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Flynn #2
Burning Bright
The second title in a new four-book romance series from the Red House Book Award–winning author of Girl, Missing.
Four months have passed and River and Flynn are still going strong. But things are not perfect. Flynn continues to fly into unprovoked rages, and when River tells her mum, she is banned from seeing him. Fighting to stay together, they end up being torn apart. Is it all over for River and Flynn?
Four months have passed and River and Flynn are still going strong. But things are not perfect. Flynn continues to fly into unprovoked rages, and when River tells her mum, she is banned from seeing him. Fighting to stay together, they end up being torn apart. Is it all over for River and Flynn?
265 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2013
25 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Sophie McKenzie
83 books1,486 followersHey there! Welcome to my Goodreads page where you can keep up with all my stories - both the ones that are already published and the works in progress!!
I write mostly teen thrillers - plus some teen romance, books for younger children and four adult psychological thrillers.
I'm really excited right now because of...
Boy, Missing, my £1 book for World Book Day and Truth or Dare, my new teen thriller. (UK)
For more info on these and my other books, check out my website: www.sophiemckenziebooks.com
I write mostly teen thrillers - plus some teen romance, books for younger children and four adult psychological thrillers.
I'm really excited right now because of...
Boy, Missing, my £1 book for World Book Day and Truth or Dare, my new teen thriller. (UK)
For more info on these and my other books, check out my website: www.sophiemckenziebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 28, 2020
EDIT: reread review 6 years later, and rating changed to match. Original review by teen me down below AFTER current review.
This was more of the same from the first book. The first half was awful. River was terrible to her friends, to her mother and to herself. It did improve in the second half of the book but this time I couldn’t stand either Flynn or River. I was unsympathetic to them both. Flynn seriously has anger issues and he was much scarier and dangerous this time. Their relationship was very toxic and dangerous, but River just couldn’t see it despite warnings from not only her parents but her friends too. I appreciated that her parents were more upfront this time and were getting involved in their daughter’s life. I was satisfied with how things were ended – at least it showed progress and development on both main character’s parts. But River was too immature, Flynn too toxic and the parents still didn’t do enough for it to salvage this book.
This review and others can be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: https://oliviascatastrophe.com/2020/1...
OLD REVIEW:
I wanted to tell you about these two books in an awesome romance trilogy I love reading. The first book is called ‘Falling Fast’ by Sophie Mckenzie, and the second (the one I just read) is called ‘Burning Bright’. It’s a romance series, and definitely a chick-lit.
The series follows River and Flynn. River is smitten when she first sets her eyes on Flynn in the first book while he acts Romeo in a school play. But Flynn has a rough past and has trouble dealing with things in the present because of it. Will this drive a wedge between Flynn and River, or will they be able to deal with it together?
I loved River’s character. She has something that I’m sure any female teenager can relate to. Whether it’s a problem in her love life, insecurities about her appearance or the general image of a lady, or trusting her friends, River has the problem. She’s a girl who follows her heart and is always struggling to see the difference between right and wrong, because in real life it’s not as easy as some people think it looks. And that is what I love about her as a character. She’s always trying, and never giving up on people, no matter how many times she’s been let down.
I think Sophie McKenzie is an underrated author and should definitely be more well-known than she is! Which is why I hope to review a lot more of her books. So, go try this out! Any teenage girls or chick-lit lovers should charge straight for it. It has an awesome story, and the second book also deals a lot with controlling anger. I have yet to read the third myself though. I would give book one four out of five stars. I loved it.
http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/20...
This was more of the same from the first book. The first half was awful. River was terrible to her friends, to her mother and to herself. It did improve in the second half of the book but this time I couldn’t stand either Flynn or River. I was unsympathetic to them both. Flynn seriously has anger issues and he was much scarier and dangerous this time. Their relationship was very toxic and dangerous, but River just couldn’t see it despite warnings from not only her parents but her friends too. I appreciated that her parents were more upfront this time and were getting involved in their daughter’s life. I was satisfied with how things were ended – at least it showed progress and development on both main character’s parts. But River was too immature, Flynn too toxic and the parents still didn’t do enough for it to salvage this book.
This review and others can be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: https://oliviascatastrophe.com/2020/1...
OLD REVIEW:
I wanted to tell you about these two books in an awesome romance trilogy I love reading. The first book is called ‘Falling Fast’ by Sophie Mckenzie, and the second (the one I just read) is called ‘Burning Bright’. It’s a romance series, and definitely a chick-lit.
The series follows River and Flynn. River is smitten when she first sets her eyes on Flynn in the first book while he acts Romeo in a school play. But Flynn has a rough past and has trouble dealing with things in the present because of it. Will this drive a wedge between Flynn and River, or will they be able to deal with it together?
