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Messed up
What starts as a vicious prank one dark summer night leads sixteen year-old Chelsea Mallory plummeting into a MESSED UP world of obsession, a clandestine fraternity, a lost fortune, murder and ultimately a scramble to save her own life.
His eyes are blue like midnight. That is the first thing Chelsea notices about smooth talking, insanely hot Levi Bennett. Then, there is the way her stomach is hijacked by a pack of butterflies doing a full-on hip hop dance every time she sees him. How can anyone, even a sensible girl like Chelsea, be expected to think straight under those circumstances? Chelsea’s infatuation leads her to play the bait in a cruel practical joke on her friend Toby; a prank that leaves Chelsea’s hands bloody and Toby missing. Amid the mysterious disappearance, Chelsea realizes that she has gotten in over her head with Levi; a guy who knows exactly how to keep Chelsea where he wants her. Struggling to navigate her way out of a seemingly hopeless situation, Chelsea discovers that the real threat to her safety is not Levi after all, but an evil man and his army of boy soldiers who will stop at nothing to find a coveted treasure. Chelsea must learn that although she may be young, and she may be small, when she uses her brain she can kick some serious ass.
His eyes are blue like midnight. That is the first thing Chelsea notices about smooth talking, insanely hot Levi Bennett. Then, there is the way her stomach is hijacked by a pack of butterflies doing a full-on hip hop dance every time she sees him. How can anyone, even a sensible girl like Chelsea, be expected to think straight under those circumstances? Chelsea’s infatuation leads her to play the bait in a cruel practical joke on her friend Toby; a prank that leaves Chelsea’s hands bloody and Toby missing. Amid the mysterious disappearance, Chelsea realizes that she has gotten in over her head with Levi; a guy who knows exactly how to keep Chelsea where he wants her. Struggling to navigate her way out of a seemingly hopeless situation, Chelsea discovers that the real threat to her safety is not Levi after all, but an evil man and his army of boy soldiers who will stop at nothing to find a coveted treasure. Chelsea must learn that although she may be young, and she may be small, when she uses her brain she can kick some serious ass.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2011
14 people are currently reading
649 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 5, 2016
*** 5 STARS...BRILLIANT,LOVED IT ***
This is a book that would probably have slipped under my radar if I hadn't been following a friend's updates and eventual review (thanks Julie!).I cannot believe it hasn't got more ratings to be honest.I knew it was going to be a bit twisted so I put of reading it for a while but,my God..I'm so glad I read it!!
After Chelsea's best friend has to move to Scotland with her family she is left devastated and lonely so she starts hanging out with a guy called Toby.One night,at a concert Toby ditches her and in steps one of his friends...Levi Bennett,who offers to take her home.....
From this moment on her life will never be the same again.She falls completely under his dark spell.
Chelsea will do anything for Levi,she is completely captivated by him....
One night he convinces her to play a 'prank' on Toby.A seemingly innocent act that has far reaching consequences ...
The more she gets trapped in Levi's web,the more,she realizes there is a lot more to the beautiful ,charming boy with blue eyes..
Right so,I'm going to stop going into the story anymore here because,honestly you need to go into this one relatively blind (IMO)
I'm normally a complete review whore...I simply cannot resist reading reviews of books I'm contemplating reading but trust me the less you know about what's going to happen here,the better..
The story is told only from Chelsea's POV and,my god what a brilliant,brilliant character she is.
I'm not going to say too much about Levi other than,reading the book I could totally understand why she fell so hard for him.
This is nothing like the normal erotica I read but HOLY SHIT I thought it was brilliant!!
Recommended if you want something a bit dark,edgy,great characters with a great plot...and don't even get me started on the Epilogue!!!!
This is a book that would probably have slipped under my radar if I hadn't been following a friend's updates and eventual review (thanks Julie!).I cannot believe it hasn't got more ratings to be honest.I knew it was going to be a bit twisted so I put of reading it for a while but,my God..I'm so glad I read it!!
After Chelsea's best friend has to move to Scotland with her family she is left devastated and lonely so she starts hanging out with a guy called Toby.One night,at a concert Toby ditches her and in steps one of his friends...Levi Bennett,who offers to take her home.....
From this moment on her life will never be the same again.She falls completely under his dark spell.
It was that evening,that very moment actually,that I realized I was already in way over my head with Levi.I knew that he would bring me pain,that tears would fall because he forgot to call or stood me up or worse,much worse...
Chelsea will do anything for Levi,she is completely captivated by him....
