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Without You
Roxanne Daniels was supposed to be spending her summer getting ready to head off to Julliard. That was the plan.
But that was before-- Before she found her mother’s lifeless body-- Before she walked in on her boyfriend in bed with someone else. Before she knew what heart shattering pain felt like.
Now all she wants is for the pain to go away. But it never does.
Until him. A complete stranger who could end up being much more.
But letting go and moving on is easier said than done.
But that was before-- Before she found her mother’s lifeless body-- Before she walked in on her boyfriend in bed with someone else. Before she knew what heart shattering pain felt like.
Now all she wants is for the pain to go away. But it never does.
Until him. A complete stranger who could end up being much more.
But letting go and moving on is easier said than done.
ebook
First published January 27, 2015
6 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Reylynn Purdue
4 books67 followersBorn and raised in California, Reylynn Purdue lives with her loving husband and three beautiful kids. A lover of books, she reads like crazy. She has also always enjoyed writing, but one day, she decided to take it to the next level. She started writing her debut novel in 2013. To say she had no clue what she was doing is an understatement. As of today, she still has no clue what she is doing when it comes to publishing a book, but she is learning as she goes. She loves her story and hopes you will as well. She also finds talking about herself in third person to be very strange, and she kind of hates it.
To find out more about Reylynn, just ask.
To find out more about Reylynn, just ask.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 2, 2016
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Reylynn Purdue and NetGalley.)
“Full disclosure – my ex-boyfriend, who wrecked my world, is about to walk by. I’m begging you to please pretend to know me.”
This was an okay story, but I did have issues with it.
“People shouldn’t just grab strangers off the street and kiss them, but damn, this guy could kiss.”
Roxanne was certainly a confrontational character. She cussed a lot, she was crude, she threw tantrums, she drank too much, pushed people away too much, and was generally not an easy person to be around. I thought that her brother was a bit over-protective of her, but she just goaded him by coming onto his friends and stripping in public!
“There are billions of people in this world, Roxanne. Billions! Asking you not to hook up with my friends isn’t that insane of a request.”
She claimed she didn’t want a boyfriend, yet got jealous at the thought of Jordan being with someone else, and waxed lyrical about how much she hated cheating, and then kept flirting with and trying to kiss other men when she was kind-of with Jordan. Ugh.
“This is not me being a sl*t. You want to see sl*t?” I unhooked my bra and pulled it off. Then, I turned around and waved my hands in the air. “Who wants to screw me?” I shouted.
The storyline in this revolved around the romance, but it seemed very repetitive, and the pace was a bit slow. All that happened was Roxanne, wanting Jordan, then pushing him away, then flirting with some other guy, and annoying her brother, then wanting Jordan again, then pushing him away again, flirting with some other guy, and annoying her bother. Repeat, Repeat. She also drank too much, wore very little, and generally didn’t really know what she wanted. Every time she lied about something it drove me nuts, and every time she pushed Jordan away, then missed him, I got so angry!
“Why does it matter to you how I feel? I’m not your girlfriend. This” – I motioned between him and me – “is just supposed to be fun.”
“Are you freaking kidding me right now? Are you seriously telling me that’s all you want? Because things have changed on my end, Roxy.”
“I don’t care if things have changed for you. They haven’t changed for me. I don’t want or need you to care about me.”
We did get quite a few steamy scenes in this book. Lots of kissing and removing of clothes in public, groping and rubbing and fore-play, and wanting. Then when they actually had sex, it was behind closed doors. I mean, I have nothing against closed-door sex, but we’d already had so many half-clothed and sexy scenes, that it just felt like such a disappointment!
“His hands were in my hair as he cradled my head and laid me back onto the sand. I wanted him more than I needed air. He was making everything else just fade away. There was no more pain and no more sadness. The world ceased to exist.”
The ending to this was also a disappointment. I hoped that after all of this Roxanne would come to her senses and we’d get a happy ending, but no such luck. The ending wasn’t happy or an ending, instead we got left with nothing solved, and a cliff-hanger! So annoying!
6.5 out of 10
“Full disclosure – my ex-boyfriend, who wrecked my world, is about to walk by. I’m begging you to please pretend to know me.”
This was an okay story, but I did have issues with it.
“People shouldn’t just grab strangers off the street and kiss them, but damn, this guy could kiss.”