I loved River’s character. She has something that I’m sure any female teenager can relate to. Whether it’s a problem in her love life, insecurities about her appearance or the general image of a lady, or trusting her friends, River has the problem. She’s a girl who follows her heart and is always struggling to see the difference between right and wrong, because in real life it’s not as easy as some people think it looks. And that is what I love about her as a character. She’s always trying, and never giving up on people, no matter how many times she’s been let down.
I think Sophie McKenzie is an underrated author and should definitely be more well-known than she is! Which is why I hope to review a lot more of her books. So, go try this out! Any teenage girls or chick-lit lovers should charge straight for it. It has an awesome story, and the second book also deals a lot with controlling anger. I have yet to read the third myself though. I would give book one four out of five stars. I loved it.
http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/20...
March 4, 2014
Burning Bright picks up River and Flynn's story several months on from the end of Falling Fast, they are still head over heels in love with each other but that doesn't mean their problems have gone away. Flynn is still having issues with his temper and as much as he tries not to take it out on River he can be very snappish with her and he's also getting into trouble at school for fighting. River's friends are wary of him because of the rumours about his behaviour and even her mother is against them seeing each other but River is determined not to let anyone get in their way.
Sophie McKenzie has done a fantastic job of capturing the emotions teenagers feel, this series takes me straight back to the days of my first boyfriend and reminds me how obsessed I was with him and how convinced I was that he was "the one". River can be a little naive at times but it doesn't annoy me because I can so clearly remember being exactly like her when I was her age. What I really like about her is that even though she is crazy about Flynn that doesn't make her blind to his behaviour and she is prepared to call him on it when he doesn't treat her right. So many YA and NA books seem to glorify the bad boys and romanticise behaviour that is basically little more than stalking so it is refreshing to see a series that shows this behaviour as wrong and encourages teenage girls not to put up with it.
Just as I did in the first book I still have mixed feelings about Flynn. I feel terrible for the things he went through as a child, nobody should have to witness the way his father treated his mother or take the brunt of his father's anger just to protect his sisters so of course I hate that Flynn had those experiences. I can understand where his anger issues come from and it's easy to see how he ended up with that huge chip on his shoulder but that doesn't justify his behaviour. His anger out and out terrifies me and if he doesn't do something about it then he's going to end up killing someone. Thankfully I'm not the only one who sees that and River is encouraging him to get help with his issues. He can be such a sweet boy and I'm sure that if he takes the initiative and gets the counselling he needs he will be able to turn things around.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next in Casting Shadows. I feel invested in the outcome of the story, I want to see River continuing to stand strong and I want to see Flynn prove that he deal with his issues.
Sophie McKenzie has done a fantastic job of capturing the emotions teenagers feel, this series takes me straight back to the days of my first boyfriend and reminds me how obsessed I was with him and how convinced I was that he was "the one". River can be a little naive at times but it doesn't annoy me because I can so clearly remember being exactly like her when I was her age. What I really like about her is that even though she is crazy about Flynn that doesn't make her blind to his behaviour and she is prepared to call him on it when he doesn't treat her right. So many YA and NA books seem to glorify the bad boys and romanticise behaviour that is basically little more than stalking so it is refreshing to see a series that shows this behaviour as wrong and encourages teenage girls not to put up with it.
Just as I did in the first book I still have mixed feelings about Flynn. I feel terrible for the things he went through as a child, nobody should have to witness the way his father treated his mother or take the brunt of his father's anger just to protect his sisters so of course I hate that Flynn had those experiences. I can understand where his anger issues come from and it's easy to see how he ended up with that huge chip on his shoulder but that doesn't justify his behaviour. His anger out and out terrifies me and if he doesn't do something about it then he's going to end up killing someone. Thankfully I'm not the only one who sees that and River is encouraging him to get help with his issues. He can be such a sweet boy and I'm sure that if he takes the initiative and gets the counselling he needs he will be able to turn things around.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next in Casting Shadows. I feel invested in the outcome of the story, I want to see River continuing to stand strong and I want to see Flynn prove that he deal with his issues.
