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bookboyfriendandhusbandmake3's review against another edition
4.0
What an outstanding debut by Samantha Lovelock.
Stella is a 17 year old girl who’s been surviving on her own since she was 15, until she is contacted by a family member she never knew existed, and it’s then that her world not only gets turned upside down but also the more that’s unveiled about her mother’s past and her new future rocks the foundation of who she is and what’s to come.
Spending years within nobody to trust but herself has ingrained Stella that the only person she can trust is herself. The life she’s lived has made her a pillar of strength that will speak her mind and never falter in standing up for herself. She’s fierce, sassy, but there’s a lot more going on with her than meets the eye and I can’t wait to see how it all unravels.
Poe is the king of the halls of Woodington Academy, cocky, a bit of an alpha-hole, and there’s much more to him than meets the eye. He has a close knit group of friends and the Queen B of the school has him in her sights, but he wants nothing to do with the vile mean girl, and when she catches on to his interest in the new girl, a target is painted on Stella’s back.
The moment Poe and Stella meet the connection between them is palpable, but it’s only a fraction of what’s between them in their next interaction the tension is thick enough to smother anyone in the vicinity of these two.
The pace throughout this kept my eyes transfixed on my kindle from start to finish. The connection between Poe and Stella grows deeper with every interaction, secrets being revealed and enough suspenseful intrigue to consume your every thought.
Stella has been surviving on her own for far too long but when she’s thrust into the world Folkestone Sins world she very quickly meets people that are exactly who she needs, they understand one another from an emotionally deep place and in the sarcastic wit they share to lighten the dark world of secrets caving in on them, they essence of loyalty.
This was a fantastic debut. I'm blown away by these characters that are not only brought to life on the pages, but also the depth of each one and I feel as though book 1 has just begun to scratch the surface. Every page is like uncovering buried secrets but also knowing there are many more to come, and witty banter that will make you chuckle, suspense that will have you holding your breath as you turn the page, and steam.
Stella is a 17 year old girl who’s been surviving on her own since she was 15, until she is contacted by a family member she never knew existed, and it’s then that her world not only gets turned upside down but also the more that’s unveiled about her mother’s past and her new future rocks the foundation of who she is and what’s to come.
Spending years within nobody to trust but herself has ingrained Stella that the only person she can trust is herself. The life she’s lived has made her a pillar of strength that will speak her mind and never falter in standing up for herself. She’s fierce, sassy, but there’s a lot more going on with her than meets the eye and I can’t wait to see how it all unravels.
Poe is the king of the halls of Woodington Academy, cocky, a bit of an alpha-hole, and there’s much more to him than meets the eye. He has a close knit group of friends and the Queen B of the school has him in her sights, but he wants nothing to do with the vile mean girl, and when she catches on to his interest in the new girl, a target is painted on Stella’s back.
The moment Poe and Stella meet the connection between them is palpable, but it’s only a fraction of what’s between them in their next interaction the tension is thick enough to smother anyone in the vicinity of these two.
The pace throughout this kept my eyes transfixed on my kindle from start to finish. The connection between Poe and Stella grows deeper with every interaction, secrets being revealed and enough suspenseful intrigue to consume your every thought.
Stella has been surviving on her own for far too long but when she’s thrust into the world Folkestone Sins world she very quickly meets people that are exactly who she needs, they understand one another from an emotionally deep place and in the sarcastic wit they share to lighten the dark world of secrets caving in on them, they essence of loyalty.
This was a fantastic debut. I'm blown away by these characters that are not only brought to life on the pages, but also the depth of each one and I feel as though book 1 has just begun to scratch the surface. Every page is like uncovering buried secrets but also knowing there are many more to come, and witty banter that will make you chuckle, suspense that will have you holding your breath as you turn the page, and steam.
criticallyromantic's review against another edition
2.0
Maybe a 2.5 Star read for me... I don't really get the high rating at all, to be honest. I'm having trouble articulating, but nothing about it grabbed me or felt like I was supposed to believe it, if that makes sense. It was fine, I guess, but based on the rating I was definitely expecting to love it and I really, really didn't.
rinasreadsnz's review against another edition
5.0
Holy fudgesticks... what in the ever loving heck did I just read?
That was insanely awesome, I find it hard to believe that it's a debut story.
I was hooked from page one. The interesting intro to Stella's life had me absolutely captivated, then add Poe to the mix and I was a goner.
