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Life Sucks #1
Train Wreck
train wreck
noun
1. A chaotic or disastrous situation.
2. An utter catastrophe or mess.
3. A devastating calamity or source of trouble.
4. Pepper O’Brien.
As the daughter of a famed film producer, Pepper O’Brien is Hollywood royalty.
Also, her life sucks.
Because, unfortunately for her, the old adage is true: money can’t buy everything—including grace, true love, or the ability to not screw up every single opportunity her life has brought her.
After her latest disaster, Pepper moves across the country to start over but, as usual, her life has other plans, namely in the form of Derek Cashette, her former teenage crush and now ridiculously handsome friend of her older brother.
Derek is determined to salvage the train wreck of her life and Pepper’s determined not to let him. Her life is her problem and, dammit, why can’t she be her own hero?
But sometimes fate has other plans. Or maybe it’s hormones. Especially when her rescuer comes with a killer smile, a chest Thor would be jealous of, and a butt that any girl just wants to—
noun
1. A chaotic or disastrous situation.
2. An utter catastrophe or mess.
3. A devastating calamity or source of trouble.
4. Pepper O’Brien.
As the daughter of a famed film producer, Pepper O’Brien is Hollywood royalty.
Also, her life sucks.
Because, unfortunately for her, the old adage is true: money can’t buy everything—including grace, true love, or the ability to not screw up every single opportunity her life has brought her.
After her latest disaster, Pepper moves across the country to start over but, as usual, her life has other plans, namely in the form of Derek Cashette, her former teenage crush and now ridiculously handsome friend of her older brother.
Derek is determined to salvage the train wreck of her life and Pepper’s determined not to let him. Her life is her problem and, dammit, why can’t she be her own hero?
But sometimes fate has other plans. Or maybe it’s hormones. Especially when her rescuer comes with a killer smile, a chest Thor would be jealous of, and a butt that any girl just wants to—
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2017
840 people are currently reading
1383 people want to read
About the author
Elise Faber
157 books1,067 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys. She lives in Northern California. Connect with her in her Facebook group, the Fabinators or email her at elise@elisefaber.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
August 3, 2017
I'm starting to believe and trying to accept that this author just isn't for me. It happens.
I can't seem to connect with either her writing style or her characters, and considering that those two are the most crucial elements for me to enjoy a book, the 2 star rating shouldn't be too surprising.
On the one hand, we have Pepper. She's always been a terrible klutz with a major streak of bad luck, growing up in a family of well put-together movie stars and film makers. After yet another catastrophic incident in Hollywood, Pepper is sent back to her hometown by her domineering father in order to live down the media frenzy and her embarrassment.
Boy, did she annoy the stuffing out of me. I've always disliked clumsy heroines, but Pepper takes it to a whole new level. Is there anything she can do without hurting herself or the people around her? I hated the entire damsel in distress act so much. I believe it was supposed to make her cute and quirky, but it just made me repeatedly roll my eyes at her incompetence. Add to that major insecurities and self esteem-issues despite her being gorgeous and sweet and kind, and Pepper made it to my worst heroines shelf. Congrats!
On the other hand, there's perfect abs-Derek, former teen crush and her brother Paul's best buddy, who sweeps in and saves Pepper's life and the day. Cue more saving. And more saving. And more saving. And...... You get the drift.
Of course, Derek is perfect. Perfect looks, perfect charm, perfect dimples, perfect life.
And that's about all I can say about him. He's an absolute cardboard cutout character, your typical bossy, charming alpha male that can do no wrong. Nothing wrong with him, but nothing memorable either.
Then there's some stuff about a wedding and an asshole ex-fiancé, art-making and an intrusive, insensitive father, and... I don't know. I couldn't really find it in me to care about all of it.
This just wasn't for me, and I think it's best that Elise Faber and I part ways here.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2017
'Train Wreck' by Elise Faber is the story of Pepper and Derek.
Pepper's is famous for her accidents and is feeling down about it. So she is trying to make it on her own without her father's help and trying to stay accident free. But that doesn't happen and when she is almost hit by a car she is saved by Derek. Pepper had a crush on Derek growing up and hasn't seen him in a few years. Derek hasn't changed at all if anything she thinks he better looking.
Derek is doing some work for Pepper's father and he has asked him to check on Pepper.
How will Pepper feel when she finds out that Derek is keep tabs on her for her father....upset for sure.
This was a sweet romance read.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Pepper's is famous for her accidents and is feeling down about it. So she is trying to make it on her own without her father's help and trying to stay accident free. But that doesn't happen and when she is almost hit by a car she is saved by Derek. Pepper had a crush on Derek growing up and hasn't seen him in a few years. Derek hasn't changed at all if anything she thinks he better looking.
Derek is doing some work for Pepper's father and he has asked him to check on Pepper.
How will Pepper feel when she finds out that Derek is keep tabs on her for her father....upset for sure.
This was a sweet romance read.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
http://booklikes.com/blog
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
https://plus.google.com/+SissyHicks
https://www.pinterest.com/u2soapsrus/
June 14, 2017
Pepper O’Brien has been the center of attention all of her life. And not in a good way. She’s the one that the paparazzi always seem to catch right as catastrophe ensues. Klutzy and dangerous to herself as well as those around her, she is struggling to find her place in life outside of her family’s Hollywood status.