Roxanne was certainly a confrontational character. She cussed a lot, she was crude, she threw tantrums, she drank too much, pushed people away too much, and was generally not an easy person to be around. I thought that her brother was a bit over-protective of her, but she just goaded him by coming onto his friends and stripping in public!
“There are billions of people in this world, Roxanne. Billions! Asking you not to hook up with my friends isn’t that insane of a request.”
She claimed she didn’t want a boyfriend, yet got jealous at the thought of Jordan being with someone else, and waxed lyrical about how much she hated cheating, and then kept flirting with and trying to kiss other men when she was kind-of with Jordan. Ugh.
“This is not me being a sl*t. You want to see sl*t?” I unhooked my bra and pulled it off. Then, I turned around and waved my hands in the air. “Who wants to screw me?” I shouted.
The storyline in this revolved around the romance, but it seemed very repetitive, and the pace was a bit slow. All that happened was Roxanne, wanting Jordan, then pushing him away, then flirting with some other guy, and annoying her brother, then wanting Jordan again, then pushing him away again, flirting with some other guy, and annoying her bother. Repeat, Repeat. She also drank too much, wore very little, and generally didn’t really know what she wanted. Every time she lied about something it drove me nuts, and every time she pushed Jordan away, then missed him, I got so angry!
“Why does it matter to you how I feel? I’m not your girlfriend. This” – I motioned between him and me – “is just supposed to be fun.”
“Are you freaking kidding me right now? Are you seriously telling me that’s all you want? Because things have changed on my end, Roxy.”
“I don’t care if things have changed for you. They haven’t changed for me. I don’t want or need you to care about me.”
We did get quite a few steamy scenes in this book. Lots of kissing and removing of clothes in public, groping and rubbing and fore-play, and wanting. Then when they actually had sex, it was behind closed doors. I mean, I have nothing against closed-door sex, but we’d already had so many half-clothed and sexy scenes, that it just felt like such a disappointment!
“His hands were in my hair as he cradled my head and laid me back onto the sand. I wanted him more than I needed air. He was making everything else just fade away. There was no more pain and no more sadness. The world ceased to exist.”
The ending to this was also a disappointment. I hoped that after all of this Roxanne would come to her senses and we’d get a happy ending, but no such luck. The ending wasn’t happy or an ending, instead we got left with nothing solved, and a cliff-hanger! So annoying!
6.5 out of 10
January 23, 2015
Interesting story and good writing but the main character, Roxy, was so incredibly frustrating. I really couldn't connect with her and some of her actions annoyed me. Also, this book was really long - like, so long I never thought it was going to end - and then when you finally do get to the ending, it's a cliffhanger. That being said, will I read the follow-up to this book? Yes, I probably will - I need answers after I invested so much time in this story.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
January 21, 2015
(I received a copy from Netgalley, In exchange for an honest review.)
This was an okay read, but it went on forever!
I felt really sorry for Roxy at the start, because of how broken she was. Having to bury your mother, and then walking in on your cheating boyfriend and your friend the day after really wouldn't be nice.
Ryan annoyed me, as he was really controlling! Tonya annoyed me too, but not as much as him.
This wasn't a bad read, but it was so, so long! It felt like it would never end, and because of that, I lost interest.
Overall, Not awful, but way too long.
This was an okay read, but it went on forever!
I felt really sorry for Roxy at the start, because of how broken she was. Having to bury your mother, and then walking in on your cheating boyfriend and your friend the day after really wouldn't be nice.
Ryan annoyed me, as he was really controlling! Tonya annoyed me too, but not as much as him.
This wasn't a bad read, but it was so, so long! It felt like it would never end, and because of that, I lost interest.
Overall, Not awful, but way too long.
January 25, 2015
3.5 Stars
Review by Nicole Lorenzo
“Life is made up of moments—good moments, bad moments and so-so moments. Some moments make enough of a mark on your soul that they become memories.”
Between her mother’s sudden death and her cheating boyfriend Roxy is being smothered by the grief. She can’t seem to face the days, she put off college, and she numbs the pain in a way she never thought she would. Alienating all her friends and family she spends her days sleeping and just trying not to feel. When the fourth of July comes her brother gives her no choice but to go to the annual party they have at the beach. Reluctantly Roxy agrees, but as she is getting out of her car she sees her ex-boyfriend heading her way. Panicking Roxy does the only thing she can think of to do in the moment. She walks up to the cute surfer guy parked in front of her and kisses him.