There are so many different puzzle pieces in play I don't even want to try and guess which direction they may go.
I only know that I'm up for - what is definitely going to be - the insanely good ride it's going to be.
Also, it disappeared waaay too quickly!
I'm so glad I already have book 2 ready to go.
That was insanely awesome, I find it hard to believe that it's a debut story.
I was hooked from page one. The interesting intro to Stella's life had me absolutely captivated, then add Poe to the mix and I was a goner.
There are so many different puzzle pieces in play I don't even want to try and guess which direction they may go.
I only know that I'm up for - what is definitely going to be - the insanely good ride it's going to be.
Also, it disappeared waaay too quickly!
I'm so glad I already have book 2 ready to go.
la_vampiresa's review against another edition
4.0
Ever since her mother disappeared, Stella has been on her own since she was 15. Two years later, she receives a package from her only known relative. She ends up moving to a small town in California where she unravels hidden secrets about her family.
Fantastic debut story by Samantha Lovelock. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I couldn't put this one down. There was suspense, hot chemistry between h and H, secrets unveiled, and twist and turns that will leave you wanting more. I must admit, I'm hooked!!
I received an ARC and voluntarily gave my honest opinion and review
Fantastic debut story by Samantha Lovelock. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I couldn't put this one down. There was suspense, hot chemistry between h and H, secrets unveiled, and twist and turns that will leave you wanting more. I must admit, I'm hooked!!
I received an ARC and voluntarily gave my honest opinion and review
savagereads_'s review against another edition
5.0
The first two books in the series follows Stella, who after her mother disappears, is forced to live on her own. She receives a letter from an estranged rich aunt, and her whole life changes because of that letter. Stella goes from being a loner to having a group of friends that are willing to do anything for her. Stella also meets Poe, who is set on not getting attached, but he can’t get Stella out of his head. The plot twists and turns due to Stella’s new role in her mother’s hometown and it kept me on my toes the whole time!!
I am in LOVE with these characters!! There are a decent amount of characters in the book, which can sometimes be hard to read, but Samantha executes each character effortlessly. Stella is a great leading character and I loved to see the development of Poe’s and Stella’s story.
I am in LOVE with these characters!! There are a decent amount of characters in the book, which can sometimes be hard to read, but Samantha executes each character effortlessly. Stella is a great leading character and I loved to see the development of Poe’s and Stella’s story.
amandabooks17's review against another edition
5.0
This was my first book by this author and I am fully in love! Just in one book have I become obsessed with the characters and the writing!
I absolutely love the emotion and the drama happening in Folkestone. The angst between Poe and Stella is off the charts! Right off the bat I could tell they were something special! I love the mystery that is Stellas past and how she is to learn more about her mother and where Stella truly comes from. I love each one of the Heirs! They all were unique in their own way. One of my favorite things about this book was the immediate friendship between Stella and Sunday! It was so welcoming and fun and just what the characters needed. Every girl needs a best friend like Sunday. The author left this on a perfect cliffhanger and I really look forward to what’s coming next!
This book hit all my marks in a great book! I definitely look forward to continuing the series and reading more from this author! I am thoroughly obsessed and I don’t see the obsession ending anytime soon. I definitely think others should read this book!
I absolutely love the emotion and the drama happening in Folkestone. The angst between Poe and Stella is off the charts! Right off the bat I could tell they were something special! I love the mystery that is Stellas past and how she is to learn more about her mother and where Stella truly comes from. I love each one of the Heirs! They all were unique in their own way. One of my favorite things about this book was the immediate friendship between Stella and Sunday! It was so welcoming and fun and just what the characters needed. Every girl needs a best friend like Sunday. The author left this on a perfect cliffhanger and I really look forward to what’s coming next!
This book hit all my marks in a great book! I definitely look forward to continuing the series and reading more from this author! I am thoroughly obsessed and I don’t see the obsession ending anytime soon. I definitely think others should read this book!
jessa_sage1996's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't write a review for this when I read it but I liked it so much, I bought the rest of the series that was out. I don't know why I think private prep school elites is so much fun but I do. I eat this trope up. Stella is properly traumatized. She is taken in by an aunt she'd never met after her mom dies. She is enrolled in a private school and enters into a world where she is an heir to a town. There is so much drama. It's like a darker Gossip Girl.
debbie2232's review against another edition
5.0
Holy crap… I am in shock after reading this amazing book! Right from the start I could tell I was going to love this story.