One night he convinces her to play a 'prank' on Toby.A seemingly innocent act that has far reaching consequences ...
The more she gets trapped in Levi's web,the more,she realizes there is a lot more to the beautiful ,charming boy with blue eyes..
Right so,I'm going to stop going into the story anymore here because,honestly you need to go into this one relatively blind (IMO)
I'm normally a complete review whore...I simply cannot resist reading reviews of books I'm contemplating reading but trust me the less you know about what's going to happen here,the better..
The story is told only from Chelsea's POV and,my god what a brilliant,brilliant character she is.
I'm not going to say too much about Levi other than,reading the book I could totally understand why she fell so hard for him.
This is nothing like the normal erotica I read but HOLY SHIT I thought it was brilliant!!
Recommended if you want something a bit dark,edgy,great characters with a great plot...and don't even get me started on the Epilogue!!!!
October 18, 2014
"It was at that precise moment, as I turned my head to watch the ensuing confrontation, that I first saw a set of eyes which would ultimately change the course of my life."
Messed up - the name of the book pretty much sums it up, or at least gives you a really good indication of what you can expect from the book. It was raw, disturbing, sick, creepy and heartbreaking. Ahh and I loved every part of it!!!
"”Levi Bennett.” There it was. A name I will never forget, as long as I live, Levi Bennett..."
It was not a start of perfect summer, after her best friend moved to another country, Chelsea started to hang out with Toby, a guy she didn't really liked that much. After being ditched by him in the music festival she got a ride back home with gorgeous Levi Bennett. Levi was insanely hot, charming and he knew how do get people do exactly what he wanted. Chelsea felt for him fast and hard. She couldn't think straight when she was around him. Even after being used as a bait to lure out Toby into the dark for a prank, she didn't really realize that her actions has consequences. Levi was introducing Chelsea to all kinds of danger, but Chelsea didn't really care, as long as Levi was beside her. She become kind a obsessed with him, even with all the red warning flags...
"Was I really so blinded by Levi’s stunning good looks that I would put myself in danger? The answer was a resounding, YES."
Well I have to admit, I was swooning over him too, even when some things that happened and some things he did/say was creeping the hell out of me!!! Also I thought that I wouldn't mind getting in dangerous situations with him, if he goes all alpha male in them. I could totally relate to the Chelseas obsession, the way he talked to her and took care of her was adorable and every time he did something nice for her or made one of those sexy ass comments I felt in love with him a little bit more...
"Being bad is easy. The hard part is doing the right thing, the decent, moral thing."
Soon Chelsea realizes that there are more to Levi than he was letting on, and the things she discovers about him are not nice and sweet at all. She finds herself stuck in a hopeless situation, were she has to worry about her and her friends safety.
"Like a wild horse, I was being broken."
With Chelsea being involved with Levis everyday life, she soon discovers that Levi is not the only one she has to fear. In fact there is someone she has to fear more than Levi, a really evil man with an army of boy soldiers who will stop at nothing to find a secret treasure. The ones who are in the Delancey club has to do everything he asks or they are going to face terrible consequences. In order to save somebody Chelsea decides to risk her life and go against the evil man, who will do anything to get his treasure even if it means killing and torturing along the way. Does Chelsea knows what she is up against?
"It’s complicated, I guess. Life is complicated.” Which just about sums it up, wouldn’t you agree?"
I started this book not really having a clue what to expect, and I couldn't put it down, it consumed my thoughts with questions of what is happening, why it is happening and whats going to happen next... In other words, I felt constantly on edge, worried, anxious and stressed about Chelsea. Sometimes it was just really hard to read, and I couldn't believe that 16-year-old is experiencing that, actually nobody should be experiencing that.
However with all the disturbing and creepy scenes, it was really fun to be inside Chelseas head, she is witty and sarcastic. Her remarks and observations were hilarious. I have to say that I really liked her, she was kick ass heroine, and the bad decisions she made were totally understandable.
After everything was revealed and all the secret came out, I still found myself completely shocked with an Epilogue.
I loved the book, it was definitely dark and totally messed up.Ahhh, I wish there was a second part...
Messed up - the name of the book pretty much sums it up, or at least gives you a really good indication of what you can expect from the book. It was raw, disturbing, sick, creepy and heartbreaking. Ahh and I loved every part of it!!!
"”Levi Bennett.” There it was. A name I will never forget, as long as I live, Levi Bennett..."