July 23, 2023
Okay so this is your stereotypical YA romance where the guy has anger issues and the girl is a little bit of a pick me girl (she literally does the 'look at me ... this isn't you' bit) but I used to read these books in school all the time so they have a little place in my heart :')
March 19, 2013
*actual rating: 4.5/5 stars
Holy shit! This book was way more heartbreaking than the first!... We follow Flynn and River's relationship evolvement, how the real difficulties start showing up and how Flynn's issues start to truly affect their being together... Honestly, in FF I thought McKenzie made their relationship a bit mushy, a bit dream like, not how it would be in real life. However, I was wrong! In BB she moves the story on, telling us how things go, and she describes my thoughts exactly about this kind of a relationship! People like Flynn deserve all the love in the world; but it's a true pain in the butt being with them... Anyway, this book is as good as the first, it's a decent continuation of the story and it flows nicely. I can't decide if I liked FF better or BB, because on FF we see how they fall in love, but BB is so what I wanted to read next, it had everything I wanted to find out, it sort of shows the "day after", you know? I will admit that at some points it felt like McKenzie was repeating herself over and over, but eventually it all connected and made sense; she has complete control over why she writes what and when! I don't want to say more about the plot, as I hate spoilers, so I will just express my personal opinion, which is that River is a blessing for Flynn and in book 3 I believe we'll see how she manages indeed to "save" him and help him become the magnificent man he can be!
Burning Bright is a really nice book, more than just a teen romance (as FF wasn't just a teen romance too), that also adresses many interesting issues like trust, inner strength, morality, like how society can face and judge you... And you know what's interesting and has me in complete awe? It makes me ecstatic!... I mean isn't this what we all want? The true, real connection and not just the lust?.. It's amazing...
I totally recommend buying and reading this book! I myself had some trouble finding it, but it's completely worth it!:)
interesting fact: I read/heard this book in audiobook format which was...interesting! I always thought audiobooks were for people who are bored to read the actual text, but it turned out listening to the story being narrated makes it a whole lot more vivid and helps you visualize it TONES better! I was really surprised actually! It's like READING a play versus HEARING the play by an actor with all the voice expressions and colorings!(i hope these are the right words to describe it in English...) Plus, if your native language is other that English, it's a great excercise!!:]
ps. I've thinking about this, so can I just say it? Omg, the names of the protagonists are so weird... Like Flynn? And River?? Like can you picture it, Flynn+River= LFE?? Unique maybe yes, but too strange still... And does even the name "River" exist in real life? Or what about "Flynn", like who calls their bf by the last name EVEN if he goes with it? It's too weird... Anyway... I don't really mind, just thought I'd share...
Holy shit! This book was way more heartbreaking than the first!... We follow Flynn and River's relationship evolvement, how the real difficulties start showing up and how Flynn's issues start to truly affect their being together... Honestly, in FF I thought McKenzie made their relationship a bit mushy, a bit dream like, not how it would be in real life. However, I was wrong! In BB she moves the story on, telling us how things go, and she describes my thoughts exactly about this kind of a relationship! People like Flynn deserve all the love in the world; but it's a true pain in the butt being with them... Anyway, this book is as good as the first, it's a decent continuation of the story and it flows nicely. I can't decide if I liked FF better or BB, because on FF we see how they fall in love, but BB is so what I wanted to read next, it had everything I wanted to find out, it sort of shows the "day after", you know? I will admit that at some points it felt like McKenzie was repeating herself over and over, but eventually it all connected and made sense; she has complete control over why she writes what and when! I don't want to say more about the plot, as I hate spoilers, so I will just express my personal opinion, which is that River is a blessing for Flynn and in book 3 I believe we'll see how she manages indeed to "save" him and help him become the magnificent man he can be!
Burning Bright is a really nice book, more than just a teen romance (as FF wasn't just a teen romance too), that also adresses many interesting issues like trust, inner strength, morality, like how society can face and judge you... And you know what's interesting and has me in complete awe? It makes me ecstatic!... I mean isn't this what we all want? The true, real connection and not just the lust?.. It's amazing...
I totally recommend buying and reading this book! I myself had some trouble finding it, but it's completely worth it!:)
interesting fact: I read/heard this book in audiobook format which was...interesting! I always thought audiobooks were for people who are bored to read the actual text, but it turned out listening to the story being narrated makes it a whole lot more vivid and helps you visualize it TONES better! I was really surprised actually! It's like READING a play versus HEARING the play by an actor with all the voice expressions and colorings!(i hope these are the right words to describe it in English...) Plus, if your native language is other that English, it's a great excercise!!:]
ps. I've thinking about this, so can I just say it? Omg, the names of the protagonists are so weird... Like Flynn? And River?? Like can you picture it, Flynn+River= LFE?? Unique maybe yes, but too strange still... And does even the name "River" exist in real life? Or what about "Flynn", like who calls their bf by the last name EVEN if he goes with it? It's too weird... Anyway... I don't really mind, just thought I'd share...
January 5, 2013
Ever since I read the first book in this series; Falling Fast, I've been dying for the release of Burning Bright. This is my first series that I've read by this author and so far, I'm really liking what I read.
Burning Bright starts a few months later after the events in Falling Fast, and even though Flynn is trying to control his anger - nothing can stop him flying off the hand expect for River. However, when River's mother and friends become concerned about River's well being, it's harder for River and Flynn to be together and trouble comes when their relationship is threaten to be torn apart.