Stella is such a cool character and she definitely won’t take anyone’s crap! Poe is a really interesting character and I definitely look forward to learning more about him in the second book in this series. Sunday is such a great best friend to have and I’m very excited to read more about her story!
I’m very impressed with this book! The writing was really different and there’s a lot of humor in this book as well. Honestly this book had my heart racing many times with all those plot twists. Oh my, it was intense and I loved every page!
Overall I’d give this 5 stars! If you like New Adult romance with drama, some humor and of course a good mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat you should definitely read this book!
Stella is such a cool character and she definitely won’t take anyone’s crap! Poe is a really interesting character and I definitely look forward to learning more about him in the second book in this series. Sunday is such a great best friend to have and I’m very excited to read more about her story!
I’m very impressed with this book! The writing was really different and there’s a lot of humor in this book as well. Honestly this book had my heart racing many times with all those plot twists. Oh my, it was intense and I loved every page!
Overall I’d give this 5 stars! If you like New Adult romance with drama, some humor and of course a good mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat you should definitely read this book!
kfriend's review against another edition
5.0
I love nothing more than finding a new author that I’m going to obsess over- and then, to find out that Fragile Things is Samantha Lovelock’s DEBUT novel! Well, I’m just floored. I could not put this story down. The mystery, the sexuual and emotional tension, and the enigmatic characters all made for an ADDICTIVE first half of this duet. I flew through this in one sitting- and I’m thirsty for more!
From page one, I was captured. We begin with the opening of a literal Pandora’s box, as our heroine Stella receives a mysterious package with an invitation to visit an aunt she didn’t even know she had. Stella has been on her own from the ripe old age of fifteen- abandoned by her mother, a fugitive of the foster care system, and now surviving on her own under a different identity. Not only is the invitation a mystery, but Stella’s own understanding of her history is, too- a missing mother and missing memories and bouts of anxiety have long since left her perplexed. Impoverished and relatively alone, she doesn’t have much to lose and only answers to gain, so she travels across the country to stay with her aunt, thrusting her squarely in the middle of an elite world foreign to her. A chance encounter and an elite inner circle connects her to Poe, the rich golden boy. Stella soon finds herself smack in the middle of a tangled web of secrets, mystery, deceit, and treachery- all part of some mysterious history amongst the town’s most elite. But just where does Stella fit into all of this?
Stella is one of my favorite heroines I’ve read in a good while. She’s so admirably resilient and self-assured. She’s just STRONG- unwilling to be pushed around or live outside of her values. But, she’s also got layers- she’s kind and empathetic, and profoundly patient for all that she’s endured. She’s a heroine you can respect, the heroine you desperately root for. And Poe is the dreamy alpha elite bully- son of a founding family and the defacto leader of the crew. He’s cocky, charming, and smug, but he’s also complex, he’s emotionally aware and understanding. He has a sweet and protective streak a mile long- he sucked me right into his orbit and I never want to leave. And their chemistry is scorching. We get some insta-love, sure- but Samantha really develops their emotional connection- she gives these characters a chance to be open and vulnerable, to invest in each other, and the emotional and sexual tension between them is consuming.
What I loved most about this story, though, was how cleverly Samantha creates two leads who subvert your normal expectations for the bully trope. Both leads don’t exactly play into the normal “rich bully” and bullied types. Poe isn’t your typical alpha bully- in fact, he resents his privilege, would rebuke it if he could. He abhors cruelty and high school hierarchy BS. In fact, none of the elite really play into the whole “rule the school trope”- they just want to exist, be with their friends. And, when he finds himself having to be cruel to Stella, he’s wracked with guilt and remorse. He’s got such a deep soul, such an emotional consciousness that is truly refreshing. And Stella, despite her painful history, isn’t bitter or hostile. She’s strong, but she’s also got an uncertainty and vulnerability to her. She opens up to people, she’s not closed off to others. And best of all, both characters are so self-aware- they understand their own psyche, recognize their own patterns and baggage, and are actively trying to address them as best they can. They accept responsibility for their actions, and they are thoughtful in what they do. It feels so much more grounded and mature- and way more emotionally complex.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t celebrate the QUALITY OF writing here- this reads like a novel by a veteran writer. From the basic mechanics (word choice, syntax, etc) to adept world building and characterization, Samantha Lovelock is clearly a gifted writer. The prose flowed, the characters are dynamic and captivating, and pacing was perfectly balanced and builds a fantastic crescendo to the finale. There’s a real nuance to the story telling- a descriptive quality in both character and place that is really encompassing. And, Samantha masterfully scaffolds and weaves the chemistry and the mystery to create both intensity and intimacy, which kept the pages turning but also kept me emotionally invested. If this is the kind of writing Samantha produces on her debut, then she’s clearly an author to watch.