It was not a start of perfect summer, after her best friend moved to another country, Chelsea started to hang out with Toby, a guy she didn't really liked that much. After being ditched by him in the music festival she got a ride back home with gorgeous Levi Bennett. Levi was insanely hot, charming and he knew how do get people do exactly what he wanted. Chelsea felt for him fast and hard. She couldn't think straight when she was around him. Even after being used as a bait to lure out Toby into the dark for a prank, she didn't really realize that her actions has consequences. Levi was introducing Chelsea to all kinds of danger, but Chelsea didn't really care, as long as Levi was beside her. She become kind a obsessed with him, even with all the red warning flags...
"Was I really so blinded by Levi’s stunning good looks that I would put myself in danger? The answer was a resounding, YES."
Well I have to admit, I was swooning over him too, even when some things that happened and some things he did/say was creeping the hell out of me!!! Also I thought that I wouldn't mind getting in dangerous situations with him, if he goes all alpha male in them. I could totally relate to the Chelseas obsession, the way he talked to her and took care of her was adorable and every time he did something nice for her or made one of those sexy ass comments I felt in love with him a little bit more...
"Being bad is easy. The hard part is doing the right thing, the decent, moral thing."
Soon Chelsea realizes that there are more to Levi than he was letting on, and the things she discovers about him are not nice and sweet at all. She finds herself stuck in a hopeless situation, were she has to worry about her and her friends safety.
"Like a wild horse, I was being broken."
With Chelsea being involved with Levis everyday life, she soon discovers that Levi is not the only one she has to fear. In fact there is someone she has to fear more than Levi, a really evil man with an army of boy soldiers who will stop at nothing to find a secret treasure. The ones who are in the Delancey club has to do everything he asks or they are going to face terrible consequences. In order to save somebody Chelsea decides to risk her life and go against the evil man, who will do anything to get his treasure even if it means killing and torturing along the way. Does Chelsea knows what she is up against?
"It’s complicated, I guess. Life is complicated.” Which just about sums it up, wouldn’t you agree?"
I started this book not really having a clue what to expect, and I couldn't put it down, it consumed my thoughts with questions of what is happening, why it is happening and whats going to happen next... In other words, I felt constantly on edge, worried, anxious and stressed about Chelsea. Sometimes it was just really hard to read, and I couldn't believe that 16-year-old is experiencing that, actually nobody should be experiencing that.
However with all the disturbing and creepy scenes, it was really fun to be inside Chelseas head, she is witty and sarcastic. Her remarks and observations were hilarious. I have to say that I really liked her, she was kick ass heroine, and the bad decisions she made were totally understandable.
After everything was revealed and all the secret came out, I still found myself completely shocked with an Epilogue.
I loved the book, it was definitely dark and totally messed up.Ahhh, I wish there was a second part...
December 22, 2012
There may be spoilers sorry!! ALSO WILL THERE BE A SEQUEL THERE NEEDS TO BE THERE ARE A LOT OF UN ANSWERED QUESTIONS!!!!
Wow talk about a fucking crazy book. the Bennett's are a really fucked up family, and the dad is a sick bastard!! shit i guess so is levi!!! ok so Chelsea is gaga for levi so much her rational thoughts go out of her head and all she can think of is levi!! she helps him pull a prank on her friend Toby only what she thought was a prank ends up being a horrible scheme for the "fraternity" from there high school at st.Jacobs to kidnap and torture poor Toby because levi dad wants something that he thinks Tobys mom has!!
So as a week goes by then another she starts getting uneasy about Toby whereabouts, so she asks levi and he tells her don't worry about it, she asks his mom and she said she hasn't heard from him, but Chelsea stumbles upon a note in the office at her job at yogurt heaven and it simply stated that Toby decided he needed space and went to live with his dad, which is weird since he never really knew his dad. so Chelsea decides to call his dad for assurance gets voicemail he calls back and assures he's there with him, all gravy right, uh no, the shit that unravels just gets crazier and crazier!!
She meets Connor at a party her friend becca' s boyfriend was having and they hit it off as really good friends, but ok here is where i even get a little annoyed, if u have a boyfriend should u really have other guys sleeping over at your house, kinda too much no matter how close. but anyway he basically becomes her closest friends and slowly falls for her which is hard for him because she tells him everything about levi and about how he was tough one night. but she doesn't tell him about him hurting her because at this point levi' s crazy ass told her to tell him to never call again that they were not to be friends and then he beats her, and after gives her 2options stay with him and pretend nothing happens but end the friendship with Connor or walk away and he will handle Connor so she really had no choice, she knew she wanted to protect her friend!!! but he seems to be so crazy and aggressive and in need of control because of his sick twisted father.