I loved this instalment. It was a fantastic sequel - one that kept you guessing through out. I also found it quite emotional because you can really feel what's happening to the characters as you read the story. River and Flynn are great together but Flynn's anger at his father, at not having much money and pretty much his anger towards everything, starts to bring their relationship down. Both characters go through so much this time around, their battling against everyone they love and in the end, my heart was starting to break for them. I just wanted them to have their happy ending - even though I know this is going to be a four part series, but for teenagers, their dealing with so much - especially Flynn. He's a guy that hasn't has the greatest up bringing and you can see why he struggles so much. I want him to get better and the ending of this brings some relief to the readers that are praying for Flynn. And River, she's great as always. I really enjoyed that she got to spend more time being a teenager, partying and going out with her friends. Her mother was quite frankly an annoying character - at times I felt she was going over board but I can't really blame her. And I also enjoyed we got to see more of River's father too.
All in all, Burning Bright is a sequel not to be missed and one I'd highly recommend. Sophie McKenzie provides a story that is written beautifully with an intriguing plot and characters that aren't perfect but are very real.
Burning Bright starts a few months later after the events in Falling Fast, and even though Flynn is trying to control his anger - nothing can stop him flying off the hand expect for River. However, when River's mother and friends become concerned about River's well being, it's harder for River and Flynn to be together and trouble comes when their relationship is threaten to be torn apart.
I loved this instalment. It was a fantastic sequel - one that kept you guessing through out. I also found it quite emotional because you can really feel what's happening to the characters as you read the story. River and Flynn are great together but Flynn's anger at his father, at not having much money and pretty much his anger towards everything, starts to bring their relationship down. Both characters go through so much this time around, their battling against everyone they love and in the end, my heart was starting to break for them. I just wanted them to have their happy ending - even though I know this is going to be a four part series, but for teenagers, their dealing with so much - especially Flynn. He's a guy that hasn't has the greatest up bringing and you can see why he struggles so much. I want him to get better and the ending of this brings some relief to the readers that are praying for Flynn. And River, she's great as always. I really enjoyed that she got to spend more time being a teenager, partying and going out with her friends. Her mother was quite frankly an annoying character - at times I felt she was going over board but I can't really blame her. And I also enjoyed we got to see more of River's father too.
All in all, Burning Bright is a sequel not to be missed and one I'd highly recommend. Sophie McKenzie provides a story that is written beautifully with an intriguing plot and characters that aren't perfect but are very real.
June 25, 2013
I thought this book is better than the first, river is not as clingy and always complaining. I enjoyed this book, really great connection between the two of them. Great short read.
July 5, 2016
Not that great. Same problems different book.
July 30, 2017
I read Falling Fast years ago and it was not for me, however, in a library book haul, I decided to give Burning Bright a go. It's a rather forgettable quick read with an irritating MC - aside from being in love with Flynn, I couldn't tell you what River's personality is. I don't think Sophie McKenzie's fast paced thriller style works for romance - I'm no lover of endless description, but I would have liked to have emotions better described and scenes better painted to help me feel the emotion. As it was, the pages read quickly, but very superficially. Much of what happened irritated me and I found tedious, and River's Mum was cookie-cutter repressive YA parent.
After being unable to finish All My Secrets a week or two ago I mused that perhaps my phase of enjoying this author's books is over and I think not getting on with Burning Bright is testimony to that.
After being unable to finish All My Secrets a week or two ago I mused that perhaps my phase of enjoying this author's books is over and I think not getting on with Burning Bright is testimony to that.
June 10, 2021
Can I just say that the relationship between Flynn and River is so extremely toxic? Please keep that in mind if you ever read these. It was another fast read but it was very repetitive. Flynn would do something bad, River would get angry, he’d apologize then everything was better. They’re not the worst books but glad I didn’t buy them and that I found them online.
July 13, 2021
Another reread from when I was younger - it gets better! This sequel to 'Falling Fast' is a lot less problematic - probably because the main male character moves away halfway through, and because our main female character finally starts looking out for herself and her friends more. Can this series be redeemed? Who knows, but I'm looking forward to rereading the next one!
January 28, 2020
I only read this series now as a palette cleanser before my fantasy reads. When the plot and story is good, I can't put the book down but when it's just meh, I don't want to finish the book. And they're so short. I understand these are meant to been teenage reads, but the story really isn't.
November 17, 2017
Good book ,not very good following up of the first book
September 18, 2018
Good teen read
December 30, 2018
This one had so much more drama. There love story is very complicated. it started with River following orders but now she is actually standing up and saying her mind which is allowing the book to grow. This story made me feel some hatred towards River due to her actions and just her overall annoyingness but this is an overall great story and I cannot wait to read the next. Recommended!!
