay hold the phone!! Literally the book took my heart and SMASHED IT!! Omg literally my heart aches for Emma after that cliffhanger!! The relationship between Austin and Emma isn’t perfect but what relationship is!? Karla’s writing is BEAUTIFUL!! And I look forward to reading more by her! 😆🥰😆😭
February 11, 2020
Austin and Emma’s story is soo beautiful and tragic, the cliffhanger made me question so many things and made me cry a bunch, the cliffhanger was so unique and I really love that. I need Apparition (book 2) ASAP, the ending seriously broke my heart, but I love Austin and Emma so much, and I can’t wait for book 2! ❤️
January 18, 2020
Wow
This is a very great story... I enjoyed reading it and definitely hoping there’s a second book to this one.
This is a very great story... I enjoyed reading it and definitely hoping there’s a second book to this one.
January 10, 2020
Illusion **
I’m so happy for my girl Karla for following her dreams and releasing her first debut novel!! Putting her words out there for everyone to read is so incredibly inspiring to me. Karla and I began to become book besties as soon as I started my account, and just being able to read what she wrote and what her mind created is amazing. This was such a creative story!!🥰
I loved how all the characters are portrayed. Austin is so beautifully broken and with everything in his past that he had gone through just broke my heart, but he loves Emma with every ounce of his soul.
Emma is a bit guarded and has a fear for falling in love or getting attached to someone because they can walk right out as easily as they came in. Their journey together was tough at times, beautiful, and just perfectly imperfect.
I finished in a day! I was so intrigued through it all and was a bit scared to find out the ending...and let me tell you, that ending gave me goosebumps!! I have to know more. I’m looking forward to the second book and spin off with Austin’s friend Liam who I really loved!
💙
5 ⭐️
I’m so happy for my girl Karla for following her dreams and releasing her first debut novel!! Putting her words out there for everyone to read is so incredibly inspiring to me. Karla and I began to become book besties as soon as I started my account, and just being able to read what she wrote and what her mind created is amazing. This was such a creative story!!🥰
I loved how all the characters are portrayed. Austin is so beautifully broken and with everything in his past that he had gone through just broke my heart, but he loves Emma with every ounce of his soul.
Emma is a bit guarded and has a fear for falling in love or getting attached to someone because they can walk right out as easily as they came in. Their journey together was tough at times, beautiful, and just perfectly imperfect.
I finished in a day! I was so intrigued through it all and was a bit scared to find out the ending...and let me tell you, that ending gave me goosebumps!! I have to know more. I’m looking forward to the second book and spin off with Austin’s friend Liam who I really loved!
💙
5 ⭐️
August 17, 2021
ᴛʜɪꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ!! ɪ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ꜱᴏ ᴍᴀɴy ᴍɪxᴇᴅ ꜰᴇᴇʟɪɴɢꜱ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜɪꜱ.
First of all, it is a trilogy which I regret starting without its third book out. The cliffhanger in the first book shook me and the second book, idk what would happen.
Austin and Emma were not entirely perfect for each other but were in many ways. They have their own insecurities and trust issues which made things between them even more complicated. I can not begin to tell how annoyed I was when they wouldn't trust each other. They take one step forward but 3 steps back!!!! This book bought out every emotions in me and the ending just did ut for me. I had the urge to yeet my phone on the pigeon sitting and cooing on my window. (Two birds one phone 😂)
Kyle, F.U.C.K. Y.O.U.
Anyway, this book was way too very angsty and was out of my comfort level. But wouldn't stop me from reading the second one.
First of all, it is a trilogy which I regret starting without its third book out. The cliffhanger in the first book shook me and the second book, idk what would happen.
Austin and Emma were not entirely perfect for each other but were in many ways. They have their own insecurities and trust issues which made things between them even more complicated. I can not begin to tell how annoyed I was when they wouldn't trust each other. They take one step forward but 3 steps back!!!! This book bought out every emotions in me and the ending just did ut for me. I had the urge to yeet my phone on the pigeon sitting and cooing on my window. (Two birds one phone 😂)
Kyle, F.U.C.K. Y.O.U.
Anyway, this book was way too very angsty and was out of my comfort level. But wouldn't stop me from reading the second one.
September 14, 2020
Illusion is book one in a three-book series and I can't wait to see the rest. This book was beautiful, poetic, and incredibly disturbing. At first I wanted to bang my head against the wall by reading the link that unites Emma and Austin because they are both disturbing and stubborn but I continued reading and I understood that in fact they are just two souls broken by the world and what they've been through.
Emma really is a character with great mental strength and the fact that she doesn't like romance touched me even more because I found her original, moving and very authentic. I loved every relationship she had with her uncles as well as her father who despite everything, resists everything and seems stronger than you think! We can easily put ourselves in her place because of her experience but also to her emotions, she seems more real and I love it!
