Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, this does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review in any way.
I'm going to be very blunt and say that I did not like this book. At all. In fact (I read Live Me while on holiday, it's just taken a long time to transfer review from notebook to laptop) I spent a long time critiquing it in detail to my sister in the swimming pool. I'm going to go into further detail as to why I disliked this book, but I'm going to state straight away that this book may trigger some people, so be aware of that before reading.
Plot Development
This book developed way too quickly! Evangelina has known Jace for what seemed like a matter of minutes and love is being professed. Now I understand an author choosing to set a quick paced plot to keep readers engaged, and perhaps moving away from a slow burn romance. However, this wasn't that. This was love declared almost instantaneously upon knowing each other. I'm really not a fan of instal-love, so there's the first check against this book.
Language
Pet names such as "love" and "babe". Saying "trust" to one another and repeating it, and "live me". Ew. this was incredibly annoying, a serious turn off and had a huge impact on the overall reading experience. There was also quite a lot of lines thrown in that were just insanely cringe;
"You're my drug of choice and I'm a hopeless junkie."
"And in a little while, I'm going to bury myself so deep inside you, you're going to think you grew a new body part."
Need I say more?
The Ending
So I had to sit through the whole book, I endured through THE WHOLE BOOK, and I get a flipping cliff hanger?! A "The End... For now"??? Yes I hated the book, but I wanted to get to then end and find out what happened. But oh no, I wasn't granted that. If I want to find out what happens to Evangelina and Blake then I have to buy the next bloody book?! No thank you! I do not want to have to go through a second book, and therefore I won't be!
The Sexual Abuse/Rape
I am not critiquing this book for the inclusion of sexual abuse, I have read and loved books that tackle this horrible topic, however the portrayal of it within this novel did not sit right with me. My major issue with this area of the novel was the fact that Eva had not told anyone (which I understand is something that many victims find extremely hard) and that she was putting herself in situations in which Damon (nas-tay) was present. She didn't want to tell her family, I can understand that, but I can't understand why she put herself in this horrid man's presence.
I won't be reading the sequel to Live Me, and honestly, this is not a book that I'd recommend.
I'm going to be very blunt and say that I did not like this book. At all. In fact (I read Live Me while on holiday, it's just taken a long time to transfer review from notebook to laptop) I spent a long time critiquing it in detail to my sister in the swimming pool. I'm going to go into further detail as to why I disliked this book, but I'm going to state straight away that this book may trigger some people, so be aware of that before reading.
Plot Development
This book developed way too quickly! Evangelina has known Jace for what seemed like a matter of minutes and love is being professed. Now I understand an author choosing to set a quick paced plot to keep readers engaged, and perhaps moving away from a slow burn romance. However, this wasn't that. This was love declared almost instantaneously upon knowing each other. I'm really not a fan of instal-love, so there's the first check against this book.
Language
Pet names such as "love" and "babe". Saying "trust" to one another and repeating it, and "live me". Ew. this was incredibly annoying, a serious turn off and had a huge impact on the overall reading experience. There was also quite a lot of lines thrown in that were just insanely cringe;
"You're my drug of choice and I'm a hopeless junkie."
"And in a little while, I'm going to bury myself so deep inside you, you're going to think you grew a new body part."
Need I say more?
The Ending
So I had to sit through the whole book, I endured through THE WHOLE BOOK, and I get a flipping cliff hanger?! A "The End... For now"??? Yes I hated the book, but I wanted to get to then end and find out what happened. But oh no, I wasn't granted that. If I want to find out what happens to Evangelina and Blake then I have to buy the next bloody book?! No thank you! I do not want to have to go through a second book, and therefore I won't be!
The Sexual Abuse/Rape
I am not critiquing this book for the inclusion of sexual abuse, I have read and loved books that tackle this horrible topic, however the portrayal of it within this novel did not sit right with me. My major issue with this area of the novel was the fact that Eva had not told anyone (which I understand is something that many victims find extremely hard) and that she was putting herself in situations in which Damon (nas-tay) was present. She didn't want to tell her family, I can understand that, but I can't understand why she put herself in this horrid man's presence.
I won't be reading the sequel to Live Me, and honestly, this is not a book that I'd recommend.
Evangelina Ricci is living in a life of hell, yet the hell all remains on the inside of her as she puts up a facade to all those around her. The only one who knows her secrets is her best friend Jace who accompanies her to Columbia where Eva plans to go to school.
