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Drowning in Stars
(Drowning in Stars #1)
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… he walked a tightrope five stories up just to hold my hand.
Gaze: I moved into the building next to Pixie when I was eleven. She blew bubbles through my window. I shot my Nerf gun through hers. We both had secrets, but one of us was fated to get hurt. I wanted it to be me.
Pixie: When I was afraid of the dark, he would shine a light in my window. We shared our popsicles an ...more
Gaze: I moved into the building next to Pixie when I was eleven. She blew bubbles through my window. I shot my Nerf gun through hers. We both had secrets, but one of us was fated to get hurt. I wanted it to be me.
Pixie: When I was afraid of the dark, he would shine a light in my window. We shared our popsicles an ...more
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3.5 Stars!
... True love exactly looks like this.
This was almost an epic read for me. It started off solid, but, unfortunately, the author failed to consistently manage the emotions in the story. I couldn't put it down, but when I reached around 60% mark, I wasn't able to fully connect with the main characters and I started to question everything that was happening. But, but, and so many buts before you plan to remove this one on your tbr list, let me explain first why you shouldn't.
Note: Th ...more
... True love exactly looks like this.
This was almost an epic read for me. It started off solid, but, unfortunately, the author failed to consistently manage the emotions in the story. I couldn't put it down, but when I reached around 60% mark, I wasn't able to fully connect with the main characters and I started to question everything that was happening. But, but, and so many buts before you plan to remove this one on your tbr list, let me explain first why you shouldn't.
Note: Th ...more
3.5 STARS.
If this book was a person, I would like to hug it tightly. 😭❤
Pixie and Gaze met on her 12th birthday, when Pixie blew baubles from her window into his bed room - and that is how a strong and brave friendship started between the two little neighbors. ❤
📚 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐆𝐚𝐳𝐞. 𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐛𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐠𝐮𝐧 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲. 📚
They were two broken 12-year-olds who found solace in each other. They don't live in the best area of the city and their living conditions are not amazing: Pixie's mother works three ...more
4.25 stars
It has been so long since I’ve read a Debra Anastasia book and I’m so happy I picked this up! This book gave me all the feels and I loved it. Pixie and Gaze were such strong characters and I adored them both.
Pixie and Gaze become neighbors when they were kids and became the best of friends. Pixie was the only good thing in Gaze’s life, and Gaze was one of the best things about Pixie’s. Due to circumstances out of their control, th ...more
“I’ve always only wanted to save you.”
It has been so long since I’ve read a Debra Anastasia book and I’m so happy I picked this up! This book gave me all the feels and I loved it. Pixie and Gaze were such strong characters and I adored them both.
Pixie and Gaze become neighbors when they were kids and became the best of friends. Pixie was the only good thing in Gaze’s life, and Gaze was one of the best things about Pixie’s. Due to circumstances out of their control, th ...more
Beautifully penned, colored with tender strokes of freshly blooming love, it's a part coming-of-age, part finding a soulmate story that took me by surprise in its simple dewiness. A broken ramp linking two windows forms a bridge of sorts between Two teens- Pixie Rae & Gaze Jones, sharing the similar life, living situations and future filled with bleakness. They've built their nest five stories above the squalid, dangerous neighborhood they are forced to inhabit.
"mostly, we were safe. Sort of ...more
"mostly, we were safe. Sort of ...more
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pixie and Gaze.
They met on her 12th birthday. They're neighbors. Their bedroom windows are across an alley from each other. They don't live in the best neighborhood. Her mom is working three jobs and his dad is a mean drunk. But Gaze and Pixie have each other. They're enjoying life. Summer will soon be over and school will start. Exciting things and adventures are coming.
But the happily ever after makers are not yet ready for those two...
What will happen to Pixie ...more
Pixie and Gaze.
They met on her 12th birthday. They're neighbors. Their bedroom windows are across an alley from each other. They don't live in the best neighborhood. Her mom is working three jobs and his dad is a mean drunk. But Gaze and Pixie have each other. They're enjoying life. Summer will soon be over and school will start. Exciting things and adventures are coming.
But the happily ever after makers are not yet ready for those two...