Connor trys to contact her to say he knows this isn't what she wants and that he can help but she goes to him and tells him she's trying to keep him safe!!! they almost have sex by it he stops it(there so cute together)
so much craziness happens in between that i can't even describe it how the pledges get in the fraternity is just a lot, but i do like at the end i did feel for levI he was saying that he wanted a second chance that he would do better and never hurt her again but luckily this time she got a backbone and said no she couldn't do it, he said that he loved her so much and that he knew she loved him, which she truly did! i know he wasn't a perfect guy in any sense of the word but he did help her with rescuing Bryce, o yea she had to rescue someone, all part of her plan, but he paid some hefty consequences for helping her out, that led him to have to go to the hospital! I guess my big annoyance was how she could never defend herself against Levi she felt weak towards him she never stood up for herself I guess later out was for obvious reasons but still, luckily at the end she got her sarcastic badass self back, this book is hard to explain but worth the read!!! hopefully didn't confuse anyone who is reading this review just know it's a good read,a little dark and twisted but they are only 16 how crazy fucked up people at that age with the help of levi dad!!!
Wow talk about a fucking crazy book. the Bennett's are a really fucked up family, and the dad is a sick bastard!! shit i guess so is levi!!! ok so Chelsea is gaga for levi so much her rational thoughts go out of her head and all she can think of is levi!! she helps him pull a prank on her friend Toby only what she thought was a prank ends up being a horrible scheme for the "fraternity" from there high school at st.Jacobs to kidnap and torture poor Toby because levi dad wants something that he thinks Tobys mom has!!
So as a week goes by then another she starts getting uneasy about Toby whereabouts, so she asks levi and he tells her don't worry about it, she asks his mom and she said she hasn't heard from him, but Chelsea stumbles upon a note in the office at her job at yogurt heaven and it simply stated that Toby decided he needed space and went to live with his dad, which is weird since he never really knew his dad. so Chelsea decides to call his dad for assurance gets voicemail he calls back and assures he's there with him, all gravy right, uh no, the shit that unravels just gets crazier and crazier!!
She meets Connor at a party her friend becca' s boyfriend was having and they hit it off as really good friends, but ok here is where i even get a little annoyed, if u have a boyfriend should u really have other guys sleeping over at your house, kinda too much no matter how close. but anyway he basically becomes her closest friends and slowly falls for her which is hard for him because she tells him everything about levi and about how he was tough one night. but she doesn't tell him about him hurting her because at this point levi' s crazy ass told her to tell him to never call again that they were not to be friends and then he beats her, and after gives her 2options stay with him and pretend nothing happens but end the friendship with Connor or walk away and he will handle Connor so she really had no choice, she knew she wanted to protect her friend!!! but he seems to be so crazy and aggressive and in need of control because of his sick twisted father.
Connor trys to contact her to say he knows this isn't what she wants and that he can help but she goes to him and tells him she's trying to keep him safe!!! they almost have sex by it he stops it(there so cute together)
so much craziness happens in between that i can't even describe it how the pledges get in the fraternity is just a lot, but i do like at the end i did feel for levI he was saying that he wanted a second chance that he would do better and never hurt her again but luckily this time she got a backbone and said no she couldn't do it, he said that he loved her so much and that he knew she loved him, which she truly did! i know he wasn't a perfect guy in any sense of the word but he did help her with rescuing Bryce, o yea she had to rescue someone, all part of her plan, but he paid some hefty consequences for helping her out, that led him to have to go to the hospital! I guess my big annoyance was how she could never defend herself against Levi she felt weak towards him she never stood up for herself I guess later out was for obvious reasons but still, luckily at the end she got her sarcastic badass self back, this book is hard to explain but worth the read!!! hopefully didn't confuse anyone who is reading this review just know it's a good read,a little dark and twisted but they are only 16 how crazy fucked up people at that age with the help of levi dad!!!
September 13, 2015
WHAT A READ!! 5+ STARS MY FRIENDS!
Once again, what is there to say? OUTSTANDING! Another original, in
my opinion that is! This is another example of why I love to read!
I can't believe the way this ended and I can't help but wonder will there be more to this? I'm completely confused by...Want to hear more from Chelsea and Levi...follow them on twitter @ChelsMallory16 and @BennettLevi? I do not follow twitter, how can I have more? I need more Connor too! Either way if I don't get more, this was one hell of a ride!
Once again, what is there to say? OUTSTANDING! Another original, in
my opinion that is! This is another example of why I love to read!