Then Eva meets Blake Turner who seems to understand her and slowly sneaks in past her walls, no matter how much resistance she puts up. Yet Blake himself has a three strikes rule and as Eva finds herself at her end point will she reach her third strike?
This book is beautiful and heartbreaking as Eva tries to move forward yet really remains rooted in not moving from her past. I was very surprised to see that it was the authors first novel as it was so well written and kept me engaged from start to finish. Although I must admit I was super sad at the end to see that I have to wait for the second book.
I loved the character of Blake and how he truly cared so deeply for Eva, his "Angel" and wanted to treat her right and be there for her. I felt so bad every time she pushed him away but I can understand how worthless she feels about herself.
Jace was awesome and I think everyone needs a friend like him. I loved his relationship with Eva but I wish he had more influence over her with convincing her to tell the truth about what happened to her.
Eva was so broken that she found it so difficult to see any light within her. I loved how she was able to find some happiness with Blake but so sad that her demons got to her.
Such a great book and I can't wait for number two!
Reviewed for Kylie's Fiction Addiction
Then Eva meets Blake Turner who seems to understand her and slowly sneaks in past her walls, no matter how much resistance she puts up. Yet Blake himself has a three strikes rule and as Eva finds herself at her end point will she reach her third strike?
This book is beautiful and heartbreaking as Eva tries to move forward yet really remains rooted in not moving from her past. I was very surprised to see that it was the authors first novel as it was so well written and kept me engaged from start to finish. Although I must admit I was super sad at the end to see that I have to wait for the second book.
I loved the character of Blake and how he truly cared so deeply for Eva, his "Angel" and wanted to treat her right and be there for her. I felt so bad every time she pushed him away but I can understand how worthless she feels about herself.
Jace was awesome and I think everyone needs a friend like him. I loved his relationship with Eva but I wish he had more influence over her with convincing her to tell the truth about what happened to her.
Eva was so broken that she found it so difficult to see any light within her. I loved how she was able to find some happiness with Blake but so sad that her demons got to her.
Such a great book and I can't wait for number two!
Reviewed for Kylie's Fiction Addiction
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Car accident, Alcohol
This book was amazing.
It had all the emotions..yes I'm talking about laughter, hate, pain,despair e.tc it had it all.
I love how it brings out all these emotions and I was completely hooked from the beginning.
This also happens to be a debut and I can't wait to see how the rest of the story will play
Would I recommend this? YES I would.
P.s I will forever think about this book for the rest of my life and high chances I will re-read sometime in he future just to re-go through all the emotions it made me feel .
It had all the emotions..yes I'm talking about laughter, hate, pain,despair e.tc it had it all.
I love how it brings out all these emotions and I was completely hooked from the beginning.
This also happens to be a debut and I can't wait to see how the rest of the story will play
Would I recommend this? YES I would.
P.s I will forever think about this book for the rest of my life and high chances I will re-read sometime in he future just to re-go through all the emotions it made me feel .
Live Me is a heartbreakingly amazing book that will leave you hopelessly lost, distraught, and bittersweet. After finally getting to read this book, I am shattered. The author has taken a serious subject, one that so many people cannot find the words to speak up about, and brings it to the light of reality. This book had me smiling, frowning, laughing, crying and everything possible that is in between. Once this book was in my hands, I could not put it down.
It took me three days to read this book, which is kind of in the middle of my usual reading pace. Usually, if the book has held my attention, I can finish it with a few hours. This book had that for me, but I think I was trying to make it last. . . .
Read the rest of my review at my blog: http://haddieshaven.blogspot.com/2016/03/review-live-me-by-celeste-grande.html
It took me three days to read this book, which is kind of in the middle of my usual reading pace. Usually, if the book has held my attention, I can finish it with a few hours. This book had that for me, but I think I was trying to make it last. . . .
Read the rest of my review at my blog: http://haddieshaven.blogspot.com/2016/03/review-live-me-by-celeste-grande.html
I was provided a copy of this book to read from Netgalley and Patchwork Press.