What will happen to Pixie ...more
Jul 25, 2020
Wendy'sThoughts
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
Debra Anastasia Fans, Romance
4 Written With Feels Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-Grab This While You Can, 99 CENTS!!!
It seems I have taken a fork in the road and taken another path than the one I usually do. This can be a good thing. I just finished a duet that ripped me apart, in a good complicated way, and with Drowning in Stars, I just completed the first YA book I have read in years.
This was angsty and in places intense. It covers situations no children, tweens, teenagers or adults should ever have to experience. All of th ...more
* * * * Spoiler Free-Grab This While You Can, 99 CENTS!!!
It seems I have taken a fork in the road and taken another path than the one I usually do. This can be a good thing. I just finished a duet that ripped me apart, in a good complicated way, and with Drowning in Stars, I just completed the first YA book I have read in years.
This was angsty and in places intense. It covers situations no children, tweens, teenagers or adults should ever have to experience. All of th ...more
3 ❤️💔❤️⭐️s
Gaze and Pixie’s connection was captivating. They went through hard and tough times and their only life line was their friendship.
There were great heartbreaking moments throughout the story which shook me up...
The characters and the plot were deeply developed and as much as I wanted to love it I couldn’t, due the writing that didn’t manage to grip me.
Gaze and Pixie’s connection was captivating. They went through hard and tough times and their only life line was their friendship.
There were great heartbreaking moments throughout the story which shook me up...
The characters and the plot were deeply developed and as much as I wanted to love it I couldn’t, due the writing that didn’t manage to grip me.
Simply put, wow! Impacted by the depth of emotions that poured through each page. Debra Anastasia beautifully crafted stunning main characters, depicted a perfect story of sacrifice, and most notably true love. Without a doubt, Drowning In Stars is one of our top 10 reads of 2020. For full review: www.marvelusreads.com .
...more
This book broke my heart in many small pieces. It's not an easy story...
The depth of the emotions i felt it was almost painful.
I was angry and so damn sad for these two little children/teen and for what they had to endure in their life.
I'm not gonna tell you anything about the book, just that Pixie at some point of story gonna make a decision that will save Gaze life and damn hers....
No one should go through that....
I'm glad the author choose to not describe certain situations because i could ...more
The depth of the emotions i felt it was almost painful.
I was angry and so damn sad for these two little children/teen and for what they had to endure in their life.
I'm not gonna tell you anything about the book, just that Pixie at some point of story gonna make a decision that will save Gaze life and damn hers....
No one should go through that....
I'm glad the author choose to not describe certain situations because i could ...more
Aug 17, 2020
Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
read-in-2020,
emotional-angsty-books
4 ⭐'s
The blurb sounded intriguing...and dark as is Debra Anastasia's MO. I just never would have imagined that the story that starts off with these two kids would end up with them being in high school.
There are a lot of triggers so be prepared, however, I was impressed that Pixie's wasn't detailed so that was a big plus.
Pixie and Gaze meet when he moves into the apartment building next door to hers. Their windows are near each other so they start talking and soon enough, Pixie takes him under ...more
The blurb sounded intriguing...and dark as is Debra Anastasia's MO. I just never would have imagined that the story that starts off with these two kids would end up with them being in high school.
There are a lot of triggers so be prepared, however, I was impressed that Pixie's wasn't detailed so that was a big plus.
Pixie and Gaze meet when he moves into the apartment building next door to hers. Their windows are near each other so they start talking and soon enough, Pixie takes him under ...more
3.5 Stars
Debra Anastasia’s writing is imaginary, dark, comedic, and the perfect sexy. Drowning in Stars is the perfect representation of her!
— Tijan NYT Bestselling Author
Full of gut wrenching angst and poignant emotion, Drowning in Stars is a hauntingly beautiful must read.
–Helena Hunting NYT Bestselling Author
I wanted to go find Pixie
There was no hiding at my height now. In my next class, Ashlin sidled close. “Hey, you wanted to see Pixie? You’re going to see a lot of her soon.”
If she was superman she ...more
— Tijan NYT Bestselling Author
Full of gut wrenching angst and poignant emotion, Drowning in Stars is a hauntingly beautiful must read.
