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Not So Fragile
Letting people in is a daunting task for Valerie Morrison, and probably always will be. Confrontations are just never on her side, and she has enough scars—both physical and emotional—to prove it. That's why she chooses to avoid people whenever possible. Now studying at a university not too far from home, Val's plan is simple: keep her head low. Should be easy...
Except it isn't.
Because there's this guy named Louis (Lou for short) who is as kind as he is beautiful. Somehow, he looks beyond her walls and reaches in... and has other plans of just letting her be.
Here's the problem: Val doesn't do relationships, and she isn't planning on getting into one anytime soon, regardless of how tempting it may seem. At the end of the day, getting involved with Lou in any way can't be worth it... Right?
*NOTE: This 74,000+ word standalone novel deals with a sensitive subject matter.
Except it isn't.
Because there's this guy named Louis (Lou for short) who is as kind as he is beautiful. Somehow, he looks beyond her walls and reaches in... and has other plans of just letting her be.
Here's the problem: Val doesn't do relationships, and she isn't planning on getting into one anytime soon, regardless of how tempting it may seem. At the end of the day, getting involved with Lou in any way can't be worth it... Right?
*NOTE: This 74,000+ word standalone novel deals with a sensitive subject matter.
- GenresNew Adult
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2017
3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Maq Lancaster
1 book1 followerMAQ LANCASTER loves the contemporary and romance genres for both the young and new adults. During her free time, though she barely has any, she is either travelling across parallel universes or binge-watching a random series on Netflix. Lancaster is currently working on her next novel which will also be a contemporary romance. Check out her website at www.MaqLancaster.com to find out more.
You can also reach her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaqLancaster/
You can also reach her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaqLancaster/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 29, 2018
This was a good book. A very "Laura" book. I'm a sucker for any book with wounded main characters who don't know how to let anyone in. Every time.
The story line was good. The characters were written well...
So, I'm sure you're wondering why it's only a 3 star read...
This book had SO many errors. It was very disappointing considering that it could've been a 5 star read for me based on story line and character development alone.
The story line was good. The characters were written well...
So, I'm sure you're wondering why it's only a 3 star read...
This book had SO many errors. It was very disappointing considering that it could've been a 5 star read for me based on story line and character development alone.
October 24, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In this book the author did a great job at detailing the struggle's of the main character Val, and wrote about her obstacles in a sensitive way that can definitely resonate with readers who have dealt with similar issues. I was rooting for Val's success and survival early on as it's hard to read a story like hers and not want her to become stronger in spite of everything she has had to live through. I love books that detail a characters endeavor to better themselves all while lending the reader some inspiration to overcome anything that they may currently be facing. There is something very powerful in the writing of a fictional character that gives audiences hope and strength in their own personal lives.
To read my full review please go to https://opinionatedbw.blogspot.ca/
In this book the author did a great job at detailing the struggle's of the main character Val, and wrote about her obstacles in a sensitive way that can definitely resonate with readers who have dealt with similar issues. I was rooting for Val's success and survival early on as it's hard to read a story like hers and not want her to become stronger in spite of everything she has had to live through. I love books that detail a characters endeavor to better themselves all while lending the reader some inspiration to overcome anything that they may currently be facing. There is something very powerful in the writing of a fictional character that gives audiences hope and strength in their own personal lives.
To read my full review please go to https://opinionatedbw.blogspot.ca/
June 13, 2017
I thoroughly Enjoyed reading this book. I received a free kindle edition to review. It was refreshing to read a book that acknowledges the struggle of dealing with mental illness as a young person also trying to navigate the murky waters of becoming an adult and navigating the murky waters of developing new relationships and friendships. This is one of the few books I could not seem to put down and surprised myself by finishing it in under 24 hours. I am planning on reading it again soon. Definitely is put on my recommended reading list.
November 26, 2017
This is the first book I've read from this author so I was really excited to read it. Unfortunately, this story didn't work for me. I liked Valerie (Val) and Louis (Lou) enough and both of them have not had the easiest life but I just couldn't connect with them. This story felt so depressing and I was expecting more from this read. I knew from the blurb this wasn't going to be a light read but I didn't expect the whole story to have a "down feeling" to it. The flow of the story for me was too slow and it seemed to stay that way. This one just didn't work for me.
December 16, 2017
This book was difficult to read in some aspects because parts of it hit home with me. I have several family members that struggle with mental illness and this book resonated with me a great deal. To be warned this book isn't for those who want a light read and this book does have some very disturbing scenes and issues that the character(s) are/is dealing with. I thought that the author did a good job in using words to describe such serous and sensitive subject matters. Thank you for allowing me to read this and write about it honestly.
March 26, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this lovely one a while ago. Honestly, I haven't even finished it, just yet cz my college keeping me a company a lot. But I have read most of the pages. I just want to re-read it asap. I'm truly sorry for late reviewing this one. I'm very guilty. :(
So, speaking of the book. I loved it pretty much. It's so easy to understand so you dont have to think twice about it. And if you're a diverse book reader, this one suits you a lot. Other than that, I just loved it pretty much. I definitely recommend it for you guys to read it. :)
So, speaking of the book. I loved it pretty much. It's so easy to understand so you dont have to think twice about it. And if you're a diverse book reader, this one suits you a lot. Other than that, I just loved it pretty much. I definitely recommend it for you guys to read it. :)
March 22, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC:
"The past is a burden. It brings with it nothing but misery."