I can't believe the way this ended and I can't help but wonder will there be more to this? I'm completely confused by...Want to hear more from Chelsea and Levi...follow them on twitter @ChelsMallory16 and @BennettLevi? I do not follow twitter, how can I have more? I need more Connor too! Either way if I don't get more, this was one hell of a ride!
August 2, 2013
This was definitely Messed Up. I'm guessing it's a YA. I didn't check when I read all of the reviews or I probably wouldn't have bought it. I normally only read books that include some sex in it SOMEWHERE. The first 30% of this book nearly bored me to tears. I almost threw it into my DNF pile. Then I got scared. I stayed scared throughout the remainder. Hell, I'm still a little scared.
So, basically if you like a mind f*ck with no sex, you'll enjoy this book.
So, basically if you like a mind f*ck with no sex, you'll enjoy this book.
June 24, 2015
Ok so I was completely hooked on this story and the writing is good, the characters are intriguing and the plot is crazy as hell but I just can't finish it. This shit is completely fucked up and the more a read the more fucked up it becomes. So I'm gonna DNF @ 80%. This dark shit just isn't for me lol
July 28, 2015
Wow. Totally 'Messed Up'. I couldn't put this book down!!
February 14, 2013
The best way I can describe this book is by mentioning the movies The Skull and a lil bit of National Treasures. You add those together and it shows a bit of the effedupness that erupts within the pages of this book.
Chelsea just lost her bff to a new country. Hannah’s dad has been transferred to Scotland of all places and the next 2 years of Chelsea’s high school career is down her one and only friend. What to do? Well for starters theres a boy who seems to be completely in love with her, why not kill a bit of time with him, not romantically but to move her summer along faster.
What starts out as something oh so innocent turns into kidnapping, murder, abuse and torture. Along the clusterfuck of a ride Chelsea thought was only blissful happiness has her running for her life. No one is who they seem and she cant trust anyone not even herself. Her obsession makes her turn a blind eye as people around her get hurt. She’s in too deep but she needs to pull the reins in before everything falls apart.
I’ve read a lot of reviews about needing a sequel but I think this young girl thought she could play these evil people but what she doesn’t get is that they are always one step ahead of her. She may have saved herself but its open season on her friends and family.
see all my reviews at www.upallnightreviews.blogstop.com
Chelsea just lost her bff to a new country. Hannah’s dad has been transferred to Scotland of all places and the next 2 years of Chelsea’s high school career is down her one and only friend. What to do? Well for starters theres a boy who seems to be completely in love with her, why not kill a bit of time with him, not romantically but to move her summer along faster.
What starts out as something oh so innocent turns into kidnapping, murder, abuse and torture. Along the clusterfuck of a ride Chelsea thought was only blissful happiness has her running for her life. No one is who they seem and she cant trust anyone not even herself. Her obsession makes her turn a blind eye as people around her get hurt. She’s in too deep but she needs to pull the reins in before everything falls apart.
I’ve read a lot of reviews about needing a sequel but I think this young girl thought she could play these evil people but what she doesn’t get is that they are always one step ahead of her. She may have saved herself but its open season on her friends and family.
see all my reviews at www.upallnightreviews.blogstop.com
April 2, 2014
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT??? Oh my goodness! Did I just read that? Did all that just happen? Very appropriately titled book because this was Messed Up! Holy wow! Very close to a 5 star read for me. I was sucked in from the very beginning. I totally didn't see a lot of things coming and there was MANY times I wanted to throw my kindle across the room in aggravation towards the characters especially the main gal. To me this is a good thing! When I feel such angst that's a plus. Very good read would love to see this as a series I'm not sure if it is yet but it SHOULD BE! My first Molly Owens book and definitely not my last!
July 1, 2020
Loved. It!
Warning... the story leaves it open.
Warning... the story leaves it open.
July 21, 2015
I found this book absolutely enthralling.
I'd never heard of this book or this author until I read my friends review (thanks Judith) then I knew I just had to read it, one thing she said was the less you know about this book the better, it's best if you go in blind, so I did, I didn't read any other reviews I just started the book.
Chelsea is sixteen and missing her best friend Hannah, actually missing doesn't really cover it Chelsea and Hannah have been inseparable, Chelsea describes how most people have different friends for different things, to cheer you up, to talk to when you're depressed, to make you laugh etc but Hannah was all those things to her and now she's left Santa Juanita and is living all the way over in Scotland and Chelsea is just lost without her.
