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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
Wow. Just wow.
This book far surpassed my expectations. It is definitely going in my top ten favorites.
The unique thing about this book is the 'big surprise'. Even though I figured out what it was very early on, the Author still brings everything together in such a way that I wasn't bothered by already having guessed it. If that makes any sense?
This book far surpassed my expectations. It is definitely going in my top ten favorites.
The unique thing about this book is the 'big surprise'. Even though I figured out what it was very early on, the Author still brings everything together in such a way that I wasn't bothered by already having guessed it. If that makes any sense?
It received 3 stars only because it wasn't atrocious. The story had nothing to do with drowning; literal or figurative. The MC was difficult to like and so was her love interest. There was a lot of sex, but none of it made me blink faster. Rather stupid story and really outlandish 'connections' that the main couple shared. Kinda wish I hadn't even picked it up. How people rated it so high on amazon is beyond me.
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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We are first introduced to Blythe several years after her parents die in a house fire, and she is still struggling with the guilt she feels. So she stumbles back to her room drunk, and the next morning wakes up early and goes to get several cups of coffee. Enter all the other characters. One steals her coffee, she meets one by the lake, they go to get lunch and meet another. Turns out, all these new friends she just made are siblings. The family dynamic between the four siblings was spot on and absolutely wonderful. They bickered and yelled and teased and loved one another, and a whole story could have been written on them alone.
They have issues of their own, but they being to help Blythe out of the stupor and sadness she's been living in, and they kind of nurture her into their funny little family. Oh, and Blythe has a minor crush on the oldest, Chris (the one she meets by the lake in the beginning). Of course, things start to escalate between the two. But I really like the way their relationship progressed, and I was 100% surprised by some things that happened between them toward the end. The author clearly thought out the novel ahead of time (always a good idea) because there were some turns I was definitely not expecting, but I love that I was shocked.
My other favorite character was Zach, the boyfriend of Eric (one of the siblings). He wasn't directly involved with the family, so he was a little bit of an outsider, like Blythe, and they didn't have a ton of time together, but they managed to have that connection that they were both trying to become a part of the family.
The other thing that really struck me wonderful was the age of all these characters. Blythe and Chris are seniors at university (thank goodness, finally found a book with some older characters). But they've been through so much individually and together, they, along with the sibling, seem much more mature, and actually act like adults. I loved this. Park's writing style was also fantastic, and each chapter fit perfectly into the next, and I could not stop reading. Even at work (whoops).
Read When: You're finished with the one you're reading now. This is great. Also read when you want a story about college students struggling with grief and growing up.
We are first introduced to Blythe several years after her parents die in a house fire, and she is still struggling with the guilt she feels. So she stumbles back to her room drunk, and the next morning wakes up early and goes to get several cups of coffee. Enter all the other characters. One steals her coffee, she meets one by the lake, they go to get lunch and meet another. Turns out, all these new friends she just made are siblings. The family dynamic between the four siblings was spot on and absolutely wonderful. They bickered and yelled and teased and loved one another, and a whole story could have been written on them alone.
They have issues of their own, but they being to help Blythe out of the stupor and sadness she's been living in, and they kind of nurture her into their funny little family. Oh, and Blythe has a minor crush on the oldest, Chris (the one she meets by the lake in the beginning). Of course, things start to escalate between the two. But I really like the way their relationship progressed, and I was 100% surprised by some things that happened between them toward the end. The author clearly thought out the novel ahead of time (always a good idea) because there were some turns I was definitely not expecting, but I love that I was shocked.
My other favorite character was Zach, the boyfriend of Eric (one of the siblings). He wasn't directly involved with the family, so he was a little bit of an outsider, like Blythe, and they didn't have a ton of time together, but they managed to have that connection that they were both trying to become a part of the family.
The other thing that really struck me wonderful was the age of all these characters. Blythe and Chris are seniors at university (thank goodness, finally found a book with some older characters). But they've been through so much individually and together, they, along with the sibling, seem much more mature, and actually act like adults. I loved this. Park's writing style was also fantastic, and each chapter fit perfectly into the next, and I could not stop reading. Even at work (whoops).
Read When: You're finished with the one you're reading now. This is great. Also read when you want a story about college students struggling with grief and growing up.
I really loved this one by Jessica Park. I was a little worried after I read Clear because I was NOT a fan, but I do love her Flat Out Love series! This one was amazing! I loved the main characters and the hardships they overcome. I also love how connected they all turn out being in the end. I was able to predict it for the most part but it didn't take away from the story. It does get a little steamier than I am used to reading but it wasn't off putting. I will definitely be reading the next book!
I loved the concept of this book, it was emotional, vulnerable, heartbreaking; it was raw. I loved the idea behind the story, but I unfortunately have to say that it was a slow read.
I am surprised by the high rating. This book was fine but nothing spectacular. Too much sex and angsting and not enough real development with the characters.
Oh my goodness..
I knew this book was going to be good from the synopsis, but I was not expecting that.
Jessica Park, you are a wonderful writer!