I did not finish this. I made it to 38% and I just couldn't continue on. At the beginning, I was so interested to find out what happened to Eva but then the characters turned me off. Or, as Eva would put it, my girly nether region was not drumming. (Yes that is how she said she was turned on, multiple times.) Eva went through something traumatic and really should have been seeing a therapist, instead she needs support from the typical gay male best friend. And freaking Blake! I wanted to find him charming but instead found him creepy!! Couldn't he see that Eva was going through something? Instead he kepy forcing him self on her! UGHHHHHHH. Sorry, it is past 4 am and I just had to rant because this book pissed me off. Any way, a lot of people liked this book so read other reviews before deciding if you would like to read this.
I did not finish this. I made it to 38% and I just couldn't continue on. At the beginning, I was so interested to find out what happened to Eva but then the characters turned me off. Or, as Eva would put it, my girly nether region was not drumming. (Yes that is how she said she was turned on, multiple times.) Eva went through something traumatic and really should have been seeing a therapist, instead she needs support from the typical gay male best friend. And freaking Blake! I wanted to find him charming but instead found him creepy!! Couldn't he see that Eva was going through something? Instead he kepy forcing him self on her! UGHHHHHHH. Sorry, it is past 4 am and I just had to rant because this book pissed me off. Any way, a lot of people liked this book so read other reviews before deciding if you would like to read this.
tragic dark romantic emotional rollercoaster ride of a story.
this book ripped me open and shredded my heart . never have I come across a book where I can relate to a main character in an emotional,mental and physical way. Eva's story is so similar to mine so it was hard to read it for long periods I needed breaks but I got through it . After all that struggle to finish it ends with a cliffhanger sigh . Even though it was a difficult read with an even more difficult topic I loved it and also now I'm a fan of Demi Lovato. author knew percisely what songs would fit with each part of the story .
this book ripped me open and shredded my heart . never have I come across a book where I can relate to a main character in an emotional,mental and physical way. Eva's story is so similar to mine so it was hard to read it for long periods I needed breaks but I got through it . After all that struggle to finish it ends with a cliffhanger sigh . Even though it was a difficult read with an even more difficult topic I loved it and also now I'm a fan of Demi Lovato. author knew percisely what songs would fit with each part of the story .
This review was originally posted on Latte Nights ReviewsEva has a past filled with demons that she can't outrun. Everything in her present is a reminder of what happened, whether it's a word, a phrase, an object. She is ready to leave it all behind and focus on school with the help of her best friend, Jace. Her walls start crumbling down when she meets Blake, someone who is very persistent in wanting to be her friend but will Eva let her walls fall completely or will she stay stuck in the past forever?
This story was all kinds of intense and emotional. Eva is a character who has gone through a lot and reading about her past and how it still affects her in the present personally, socially and emotionally was heart-breaking. She's trying to get away from the past but she doesn't seek help and she isn't really coming to peace with it. She's basically shoving it away and eventually, that will catch up to her. Even with Eva's background, I found it hard to like her. I felt sympathy for her in more ways than one but her character was one that I couldn't really deal with. She ended up becoming a whiny martyr. I know it's not easy for someone like her to move on so quickly, that's not what I'm getting at but I could've done without all the whining. Once I reached half the story, we start to see her trying to have a life, trying her best to move on and be happy and that's what I wanted to see from the beginning. She has been molested and raped by her sister's boyfriend ever since she was 14-years-old. She only ever told her best friend, Jace and then Blake.
I loved Blake's character. He never pushed Eva for something more. From the very beginning he was attracted to her but all he ever asked from her was friendship. When they kept spending lots of time together was when he told her he really liked her but still, he would take it slow and wait for her to be ready. He was so patient with her and so very loving and caring. The romance wasn't thrown in our faces out of nowhere and it took time to build. Months passed before they uttered those three words to one another. I was happy to see it all come to play in a realistic matter. Now, not everything was realistic. Blake was incredibly charming but some stuff he would say were way over the top and I know guys can get all mushy and say those in real life but Blake took them to the other level and the gestures he would do for her. Their first date was a dream and I wish those things would happen in real life. For the date, he paid someone to bring breakfast to her apartment, paid so she could get a massage so she could be relaxed for their date. Then he paid so she could get mani/pedi and her hair done and then gave her a red dress. Am I done? No. Wait for it..................................................... White horse and a carriage. Their romance was also steamy as hell! Definitely not for young eyes. Still, Blake is a good BBF that you will definitely want to have in your life.
Out of all of the characters, I have to mention Jace. He made the story so much fun! He is Eva's gay best friend and I freaking adored him! He is the perfect best friend to have. He is there to make you laugh or to lend a shoulder to cry on. He is so sweet and so funny. I wish he gets a happy ending because that guy deserves it!