If Hannah would have been here things would have been so very different, Chelsea would never have gone out with Toby and she wouldn't have met Levi. Where does I start with Levi, the most incredibly gorgeous guy with the most amazing midnight blue eyes she's ever seen, she's literally lost the moment she lays eyes on him, she becomes obsessed with him and it doesn't matter what he does as soon as she hears his voice or sees his face she's gone.
She becomes a different person and while she knows what's happened she just can't fight against it. She says:
'I'd always considered myself to be above average in the territory of logic and reason; I was beginning to think I'd just never really been tested.'
I loved this book and I loved Chelsea, yes she made some bad decisions and some mistakes but she's sixteen, she did a lot better than I would have done at that age.
Levi is a difficult character and I don't want to give anything away but I'll just say there were times when I loved him and times when I really hated him and times when I just wanted to hug him.
All the other characters are well written and the story kept me glued till the end, yes you could argue it's a little far-fetched in places but it's entertaining and enthralling and I just couldn't put it down.
Is it a cliffhanger?
I must be honest and say I didn't think so, I just thought it was a clever ending and I never considered another book until I read the reviews and I realised it could go either way, it was certainly left open enough for another book but I suspect it will stay the way it is.
August 27, 2015
Messed Up, by Molly Owens is a great book with twists, excellent writing, and crazy ass characters. Sounds like my cup of tea, right? I thought so.
Yet, there were a few things that annoyed the hell out of me; namely, Chelsea’s obsession with Levi. Then again, I just had to remind myself that we’re talking about a 16-year old girl and unfortunately, they’ve been known for this type of foolish behavior. But that ending? I was flabbergasted, and not necessarily in a good way! It was 3am and I was staring at my Kindle screaming, in my head, repeatedly ‘Hell, No!’ I mean, common! Seriously? I don’t even know what to say. My only explanation is that there has to be a sequel and even if that is the case, Owens is either going to amaze me beyond belief or completely crash and burn. I guess, we shall see. Even though this was the first book that I've read by Molly Owens, I am optimistic. I think she can actually pull it off!
This highly entertaining read, sucked me right in and held my attention until the very end. 4.5 Crazy-Ass Stars!
Yet, there were a few things that annoyed the hell out of me; namely, Chelsea’s obsession with Levi. Then again, I just had to remind myself that we’re talking about a 16-year old girl and unfortunately, they’ve been known for this type of foolish behavior. But that ending? I was flabbergasted, and not necessarily in a good way! It was 3am and I was staring at my Kindle screaming, in my head, repeatedly ‘Hell, No!’ I mean, common! Seriously? I don’t even know what to say. My only explanation is that there has to be a sequel and even if that is the case, Owens is either going to amaze me beyond belief or completely crash and burn. I guess, we shall see. Even though this was the first book that I've read by Molly Owens, I am optimistic. I think she can actually pull it off!
This highly entertaining read, sucked me right in and held my attention until the very end. 4.5 Crazy-Ass Stars!
September 6, 2016
4.5 stars
Ranks right up there with: 'Heathers' and 'Jaw Breakers'...this would make a great movie!
(Note: Levi is a unforgettable character!)
Ranks right up there with: 'Heathers' and 'Jaw Breakers'...this would make a great movie!
(Note: Levi is a unforgettable character!)
July 26, 2013
4.5 out of 5 Stars; This book…I did not know what to expect when I started reading it. I read the synopsis and talked to some friends about the book, but did not expect it to be as dark as it was.
“There it was. A name I will never forget, as long as I live, Levi Bennett.”
Levi
Chelsea
What an emotional ride. I was in the mood for mean guy turned awesome kind of story. I just finished great book about a mean guy, who turned good and protective over the girl so I was in the mood for another. Well Messed Up was about mean kids, but they did not turn good or protective at any point in the book. It just got scarier and scarier.
The first time that Chelsea sees Levi, it sets the emotions for the rest of the book. This book was written so well.
“It was at that precise moment, as I turned my head to watch the ensuing confrontation, that I first saw a set of eyes which would ultimately change the course of my life”
Did I feel connected to the characters? YES!! Some may think that Chelsea was a immature and stupid girl to allow what happened to happen with Levi. BUT she is young. She is still in high school. She admits to her stupid behavior. Chelsea knows what she is allowing to go on between Levi and her are wrong, but she can’t stop and then when she finds the strength to stop, she thinks it is too late. Every day she finds out more and more about him and what he is involved in and she would sink further and further.
“Was I really so blinded by Levi’s stunning good looks that I would put myself in danger? The answer was a resounding, YES.”