March 18, 2023
3.5
Healthy parenting choices and a healthier ending make this a much better book than the first.
Healthy parenting choices and a healthier ending make this a much better book than the first.
July 11, 2023
wow what a toxic teenage relationship
(i’d give it 1 star but i can’t justify reading the rest of the series based off a 1 star)
(gna re read all my childhood favs now n absl hate them!!)
(i’d give it 1 star but i can’t justify reading the rest of the series based off a 1 star)
(gna re read all my childhood favs now n absl hate them!!)
December 27, 2023
he called it cannibalistic to eat bread representative of the body of Christ…
July 5, 2024
Favourite book series as a 14 year old.
November 29, 2024
Suppose this recreates the obsession of teen love, but didn’t enjoy.
December 10, 2012
This is the second book in Sophie McKenzie's four part romance series and I have to say that with each book this series just get better and better. Seriously, I was left feeling desperate for the third book, Casting Shadows. An unputdownable read.
The emotional intensity of the relationship between River and Flynn is at times dazzling, as well as stifling. Flynn reminded me of a younger version of Travis from Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire. Only Flynn is on the verge of complete melt down; his temper is finally taking its toll on all of his relationships, putting his romance with River on the edge of finishing. All around Flynn, life grows intolerable as rumours are spread. Yet River never stops loving him; her loyalty to him would win an award.
River changes in this book though. Her emotional arc leads her towards the first steps of maturity, as she realises she can no longer live with Flynn's volatile temper. It's like her eyes have been cleared and she sees sense for the first time.
This book deals very heavily with teenage anger and the different ways to deal with it. Teenager's emotions are so complex and abundant that the least little thing can cause a major melt down. It is very rare for them to look at the situation from another person's angle, especially an adult, and I think the author captures that extremely well. This book shows that anger management isn't just for adults; I wonder sometimes whether it should be taught as an extra curricular activity in schools.
The author has an uncanny knack of hitting on past events and situations that arose within my own teenage years. I find myself nodding at the story unfolds, remembering similar things happening. We were an angry bunch of teens who thought we knew better than the adults. It's quite funny when you reflect and look back.
This book is a very real look at love - nothing is made pretty and held back. Just a true relationship that occurs among the teenagers of today. The author has captured the intensity of teenager relationships as they cross the boundaries into adult territory. Sophie McKenzie knows how to write about real teenage lives.
The emotional intensity of the relationship between River and Flynn is at times dazzling, as well as stifling. Flynn reminded me of a younger version of Travis from Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire. Only Flynn is on the verge of complete melt down; his temper is finally taking its toll on all of his relationships, putting his romance with River on the edge of finishing. All around Flynn, life grows intolerable as rumours are spread. Yet River never stops loving him; her loyalty to him would win an award.
River changes in this book though. Her emotional arc leads her towards the first steps of maturity, as she realises she can no longer live with Flynn's volatile temper. It's like her eyes have been cleared and she sees sense for the first time.
This book deals very heavily with teenage anger and the different ways to deal with it. Teenager's emotions are so complex and abundant that the least little thing can cause a major melt down. It is very rare for them to look at the situation from another person's angle, especially an adult, and I think the author captures that extremely well. This book shows that anger management isn't just for adults; I wonder sometimes whether it should be taught as an extra curricular activity in schools.
The author has an uncanny knack of hitting on past events and situations that arose within my own teenage years. I find myself nodding at the story unfolds, remembering similar things happening. We were an angry bunch of teens who thought we knew better than the adults. It's quite funny when you reflect and look back.
This book is a very real look at love - nothing is made pretty and held back. Just a true relationship that occurs among the teenagers of today. The author has captured the intensity of teenager relationships as they cross the boundaries into adult territory. Sophie McKenzie knows how to write about real teenage lives.
March 28, 2013
For more of my reviews visit http://losttobooks.blogspot.com
I was excited to hear that Falling Fast was going to have a sequel and after finishing it I was dying to know more. I have finally found the time to buy and read Burning Bright and wow it plays on you emotions! I thought Falling Fast was bad but this takes it to a whole new level.
I really enjoyed reading this book and finished it within a few hour, I just wish there was more. I liked how this book in the series had a slightly darker undertone and how Flynn was developing as a character. Also, the fact that his dad turns up made things more interesting as it bought out a lot of darker emotions. As well as this, I liked River's rebellious side that turns up during the middle of the story, it was a nice change from the 'unsure of herself girl' at the start.
Where as Falling Fast focused on Flynn and River getting together Burning Bright focused more on the struggles they faced four months into the relationship and how they try to stay together despite everyone's beliefs. At times it felt like the arguments were slightly petty and appeared to often but in general this book had me hooked from page one and changed my mood from happy to sad repeatedly while I read it.