“People shouldn’t just grab strangers off the street and kiss them, but damn, this guy can kiss.”
Her knight shining armor turns out to be Jordan Carter, and he gave her butterflies, something she is in no way ready for! But when she runs into him on the beach and spends time with him she can’t deny that there is definitely something special about him. He insists on seeing her again but Roxy makes it very clear to him that she is not looking for a boyfriend. Jordan insists they can be friends, with more kissing of course. Not being able to resist his charm, Roxy agrees but gives two rules. No sleepovers and no falling in love. But that last rule will be harder to follow than she thinks.
“I wanted him more than I needed air. He was making everything else just fade away. There was no more pain and no more sadness. The world ceased to exist.”
Roxy wanted light and easy but the more she sees of Jordan the more she realizes she is in serious danger of losing her heart to him. He consumes her every thought and she is scared to death of getting hurt because she knows she can’t handle any more pain. Her mother’s death is still weighing on her. Her Father and hers relationship is volatile and her brother Ryan and his best friend Brent are insanely overprotective of her. Not to mention her ex-boyfriend keeps showing up asking to talk. Jordan is the only thing that keeps her grounded these days.
“I’ll help hold you together. You shouldn’t have to do it by yourself. I won’t let you fall apart.”
Roxy is emotionally damaged. She uses her fear of getting hurt to push Jordan away and hurt him. Their relationship is tested when Roxy catches Jordan in a lie and decides she can’t trust him anymore. Relationship problems are the least of her worries when she gets some startling information that can change everything.
“You lied when you said you loved me. You don’t walk away from the people you love. You don’t just give up and run away because things get rough.”
The first thing I want to say is that I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. I liked where I thought it was leading. I loved how Roxy met Jordan. I like the chemistry between Roxy and Jordan as well as the chemistry between Brent and Roxy, who is her brother’s best friend. I am still looking forward to see if that part of the storyline gets played out more. Overall I enjoyed the book but there were some things that I had some trouble with.
The main thing was Roxy. Oh she was a spoiled freaking brat. I know her mom died, I know her boyfriend cheated on her but she acted out a little too much for my liking. The tantrums, the drinking, the sluttiness, the indecisiveness, it was a little too much too often. I’m hoping that we are supposed to feel this way about her and she will grow up some in the next book and gain some more redeeming qualities.
Then there is her brother Ryan. Now I understand him being overprotective, but this was so much to the extreme that it was annoying. He acted like a barbarian. And what’s funny is I actually really like his character, but not that aspect of it. The only other thing is that there are some parts that drag on and on a bit and then it ends abruptly with that cliffhanger.
It was a breath of fresh air that Jordan had his flaws, because for a while there I was worrying that he was a little too perfect. I am so curious to see where Brent is going to fit in with this next story, because to me it was very apparent to me that he had feelings for her. I am so looking forward to reading the next book to see where everyone winds up!
Review by Nicole Lorenzo
“Life is made up of moments—good moments, bad moments and so-so moments. Some moments make enough of a mark on your soul that they become memories.”
Between her mother’s sudden death and her cheating boyfriend Roxy is being smothered by the grief. She can’t seem to face the days, she put off college, and she numbs the pain in a way she never thought she would. Alienating all her friends and family she spends her days sleeping and just trying not to feel. When the fourth of July comes her brother gives her no choice but to go to the annual party they have at the beach. Reluctantly Roxy agrees, but as she is getting out of her car she sees her ex-boyfriend heading her way. Panicking Roxy does the only thing she can think of to do in the moment. She walks up to the cute surfer guy parked in front of her and kisses him.
“People shouldn’t just grab strangers off the street and kiss them, but damn, this guy can kiss.”
Her knight shining armor turns out to be Jordan Carter, and he gave her butterflies, something she is in no way ready for! But when she runs into him on the beach and spends time with him she can’t deny that there is definitely something special about him. He insists on seeing her again but Roxy makes it very clear to him that she is not looking for a boyfriend. Jordan insists they can be friends, with more kissing of course. Not being able to resist his charm, Roxy agrees but gives two rules. No sleepovers and no falling in love. But that last rule will be harder to follow than she thinks.
“I wanted him more than I needed air. He was making everything else just fade away. There was no more pain and no more sadness. The world ceased to exist.”