Derek Cashette has given up practicing law and is in search for the perfect small town to film a documentary. He knew Pepper when they were younger and is surprised to find her in the same small town working a minimum wage job. With help from her father he will gain all the financing he needs to produce his film. All he has to do is baby sit Pepper for two weeks.
This book has a fast pace and I really wanted to love it but found that I liked it instead. The humor was cute and sweet but sometimes just fell short as did the chemistry between the hero and heroine. I never felt the full connection between these two and I liked them so much as individuals. I wanted to feel the burn, the angst, the all in this relationship frame of mind.
It is still a book I would recommend to someone who likes their heroines accident pone.
ARC provided for honest review
Dual POV
No physical abuse
Possible Trigger -
Derek Cashette has given up practicing law and is in search for the perfect small town to film a documentary. He knew Pepper when they were younger and is surprised to find her in the same small town working a minimum wage job. With help from her father he will gain all the financing he needs to produce his film. All he has to do is baby sit Pepper for two weeks.
This book has a fast pace and I really wanted to love it but found that I liked it instead. The humor was cute and sweet but sometimes just fell short as did the chemistry between the hero and heroine. I never felt the full connection between these two and I liked them so much as individuals. I wanted to feel the burn, the angst, the all in this relationship frame of mind.
It is still a book I would recommend to someone who likes their heroines accident pone.
ARC provided for honest review
Dual POV
No physical abuse
Possible Trigger -
June 27, 2017
Train Wreck
Elise Faber
3.5 ✨
This was a pretty quick read for me. It didn't grab me right away but I kept reading because I felt there could be potential with this story.
It was a pretty basic romance between Pepper and Derek. Pepper is a disaster waiting to happen which is why it's titled Train Wreck. She is completely accident prone and has horrible luck. Derek is old friends with Pepper's brother. I felt that they went from meeting each other again as adults to falling in love overnight.
I would have liked for this to have had a little more background story and a little more detailed. I felt it was more of a novella than a full story.
Elise Faber
3.5 ✨
This was a pretty quick read for me. It didn't grab me right away but I kept reading because I felt there could be potential with this story.
It was a pretty basic romance between Pepper and Derek. Pepper is a disaster waiting to happen which is why it's titled Train Wreck. She is completely accident prone and has horrible luck. Derek is old friends with Pepper's brother. I felt that they went from meeting each other again as adults to falling in love overnight.
I would have liked for this to have had a little more background story and a little more detailed. I felt it was more of a novella than a full story.
September 28, 2017
Rating: 3.5/5
(I received a free copy from the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
***Minor spoilers***
Pepper O'Brien has always had it pretty easy. Her father is a famous film director. She grew up rich and with an army of people willing to do her bidding for a chance of being in one of her father's films. Unfortunately for her, she's pretty klutzy and has had her fair share of mishaps that the media loves to report on. Even when she was trying to go and make her own money, she almost got hit by a car. What she didn't expect was for the guy who saved her to be her brother's childhood best friend, Derek, who she's had a crush on for ages. Just when there seems to be something going on there, we find out that Derek is doing a project for her father and needs more funding. Is he there because he wants to be, or is it all a ploy to get her father's money?
This was a pretty short, predictable, romantic read. While I can't say that I was entirely invested in the story, I gave this book a higher reading because it flowed and was easy to read, and I didn't get that tired of it. Both characters had their flaws. Pepper was sweet, but she was so stereotypically klutzy that it made me cringe to read. It just seemed unrealistic. Derek was even sweeter, but towards the end of the book I started finding his attitude annoying. They were also both pretty bad at communicating, which became frustrating.
The story was pretty predictable for the most part. It was hard not to see where the romance was going and where the conflict was going to occur, though there was one thing near the end that I didn't expect at all. It was still a satisfying read, mostly because I wanted to get to the most satisfying part of any romance novel. Pepper and Derek also had pretty cute scenes together, which were my favourite part. I just didn't like the characters all that much when they were alone.
Overall, I enjoyed this book for its writing and ability to enrapture me, but there were some things that I didn't enjoy. I didn't think any of the characters were that likeable, except for Samantha, Pepper's neighbour. I felt that Pepper's klutziness was too overexaggerated to be realistic at all, which took away from her character. Regardless of these things, though, I'd recommend it to you if you were looking for a short, easy to read romance novel.
(I received a free copy from the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
***Minor spoilers***
Pepper O'Brien has always had it pretty easy. Her father is a famous film director. She grew up rich and with an army of people willing to do her bidding for a chance of being in one of her father's films. Unfortunately for her, she's pretty klutzy and has had her fair share of mishaps that the media loves to report on. Even when she was trying to go and make her own money, she almost got hit by a car. What she didn't expect was for the guy who saved her to be her brother's childhood best friend, Derek, who she's had a crush on for ages. Just when there seems to be something going on there, we find out that Derek is doing a project for her father and needs more funding. Is he there because he wants to be, or is it all a ploy to get her father's money?
This was a pretty short, predictable, romantic read. While I can't say that I was entirely invested in the story, I gave this book a higher reading because it flowed and was easy to read, and I didn't get that tired of it. Both characters had their flaws. Pepper was sweet, but she was so stereotypically klutzy that it made me cringe to read. It just seemed unrealistic. Derek was even sweeter, but towards the end of the book I started finding his attitude annoying. They were also both pretty bad at communicating, which became frustrating.