No Levi, he just knew how to handle and mold Chelsea. He had her fall for him hard. I know Chelsea was an idiot and when Levi first showed his true colors early in the relationship, she should have ran. She was enamored by his looks and his charm to notice anything else and when she is did notice, it was too late.
“Like a wild horse, I was being broken. I wondered if the new domesticated Chelsea would even be who Levi had wanted in the first place.”
Positives: That ending alone…5 stars. The things Levi did, I could not believe he was getting away with them . I thought it was risky for the author to write those scenes in the book, but I am glad she did. It made the story more real.
“I’m sorry for scaring you, Chelsea. You deserve so much better than that.”
Negatives: Chelsea mother was an idiot!! Seriously she sees the marks and does not say a word??!!
Do I recommend? Yes. If you like those dark (with a little bit of suspense) this one is for you. Some scenes were not easy to read.
Bottom line: I hope there is a sequel. I am not finding much on this author. This book was written so well, I hope she writes more.
Days after reading this:
“There it was. A name I will never forget, as long as I live, Levi Bennett.”
Levi
Chelsea
What an emotional ride. I was in the mood for mean guy turned awesome kind of story. I just finished great book about a mean guy, who turned good and protective over the girl so I was in the mood for another. Well Messed Up was about mean kids, but they did not turn good or protective at any point in the book. It just got scarier and scarier.
The first time that Chelsea sees Levi, it sets the emotions for the rest of the book. This book was written so well.
“It was at that precise moment, as I turned my head to watch the ensuing confrontation, that I first saw a set of eyes which would ultimately change the course of my life”
Did I feel connected to the characters? YES!! Some may think that Chelsea was a immature and stupid girl to allow what happened to happen with Levi. BUT she is young. She is still in high school. She admits to her stupid behavior. Chelsea knows what she is allowing to go on between Levi and her are wrong, but she can’t stop and then when she finds the strength to stop, she thinks it is too late. Every day she finds out more and more about him and what he is involved in and she would sink further and further.
“Was I really so blinded by Levi’s stunning good looks that I would put myself in danger? The answer was a resounding, YES.”
No Levi, he just knew how to handle and mold Chelsea. He had her fall for him hard. I know Chelsea was an idiot and when Levi first showed his true colors early in the relationship, she should have ran. She was enamored by his looks and his charm to notice anything else and when she is did notice, it was too late.
“Like a wild horse, I was being broken. I wondered if the new domesticated Chelsea would even be who Levi had wanted in the first place.”
Positives: That ending alone…5 stars. The things Levi did, I could not believe he was getting away with them . I thought it was risky for the author to write those scenes in the book, but I am glad she did. It made the story more real.
“I’m sorry for scaring you, Chelsea. You deserve so much better than that.”
Negatives: Chelsea mother was an idiot!! Seriously she sees the marks and does not say a word??!!
Do I recommend? Yes. If you like those dark (with a little bit of suspense) this one is for you. Some scenes were not easy to read.
Bottom line: I hope there is a sequel. I am not finding much on this author. This book was written so well, I hope she writes more.
Days after reading this:
June 4, 2013
Messed up doesn't even begin to describe it. I'm not really even sure what to say. Messed Up is about a sixteen year old girl, Chelsea, who meets and eventually falls for Levi. Levi isn't a good hearted boy with some bad habits. He is bad. His family is bad. His life is bad. He was raised to be bad. He knows no other way...it is just who he is. I think. Before Chelsea knows it, she becomes completely entangled in Levi's life and all the darkness that goes with it.
I don't know how I feel about this book or how to classify it. There was a degree of violence, but no real graphic sexual situations. Not really YA, but not really NA either. It was definitely suspenseful...a huge puzzle that you try to figure out. (OK, really you spend your time trying to figure Levi out.) I liked Chelsea. She was strong, fun, loving, and sarcastic. Not sure what to say about Levi. I love bad boys, but he went beyond bad boy for me and was more twisted. I want to love him though because I know he's a product of his environment and truly had no other choice than to become the person he is or die. I loved the epilogue simply because it continued to keep you guessing about Levi and exactly where his love and loyalty stand.
The one thing I had trouble with throughout the book is the fact that most of these characters were in high school. There was a disconnect for me between their age and the story. Although an adult was the one pulling the strings, these are high schoolers we're dealing with and there's no way someone wouldn't have left evidence or spilled the beans. That piece really bothered me.
One thing I know for sure, I'll read the next in the series. 3.5 stars.