Roxy wanted light and easy but the more she sees of Jordan the more she realizes she is in serious danger of losing her heart to him. He consumes her every thought and she is scared to death of getting hurt because she knows she can’t handle any more pain. Her mother’s death is still weighing on her. Her Father and hers relationship is volatile and her brother Ryan and his best friend Brent are insanely overprotective of her. Not to mention her ex-boyfriend keeps showing up asking to talk. Jordan is the only thing that keeps her grounded these days.
“I’ll help hold you together. You shouldn’t have to do it by yourself. I won’t let you fall apart.”
Roxy is emotionally damaged. She uses her fear of getting hurt to push Jordan away and hurt him. Their relationship is tested when Roxy catches Jordan in a lie and decides she can’t trust him anymore. Relationship problems are the least of her worries when she gets some startling information that can change everything.
“You lied when you said you loved me. You don’t walk away from the people you love. You don’t just give up and run away because things get rough.”
The first thing I want to say is that I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. I liked where I thought it was leading. I loved how Roxy met Jordan. I like the chemistry between Roxy and Jordan as well as the chemistry between Brent and Roxy, who is her brother’s best friend. I am still looking forward to see if that part of the storyline gets played out more. Overall I enjoyed the book but there were some things that I had some trouble with.
The main thing was Roxy. Oh she was a spoiled freaking brat. I know her mom died, I know her boyfriend cheated on her but she acted out a little too much for my liking. The tantrums, the drinking, the sluttiness, the indecisiveness, it was a little too much too often. I’m hoping that we are supposed to feel this way about her and she will grow up some in the next book and gain some more redeeming qualities.
Then there is her brother Ryan. Now I understand him being overprotective, but this was so much to the extreme that it was annoying. He acted like a barbarian. And what’s funny is I actually really like his character, but not that aspect of it. The only other thing is that there are some parts that drag on and on a bit and then it ends abruptly with that cliffhanger.
It was a breath of fresh air that Jordan had his flaws, because for a while there I was worrying that he was a little too perfect. I am so curious to see where Brent is going to fit in with this next story, because to me it was very apparent to me that he had feelings for her. I am so looking forward to reading the next book to see where everyone winds up!
February 3, 2015
Oh my gosh, this book was CRAZY!! It sucked me in and took me on a wild roller coaster ride of ups and downs and twists and turns. It brought out all of my emotions and while I don't know if I can say that I absolutely loved it, there were times when I really did love and enjoy reading this amazing, crazy, infuriating book!
I'm sure you've noticed that the synopsis isn't the most detailed, we basically just get that Roxy has had a really hard life lately and the only thing that has made her happy is a stranger. I won’t go into specifics either, because I don't want to spoil things. I will say that this is not an easy book to read. It's angsty and heartbreaking, and it will punch you in the gut, but it will also make you laugh and smile.
It's not the most steamiest of books, mostly just kissing and touching except for the last couple of encounters, but I was actually totally fine with that (not normal for me) because the hero, Jordan, has the same name as my brother. It was a weird experience for me and kind of kept me from loving him as much as I would have if he had had another name, which was sad because he was a really great hero. I don't doubt that, if you do decide to read this, you will love Jordan.
Now, Roxy is not my favorite heroine, but she's definitely not my least favorite either. If you've read other reviews, you've probably read something along the lines of the fact that she's very immature, childish, wishy-washy and annoying and that's not exactly false. Roxy is all of those things and she did drive me nuts and make me angry. All I can say is that when she was like that, I tried to sympathize with her and understand where she was coming from, but I wasn't able to all the time. Roxy is a difficult character, but if you can get past those issues, she actually becomes a stronger person and even made me respect her and proud of her at times.
Without You was amazing to me because it made me feel so many different emotions, not all of them were good, but they weren't all bad either. I laughed, smiled, yelled, and cursed. This book made my heart pound, made me ache, and it made me shiver. I got lost in it and I couldn't have stopped reading it even if I had wanted to or tried.
Without You is only told from Roxy's point of view and despite what you might have seen in the Goodreads shelves, it is not, I repeat NOT, a love triangle book. However there is a cliffhanger, OH MY GOSH, is there a cliffhanger and it's not the tame kind where you can easily wait for the next book! Oh no, it's the kind that will make you scream and rage at the ending! I seriously cannot believe how it ended and I need the next book like NOW, NOW, NOW!!!!!! ~ Paige, 5 stars
I'm sure you've noticed that the synopsis isn't the most detailed, we basically just get that Roxy has had a really hard life lately and the only thing that has made her happy is a stranger. I won’t go into specifics either, because I don't want to spoil things. I will say that this is not an easy book to read. It's angsty and heartbreaking, and it will punch you in the gut, but it will also make you laugh and smile.