The story was pretty predictable for the most part. It was hard not to see where the romance was going and where the conflict was going to occur, though there was one thing near the end that I didn't expect at all. It was still a satisfying read, mostly because I wanted to get to the most satisfying part of any romance novel. Pepper and Derek also had pretty cute scenes together, which were my favourite part. I just didn't like the characters all that much when they were alone.
Overall, I enjoyed this book for its writing and ability to enrapture me, but there were some things that I didn't enjoy. I didn't think any of the characters were that likeable, except for Samantha, Pepper's neighbour. I felt that Pepper's klutziness was too overexaggerated to be realistic at all, which took away from her character. Regardless of these things, though, I'd recommend it to you if you were looking for a short, easy to read romance novel.
June 11, 2017
A train wreck? Yes it was one But it was a damn good and sweet one !
July 2, 2018
3.5 stars.
Pepper was definitely the star of this story. She was so klutzy and lovable. I enjoyed reading this sweet romance.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Pepper was definitely the star of this story. She was so klutzy and lovable. I enjoyed reading this sweet romance.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2021
I received a copy from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This was an enjoyable read. The story was a bit predictable, but I still really enjoyed it. The characters were great. I really liked them and seeing the story in both of their views. It really shows the progression of both characters. Derek was my favourite character. I really liked how he loved Pepper, and tried to make her open up more. He was sexy, smart, and determined. Pepper is known for making trouble. She is clumsy, but so full of heart and passion. I felt bad because her family treats her like every problems that she faced was her fault. The chemistry between both characters was great. I am glad that the ending was a happy ending. Overall, a great read.
This was an enjoyable read. The story was a bit predictable, but I still really enjoyed it. The characters were great. I really liked them and seeing the story in both of their views. It really shows the progression of both characters. Derek was my favourite character. I really liked how he loved Pepper, and tried to make her open up more. He was sexy, smart, and determined. Pepper is known for making trouble. She is clumsy, but so full of heart and passion. I felt bad because her family treats her like every problems that she faced was her fault. The chemistry between both characters was great. I am glad that the ending was a happy ending. Overall, a great read.
November 30, 2024
When a Klutzy girl falls for the hot actor, sparks ensue
4.5 Stars /5
This book had a little packed in; romance, no good cheating exes , a father who tries to buy off the man the fmc loves and lots of subplot.
Pepper has been In love with her older brothers best friend, Derek since she was a teenager. He's always been aloof and unattainable. Until her fiancée cheats on her and instead of canceling the wedding her father swaps out her wedding for her brother's and his fiancee. Derek steps into her life like a knight on shining armor.
However, Pepper realizes with the train wreck of her life, Derek's attention and their budding relationship may not be all that she thinks it is.
4.5 Stars /5
This book had a little packed in; romance, no good cheating exes , a father who tries to buy off the man the fmc loves and lots of subplot.
Pepper has been In love with her older brothers best friend, Derek since she was a teenager. He's always been aloof and unattainable. Until her fiancée cheats on her and instead of canceling the wedding her father swaps out her wedding for her brother's and his fiancee. Derek steps into her life like a knight on shining armor.
However, Pepper realizes with the train wreck of her life, Derek's attention and their budding relationship may not be all that she thinks it is.
dnf
September 25, 2019 Copy kindly received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sounds like a good plot for the story, but I'm just not feeling it. Can't really pinpoint why, but not too interested, so I'm putting it down.
Sounds like a good plot for the story, but I'm just not feeling it. Can't really pinpoint why, but not too interested, so I'm putting it down.
June 20, 2017
I was lucky enough to read a book recently that had a novella from Elise Faber in it and I absolutely adored it. And this one wasn't too bad either.
The storyline for Train Wreck was really good. I enjoyed getting to know Pepper through all of her mishaps. Pepper is such a clumsy lady, you do find yourself starting to feel really badly for her because of the situations that she finds herself in. Granted ... most of these situations are pretty funny as they are happening and then as you keep reading, you feel guilty for laughing to begin with. When you're introduced to Derek, you can't help but root for him. He seemed to have the classic underdog stigma and you'll find yourself just pulling for him from the get-go. For the most part, the story really chugged along at a great pace and with the exception of a couple of spots, it really didn't lose momentum and the fun idea of the novel carried you through to the end.
For me, I really gave super short descriptions about the characters. Unfortunately, there's a reason for that. As much as I empathized with Pepper and found her endearing and as much as I rooted for Derek, that is kind of where my feelings ended for these two. If I'm totally honest ... I kind of found them absolutely forgettable. Not good. And while that isn't a really nice thing to say about something someone has slaved over ... that's just how it was for me this time. After I put the book down, I sat there and I couldn't remember what either of these characters looked like. Their descriptions just eluded me. I remembered bits and pieces about their personalities, obviously, but that was it. Two characters that I enjoyed reading about had become non-entities by the end of the book. Because Pepper and Derek started to kind of Back-to-the-Future-mickey-mouse-shirt-fade on me over time, so did their romance. It lost the spark for me and I didn't feel the heat surrounding their interactions as I had in the beginning. Honestly, this could be for a number of reasons ... more than likely I disconnected from the characters because I've got summer brain and I'm lucky to know my own name and day of the week.
Like I said, it was entertaining if for nothing else than to see what Pepper is going to get herself into next. This book is loved by many and I'm definitely in the minority with my thoughts on the characters. So don't take my word for it, give it a shot.
* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!