The characters in both Falling Fast and Burning Bright were easy to relate to and sympathise with and I think that is why it played with my emotions so much. Sophie McKenzie did a great job of capturing the first few months and emotions of a teen relationship and the storyline - if a little predictable at times - was engaging and enjoyable to read.
Overall I am eagerly awaiting Casting Shadows (Flynn #3) and hope it is out soon as with the way the author leaves Burning Bright I don't know how long I can wait to find out what happens next. I would highly recommend this series to any chick lit fans or someone looking for a quick and easy read to chill out with. For that matter I would recommend everyone of Sophie McKennzie's novels as they are all brilliant in my opinion, especially Girl Missing and Blood Ties!
I was excited to hear that Falling Fast was going to have a sequel and after finishing it I was dying to know more. I have finally found the time to buy and read Burning Bright and wow it plays on you emotions! I thought Falling Fast was bad but this takes it to a whole new level.
I really enjoyed reading this book and finished it within a few hour, I just wish there was more. I liked how this book in the series had a slightly darker undertone and how Flynn was developing as a character. Also, the fact that his dad turns up made things more interesting as it bought out a lot of darker emotions. As well as this, I liked River's rebellious side that turns up during the middle of the story, it was a nice change from the 'unsure of herself girl' at the start.
Where as Falling Fast focused on Flynn and River getting together Burning Bright focused more on the struggles they faced four months into the relationship and how they try to stay together despite everyone's beliefs. At times it felt like the arguments were slightly petty and appeared to often but in general this book had me hooked from page one and changed my mood from happy to sad repeatedly while I read it.
The characters in both Falling Fast and Burning Bright were easy to relate to and sympathise with and I think that is why it played with my emotions so much. Sophie McKenzie did a great job of capturing the first few months and emotions of a teen relationship and the storyline - if a little predictable at times - was engaging and enjoyable to read.
Overall I am eagerly awaiting Casting Shadows (Flynn #3) and hope it is out soon as with the way the author leaves Burning Bright I don't know how long I can wait to find out what happens next. I would highly recommend this series to any chick lit fans or someone looking for a quick and easy read to chill out with. For that matter I would recommend everyone of Sophie McKennzie's novels as they are all brilliant in my opinion, especially Girl Missing and Blood Ties!
December 31, 2012
This is the second book in Sophie McKenzie's series about the teenage romance between River and Flynn. Yet again it has a gorgeous cover which is beautiful and made me itch to pick it up and start reading.
The story follows Flynn and River and their volatile relationship. River loves him wholly and completely but struggles to deal with Flynn's explosive temper. Her parents and friends don't approve of him either but she can't imagine living without him. McKenzie depicts the intensity of their relationship which quite often seems to be stifling and claustrophobic. They are together as much as they can be but don't often give each other any space without one or the other of them feeling jealous. River trusts Flynn but he doesn't always seem to give her good reason to and some of his actions in the book thoroughly test her patience and her loyalty.
I liked the realistic aspect of the story, which shows that true love doesn't always run smoothly. A lot of obstacles are placed between River and Flynn and it was interesting to see how they handled these. River has to face her mother's disapproval of her choice of boyfriend and Flynn has home problems of his own with his father appearing back on the scene. He also has to finally acknowledge that he may have the same unpredictable temperament as the father he hates which threatens to come between him and River.
This was a quick read and I finished it in one evening, in part to the fact that the story was so enjoyable I couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to finding out what will happen next in the third book in the series 'Casting Shadows'.
The story follows Flynn and River and their volatile relationship. River loves him wholly and completely but struggles to deal with Flynn's explosive temper. Her parents and friends don't approve of him either but she can't imagine living without him. McKenzie depicts the intensity of their relationship which quite often seems to be stifling and claustrophobic. They are together as much as they can be but don't often give each other any space without one or the other of them feeling jealous. River trusts Flynn but he doesn't always seem to give her good reason to and some of his actions in the book thoroughly test her patience and her loyalty.
I liked the realistic aspect of the story, which shows that true love doesn't always run smoothly. A lot of obstacles are placed between River and Flynn and it was interesting to see how they handled these. River has to face her mother's disapproval of her choice of boyfriend and Flynn has home problems of his own with his father appearing back on the scene. He also has to finally acknowledge that he may have the same unpredictable temperament as the father he hates which threatens to come between him and River.
This was a quick read and I finished it in one evening, in part to the fact that the story was so enjoyable I couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to finding out what will happen next in the third book in the series 'Casting Shadows'.
January 27, 2015
I enjoyed burning bright after enjoying the first book in the series last year.