It's not the most steamiest of books, mostly just kissing and touching except for the last couple of encounters, but I was actually totally fine with that (not normal for me) because the hero, Jordan, has the same name as my brother. It was a weird experience for me and kind of kept me from loving him as much as I would have if he had had another name, which was sad because he was a really great hero. I don't doubt that, if you do decide to read this, you will love Jordan.
Now, Roxy is not my favorite heroine, but she's definitely not my least favorite either. If you've read other reviews, you've probably read something along the lines of the fact that she's very immature, childish, wishy-washy and annoying and that's not exactly false. Roxy is all of those things and she did drive me nuts and make me angry. All I can say is that when she was like that, I tried to sympathize with her and understand where she was coming from, but I wasn't able to all the time. Roxy is a difficult character, but if you can get past those issues, she actually becomes a stronger person and even made me respect her and proud of her at times.
Without You was amazing to me because it made me feel so many different emotions, not all of them were good, but they weren't all bad either. I laughed, smiled, yelled, and cursed. This book made my heart pound, made me ache, and it made me shiver. I got lost in it and I couldn't have stopped reading it even if I had wanted to or tried.
Without You is only told from Roxy's point of view and despite what you might have seen in the Goodreads shelves, it is not, I repeat NOT, a love triangle book. However there is a cliffhanger, OH MY GOSH, is there a cliffhanger and it's not the tame kind where you can easily wait for the next book! Oh no, it's the kind that will make you scream and rage at the ending! I seriously cannot believe how it ended and I need the next book like NOW, NOW, NOW!!!!!! ~ Paige, 5 stars
January 31, 2015
My Thoughts:
Without You was an emotional read full of angst, heartbreak, and drama. It was about how painful living can be at times, as well as how rewarding. It was about loss, love, friendship, and trying to get through the motions of living, when you just want to give up.
Roxy's life is in turmoil. Her mother died unexpectedly of a brain aneurism, and the day after her funeral, Roxy caught her boyfriend of four years in bed with one of her best friends. She is in so much pain, that she can't physically get out of bed. In order to drown out her feelings, she begins taking her mother's old prescription drugs. Her father is a workaholic who is absent most of the time. Her brother Ryan and his best friend Brent are trying to help Roxy, but are dealing with their own pain as well. Her best friend, Tonya, tries her best to be there for Roxy, but no one seems to be able to make her feel better.
Then, one day, Roxy meets Jordan. He's good looking, sexy, charming, and sweet. When Roxy is with him, the pain isn't as bad. She warns Jordan that she is broken and does not want a relationship. They can have a fun summer fling, but that is all. However, as both of their feeling grow for one another, things get complicated, Jordan's patience is tested, and Roxy's trust issue's come to the surface...
Without You was a very addicting read. I found myself crying throughout the book, because Roxy's heart-wrenching pain and suffering were palpable throughout the book. At times, her actions seemed a bit immature for an eighteen year old, but she was under duress throughout the story. I loved Jordan. He was such a great character, who had a painful past, but had learned from his mistakes, and was very supportive of Roxy. I loved how loyal and close Roxy and her best friend Tonya were, and enjoyed reading about their friendship. I liked Roxy's older brother, Ryan, and his best friend, Brent. They were way too overprotective and smothering, but they really cared about Roxy.
I thought the story was really long and would have benefitted from being shortened. There was a lot of back and forth between Roxy and Jordan which drove me crazy at times, but also kept me riveted to the story. They had a passionate roller coaster type relationship. Without You ended in a crazy cliffhanger, and has me dying to get my hands on the sequel.
My Rating:
I give, Without You, by Reylynn Purdue 4 Emotional, Heart-Wrenching, Tearful, Passionate Love Filled Stars!
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
Without You was an emotional read full of angst, heartbreak, and drama. It was about how painful living can be at times, as well as how rewarding. It was about loss, love, friendship, and trying to get through the motions of living, when you just want to give up.