June 7, 2017
TRAIN WRECK BY: ELISE FABER
Train Wreck was like a breath of fresh air. It was so cute, light, sweet and funny and it was impossible to not be charmed by Pepper and all her adorkableness. She was honestly one of the most refreshing new characters that I have read in awhile. I think we have all felt like a train wreck of sorts at one time or another, and Pepper managed to make it feel okay to embrace that a little. Or at the very least accept it and still be able to face the day with a smile and a can-do attitude.
Pepper and Derek were really cute together. I liked the idea of these two both out trying to find their own way in life, free of the family expectations that don't quite fit them, and ultimately finding a new way together. Even if they were kind of fumbling through it at first, actually that might have been my favorite part.
This is the perfect little rom-com that pulls your right in from the beginning and has you rooting for these two to figure things out and make it work. It is a fun, quick read with laugh out loud moments. If you like contemporary romance with a side of comedy I suggest giving Train Wreck a try!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Train Wreck was like a breath of fresh air. It was so cute, light, sweet and funny and it was impossible to not be charmed by Pepper and all her adorkableness. She was honestly one of the most refreshing new characters that I have read in awhile. I think we have all felt like a train wreck of sorts at one time or another, and Pepper managed to make it feel okay to embrace that a little. Or at the very least accept it and still be able to face the day with a smile and a can-do attitude.
Pepper and Derek were really cute together. I liked the idea of these two both out trying to find their own way in life, free of the family expectations that don't quite fit them, and ultimately finding a new way together. Even if they were kind of fumbling through it at first, actually that might have been my favorite part.
This is the perfect little rom-com that pulls your right in from the beginning and has you rooting for these two to figure things out and make it work. It is a fun, quick read with laugh out loud moments. If you like contemporary romance with a side of comedy I suggest giving Train Wreck a try!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2017
I received a copy of this through NetGalley for my honest review
A completely enjoyable, light-hearted, funny romance. Pepper is the epitome of a train wreck, but in a charming way. If there is a calamity to be find, she finds it. Her family has her convinced that she is a joke, so she decides to go find her own way in life without their constant reminders of how inept she is. Enter Derek, a figure from her past that she has crushed on from a very young age. He realizes she is more than just what everyone thinks she is, and an endearing little romance begins.
A completely enjoyable, light-hearted, funny romance. Pepper is the epitome of a train wreck, but in a charming way. If there is a calamity to be find, she finds it. Her family has her convinced that she is a joke, so she decides to go find her own way in life without their constant reminders of how inept she is. Enter Derek, a figure from her past that she has crushed on from a very young age. He realizes she is more than just what everyone thinks she is, and an endearing little romance begins.
June 1, 2017
Derek is a man that appreciates his woman's assets, "...the action lifted the hem of her dress and drew Derek’s gaze down. For eff’s sake. The woman had a spectacular *** ." Sometimes Derek just needs to touch his woman, “I’m going to kiss you now.” One hand cupped her jaw, angling her head. “We’ll talk later.” I liked this book, Pepper was seriously a klutz but she was adorable.
July 12, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. I enjoyed the book, but I did not love the hero as much as some of the other reviewers did. Yes, at some points he was sweet, but as you read about some of his thoughts, or atleast me I was kind of upset with him he wasn't very thoughtful. God, I felt sorry for Pepper, she was a mess, everything happened to that poor girl, but she was a sweet a girl, and she did not deserve the treatment that she got, especially from her family, her brother was a jerk, I wanted to slap him upside the head, and here was where I was upset with Derek, supposedly he claims that he had a white knight syndrome going on, and that was the reason why he treated her the way he treated her around her family, which was like crap, but it was totally inexcusable,she didn't deserve it. Her father was overbearing, and also treated her horribly, he may have loved her, in his own way, but he needed to do better. I did enjoy her interaction with Rylie and Samantha, I am hoping there is a follow-up story with them. I am glad, that Derek came to his senses and admitted to her that he not only loved her, but that she deserved so much more, and that he recognized and was sorry for what he had done.
July 1, 2017
Sadly this book didn't work for me at all and I have read other books by this author that I really enjoyed.
Poor Pepper and her train wreck of a life was so clumsy, things always happening to her. It was funny at first... until it wasn't and became OTT.
I never really felt any connection between her and the hero Derek. Let's not even talk about his treatment of her st the wedding and then after which felt so insincere and unreal.
I hated how her dad and brother treated her...none of the men in her life ever redeemed themselves in my eyes and were very undeserving of her in their lives.
I wish I felt something more positive but I didn't. I like Elise's more contemporary romances/hockey romances than this romcom :(
Poor Pepper and her train wreck of a life was so clumsy, things always happening to her. It was funny at first... until it wasn't and became OTT.
I never really felt any connection between her and the hero Derek. Let's not even talk about his treatment of her st the wedding and then after which felt so insincere and unreal.
I hated how her dad and brother treated her...none of the men in her life ever redeemed themselves in my eyes and were very undeserving of her in their lives.
