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A review by heavenlyi
Drowning Erin by Elizabeth O'Roark
5.0
I have been waiting for this book since I read Waking Olivia. That book started my love for this author, and I read everything she had written. I've said it before, but her writing is like a spell, weaving stories so consuming, I can't put them down! Drowning Erin, while a standalone, does feature characters from Waking Olivia. It was a top read for me last year, so I highly recommend you read it first. This book literally had me glued to the pages, and I read it straight through. It's rare these days for a book to completely consume me from the start. It had everything I love in a story, dimensional characters, convincing emotions, and a plot that never left me bored.
Drowning Erin is about two characters who hate each other. Well, that is what they would have you believe at least. The tension between these two is amazing. ALL that feeling has to explode sometime, right? Only problem is that Erin already has a live in fiancé and Brendan doesn't do commitment. The sparks fly when they are forced to spend more time together than either ever imagined.
"Because Brendan-beautiful, reckless, irresponsible, hateful Brendan, who I've loathed for so long-has been kinder to me tonight than anyone I can think of, ever."
Erin has had a hard life with an alcoholic father and an almost child-like mother. She hides so much of herself away from the world, including the man who is supposed to know her above all others. It broke my heart that she carries the many burdens of her family because she loves them so much and doesn't want to disappoint them. Over the years, she has slowly lost herself, and Brendan is just the man who is able to help her see how much she's given up for others.
"I'm not sure when, exactly, my life turned so empty that a warm body would be the only thing to look forward to in the first place."
Brendan is harboring his own burdens and insecurities. Something painful in his past has him running from being serious with anyone, especially his best friend's fiancé. Yet, he was always protective of Erin before she ever met his friend, and that drives him to want to be there for her. I loved Brendan, even when I wanted to knock some sense into him. He wants more for Erin, but he thinks that doesn't include him.
"Allowing myself any piece of him is like jumping into the deepest chasm. I can't begin to imagine how I'd ever climb back out."
I'm a total angst lover, and this story did not disappoint. I can't say enough about how much I enjoy this author's writing style. Her words draw out every emotion, whether it's frustration, heartbreak, or love. You can't help but fall in love with both these characters and want their happily ever after, although, it won't come easy. This book had all THE FEELS and I can't recommend it enough. This author has quickly become an auto-buy for me and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
Drowning Erin is about two characters who hate each other. Well, that is what they would have you believe at least. The tension between these two is amazing. ALL that feeling has to explode sometime, right? Only problem is that Erin already has a live in fiancé and Brendan doesn't do commitment. The sparks fly when they are forced to spend more time together than either ever imagined.
"Because Brendan-beautiful, reckless, irresponsible, hateful Brendan, who I've loathed for so long-has been kinder to me tonight than anyone I can think of, ever."
Erin has had a hard life with an alcoholic father and an almost child-like mother. She hides so much of herself away from the world, including the man who is supposed to know her above all others. It broke my heart that she carries the many burdens of her family because she loves them so much and doesn't want to disappoint them. Over the years, she has slowly lost herself, and Brendan is just the man who is able to help her see how much she's given up for others.
"I'm not sure when, exactly, my life turned so empty that a warm body would be the only thing to look forward to in the first place."
Brendan is harboring his own burdens and insecurities. Something painful in his past has him running from being serious with anyone, especially his best friend's fiancé. Yet, he was always protective of Erin before she ever met his friend, and that drives him to want to be there for her. I loved Brendan, even when I wanted to knock some sense into him. He wants more for Erin, but he thinks that doesn't include him.
"Allowing myself any piece of him is like jumping into the deepest chasm. I can't begin to imagine how I'd ever climb back out."
I'm a total angst lover, and this story did not disappoint. I can't say enough about how much I enjoy this author's writing style. Her words draw out every emotion, whether it's frustration, heartbreak, or love. You can't help but fall in love with both these characters and want their happily ever after, although, it won't come easy. This book had all THE FEELS and I can't recommend it enough. This author has quickly become an auto-buy for me and I can't wait to see what she writes next.