Blythe was someone I could really relate to. Not her situation, but definitely her personality.
Don't even get me started on the Shepherd siblings.
Eric seems like such a cool person, and I would love to be his friend.
Estelle is a vibrant soul who would be so fun to have around.
Sabin is the life of everything around him. His character is so beautifully broken.
And, Christopher... There are no words to describe my love for Chris Shepherd. Even though there were times I wanted to punch him through my book, I loved him through and through.
When everything was pieced together in the end, my jaw was on the floor.
Who thinks to write something like that?! The pure talent Jessica Park has, I am in awe.
Just wow.
It ended wonderfully, and now I cannot wait to read Restless Waters.
I knew this book was going to be good from the synopsis, but I was not expecting that.
Jessica Park, you are a wonderful writer!
Blythe was someone I could really relate to. Not her situation, but definitely her personality.
Don't even get me started on the Shepherd siblings.
Eric seems like such a cool person, and I would love to be his friend.
Estelle is a vibrant soul who would be so fun to have around.
Sabin is the life of everything around him. His character is so beautifully broken.
And, Christopher... There are no words to describe my love for Chris Shepherd. Even though there were times I wanted to punch him through my book, I loved him through and through.
When everything was pieced together in the end, my jaw was on the floor.
Who thinks to write something like that?! The pure talent Jessica Park has, I am in awe.
Just wow.
It ended wonderfully, and now I cannot wait to read Restless Waters.
I was looking forward to reading this book, after thoroughly enjoying Flat-Out Love last year. Whilst enjoyed Left Drowning, I have to go against the majority of bloggers and admit that I preferred Flat-Out Love. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy this book. I did. It just didn’t blow me away, like I expected it to. I’m not the biggest fan of the New Adult genre, but I like to dip into it every now and then. I’d definitely classify Left Drowning as New Adult due to the amount of sexual content.
Left Drowning centres around Blythe, who is drowning in sorrow over the death of her parents and her brother’s injury, that she believe has damaged his future career. Blythe is barely getting by in her senior year at college. After meeting Sabin, and the rest of his siblings, Blythe starts to live again. Blythe finds out that the family hold secrets too.
I really liked the characters. Even though Blythe was incredibly depressed at the start, I liked the way she began to live again through finding friends and ultimately love. I loved how important family was to Blythe and how she wanted to make amends with her brother and family friends. I think she really grew throughout the novel, which is always a bonus. I liked the Stewart siblings too. Chris took a while to grow on me, because I really didn’t like the way he treated Blythe. He was a bit of an ass at points, but reading his story the reader can understand why. He also cared about his siblings so much, which helped me warm to him. Chris and Blythe’s relationship was a bit too insta-love for me and clichéd.
I think one of the problems I had with this book was its length. I raced through Flat-Out Love, but for me Left Drowning was a little bit too long. It’s engaging enough, but I expected to fly through it. The story does take place over a long period of time, and this is handled well. I just would’ve preferred a faster paced story.
It being New Adult, there are quite a few steamy scenes. I don’t mind reading scenes like this, but I started to get a bit bored with it. This wasn’t because it was badly written. It just became a bit repetitive and I wanted to continue with the story. I got it quite clearly, Blythe and Chris had great chemistry.
Left Drowning, despite the flaws I found with it, is still an enjoyable read. It has some twists and turns in the story which kept me reading.
Left Drowning centres around Blythe, who is drowning in sorrow over the death of her parents and her brother’s injury, that she believe has damaged his future career. Blythe is barely getting by in her senior year at college. After meeting Sabin, and the rest of his siblings, Blythe starts to live again. Blythe finds out that the family hold secrets too.
I really liked the characters. Even though Blythe was incredibly depressed at the start, I liked the way she began to live again through finding friends and ultimately love. I loved how important family was to Blythe and how she wanted to make amends with her brother and family friends. I think she really grew throughout the novel, which is always a bonus. I liked the Stewart siblings too. Chris took a while to grow on me, because I really didn’t like the way he treated Blythe. He was a bit of an ass at points, but reading his story the reader can understand why. He also cared about his siblings so much, which helped me warm to him. Chris and Blythe’s relationship was a bit too insta-love for me and clichéd.
I think one of the problems I had with this book was its length. I raced through Flat-Out Love, but for me Left Drowning was a little bit too long. It’s engaging enough, but I expected to fly through it. The story does take place over a long period of time, and this is handled well. I just would’ve preferred a faster paced story.
It being New Adult, there are quite a few steamy scenes. I don’t mind reading scenes like this, but I started to get a bit bored with it. This wasn’t because it was badly written. It just became a bit repetitive and I wanted to continue with the story. I got it quite clearly, Blythe and Chris had great chemistry.
Left Drowning, despite the flaws I found with it, is still an enjoyable read. It has some twists and turns in the story which kept me reading.
Talk about an Ugly Cry...
It was a heart wrenching tear jerking story of love that left me a bowl of emotions. I will certainly read the next one!
It was a heart wrenching tear jerking story of love that left me a bowl of emotions. I will certainly read the next one!