I wish I felt something more positive but I didn't. I like Elise's more contemporary romances/hockey romances than this romcom :(
June 4, 2017
Funny and sweet contemporary. It even tied in to one of my favorite hockey romances. Though my copy had editing that was a bit of a TRAIN WRECK
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 25, 2017
Title: Train Wreck
Author: Elise Faber
Series: Life Sucks Book 1
Publisher: Book Buzz
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: May 31, 2017
Genre(s): Romantic Comedy
Page Count: 234 pages
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
This is the first book in the Life Sucks Series. It is a light-hearted romantic comedy about Pepper O’Brien and the train wreck of her life. She was born into Hollywood Royalty, but her life goes from one misadventure to another. Trying to prove that she can make it on her own after she cancels her wedding to her cheating fiance. Pepper takes a job holding a sign to attract customers to a restaurant. When a driver nearly runs her down trying to read her sign, she comes face to face with Derek Cashette, her brother’s best friend, and her first crush. Pepper has an overbearing father who will stop at nothing to keep his daughter safe and away from unwanted publicity, including setting Derek up to be in the same small town as his daughter. Derek is trying to make a documentary with Mr. O’Brien’s backing. He didn’t realize that when he joined forces with Mr. O’Brien keeping Pepper out of trouble would be a contingent for continued backing. No one including Derek realized that keeping Pepper out of trouble would lead to a fiery romance. The chemistry between Pepper and Derek is almost too hot. Sometimes I felt that the story was a way to justify Pepper and Derek getting together. The pacing was pretty fast. This is an easy story to read making it a great book to take to the beach or on vacation. The story has a wonderful happy ever after ending. There is strong character development regarding Pepper. She is a character that I really wanted things to work out for. Even with being the daughter of a Hollywood icon, she was still a character with a vulnerability, and no matter what she never seemed to be able to catch a break.
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 4 Stars
Review Copy of Train Wreck provided by the BookBuzz I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
Author: Elise Faber
Series: Life Sucks Book 1
Publisher: Book Buzz
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: May 31, 2017
Genre(s): Romantic Comedy
Page Count: 234 pages
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
train wreck
noun
1. A chaotic or disastrous situation.
2. An utter catastrophe or mess.
3. A devastating calamity or source of trouble.
4. Pepper O’Brien.
As the daughter of a famed film producer, Pepper O’Brien is Hollywood royalty.
Also, her life sucks.
Because, unfortunately for her, the old adage is true: money can’t buy everything—including grace, true love, or the ability to not screw up every single opportunity her life has brought her.
After her latest disaster, Pepper moves across the country to start over but, as usual, her life has other plans, namely in the form of Derek Cashette, her former teenage crush and now ridiculously handsome friend of her older brother.
Derek is determined to salvage the train wreck of her life and Pepper’s determined not to let him. Her life is her problem and, dammit, why can’t she be her own hero?
But sometimes fate has other plans. Or maybe it’s hormones. Especially when her rescuer comes with a killer smile, a chest Thor would be jealous of, and a butt that any girl just wants to—
Review:
This is the first book in the Life Sucks Series. It is a light-hearted romantic comedy about Pepper O’Brien and the train wreck of her life. She was born into Hollywood Royalty, but her life goes from one misadventure to another. Trying to prove that she can make it on her own after she cancels her wedding to her cheating fiance. Pepper takes a job holding a sign to attract customers to a restaurant. When a driver nearly runs her down trying to read her sign, she comes face to face with Derek Cashette, her brother’s best friend, and her first crush. Pepper has an overbearing father who will stop at nothing to keep his daughter safe and away from unwanted publicity, including setting Derek up to be in the same small town as his daughter. Derek is trying to make a documentary with Mr. O’Brien’s backing. He didn’t realize that when he joined forces with Mr. O’Brien keeping Pepper out of trouble would be a contingent for continued backing. No one including Derek realized that keeping Pepper out of trouble would lead to a fiery romance. The chemistry between Pepper and Derek is almost too hot. Sometimes I felt that the story was a way to justify Pepper and Derek getting together. The pacing was pretty fast. This is an easy story to read making it a great book to take to the beach or on vacation. The story has a wonderful happy ever after ending. There is strong character development regarding Pepper. She is a character that I really wanted things to work out for. Even with being the daughter of a Hollywood icon, she was still a character with a vulnerability, and no matter what she never seemed to be able to catch a break.
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 4 Stars
Review Copy of Train Wreck provided by the BookBuzz I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
May 30, 2017
Pepper is a disaster. We’re not talking about her personal life; we’re talking an actual agent of entropy; nearly everything she touches. Her controlling father has finally hidden her away from the public eye in the small, seaside town of Stoneybrook. She’s trying to set out on her own, working a regular job, trying to cut herself off from her father’s rule. Problem is, her reputation precedes her, not only do employers want to steer clear of the bumbling Pepper, they want to avoid the wrath of her famous director father, Peter. So when she comes across her brother’s best friend and crush from the past Derek, she finds a friend that tries to help her navigate her new life. But Derek has been sent to watch over Derek, and the funding for his indie movie (backed by Peter) hinges on how well he keeps Pepper out of trouble. Sexual tension runs high between the two, but can Pepper get over the fact that Derek is her glorified babysitter? Or are Derek’s intentions genuine, is he really interested in her and not her family’s money?
From the very first page I was hooked. Pepper is a flawed character, but in a way that we the readers might be able to relate to more than your average heroine. She anxious around others and as such is a bit of a klutz and will babble incessantly to get her out of the situations she finds herself in. Derek understands, especially given the history he has with Pepper. He recollects how Pepper has been treated over time and begins to understand that a lot of her problems might be caused by her family, not Pepper herself.