Austin is a mysterious man. We feel from the beginning of the book that he does not intend to give himself up to Emma so easily even if the attraction is strong. His story is really sad and the fact that he can't believe he deserve to be happy and fall in love breaks my heart. Austin is a really strong protagonist either mentally or physically. His big temper is not always something I liked, because in the heart of my reading I saw that he was trying to control Emma and who she could see. So at first I didn't understand why he was doing that but as soon as he broke down in tears in Emma's arms, my heart cracked and I understood that Austin was a tormented and dark soul. Watching him laugh and smile wasn't going to be that easy, but also the subject of Kyle and his father wasn't going to be an easy task. Nevertheless he remains my favorite character from this book and I can't wait to see book two in order to find Austin and his demons.
The bond which unites Emma and Austin is really strong and beautiful yet it is easily found broken by Kyle who is against all expectations always around. I didn't like Kyle, he's been through terrible things too, but he's not doing anything to change his relationship with his brother. He wants Emma and only her and he's ready to destroy Austin a little more ... I just want to throw him into the sea. Nevertheless his story remains intriguing and complicated!
The words Karla uses are raw, real, overwhelming and poetic. I highly recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I do. A good read which despite the desire to slap the protagonists, speaks of everyday subjects but also sensitive subjects. A book about trust, love and friendship. ❤
Emma really is a character with great mental strength and the fact that she doesn't like romance touched me even more because I found her original, moving and very authentic. I loved every relationship she had with her uncles as well as her father who despite everything, resists everything and seems stronger than you think! We can easily put ourselves in her place because of her experience but also to her emotions, she seems more real and I love it!
Austin is a mysterious man. We feel from the beginning of the book that he does not intend to give himself up to Emma so easily even if the attraction is strong. His story is really sad and the fact that he can't believe he deserve to be happy and fall in love breaks my heart. Austin is a really strong protagonist either mentally or physically. His big temper is not always something I liked, because in the heart of my reading I saw that he was trying to control Emma and who she could see. So at first I didn't understand why he was doing that but as soon as he broke down in tears in Emma's arms, my heart cracked and I understood that Austin was a tormented and dark soul. Watching him laugh and smile wasn't going to be that easy, but also the subject of Kyle and his father wasn't going to be an easy task. Nevertheless he remains my favorite character from this book and I can't wait to see book two in order to find Austin and his demons.
The bond which unites Emma and Austin is really strong and beautiful yet it is easily found broken by Kyle who is against all expectations always around. I didn't like Kyle, he's been through terrible things too, but he's not doing anything to change his relationship with his brother. He wants Emma and only her and he's ready to destroy Austin a little more ... I just want to throw him into the sea. Nevertheless his story remains intriguing and complicated!
The words Karla uses are raw, real, overwhelming and poetic. I highly recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I do. A good read which despite the desire to slap the protagonists, speaks of everyday subjects but also sensitive subjects. A book about trust, love and friendship. ❤
February 23, 2020
For a debut novel this book is fantastic!!
That ending though...WHAT?! That was not OK. I was already worried after reading the prologue that the story wouldn’t end happily but what the ending was has thrown me. Where they a real couple?? How do I review this lol.
I loved Austin and Emma. Though Emma makes me so sad that she doesn’t put herself out there, avoids people and love because she’s scared of losing it.
I liked how Austin pursed her however he was flakey at times and Emma didn’t deserve that. That’s exactly why she doesn’t put herself out there.
When they’re on top form they’re an amazing couple but there is so much emotional walls between I sometimes thought it was too hard.
When Austin is really being his worst self after the accident Emma really annoyed me for staying but I get why she did and the story and emotions are written so well it really had me feeling with her.
How he is with his baby sister is so sweet to read this was some of my favourite parts.
Austin is great except for his past and his baggage. He almost doesn’t want to overcome it. When he turned to his stash in the end my heart broke. I wanted him to be stronger than that.
That ending was not OK 😂
I need book 2 for all the answers, I’m rooting for Austin & Emma!
That ending though...WHAT?! That was not OK. I was already worried after reading the prologue that the story wouldn’t end happily but what the ending was has thrown me. Where they a real couple?? How do I review this lol.
I loved Austin and Emma. Though Emma makes me so sad that she doesn’t put herself out there, avoids people and love because she’s scared of losing it.
I liked how Austin pursed her however he was flakey at times and Emma didn’t deserve that. That’s exactly why she doesn’t put herself out there.
When they’re on top form they’re an amazing couple but there is so much emotional walls between I sometimes thought it was too hard.
When Austin is really being his worst self after the accident Emma really annoyed me for staying but I get why she did and the story and emotions are written so well it really had me feeling with her.
How he is with his baby sister is so sweet to read this was some of my favourite parts.
Austin is great except for his past and his baggage. He almost doesn’t want to overcome it. When he turned to his stash in the end my heart broke. I wanted him to be stronger than that.
That ending was not OK 😂
I need book 2 for all the answers, I’m rooting for Austin & Emma!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2020
3.5/5 ⭐
From the prologue, we could tell something was going to happen but I totally wasn't expecting THAT to happen in the end. It's still intriguing me, like what does that mean? Surely, I'll get my answers in the sequel!