Not So Fragile by Mac Lancaster is a quick read about troubled teenager Val.
Val is reeling from the ghosts in her past and the significant trauma associated with them.
Lou has secrets of his own that he's hesitant to reveal.
I enjoyed both characters but would have liked to have had more personal backstory on them before their meeting or even after, just seeing them actually divulge what they went through or are still going through.
It's easy to understand why both characters are emotionally struggling once we find out all what has happened to them but the reveal still left so many unanswered questions.
While there is some detail on why Val is a little off there is less on what was going on with Lou before Val.
At least there's reference to how shes working through her issues and why meeting Lou helps her to move forward with her life.
But for Lou...
Its almost as if Val is serving as some form of distraction for him to not deal with what's happened to him because he hardly discusses his situation.
It seems a bit unrealistic that their friendship alone heals all the emotional baggage they're both carrying given how serious it is.
Nonetheless they are still #friendshipgoals
"The past is a burden. It brings with it nothing but misery."
Not So Fragile by Mac Lancaster is a quick read about troubled teenager Val.
Val is reeling from the ghosts in her past and the significant trauma associated with them.
Lou has secrets of his own that he's hesitant to reveal.
I enjoyed both characters but would have liked to have had more personal backstory on them before their meeting or even after, just seeing them actually divulge what they went through or are still going through.
It's easy to understand why both characters are emotionally struggling once we find out all what has happened to them but the reveal still left so many unanswered questions.
While there is some detail on why Val is a little off there is less on what was going on with Lou before Val.
At least there's reference to how shes working through her issues and why meeting Lou helps her to move forward with her life.
But for Lou...
Its almost as if Val is serving as some form of distraction for him to not deal with what's happened to him because he hardly discusses his situation.
It seems a bit unrealistic that their friendship alone heals all the emotional baggage they're both carrying given how serious it is.
Nonetheless they are still #friendshipgoals
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2017
I found this book decidedly average. As Simone who spent half there life self harming usually these style books are easy for me to connect to and I have a positive or negative reaction to the leads however with this book I did not connect to Val at all which is suprisng I Did however like Louis and his back story.
January 25, 2018
The opening of this book is hard to read. I would definitely suggest putting a trigger warning with the synopsis. Valerie has had a complicated life. Her past is sad, dark, and troubled in ways that makes getting close to people difficult. She is tough to know and I found it hard to connect with or even like her as a character. I really liked Lou. He definitely has had his share of troubles in life but he does not let that stop him from connecting with others. The story as a whole is likable if you can make it through the darker scenes. The way time moved around bothered me, as did the pacing at times. three stars because in the end the story is interesting.
March 27, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
"But i'm suddenly desperate to feel nothing again, because this is too unfamiliar for me."
It did take me longer to read this book then I anticipated but I did enjoy it. I found the concept of mental health issues and romance mixed into a book quite intriguing.
Val and Lou both went through very rough past so it is quite easy to see why they struggle so much but they both dealt with their past traumas in two very different ways. I found it pretty realistic how Val and Lou didn't end up together right away and it was quite interesting to see how Val struggled to get out of her comfort zone with Lou. It was nice to see how they were able to help each other work on their individual obstacles and in the end end up happy together.
Even though overall I found this read quite enjoyable but I did find that the story did jump around a lot leaving me feeling like I had lot of unanswered questions.
"But i'm suddenly desperate to feel nothing again, because this is too unfamiliar for me."
It did take me longer to read this book then I anticipated but I did enjoy it. I found the concept of mental health issues and romance mixed into a book quite intriguing.
Val and Lou both went through very rough past so it is quite easy to see why they struggle so much but they both dealt with their past traumas in two very different ways. I found it pretty realistic how Val and Lou didn't end up together right away and it was quite interesting to see how Val struggled to get out of her comfort zone with Lou. It was nice to see how they were able to help each other work on their individual obstacles and in the end end up happy together.
Even though overall I found this read quite enjoyable but I did find that the story did jump around a lot leaving me feeling like I had lot of unanswered questions.
April 24, 2017
Great character, great story!
This was amazing. Completely had me from the start. Both characters experience so much and when they meet its great to see how things change for them. This story has subjects at could trigger emotions in the reader, but for me, it was a privilege to be in someone's head who goes through such times and helps me to be more aware of it for others. ❤
This was amazing. Completely had me from the start. Both characters experience so much and when they meet its great to see how things change for them. This story has subjects at could trigger emotions in the reader, but for me, it was a privilege to be in someone's head who goes through such times and helps me to be more aware of it for others. ❤
April 24, 2017
Great character, great story!
This was amazing. Completely had me from the start. Both characters experience so much and when they meet its great to see how things change for them. This story has subjects at could trigger emotions in the reader, but for me, it was a privilege to be in someone's head who goes through such times and helps me to be more aware of it for others. ❤
This was amazing. Completely had me from the start. Both characters experience so much and when they meet its great to see how things change for them. This story has subjects at could trigger emotions in the reader, but for me, it was a privilege to be in someone's head who goes through such times and helps me to be more aware of it for others. ❤
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews