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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
Really good read. The plot development was interesting because there were parts that I figured out immediately but then there were parts that I had no idea how they were going to be resolved. What I loved most was that it wasn't just a story about a girl falling in love with a guy, but it was about a girl who got out of her dark hole and let people in, including his brothers and crazy sister. I really liked that even though he helped her get through her sadness she was really the one who pulled through for both of them. Kudos for Blythe for being a great heroine who did the one thing most of us are afraid: listening and trusting our heart.
I adore this book. It has an amazing story line and touched me deeply. I will never look at love the same after reading this book. It was beyond incredible, and spoke volumes. Love.
5++++++ stars
I don't even know where to begin with this book, I need to gather my thoughts. Of the many books I have read, very few stick in my head. This one will stay for a long, long time.
I don't even know where to begin with this book, I need to gather my thoughts. Of the many books I have read, very few stick in my head. This one will stay for a long, long time.
I really enjoyed this book. I probably would’ve finished in one sitting if I had the time. I’ve already recommended it to some friends.
Wow, this was an intense book.
2 damaged characters fall in love- it's been done a hundred times....why do I keep reading these books? Well, they just suck me in and I can't let go until I know how it ends.
This one had lots of steam (definitely not young adult) and a great cast of secondary characters. There was a little theme about faith going on that never seemed to really be fleshed out all the way, but I think I got the point.
Other than a few eye-roll moments and a twist that I saw coming right away (although I am not sure if I was supposed to figure that out or not...)it was pretty well done.
3.5 stars
2 damaged characters fall in love- it's been done a hundred times....why do I keep reading these books? Well, they just suck me in and I can't let go until I know how it ends.
This one had lots of steam (definitely not young adult) and a great cast of secondary characters. There was a little theme about faith going on that never seemed to really be fleshed out all the way, but I think I got the point.
Other than a few eye-roll moments and a twist that I saw coming right away (although I am not sure if I was supposed to figure that out or not...)it was pretty well done.
3.5 stars
5 ++ Stomach churning, heart melting, screwed up individual STARS
I know my strengths are not writing reviews. I read some of the reviews on Goodreads and I am literally blown away! I want to give the reviewer stars for re-telling an amazing story and whipping me into a frenzy to read a book. Adding the pics and GIFS to enhance the review..I don't have this talent..I also don't often recommend books because everyone can look at something so entirely different and what one may like the other may not. With all of that being said READ THIS BOOK
Jessica Park has an absolute knack for writing endearing, awkward and lovable families like no one else. You fall in love with the whole family right out of the gates. Each member of the family gives something to Blythe that helps her heal and slowly re-emerge into life. But Chris is everything and he helps build her back up by tearing her completely down. I know it doesn't make sense and some people may read this and utterly disagree with that sentiment but I stick to it.
I honestly felt physically sick to my stomach in parts of this book and the fact that a book can evoke these types of emotions goes to show you the power of the written word (when done right)..which Jessica Park does in spades! This book gave my a euphoric high and then stripped me absolutely raw, to then build me back up and trust in the power of a great love story! I adored this book and when it comes out in July I suggest you buy it and read it..it went straight to my favorites shelf.
**ARC given for an honest review from Netgalley and Amazon Publishing**
I know my strengths are not writing reviews. I read some of the reviews on Goodreads and I am literally blown away! I want to give the reviewer stars for re-telling an amazing story and whipping me into a frenzy to read a book. Adding the pics and GIFS to enhance the review..I don't have this talent..I also don't often recommend books because everyone can look at something so entirely different and what one may like the other may not. With all of that being said READ THIS BOOK
Jessica Park has an absolute knack for writing endearing, awkward and lovable families like no one else. You fall in love with the whole family right out of the gates. Each member of the family gives something to Blythe that helps her heal and slowly re-emerge into life. But Chris is everything and he helps build her back up by tearing her completely down. I know it doesn't make sense and some people may read this and utterly disagree with that sentiment but I stick to it.
I honestly felt physically sick to my stomach in parts of this book and the fact that a book can evoke these types of emotions goes to show you the power of the written word (when done right)..which Jessica Park does in spades! This book gave my a euphoric high and then stripped me absolutely raw, to then build me back up and trust in the power of a great love story! I adored this book and when it comes out in July I suggest you buy it and read it..it went straight to my favorites shelf.
**ARC given for an honest review from Netgalley and Amazon Publishing**
Wowza! I selected this book solely for the reason that I really enjoyed the authors novel Flat out Love. I had no idea this was YA Erotica! Those scenes were GREAT but the number of them coupled with the explicit language was a bit much for ME. That said, the underlying story was still quite good. I thought a few key story lines were predictable but was surprised about the dbl meaning of the pager going off on that fateful night and how it played into their fated love story. Very good.
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
No
Well, THAT was a direct hit to the Feels.
Left Drowning had me laughing by page 2, my jaw dropping in shock by page 47, was gifted an eyebrow raise by page 105 and had me in tears before I even hit the halfway point. Oh, and it kept me teary-eyed until the last page.
I thought that this was a story that was engaging as hell that was was also ridiculously relatable on a visceral level. I loved the way that Jessica Park played with the our ideas of religion, fate and destiny; demonstrating that no matter what you do, or don't, believe in - some things, and lives, are just intertwined.
My only real complaint with Left Drowning was all the sex.
Before you start throwing shit and start telling me that I've finally lost my fucking mind - hear me out. Most of the scenes were completely relevant, well-written and necessary to the story, and either Blythe's development as a person or the Blythe/Chris development. But after awhile I was skimming or actually skipping the majority of the more extraneous sex scenes in favor of getting back to the story, I felt that they were actually detracting from the power of this breathtaking story that was unfolding.
Ok, let the tomatoes fly.
But seriously; this was a fiercely enthralling story that will hit you right where it hurts, one that I couldn't put down, chalk-full of characters that I grew to love and made me laugh as much as I cried.
Left Drowning had me laughing by page 2, my jaw dropping in shock by page 47, was gifted an eyebrow raise by page 105 and had me in tears before I even hit the halfway point. Oh, and it kept me teary-eyed until the last page.
I thought that this was a story that was engaging as hell that was was also ridiculously relatable on a visceral level. I loved the way that Jessica Park played with the our ideas of religion, fate and destiny; demonstrating that no matter what you do, or don't, believe in - some things, and lives, are just intertwined.
My only real complaint with Left Drowning was all the sex.
Before you start throwing shit and start telling me that I've finally lost my fucking mind - hear me out. Most of the scenes were completely relevant, well-written and necessary to the story, and either Blythe's development as a person or the Blythe/Chris development. But after awhile I was skimming or actually skipping the majority of the more extraneous sex scenes in favor of getting back to the story, I felt that they were actually detracting from the power of this breathtaking story that was unfolding.
Ok, let the tomatoes fly.
But seriously; this was a fiercely enthralling story that will hit you right where it hurts, one that I couldn't put down, chalk-full of characters that I grew to love and made me laugh as much as I cried.
Left Drowning is by far one of my favorite books this year. Maybe even ever. That's how good it is. I've never read anything by Jessica Park before but there's no way I'm not checking out her other books now! She's a literary genius!
At first I felt like everything was happening kind of fast; her meeting Christopher, becoming great friends with his siblings, suddenly having a life. But now that I think about it and I've finished the book, the pacing was perfect and everything happened at the perfect time. The talk about religion and spirituality made me a little uncomfortable at times but it never felt like she preaching or pushing the characters views on me. I just prefer when books don't bring up that topic in general.
Blythe is quite the character. I really liked her and I loved how strong she becomes throughout the book. I'll admit there were times that she annoyed me but only because I hated that she was in pain and couldn't seem to move on from it. I can't really go into detail about it because it's definitely spoiler material but I think it's best if you don't know much going into this book.
I LOVED Christopher. But let me tell you, I seriously HATED him for a pretty big portion of the book. It's more of a love/hate relationship for me. It's obvious he has some dark issues and has problems letting people in. He has a connection with Blythe that goes deeper then either of them ever really realized. They become friends instantly and sometimes, more. But no matter how much he says he cares for her, he won't (or can't) be with her. Their journey together is a hard and tough one but ultimately they both get the freedom they needed from it.
This story is about more then just Christopher and Blythe. Their siblings play a very big role in this book. And I have to say, they really made this book for me as well. I don't think I would've loved it as much as I did if it wasn't for them and all their crazy antics and side drama.
This story really moved me and the more I read, the more in love with it I became. It made me feel so many emotions and I can tell I won't be forgetting this book anytime soon. I don't know if the author plans on making this a series but I would love to read Sabin, Estelle and James's stories. Please Jessica Park, PLEASE write them their own stories! Especially Estelle and James!