Train Wreck is a quick, quirky, laugh out loud read. I loved the characters from the very beginning
(though I could have used a little less of the over the top, slap stick kind of comedy that Pepper started
with), Pepper just wanted to be taken seriously, and Derek was swoon-worthy between his physical looks
and his heart of gold when it came to Pepper. Watching Pepper evolve is one of the highlights of the book and it is refreshing to see a heroine find herself as the book goes on. It is a very fast read, easily done in one sitting and would be perfect for the beach or pool. Faber is quickly becoming a one-click author for me because I know that when I pick up one of her books, I know I’m going to get great writing that will suck me in from the get go. Fans of romcoms as well as contemporary romance will love this one!
I received an advance copy of this title for review purposes.
From the very first page I was hooked. Pepper is a flawed character, but in a way that we the readers might be able to relate to more than your average heroine. She anxious around others and as such is a bit of a klutz and will babble incessantly to get her out of the situations she finds herself in. Derek understands, especially given the history he has with Pepper. He recollects how Pepper has been treated over time and begins to understand that a lot of her problems might be caused by her family, not Pepper herself.
Train Wreck is a quick, quirky, laugh out loud read. I loved the characters from the very beginning
(though I could have used a little less of the over the top, slap stick kind of comedy that Pepper started
with), Pepper just wanted to be taken seriously, and Derek was swoon-worthy between his physical looks
and his heart of gold when it came to Pepper. Watching Pepper evolve is one of the highlights of the book and it is refreshing to see a heroine find herself as the book goes on. It is a very fast read, easily done in one sitting and would be perfect for the beach or pool. Faber is quickly becoming a one-click author for me because I know that when I pick up one of her books, I know I’m going to get great writing that will suck me in from the get go. Fans of romcoms as well as contemporary romance will love this one!
I received an advance copy of this title for review purposes.
July 6, 2017
In a way, I only have myself to blame. You see ladies and gents, seeing a nice set of abdominal muscles especially with that definition about the hip bones (I'm sure it has a fancy name, but I don't know what it is!) makes my brain take a nice long holiday. Which means, when I saw this cover...my brain was lying on a beach in Hawaii, pina colada in hand, watching the hot guys frolicking in the sea. What it wasn't doing was taking much note of anything else before deciding to give it a try. Basically, this is my long meandering (and slightly pervy) way of saying I judged the book by the cover.I didn't like this book. I wanted to like it, despite my brain topping up its tan and getting tanked on fruity cocktails, I did read the blurb and thought I could get in to it. One clutzy, goofy and misunderstood heroine + the hot guy (presumably he's the one with the abs that are splattered all over the cover) she's always had a crush on colliding sounds like something I would like, especially when you add the humour element in. Sadly much like my brain on the beach, it tanked with me.
There was no big event that made me dislike this book, but, I found the author's writing style not to my taste. It was very glitchy and abrupt and I found myself shaken out of the story as I was too busy reading it to read it and get fully absorbed. This may explain was I was also underwhelmed by the romance and the characters, especially the hero. I didn't really feel their connection and the hero didn't seem to have much of a personality, or a backbone until the last 5% of the book. And, after reading 95% of the book already, it was too little too late.
I don't want to harp on about what I disliked about Train Wreck, and in general I don't have a long list of complaints. It was just...meh. A book I have read and will undoubtedly not really remember...apart from that spectacular cover.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
June 23, 2017
2.75 stars
I wanted to read Train Wreck because it sounded cute. I was hoping for a light, funny read, and it did deliver, with mixed results. The premise of the story is that Pepper is a klutz, and that everything she touches quickly goes wrong. This was amusing at first, but it quickly became tiring. If Pepper was consistently that clumsy and constantly injuring herself, I don’t see how she could have successfully managed to make it to her mid-twenties without permanently damaging herself. Really. She’s that much of a clod. Tripping. Falling. Almost getting hit by cars. Cutting herself on broken glass. Etc., etc., etc. Sigh.
Pepper, the daughter of a mega-successful movie producer, is hanging out in a small town, living in a beach house, just trying to keep it together. Attempts at holding down menial jobs aren’t working for her, because disaster follows in her footsteps. Her latest attempt at financial independence is working for a burger place, waving a specials sign at traffic. She spaces off, steps into the street, and is almost plowed over by a car. But she’s saved – but Derek! Her older brother’s BFF. Mortified, Pepper can’t believe that she’s been reunited with her teenage crush by almost being crushed by a little old lady’s car.
Derek is in town scouting locations for the movie he’s working on. He’s also keeping an eye on Pepper. Her father has agreed to finance his project, but only if he keeps Pepper out of trouble. Derek reluctantly agrees, because he has nowhere else to turn for funding. While he tries to keep his distance from Pepper, he can’t resist her. She’s peppy and fun, even if she’s a walking disaster zone.
The romance was cute, until the wedding. Pepper’s brother is getting married, and both she and Derek are in the wedding party. So is Pepper’s obnoxious ex. Before Pepper and Derek fly on a private plane to the island for the wedding, they are closer than two bugs in a rug. Once the plane lands, Derek is cold and unapproachable. The hot – cold thing drove me nuts. I don’t care that he wants to change the terms of his deal with her dad before making their relationship more permanent. You don’t treat someone like they are gold one minute, and then treat them like they are trash the next. In front of her unsupportive family, and in front of her jerk ex. The conflict felt forced and unnecessary, and oh, yeah, once they got back home, he was all “I love you!” again. Um, nope. His behavior was inexcusable, and only made me think he was cold and uncaring.