Roxy's life is in turmoil. Her mother died unexpectedly of a brain aneurism, and the day after her funeral, Roxy caught her boyfriend of four years in bed with one of her best friends. She is in so much pain, that she can't physically get out of bed. In order to drown out her feelings, she begins taking her mother's old prescription drugs. Her father is a workaholic who is absent most of the time. Her brother Ryan and his best friend Brent are trying to help Roxy, but are dealing with their own pain as well. Her best friend, Tonya, tries her best to be there for Roxy, but no one seems to be able to make her feel better.
Then, one day, Roxy meets Jordan. He's good looking, sexy, charming, and sweet. When Roxy is with him, the pain isn't as bad. She warns Jordan that she is broken and does not want a relationship. They can have a fun summer fling, but that is all. However, as both of their feeling grow for one another, things get complicated, Jordan's patience is tested, and Roxy's trust issue's come to the surface...
Without You was a very addicting read. I found myself crying throughout the book, because Roxy's heart-wrenching pain and suffering were palpable throughout the book. At times, her actions seemed a bit immature for an eighteen year old, but she was under duress throughout the story. I loved Jordan. He was such a great character, who had a painful past, but had learned from his mistakes, and was very supportive of Roxy. I loved how loyal and close Roxy and her best friend Tonya were, and enjoyed reading about their friendship. I liked Roxy's older brother, Ryan, and his best friend, Brent. They were way too overprotective and smothering, but they really cared about Roxy.
I thought the story was really long and would have benefitted from being shortened. There was a lot of back and forth between Roxy and Jordan which drove me crazy at times, but also kept me riveted to the story. They had a passionate roller coaster type relationship. Without You ended in a crazy cliffhanger, and has me dying to get my hands on the sequel.
My Rating:
I give, Without You, by Reylynn Purdue 4 Emotional, Heart-Wrenching, Tearful, Passionate Love Filled Stars!
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
Want to read
February 12, 2015Advance Readers Copy (ARC) provided for my blog for an honest review by the author via netgalley
February 10, 2015
5++ emotional STARS!!!
Can I get a standing O for Reylynn Purdue?!! This book pulled from me some conflicting emotions! It just kept coming and all I could do was stand there. I finished this about a week ago and I can't stop thinking about it. Can't stop needing more. More of the poetically written book, strongly developed characters, and profound feelings. Just WOW.
This book has a lot going on. From devastating circumstances, as outlined in the blurb, to a beautiful growth of a lovely girl. A girl who has to put herself back together from all she's been through. There was a cheating ex-boyfriend, a terrific big brother, a long-time crush, a super best friend, and a hot surfer guy. But my review touches on the feelings that poured from my soul as I read it.
Without You was sweet, beautiful, heart wrenching. Roxy, our heroine, was stunningly broken. She'd seen horrific things and witnessed a betrayal she'd never thought possible. I wanted to jump in the pages and rescue her from the emotional turmoil playing on repeat in her mind. I was heartbroken, angry, and in tears for her. But she was also unbelievably strong - she was just too afraid to let it all go.
Seriously pulling at the heart-strings people! Roxy had only her best friend, Tonya, and her over protective, over bearing, well meaning older brother, Ryan, as her go to. She didn't want to worry Tonya and didn't want to pour out her thoughts and emotions to the one person that loved her unconditionally - Ryan.
She was 18. But such an old soul. I just kept thinking, 'oh my, she's going to fall apart at any moment and what will happen then'. Roxy kept everyone at arms length. Sometimes father. Keeping everyone locked out and when they did attempt closeness - she would push them away.
But through all that grunge and grime there was a strong woman ready to take flight. I could see there was a brightness to her like a 'diamond in the rough'. It's not all doom and gloom, she did liven up at certain parts of the book. But she had all these layers of truths coming to light. It was like confetti and it just kept covering her with more questions than answers. I was overwhelmed and on the edge of my seat devouring every page.
Roxy had to make some really tough decisions near the end. This is where you get your tissues people. She broke my heart - but I was so damn proud of her for taking the 'adult' route. To know what she needs to find herself and not just what she wants. Ugh!!
Seriously perfectly written! And really?!! I did not know this ended - I won't say cliffhanger but obviously unfinished!!
And behold!! A second book coming soon!! And I've got my one-click finger ready...And impatiently waiting!!