I’m loving the themes of belonging- this is a story about a girl just trying to figure out just where she belongs. And a thoughtful exploration of just how much where you belong, and where you came from, influences who you are, and who you are meant to be. I can’t wait to see where this goes next in the second half of the duet- I NEED IT NOW!
From page one, I was captured. We begin with the opening of a literal Pandora’s box, as our heroine Stella receives a mysterious package with an invitation to visit an aunt she didn’t even know she had. Stella has been on her own from the ripe old age of fifteen- abandoned by her mother, a fugitive of the foster care system, and now surviving on her own under a different identity. Not only is the invitation a mystery, but Stella’s own understanding of her history is, too- a missing mother and missing memories and bouts of anxiety have long since left her perplexed. Impoverished and relatively alone, she doesn’t have much to lose and only answers to gain, so she travels across the country to stay with her aunt, thrusting her squarely in the middle of an elite world foreign to her. A chance encounter and an elite inner circle connects her to Poe, the rich golden boy. Stella soon finds herself smack in the middle of a tangled web of secrets, mystery, deceit, and treachery- all part of some mysterious history amongst the town’s most elite. But just where does Stella fit into all of this?
Stella is one of my favorite heroines I’ve read in a good while. She’s so admirably resilient and self-assured. She’s just STRONG- unwilling to be pushed around or live outside of her values. But, she’s also got layers- she’s kind and empathetic, and profoundly patient for all that she’s endured. She’s a heroine you can respect, the heroine you desperately root for. And Poe is the dreamy alpha elite bully- son of a founding family and the defacto leader of the crew. He’s cocky, charming, and smug, but he’s also complex, he’s emotionally aware and understanding. He has a sweet and protective streak a mile long- he sucked me right into his orbit and I never want to leave. And their chemistry is scorching. We get some insta-love, sure- but Samantha really develops their emotional connection- she gives these characters a chance to be open and vulnerable, to invest in each other, and the emotional and sexual tension between them is consuming.
What I loved most about this story, though, was how cleverly Samantha creates two leads who subvert your normal expectations for the bully trope. Both leads don’t exactly play into the normal “rich bully” and bullied types. Poe isn’t your typical alpha bully- in fact, he resents his privilege, would rebuke it if he could. He abhors cruelty and high school hierarchy BS. In fact, none of the elite really play into the whole “rule the school trope”- they just want to exist, be with their friends. And, when he finds himself having to be cruel to Stella, he’s wracked with guilt and remorse. He’s got such a deep soul, such an emotional consciousness that is truly refreshing. And Stella, despite her painful history, isn’t bitter or hostile. She’s strong, but she’s also got an uncertainty and vulnerability to her. She opens up to people, she’s not closed off to others. And best of all, both characters are so self-aware- they understand their own psyche, recognize their own patterns and baggage, and are actively trying to address them as best they can. They accept responsibility for their actions, and they are thoughtful in what they do. It feels so much more grounded and mature- and way more emotionally complex.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t celebrate the QUALITY OF writing here- this reads like a novel by a veteran writer. From the basic mechanics (word choice, syntax, etc) to adept world building and characterization, Samantha Lovelock is clearly a gifted writer. The prose flowed, the characters are dynamic and captivating, and pacing was perfectly balanced and builds a fantastic crescendo to the finale. There’s a real nuance to the story telling- a descriptive quality in both character and place that is really encompassing. And, Samantha masterfully scaffolds and weaves the chemistry and the mystery to create both intensity and intimacy, which kept the pages turning but also kept me emotionally invested. If this is the kind of writing Samantha produces on her debut, then she’s clearly an author to watch.
I’m loving the themes of belonging- this is a story about a girl just trying to figure out just where she belongs. And a thoughtful exploration of just how much where you belong, and where you came from, influences who you are, and who you are meant to be. I can’t wait to see where this goes next in the second half of the duet- I NEED IT NOW!
lady_literati's review against another edition
1.0
DNF. I just felt like I read everything before. It was predictable and cliché.