–Helena Hunting NYT Bestselling Author
I wanted to go find Pixie
There was no hiding at my height now. In my next class, Ashlin sidled close. “Hey, you wanted to see Pixie? You’re going to see a lot of her soon.”
If she was superman she ...more
TRIGGERS: Physical and Sexual Abuse, Bullying and Alcoholism
Pixie and Gaze met when they were 12-years-old, becoming best friends who shared an unbreakable bond. Their young lives weren't easy, but they always had each other's back. A heart-breaking coming of age story will send your heart through the wringer with a tragic and harrowing – even a little messy storyline. This couple’s high-wire act has a blend of dark angst and tragedy, but there are endearing and memorable highs among the lows. T ...more
Pixie and Gaze met when they were 12-years-old, becoming best friends who shared an unbreakable bond. Their young lives weren't easy, but they always had each other's back. A heart-breaking coming of age story will send your heart through the wringer with a tragic and harrowing – even a little messy storyline. This couple’s high-wire act has a blend of dark angst and tragedy, but there are endearing and memorable highs among the lows. T ...more
Heartbreakingly Beautiful
This felt so real. As if I was there with them. As if I was walking the streets right along with them.
I don’t want to believe there are parents like this but sadly there are. My heart breaks for Pixie and Gaze.
I rooted for them to make it out unscathed
I don't even know how many times I had to clear my teary eyes. Most of the tears came from ugly sad moments but some of them were from beautiful love and a promise. A promise that there is good in their world. I think th ...more
This felt so real. As if I was there with them. As if I was walking the streets right along with them.
I don’t want to believe there are parents like this but sadly there are. My heart breaks for Pixie and Gaze.
I rooted for them to make it out unscathed
I don't even know how many times I had to clear my teary eyes. Most of the tears came from ugly sad moments but some of them were from beautiful love and a promise. A promise that there is good in their world. I think th ...more
Aug 09, 2020
Sophie "Beware Of The Reader"
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
all-the-feels,
read-in-2020
4,5 to 5 stars
And that’s how I fell in love with Debra Anastasia’s stories for the second time in my life…
When I read Poughkeepsie years ago, I fell in love with that story where the gentle hero reminded me so much or Archer (Archer's Voice) with his sweet and quiet soul. The love story was perfect and it left a lasting impression.
Drowning in stars was a real treat. It was like my own Madeleine de Proust. Reminding me how Debra Anastasia knows how to write about sweet heroes that are n ...more
And that’s how I fell in love with Debra Anastasia’s stories for the second time in my life…
When I read Poughkeepsie years ago, I fell in love with that story where the gentle hero reminded me so much or Archer (Archer's Voice) with his sweet and quiet soul. The love story was perfect and it left a lasting impression.
Drowning in stars was a real treat. It was like my own Madeleine de Proust. Reminding me how Debra Anastasia knows how to write about sweet heroes that are n ...more
Aug 29, 2020
nikki
added it
I hate when I can’t get into a book that everyone else has loved. I just couldn’t connect with the writing style or characters and didn’t make it past Chapter 5 - hence why I’ve not given it a rating.
This was a powerful story. It's not your typical romance, it's love in it's purest form. It's beautiful and heart-wrenching. It's about hope and perseverance. It's finding your soul mate when you were twelve and doing whatever is necessary to protect them. A love that developed and grew so effortlessly that it was written in the stars.
This was an incredibly moving story of two young people forced to grow up early. Gaze was being raised by an abusive, alcoholic father. Pixie was raising herself s ...more
This was an incredibly moving story of two young people forced to grow up early. Gaze was being raised by an abusive, alcoholic father. Pixie was raising herself s ...more
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
- 4.5 stars -
It has been almost four years since I last read a book by Debra Anastasia. However, I knew I had to read this book the moment I saw the cover and read the blurb. Debra is such a phenomenal author and really knows how to write a book that is emotionally charged. I was hooked to Downing in Stars the moment I started it. I just knew it was going to be heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. The author definitely delivered and made me ...more
- 4.5 stars -
It has been almost four years since I last read a book by Debra Anastasia. However, I knew I had to read this book the moment I saw the cover and read the blurb. Debra is such a phenomenal author and really knows how to write a book that is emotionally charged. I was hooked to Downing in Stars the moment I started it. I just knew it was going to be heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. The author definitely delivered and made me ...more
3.5 stars
This book started promising but somewhat in the middle just felt flat for me. Overall; I enjoyed it just wished it was deeper.