Burning bright picks up where book one left off. River and Flynn are a cosy couple and completely in love with other but River in particular is having to deal with the differing opinions of others on their relationship. Her friends aren't keen, her family doesn't like Flynn and everyone is worried about the temper Flynn appears to have especially as he can lose it completely in a matter of seconds. Adding to this Flynn is subject to some nasty rumours that give him a bad name and into more trouble.
What I enjoyed about this book is that you get to see the tough side of a relationship. You get to see that it isn't always sweetness and light and that they are tough and need work. I think the portrayal of the way in which the couple a subject to outside judgement was well done as it showed how easily doubt can get into anyone's mind even if they think their relationship is solid.
I really like Flynn as a character. He has real depth to him and is a really troubled soul having gone through so much in his young years and having to be the man of the house from such an early age. I enjoy finding out more about him and this book gives you a real insight into his way of thinking and the reasons why he does what he does.
You feel for River in this book. She is in what she considers to be in a near perfect relationship with a boy she adores and yet everyone seems to be against it from her parents through to her friends and even though she gets why they are concerned she just wants to world to see Flynn as she does.
A lovely read a enjoyed thoroughly. I am looking forward to book 3.
Burning bright picks up where book one left off. River and Flynn are a cosy couple and completely in love with other but River in particular is having to deal with the differing opinions of others on their relationship. Her friends aren't keen, her family doesn't like Flynn and everyone is worried about the temper Flynn appears to have especially as he can lose it completely in a matter of seconds. Adding to this Flynn is subject to some nasty rumours that give him a bad name and into more trouble.
What I enjoyed about this book is that you get to see the tough side of a relationship. You get to see that it isn't always sweetness and light and that they are tough and need work. I think the portrayal of the way in which the couple a subject to outside judgement was well done as it showed how easily doubt can get into anyone's mind even if they think their relationship is solid.
I really like Flynn as a character. He has real depth to him and is a really troubled soul having gone through so much in his young years and having to be the man of the house from such an early age. I enjoy finding out more about him and this book gives you a real insight into his way of thinking and the reasons why he does what he does.
You feel for River in this book. She is in what she considers to be in a near perfect relationship with a boy she adores and yet everyone seems to be against it from her parents through to her friends and even though she gets why they are concerned she just wants to world to see Flynn as she does.
A lovely read a enjoyed thoroughly. I am looking forward to book 3.
April 28, 2015
I really enjoyed Falling Fast, the first book in this series so I was looking forward to reading this. I really like River and Flynn and am really enjoying their journey.
Following on from the events of the first book, River and Flynn have now been dating for a few months. They are completely smitten with each other – there is just one problem. Flynn’s temper! What I found interesting about this is that it’s not just the fact Flynn gets angry (at pretty much everything) but it is how his mood completely affect River. Not only does he seem to control the way she feels but he is also alienating her from her family and friends. I think as readers we see the same side to him that River does, which is great, but it is also easy to see why her friends and family react to him in the way they do.
I loved the ending to this and how it all plays out. River comes a long way from the character she is at the start of the story – and while she doesn’t make the best choices I think she had to live it to reach the conclusion she does at the end. And Flynn is still as compelling as before – I like how his character is written. How flawed he is, yet how much I fell in love with him too. I could see both the positive and negatives of his character and willed him to see how he appears to others – how that behaviour affects others.
A brilliant look at the intensity of first love, with characters that are remarkably believable. I can’t wait to read the next instalment!
Following on from the events of the first book, River and Flynn have now been dating for a few months. They are completely smitten with each other – there is just one problem. Flynn’s temper! What I found interesting about this is that it’s not just the fact Flynn gets angry (at pretty much everything) but it is how his mood completely affect River. Not only does he seem to control the way she feels but he is also alienating her from her family and friends. I think as readers we see the same side to him that River does, which is great, but it is also easy to see why her friends and family react to him in the way they do.
I loved the ending to this and how it all plays out. River comes a long way from the character she is at the start of the story – and while she doesn’t make the best choices I think she had to live it to reach the conclusion she does at the end. And Flynn is still as compelling as before – I like how his character is written. How flawed he is, yet how much I fell in love with him too. I could see both the positive and negatives of his character and willed him to see how he appears to others – how that behaviour affects others.
A brilliant look at the intensity of first love, with characters that are remarkably believable. I can’t wait to read the next instalment!
August 30, 2013
3,5 ale bližšie k 3, kedže jednotke som dala 4 a to bolo omnoho lepšie ako tento diel
Tvárim sa že som to dočítala včera, aj keď už bolo pol jednej dnes, ale pre mňa je dnes kým nejdem spať, aj keď je už technicky zajtra (vyčerpávajúce ja viem)
Ale aby som sa vrátila ku knihe.