Can I get a standing O for Reylynn Purdue?!! This book pulled from me some conflicting emotions! It just kept coming and all I could do was stand there. I finished this about a week ago and I can't stop thinking about it. Can't stop needing more. More of the poetically written book, strongly developed characters, and profound feelings. Just WOW.
This book has a lot going on. From devastating circumstances, as outlined in the blurb, to a beautiful growth of a lovely girl. A girl who has to put herself back together from all she's been through. There was a cheating ex-boyfriend, a terrific big brother, a long-time crush, a super best friend, and a hot surfer guy. But my review touches on the feelings that poured from my soul as I read it.
Without You was sweet, beautiful, heart wrenching. Roxy, our heroine, was stunningly broken. She'd seen horrific things and witnessed a betrayal she'd never thought possible. I wanted to jump in the pages and rescue her from the emotional turmoil playing on repeat in her mind. I was heartbroken, angry, and in tears for her. But she was also unbelievably strong - she was just too afraid to let it all go.
"I used to be happy. I used to be a whole person. Now, I was just a broken mess."
Seriously pulling at the heart-strings people! Roxy had only her best friend, Tonya, and her over protective, over bearing, well meaning older brother, Ryan, as her go to. She didn't want to worry Tonya and didn't want to pour out her thoughts and emotions to the one person that loved her unconditionally - Ryan.
"...I saw how much my depression-induced seclusion was affecting everyone else. I didn't want them to worry about me I was broken, they couldn't change that. The were was no reason to pull them into my misery."
She was 18. But such an old soul. I just kept thinking, 'oh my, she's going to fall apart at any moment and what will happen then'. Roxy kept everyone at arms length. Sometimes father. Keeping everyone locked out and when they did attempt closeness - she would push them away.
"I told you I wasn't going to stop wanting more, but here you go again, pushing me away when I remind you what I want. You are always pushing me away."
But through all that grunge and grime there was a strong woman ready to take flight. I could see there was a brightness to her like a 'diamond in the rough'. It's not all doom and gloom, she did liven up at certain parts of the book. But she had all these layers of truths coming to light. It was like confetti and it just kept covering her with more questions than answers. I was overwhelmed and on the edge of my seat devouring every page.
"My mom was never coming back. I could never un-break my heart. I was never going to be the whole person I once had been. I was a shadow of my former self, and more and more pieces fell off every day."
Roxy had to make some really tough decisions near the end. This is where you get your tissues people. She broke my heart - but I was so damn proud of her for taking the 'adult' route. To know what she needs to find herself and not just what she wants. Ugh!!
Seriously perfectly written! And really?!! I did not know this ended - I won't say cliffhanger but obviously unfinished!!
And behold!! A second book coming soon!! And I've got my one-click finger ready...And impatiently waiting!!
February 15, 2015
**I was sent this book by the author for an a honest review**
Oh man I can’t even stress how much I loved this book. I read it in one night and then spent the rest of the night looking for book 2 only to find out that its still being written (at the end of the book it tells us to follow the characters in Nothing Lasts Forever) So you can understand my disappointment when the author emailed me on Twitter to tell me its not finished yet! WHAT!!
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I literally wanted to yell:
But like all good things to come we have to wait. SO! With that all out of the way: We start this book learning that Roxanne’s and her brother, Ryan’s, mother had died a month ago. On top of that Roxanne walked in on her boyfriend having sex with her friend the day of the funeral. Yeah girl has been through the ringer. She is drowning her pain, one pill after another, until her bestfriend and brother makes her snap out of it.
Now this is where I have to stop. First of all Rox just lost her mother, its NORMALLY for her to want to mourn and we all do it in our own way, so for everyone to just except her to move on A MONTH later its a little to much. I mean come on its her mother!
Now Ryan is a little OVER protective of his sister. Its a little scary at times, and Brent, Ryan’s bestfriend, oh he has it bad for Rox. But he tries to hide it oh so well. But Brent I SEE through you! Rox decides she has to make her mother proud by “pretending” to get her life together, but with an absent father, a brother who likes to party, a bestfriend who doesn’t under, and a crush that she can’t have, well things are bound to get rough. Until she meets Jordan. Good ole Jordan who is EXCATLY what she needs even if she is a total bitch to him at times.
Jordan is there when Rox needs him, well until she learns that he is Brent’s cousin, and therefore that makes him off limits. I don’t want to go to much into details, because it would give the whole book away and trust me this is one you want to read.