I don't know how I feel about this book or how to classify it. There was a degree of violence, but no real graphic sexual situations. Not really YA, but not really NA either. It was definitely suspenseful...a huge puzzle that you try to figure out. (OK, really you spend your time trying to figure Levi out.) I liked Chelsea. She was strong, fun, loving, and sarcastic. Not sure what to say about Levi. I love bad boys, but he went beyond bad boy for me and was more twisted. I want to love him though because I know he's a product of his environment and truly had no other choice than to become the person he is or die. I loved the epilogue simply because it continued to keep you guessing about Levi and exactly where his love and loyalty stand.
The one thing I had trouble with throughout the book is the fact that most of these characters were in high school. There was a disconnect for me between their age and the story. Although an adult was the one pulling the strings, these are high schoolers we're dealing with and there's no way someone wouldn't have left evidence or spilled the beans. That piece really bothered me.
One thing I know for sure, I'll read the next in the series. 3.5 stars.
December 16, 2012
I'm going to give this book 5 stars just for the angsty emotions alone! Is the book really a FIVE STAR book...well, no - but, I have to give the author credit for a VERY different story in the post Fifty Shades era. It's dark, it's sinister, it's f'ng twisted! And, for that alone - she has earned my respect. I can't believe there isn't more buzz about this book. It is just the dark read me and my book buddies are looking for. I have read about errors, etc....and seriously, it didn't effect the satisfaction of my read at all. For the love of everything that is good - it is a self-published book. Errors are common. In my opinion, those are some of the best reads before a major publishing house catches on to the buzz and publishes the book. My only question is - where in the F is Molly Owens?? There are questions that BEG to be answered before the breakout on my face is beyond repair! IS THERE GOING TO BE A SEQUEL??
April 15, 2016
This book was a great psychological thriller, that one can read again and again. Chelsea was a typical teenager, she needed to fill the void that was left when her best friend moved thousands of miles away. Levi entered Chelsea's life, and it was never the same again... The problem was Levi was a true bad boy. Chelsea was stuck in an unhealthy relationship with him, except that young man could really turn on the charm. I never knew when he was making up with her, if he was being conniving, or sincere. Even in the end of the book, did he really care, or was he saying what he thought she wanted to hear?? Then the author had to put an extra spin on the story at the very end... I really have to know if Levi will keep tormenting Chelsea, or if things will die down...
May 1, 2013
A HUGE WTF!!!! This book is crazy, had me guessing for most of it...and the epilogue..well played Ms. Owens, well played. "Messed Up" is definitely a refreshing, suspenseful switch up from all of the generic 50 shades I've been reading. I definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a YA, angst, thriller of a roller coaster ride.
February 6, 2013
Poor, poor Toby! There were aspects of this story that I really enjoyed, but there were also a lot that irritated me. That ending was completely f*cked up and left me feeling frustrated. Please tell me there's an end to this madness (i.e. a sequel)!
August 19, 2014
I am hoping there will be a sequel to this book..... I have many unanswered questions! Messed Up was def messed up!
January 26, 2013
I agree! WHERE IS MOLLY!! Way to many unanswered questioned!! We need a book 2!!!
March 4, 2013
OMG HOLY FRIGGIN CRAP WOW! Need I really say more? Will there be a book 2...please say yes PLEASE SAY YES (and soon)!!!!!
April 28, 2013
Awesome, just hope their is a second!
June 22, 2013
Holy mind F! That ending just left me yelling at my kindle.
To say this book is messed up is a understatement. I loved that it kept me on my toes the whole time.
To say this book is messed up is a understatement. I loved that it kept me on my toes the whole time.
July 16, 2013
I don't even know what to say about this book... Messed Up is the perfect title. It has a really good storyline. I actually couldn't put it down because I HAD to know what happened.
May 11, 2013
Great YA book :•} well plotted !
June 27, 2021
It is beyond belief that what amounts to hundreds of people know about what kind of abuses this cult is perpetrating and no one ever goes to the cops. Include a plot point where someone DOES go to the cops but they are compromised, but that NO ONE in DECADES has ever reported any of this? No.
Also, super awful of Chelsea not to also require safety for Connor as part of her deal- like this dude won't go after him just to torment her.
Also, super awful of Chelsea not to also require safety for Connor as part of her deal- like this dude won't go after him just to torment her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2019
That ending was truly unsatisfying, but the story was a ride.
October 9, 2022
Whop bad guy
nope
June 25, 2023I heard this ends on a cliffhanger of sorts? With no follow up. If I'm wrong, let me know, then I might read.
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