I found the first half of the book a little bit slow but the second part saved it for sure.
Both Emma and Austin share a lot of pain and struggle with opening up to each other and those around them. They like to keep the emotions behind the walls they have built through time. They're stubborn and complicated and there were times they frustrated me with certain actions. However, I can understand.
Austin was such a mystery from the beginning. All those secrets he kept hiding. And Emma was always trying to protect herself from feeling too much and getting attached. The two had their own battles to deal with. Broken souls to restore.
When Kyle was in the picture, I kinda wanted to smash his head against the wall for interfering and making Emma doubt her feelings for Austin. When it comes to Liam, I loved his character. He's such a sweetheart and is always there for his best friend. It's truly something to admire.
And again, I can't get over the cliffhanger. I don't know what to think about it and I'm really curious to see where this story is going.
From the prologue, we could tell something was going to happen but I totally wasn't expecting THAT to happen in the end. It's still intriguing me, like what does that mean? Surely, I'll get my answers in the sequel!
I found the first half of the book a little bit slow but the second part saved it for sure.
Both Emma and Austin share a lot of pain and struggle with opening up to each other and those around them. They like to keep the emotions behind the walls they have built through time. They're stubborn and complicated and there were times they frustrated me with certain actions. However, I can understand.
Austin was such a mystery from the beginning. All those secrets he kept hiding. And Emma was always trying to protect herself from feeling too much and getting attached. The two had their own battles to deal with. Broken souls to restore.
When Kyle was in the picture, I kinda wanted to smash his head against the wall for interfering and making Emma doubt her feelings for Austin. When it comes to Liam, I loved his character. He's such a sweetheart and is always there for his best friend. It's truly something to admire.
And again, I can't get over the cliffhanger. I don't know what to think about it and I'm really curious to see where this story is going.
May 3, 2020
This book is a roller coaster. The characters are so broken and can't seem to set their damage aside. With the start of the book, it's obvious we're going to go through some heavy emotions. There is so much heart break amongst the two main characters and their relationship is filled with ups and downs. The ending is a cliff hanger that leaves the readers needing to know what happens in the next book. If you're looking for a book with heartbreakingly broken characters and lots of drama and emotions throughout their love story, this is one you should definitely check out.
April 21, 2021
so i just finished this book and i am shook. what was that cliffhanger? i am shook, confused, sad. i’m a whirlwind of emotions right now. but aside from that i really enjoyed this book. it was everything i love in a book. it gave me laughs, swooning, heartbreak and tears. Emma and Austin’s relationship was heartbreaking yet beautiful. they had their complications but what relationship doesn’t. and i just love the growth between their characters. I can’t wait to read book 2 and hopefully get answers to the thousands questions I have.
May 20, 2021
I binged books 1 & 2 in 2 days. I can't wait for the 3rd book...
Austin's & Emma's love story is heartbreakingly beautiful. It's heavy on emotions; I laughed, gushed and cried. I just want to hug them both, especially Austin :( They must be protected at all costs.
Karla did such a great job portraying such a beautiful, poetic and raw love connection between two broken characters.
Austin's & Emma's love story is heartbreakingly beautiful. It's heavy on emotions; I laughed, gushed and cried. I just want to hug them both, especially Austin :( They must be protected at all costs.
Karla did such a great job portraying such a beautiful, poetic and raw love connection between two broken characters.
Read
December 25, 2022Stopped at 38%. It needs a good amount of editing so it was distracting me from the story. It felt too insta-love as well, so not for me.
January 26, 2020
I love this book, I’m also very proud of karla but I don’t like her! That ending...omg my life just falls apart. I’ve never read a romance novel but with Karla’s that all I ever did was read! I was so invested in the book which was very surprising but I loved it, i loved the feeling of my adrenaline kick and me wanting to keep reading. Over all in love with your book. BOOK TWO HERE WE COME!
August 10, 2021
Wow, damn this book hurt my heart! It's so heartbreaking and raw but also touching and absolutely beautiful.
Emma and Austin are dealing with their own demons, insecurities and pain. Both are lost souls trying their best to survive the pain they have been forced to endure. They cross paths when they least expect it and help heal each other in the process. The chemistry between them is so good and you could really feel the connection they started to form and all the emotions within it all.
I knew the ending was going to be so sad because of the prologue and I thought I was ready, but damn I totally wasn't ready for the heartache!
"But baby I'll burn with you. I've loved you for so long Emma, but not long enough."
Emma and Austin are dealing with their own demons, insecurities and pain. Both are lost souls trying their best to survive the pain they have been forced to endure. They cross paths when they least expect it and help heal each other in the process. The chemistry between them is so good and you could really feel the connection they started to form and all the emotions within it all.
I knew the ending was going to be so sad because of the prologue and I thought I was ready, but damn I totally wasn't ready for the heartache!
"But baby I'll burn with you. I've loved you for so long Emma, but not long enough."
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