This book started promising but somewhat in the middle just felt flat for me. Overall; I enjoyed it just wished it was deeper.
This book just blew me away. Oh my gosh!
Pixie and Gaze’s friendship was instant. As soon as she blew her bubbles into his window an instant friendship was made. Both kids were made to grow up early both by different circumstances but both equally sad.
Gaze is amazing. Having to go through what he did at such a young age was heartbreaking to read but he never let it break him. His dedication to pixie was absolutely adorable.
Pixie has been standing for herself for a long time, she’s sensible and s ...more
Pixie and Gaze’s friendship was instant. As soon as she blew her bubbles into his window an instant friendship was made. Both kids were made to grow up early both by different circumstances but both equally sad.
Gaze is amazing. Having to go through what he did at such a young age was heartbreaking to read but he never let it break him. His dedication to pixie was absolutely adorable.
Pixie has been standing for herself for a long time, she’s sensible and s ...more
Wow! An incredible standout read of 2020!
Every now and again I read a book that I want to scream and shout about because it was so freakin' good. This is one of those books! Drowning in Stars was a story that was heartbreaking, emotional and gut wrenching, but it also contained magical moments that were filled with hope.
Within the pages of this amazing novel, I met Pixie and Gaze. Two adorable characters that found solace in their beautiful relationship. I was gripped by the journey they both ...more
Every now and again I read a book that I want to scream and shout about because it was so freakin' good. This is one of those books! Drowning in Stars was a story that was heartbreaking, emotional and gut wrenching, but it also contained magical moments that were filled with hope.
Within the pages of this amazing novel, I met Pixie and Gaze. Two adorable characters that found solace in their beautiful relationship. I was gripped by the journey they both ...more
When you find a person who you know will not only be your best friend but your person from the time your young then you have everything.
Pixie Rae Stone was a force of nature, she was a girl who knew everyone, knew how to take care of herself and knew how to be that person who would be strong for others when they needed it.
Gaze Patrick Jones was a young man who didn’t stand out in a crowd, kept to himself, lived with his father who had his own issues, but when he met Pixie he just knew that his ...more
Pixie Rae Stone was a force of nature, she was a girl who knew everyone, knew how to take care of herself and knew how to be that person who would be strong for others when they needed it.
Gaze Patrick Jones was a young man who didn’t stand out in a crowd, kept to himself, lived with his father who had his own issues, but when he met Pixie he just knew that his ...more
5 Stars / 1 Steam Fans
Video review available in Week 33: Aug 9 – Aug 15 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
...more
Video review available in Week 33: Aug 9 – Aug 15 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
...more
Aug 10, 2020
Nova B
added it
For me an epilogue is so important, especially if the story is a tear jerker and drains you. This is not my kind of HEA.
So why bother putting myself thru the book for a ending like that.
So why bother putting myself thru the book for a ending like that.
Debra Anastasia is a new author and what a book to start with. This story of Pixie and Gaze is so intense, so much happens throughout their lives and they take it in turns to look after the other building a beautiful friendship until things change. I was absolutely absorbed by this story, it has angst that left me emotional but isn't overwhelming. I was rooting for their happy endings. A wonderful cast of characters including Gaze's new family and Officer Sam. one of my favourite books this year
...more
I see what emotions the author wanted to bring through the characters, but unfortunately failed.
The heroine and hero are 12 years old when they meet.
The hero is raised with an alcoholic father.
The heroine lives with a mother who works several jobs to make ends meet and is never home. Then the mother marries a creepy man. Then the mother dies and leaves the heroine with the abusive step-father.
Due to an ‘incident’ with his alcohol father the hero goes to live with an amazing foster family for tw ...more
The heroine and hero are 12 years old when they meet.
The hero is raised with an alcoholic father.