Išla som do toho s veľkými očakávaniami, lebo jednotka bola skvelá, ľahká, vtipná, milá. Dvojka bola minimálne do polky ak nie dvoch tretín otravná. River úplne drblo a Flynn bol len večne na niekoho nasratý. Potom to trochu nabralo obrátky. Ale River až do poslednej kapitoly zostala viac menej drbnutá (v poslednej kapitole dostala aký taký rozum) a Flynn... no to čo bolo predtým na ňom také super sa trochu obohralo a bol len večne nasratý a najradšej by som mu jednu vylepila. V poslednej kapitole asi snáď dostal rozum (neviem dozviem sa v trojke)
Na to že to bola taká kratučká kniha som to čítala príliš dlho, čo svedčí o kvalite, až v poslednej tretine sa to fakt vyšvihlo a preto to dostalo aj tú pol hviezdičku. Aj keď skôr mentálnu, keďže GR ich ešte stále neumožnilo.
Jaj a najhoršia bola pasáž, ktorá mi až príliš pripomínala druhý diel twilightu. To bolo ozaj tragické.
Tvárim sa že som to dočítala včera, aj keď už bolo pol jednej dnes, ale pre mňa je dnes kým nejdem spať, aj keď je už technicky zajtra (vyčerpávajúce ja viem)
Ale aby som sa vrátila ku knihe.
Išla som do toho s veľkými očakávaniami, lebo jednotka bola skvelá, ľahká, vtipná, milá. Dvojka bola minimálne do polky ak nie dvoch tretín otravná. River úplne drblo a Flynn bol len večne na niekoho nasratý. Potom to trochu nabralo obrátky. Ale River až do poslednej kapitoly zostala viac menej drbnutá (v poslednej kapitole dostala aký taký rozum) a Flynn... no to čo bolo predtým na ňom také super sa trochu obohralo a bol len večne nasratý a najradšej by som mu jednu vylepila. V poslednej kapitole asi snáď dostal rozum (neviem dozviem sa v trojke)
Na to že to bola taká kratučká kniha som to čítala príliš dlho, čo svedčí o kvalite, až v poslednej tretine sa to fakt vyšvihlo a preto to dostalo aj tú pol hviezdičku. Aj keď skôr mentálnu, keďže GR ich ešte stále neumožnilo.
Jaj a najhoršia bola pasáž, ktorá mi až príliš pripomínala druhý diel twilightu. To bolo ozaj tragické.
April 3, 2013
It's been four months since River and Flynn met and they are still going together. River thinks that her beloved boyfriend had his temper under control but that was before she learnt Flynn was being accused of stealing an Ipad and getting into fights at his school. This causes her to question Flynn's honesty and how far they are taking their relationship. But, while at a big family accasion, Flynn's rage causes his mother to make a decision that threatens to end Flynn and River's relationship forever.
A gripping tale about how strong love can be. There are some parts where you gasp in shock and others where you have to hold back tears but, whatever you go through to get there, this intense read will make you want to finish and get the next book.
A gripping tale about how strong love can be. There are some parts where you gasp in shock and others where you have to hold back tears but, whatever you go through to get there, this intense read will make you want to finish and get the next book.
December 20, 2013
Oh my gosh!! It was great but I hate the fact that it can't just be one long book because now the story continues in Casting Shadows and I just recently bought this so I'll have to wait a few good months Grr. Oh well, the book was really a heart ache as he- Flynn had to go Ireland and she ended up getting into boy problems without him and plus he was framed into stealing a iPad which he didn't do and was only made into thinking that so that the guys parent could buy him the latest one. How Stupid? Any ways Flynn comes back to explain to River that he didn't do it which is super cute and she officially breaks up with him so he can change his attitude and learn to manage his anger issue. It is really tragic but a great book and I feel like spitting at his heartless dad. LOL!
March 25, 2013
I got this and Falling Fast out the library at the same time - I think if I hadn't known that I had the sequel already, I might not have finished the first book. This one was worse as it didn't progress the whole way through - literally the book was one argument after another and the whole thing felt like filler. I assumed this would be a trilogy of books but I have read that there will be 4, which has put me off reading the others because I really cannot see how the plot can be dragged out for another 2 books. The relationship is unhealthy and neither River or Flynn is likeable enough for me to root for it to be resolved.
July 27, 2014
I absolutely LOVE these series of books by Sophie McKenzie. She is a brilliant author and her writing style is both unique and creative.It is very hard no to connect to the main characters and you soon end up having the same emotions as them. This series is all about a teenage girl who is always the single one. Most people around her are in relationships and she starts to doubt herself until she meets Flynn. This series follows a relationship of intense commitment, heart wrenching situations and the most shocking thing about it is that it's all based on a true story! This is a great book and I recommend it to anyone!
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