Let me warn you. This story isn't a stand-alone. I didn't know that so imagine my frustration when I finished it only to end in a cliff-hanger. I need to get my hands on the second book where I hope everything gets resolved. If you're looking for a hot, emotional, intense, tragic story with the message of learning to move on from a horrible past, then this one is for you!This review was originally posted on Latte Nights Reviews
This story was all kinds of intense and emotional. Eva is a character who has gone through a lot and reading about her past and how it still affects her in the present personally, socially and emotionally was heart-breaking. She's trying to get away from the past but she doesn't seek help and she isn't really coming to peace with it. She's basically shoving it away and eventually, that will catch up to her. Even with Eva's background, I found it hard to like her. I felt sympathy for her in more ways than one but her character was one that I couldn't really deal with. She ended up becoming a whiny martyr. I know it's not easy for someone like her to move on so quickly, that's not what I'm getting at but I could've done without all the whining. Once I reached half the story, we start to see her trying to have a life, trying her best to move on and be happy and that's what I wanted to see from the beginning. She has been molested and raped by her sister's boyfriend ever since she was 14-years-old. She only ever told her best friend, Jace and then Blake.
I loved Blake's character. He never pushed Eva for something more. From the very beginning he was attracted to her but all he ever asked from her was friendship. When they kept spending lots of time together was when he told her he really liked her but still, he would take it slow and wait for her to be ready. He was so patient with her and so very loving and caring. The romance wasn't thrown in our faces out of nowhere and it took time to build. Months passed before they uttered those three words to one another. I was happy to see it all come to play in a realistic matter. Now, not everything was realistic. Blake was incredibly charming but some stuff he would say were way over the top and I know guys can get all mushy and say those in real life but Blake took them to the other level and the gestures he would do for her. Their first date was a dream and I wish those things would happen in real life. For the date, he paid someone to bring breakfast to her apartment, paid so she could get a massage so she could be relaxed for their date. Then he paid so she could get mani/pedi and her hair done and then gave her a red dress. Am I done? No. Wait for it..................................................... White horse and a carriage. Their romance was also steamy as hell! Definitely not for young eyes. Still, Blake is a good BBF that you will definitely want to have in your life.
Out of all of the characters, I have to mention Jace. He made the story so much fun! He is Eva's gay best friend and I freaking adored him! He is the perfect best friend to have. He is there to make you laugh or to lend a shoulder to cry on. He is so sweet and so funny. I wish he gets a happy ending because that guy deserves it!
Let me warn you. This story isn't a stand-alone. I didn't know that so imagine my frustration when I finished it only to end in a cliff-hanger. I need to get my hands on the second book where I hope everything gets resolved. If you're looking for a hot, emotional, intense, tragic story with the message of learning to move on from a horrible past, then this one is for you!This review was originally posted on Latte Nights Reviews
I was provided a copy of this book to read from Netgalley and Patchwork Press.
I did not finish this. I made it to 38% and I just couldn't continue on. At the beginning, I was so interested to find out what happened to Eva but then the characters turned me off. Or, as Eva would put it, my girly nether region was not drumming. (Yes that is how she said she was turned on, multiple times.) Eva went through something traumatic and really should have been seeing a therapist, instead she needs support from the typical gay male best friend. And freaking Blake! I wanted to find him charming but instead found him creepy!! Couldn't he see that Eva was going through something? Instead he kepy forcing him self on her! UGHHHHHHH. Sorry, it is past 4 am and I just had to rant because this book pissed me off. Any way, a lot of people liked this book so read other reviews before deciding if you would like to read this.
I did not finish this. I made it to 38% and I just couldn't continue on. At the beginning, I was so interested to find out what happened to Eva but then the characters turned me off. Or, as Eva would put it, my girly nether region was not drumming. (Yes that is how she said she was turned on, multiple times.) Eva went through something traumatic and really should have been seeing a therapist, instead she needs support from the typical gay male best friend. And freaking Blake! I wanted to find him charming but instead found him creepy!! Couldn't he see that Eva was going through something? Instead he kepy forcing him self on her! UGHHHHHHH. Sorry, it is past 4 am and I just had to rant because this book pissed me off. Any way, a lot of people liked this book so read other reviews before deciding if you would like to read this.