Pepper’s family – ugh. Poor Pepper is blamed for any and every mishap, whether she has any involvement in it or not. I really wanted to throw her dad and her clueless brother in the shark infested waters. What a bunch of self-absorbed twits.
The other major irritant for me was when Pepper was feeling sorry for herself. She needs to break free of her family. She wonders, as she sits in her ocean front cottage, how she can earn her own money. While she is working through her list of things she doesn’t want to do (go back to school, work with kids) she starts to become disheartened. All I wanted to do was tell her to get a job like all the rest of us. The rich-girl self-pity party did not work well for me.
So, I enjoyed the story – until the wedding. Then I found it irritating and unbelievable. Everyone got down on Pepper, and she just accepted how her crappily her family treated her. That must have rubbed off on Derek, because he started acting like a douche, too, and I wouldn’t have blamed Pepper if she told him to hit the road. I recommend this for an afternoon by the pool. It’s a quick read that doesn’t require much emotional investment.
I wanted to read Train Wreck because it sounded cute. I was hoping for a light, funny read, and it did deliver, with mixed results. The premise of the story is that Pepper is a klutz, and that everything she touches quickly goes wrong. This was amusing at first, but it quickly became tiring. If Pepper was consistently that clumsy and constantly injuring herself, I don’t see how she could have successfully managed to make it to her mid-twenties without permanently damaging herself. Really. She’s that much of a clod. Tripping. Falling. Almost getting hit by cars. Cutting herself on broken glass. Etc., etc., etc. Sigh.
Pepper, the daughter of a mega-successful movie producer, is hanging out in a small town, living in a beach house, just trying to keep it together. Attempts at holding down menial jobs aren’t working for her, because disaster follows in her footsteps. Her latest attempt at financial independence is working for a burger place, waving a specials sign at traffic. She spaces off, steps into the street, and is almost plowed over by a car. But she’s saved – but Derek! Her older brother’s BFF. Mortified, Pepper can’t believe that she’s been reunited with her teenage crush by almost being crushed by a little old lady’s car.
Derek is in town scouting locations for the movie he’s working on. He’s also keeping an eye on Pepper. Her father has agreed to finance his project, but only if he keeps Pepper out of trouble. Derek reluctantly agrees, because he has nowhere else to turn for funding. While he tries to keep his distance from Pepper, he can’t resist her. She’s peppy and fun, even if she’s a walking disaster zone.
The romance was cute, until the wedding. Pepper’s brother is getting married, and both she and Derek are in the wedding party. So is Pepper’s obnoxious ex. Before Pepper and Derek fly on a private plane to the island for the wedding, they are closer than two bugs in a rug. Once the plane lands, Derek is cold and unapproachable. The hot – cold thing drove me nuts. I don’t care that he wants to change the terms of his deal with her dad before making their relationship more permanent. You don’t treat someone like they are gold one minute, and then treat them like they are trash the next. In front of her unsupportive family, and in front of her jerk ex. The conflict felt forced and unnecessary, and oh, yeah, once they got back home, he was all “I love you!” again. Um, nope. His behavior was inexcusable, and only made me think he was cold and uncaring.
Pepper’s family – ugh. Poor Pepper is blamed for any and every mishap, whether she has any involvement in it or not. I really wanted to throw her dad and her clueless brother in the shark infested waters. What a bunch of self-absorbed twits.
The other major irritant for me was when Pepper was feeling sorry for herself. She needs to break free of her family. She wonders, as she sits in her ocean front cottage, how she can earn her own money. While she is working through her list of things she doesn’t want to do (go back to school, work with kids) she starts to become disheartened. All I wanted to do was tell her to get a job like all the rest of us. The rich-girl self-pity party did not work well for me.
So, I enjoyed the story – until the wedding. Then I found it irritating and unbelievable. Everyone got down on Pepper, and she just accepted how her crappily her family treated her. That must have rubbed off on Derek, because he started acting like a douche, too, and I wouldn’t have blamed Pepper if she told him to hit the road. I recommend this for an afternoon by the pool. It’s a quick read that doesn’t require much emotional investment.
January 6, 2025
I am normally all for klutzy characters, maybe its me seeing a bit of myself in them but I just couldn't like either main character.
'Train Wreck' by Elise Faber is the first book in her Life Sucks series. Pepper is trying to put her life together, she's lost her fiancé, her family thinks she can't do anything right and she can't seem to hold down a job. But this new job will be different, how hard is it to hold a sign? Turns out harder than it seems. To add to her horrible day she has to deal with Derek, old friend of her brother's and. her childhood crush. Suddenly Derek is everywhere But is he there because he wants to be or because her family thinks she needs a keeper.
spoiler
I got this ebook for free one day on amazon 2022 and just finally got around to reading it. I found it difficult to much care about the characters. Pepper is all about standing on her own two feet, figuring out her life, breaking away from her family, all while living in a family home and doesn't seem to once worry about bills or covering her basic needs. She's still living off her fathers income and the more and more he's in the books I don't get why she hasn't gone no contact with her family and cut them and everything connected to them from her life. Her brother is basically having her wedding and no seems to care what that means to her, they all blame her for everything that goes wrong. Everything felt very basic, not once did I feel anything between her and Derek, the chemistry was just missing for me.
This just wasn't for me.