The heroine lives with a mother who works several jobs to make ends meet and is never home. Then the mother marries a creepy man. Then the mother dies and leaves the heroine with the abusive step-father.
Due to an ‘incident’ with his alcohol father the hero goes to live with an amazing foster family for tw ...more
Debra Anastasia’s comments at the end of this book are poignant. For every Pixie and every Gaze out there we should never turn a blind eye.
Pixie and Gaze meet when they are 12. She’s in her room, five storeys high and he’s opposite. Shooting bubbles and shooting nerf guns at each other turns into a protective friendship. They need each other. I loved little Pixie and little Gaze. The innocence of shared pizza and creamsicles, swinging in the park together. So sweet. But there is menace lurking. ...more
Pixie and Gaze meet when they are 12. She’s in her room, five storeys high and he’s opposite. Shooting bubbles and shooting nerf guns at each other turns into a protective friendship. They need each other. I loved little Pixie and little Gaze. The innocence of shared pizza and creamsicles, swinging in the park together. So sweet. But there is menace lurking. ...more
“There’s no me without you.”
Have you ever read a story that hijacks your heart and sticks to your soul ... likely forever? Debra Anastasia unequivocally WOWED me with her heart-smashing words. Drowning in Stars is an emotional masterpiece that moved me, owned me, slayed me, and inspired me. I was so in awe of this heartbreakingly beautiful book, which will stay with me forever.
It’s not often that you experience a tenderly told and fiercely felt childhood to adult love story—living the lives of ...more
Have you ever read a story that hijacks your heart and sticks to your soul ... likely forever? Debra Anastasia unequivocally WOWED me with her heart-smashing words. Drowning in Stars is an emotional masterpiece that moved me, owned me, slayed me, and inspired me. I was so in awe of this heartbreakingly beautiful book, which will stay with me forever.
It’s not often that you experience a tenderly told and fiercely felt childhood to adult love story—living the lives of ...more
"I had to choose between you or me. I chose you"
Heartbreakingly beautiful and sweet childhood friends to lovers romance. I mean c'mon the couples names are Pixie and Gaze that's like disney cute level. This was a total cover obsession and I was so happy to receive an ARC copy and I devoured this 100k beast. This is not my typical read but oh it just killed me. All the feels. This was just beautifully emotional and heartbreaking while simultaneously piecing your heart back together as you follow ...more
Heartbreakingly beautiful and sweet childhood friends to lovers romance. I mean c'mon the couples names are Pixie and Gaze that's like disney cute level. This was a total cover obsession and I was so happy to receive an ARC copy and I devoured this 100k beast. This is not my typical read but oh it just killed me. All the feels. This was just beautifully emotional and heartbreaking while simultaneously piecing your heart back together as you follow ...more
Ah, the cover, the title, the blurb, the characters, the story, the sweetness mixed with the dark realities, the powerful messages!
This story is beautiful and at times painfully poignant in its meaning. It is thought provoking and heartbreaking and ultimately compelling. Pixie and Gaze were triumphant in their sacrifices, love and resilience! My heart ached for them and then burst with happiness for their love and commitment to each other!
This story is beautiful and at times painfully poignant in its meaning. It is thought provoking and heartbreaking and ultimately compelling. Pixie and Gaze were triumphant in their sacrifices, love and resilience! My heart ached for them and then burst with happiness for their love and commitment to each other!
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Readers also enjoyed
I had the perfect friends, the perfect family.
The perfect everything.
We were a greeting card you wanted to frame.
And then he showed up on our doorstep looking like the aftermath of a rock concert, claiming to be my adopted brother’s half-brother.
Sounds like trouble, right?
He looked like trouble.
Hell, his name defined trouble.
Ruffian had bad news and heartbreak written all over him.
But knowing he w ...more
The perfect everything.
We were a greeting card you wanted to frame.
And then he showed up on our doorstep looking like the aftermath of a rock concert, claiming to be my adopted brother’s half-brother.
Sounds like trouble, right?
He looked like trouble.
Hell, his name defined trouble.
Ruffian had bad news and heartbreak written all over him.
But knowing he w ...more
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—
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