'Train Wreck' by Elise Faber is the first book in her Life Sucks series. Pepper is trying to put her life together, she's lost her fiancé, her family thinks she can't do anything right and she can't seem to hold down a job. But this new job will be different, how hard is it to hold a sign? Turns out harder than it seems. To add to her horrible day she has to deal with Derek, old friend of her brother's and. her childhood crush. Suddenly Derek is everywhere But is he there because he wants to be or because her family thinks she needs a keeper.
spoiler
I got this ebook for free one day on amazon 2022 and just finally got around to reading it. I found it difficult to much care about the characters. Pepper is all about standing on her own two feet, figuring out her life, breaking away from her family, all while living in a family home and doesn't seem to once worry about bills or covering her basic needs. She's still living off her fathers income and the more and more he's in the books I don't get why she hasn't gone no contact with her family and cut them and everything connected to them from her life. Her brother is basically having her wedding and no seems to care what that means to her, they all blame her for everything that goes wrong. Everything felt very basic, not once did I feel anything between her and Derek, the chemistry was just missing for me.
This just wasn't for me.
June 7, 2017
Train Wreck was like a breath of fresh air. It was so cute, light, sweet and funny and it was impossible to not be charmed by Pepper and all her adorkableness. She was honestly one of the most refreshing new characters that I have read in awhile. I think we have all felt like a train wreck of sorts at one time or another, and Pepper managed to make it feel okay to embrace that a little. Or at the very least accept it and still be able to face the day with a smile and a can-do attitude.
Pepper and Derek were really cute together. I liked the idea of these two both out trying to find their own way in life, free of the family expectations that don't quite fit them, and ultimately finding a new way together. Even if they were kind of fumbling through it at first, actually that might have been my favorite part.
This is the perfect little rom-com that pulls your right in from the beginning and has you rooting for these two to figure things out and make it work. It is a fun, quick read with laugh out loud moments. If you like contemporary romance with a side of comedy I suggest giving Train Wreck a try!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2017
I was provided a Reviewer Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was pretty entertaining but I didn’t fall for the characters. I was pretty indifferent to the whole thing and most of the book seemed like a classic romance to me. I didn’t feel like this had something more than the usual tropes. I also didn’t really like the main dude. Mostly, I wanted to shake him so he stopped acting like an ass. I don’t know… I guess it didn’t work for me. I felt for Pepper but that’s about it...
This was pretty entertaining but I didn’t fall for the characters. I was pretty indifferent to the whole thing and most of the book seemed like a classic romance to me. I didn’t feel like this had something more than the usual tropes. I also didn’t really like the main dude. Mostly, I wanted to shake him so he stopped acting like an ass. I don’t know… I guess it didn’t work for me. I felt for Pepper but that’s about it...
June 21, 2017
COPY RECEIVED FROM NETGALLEY FOR REVIEW
This is a cute funny story. Pepper was a walking disaster. She was a magnet for trouble. Her family is Hollywood royalty but everyone treated Pepper as someone to tolerate. No one takes her serious. A misadventure throws her and her childhood crush, Derek together. Pepper and Derek fumble their way to romance with accidents, injuries and misunderstandings. The story was a little rushed surrounding the wedding and the ending. I enjoyed the story, It was a nice lighthearted read.
February 4, 2018
Pepper is famous not because her dad is a big deal movie producer, but because calamity follows her wherever she goes. She sets out on her own to find some peace and normalcy only to end up seeing her brother's best friend. The dialogue was hysterical with a fast moving plot. I loved the characters struggle in order to understand themselves as they worked to find each other. It was great contemporary read that kept you fully invested.
June 13, 2017
Funny, sweet, and maybe a little wacky.
November 21, 2019
This was a good read. Pepper is a woman who knows how to make a mess. She doesn't even have to try hard. Derek is a guy she has known since she was high school. She had a crush on him since then and when he shows up in her life it complicates things. Thankfully after all the drama they are able to have their happy ending.
August 4, 2022
I have never found a cast of characters more insufferable in my entire life 😓
June 27, 2017
This is my first book by this author.
For me this rates between 2,5 and 3 stars. I normally read books quite fast, but this one did not really keep my interest. I liked Pepper, but she was so apathic. Her family treats her like she is a klutzy kid, her fiance cheats on her and even when she breaks off their engagement her brother thinks it't okay to seize her wedding day and have her ex as his best man?! She was so passive about it.
Even so, I enjoyed the first half of the book when she and Derek start their relationship. But when Pepper and Derek go to the wedding the book fell apart. Derek behaved idiotic, communication went to hell and what happened to her ex was just OTT.
However! I must add that I did like the writing style and I will be looking at other books by Elise Faber. The fact that I did not like the storyline is just on me!
*** I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest review. ***
For me this rates between 2,5 and 3 stars. I normally read books quite fast, but this one did not really keep my interest. I liked Pepper, but she was so apathic. Her family treats her like she is a klutzy kid, her fiance cheats on her and even when she breaks off their engagement her brother thinks it't okay to seize her wedding day and have her ex as his best man?! She was so passive about it.
Even so, I enjoyed the first half of the book when she and Derek start their relationship. But when Pepper and Derek go to the wedding the book fell apart. Derek behaved idiotic, communication went to hell and what happened to her ex was just OTT.
However! I must add that I did like the writing style and I will be looking at other books by Elise Faber. The fact that I did not like the storyline is just on me!
*** I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest review. ***
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