So moving on. The characters are all awesome and each bring something to the story. They are all well developed to the point where you want to look at your brother and be like WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU? Yeah Bro, you sucked compared to Ryan.
All in all this book is great. There isn’t a thing I would change or a bad thing I had to say about it. There was always some drama that added to the element and Rox was always doing something stupid and being a bitch to someone, which was a tadbit over the top, but it still brought something to the story and plot.
Kuddos to the author. Rating this one a 5 star!
Oh man I can’t even stress how much I loved this book. I read it in one night and then spent the rest of the night looking for book 2 only to find out that its still being written (at the end of the book it tells us to follow the characters in Nothing Lasts Forever) So you can understand my disappointment when the author emailed me on Twitter to tell me its not finished yet! WHAT!!
[image error]
I literally wanted to yell:
But like all good things to come we have to wait. SO! With that all out of the way: We start this book learning that Roxanne’s and her brother, Ryan’s, mother had died a month ago. On top of that Roxanne walked in on her boyfriend having sex with her friend the day of the funeral. Yeah girl has been through the ringer. She is drowning her pain, one pill after another, until her bestfriend and brother makes her snap out of it.
Now this is where I have to stop. First of all Rox just lost her mother, its NORMALLY for her to want to mourn and we all do it in our own way, so for everyone to just except her to move on A MONTH later its a little to much. I mean come on its her mother!
Now Ryan is a little OVER protective of his sister. Its a little scary at times, and Brent, Ryan’s bestfriend, oh he has it bad for Rox. But he tries to hide it oh so well. But Brent I SEE through you! Rox decides she has to make her mother proud by “pretending” to get her life together, but with an absent father, a brother who likes to party, a bestfriend who doesn’t under, and a crush that she can’t have, well things are bound to get rough. Until she meets Jordan. Good ole Jordan who is EXCATLY what she needs even if she is a total bitch to him at times.
Jordan is there when Rox needs him, well until she learns that he is Brent’s cousin, and therefore that makes him off limits. I don’t want to go to much into details, because it would give the whole book away and trust me this is one you want to read.
So moving on. The characters are all awesome and each bring something to the story. They are all well developed to the point where you want to look at your brother and be like WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU? Yeah Bro, you sucked compared to Ryan.
All in all this book is great. There isn’t a thing I would change or a bad thing I had to say about it. There was always some drama that added to the element and Rox was always doing something stupid and being a bitch to someone, which was a tadbit over the top, but it still brought something to the story and plot.
Kuddos to the author. Rating this one a 5 star!
February 12, 2015
Let me just say this book is full of emotional turmoil. I loved it… don’t get me wrong, but when the ending hit I was left struggling for more. This book is pure, it’s raw and it is heartbreaking in every way possible. But it did the one thing I hope from all books I read, it kept me captivated. It struck a nerve. I have never wanted a character to succeed in the healing process and at the same time I wanted the same character to be hurt in the end but everything she puts herself through.
Roxanne is struggling really badly when we first meet her. Her mother is gone, she is in despair and she found her boyfriend cheating on her (with her best friend) the day of her mother’s funeral. This girl struggles to get through day by day. The struggle just keeps getting harder and harder. She has lost her will to fight. But then something happens.
Then one day she meets a complete stranger who will change everything in her world. He helps her through the pain of the past and helps her find hope for the future. Though Roxanne’s struggle seems to ebb and flow through the majority of the book, she is deeply scarred from the past. Can Jordan be the one to fix that or will the two men that have been her constant be the people she needs to get her through it?
I am still convinced the brother’s BFF is in love with Roxanne but won’t act on it because of this unwritten rule that her big brother has about her dating his friends. Her brother, oh my, he is a pain in the ass from the beginning. He is protective of his little sister to a fault. Despite having her best interests at heart, I think he does more harm than good and her father… well… he never has been much of a figure in her life and perhaps that is the reason for her overbearing brother’s mean nature towards her. But she wouldn’t trade these two guys in for the world.
Now let’s talk about the creepy ex that ran off with her friend… well hell… he is his own kind of nutcase. But you really don’t know what he is capable of. OK… now with all these men in her life, you would think that Roxanne would be able to find the one thing she is so desperate for…love. But when one gives her everything, another shatters it. It is an emotional tug of war for her.
But I can’t help but think that she is better than all of this drama that she is letting herself get in the middle of. She has a bright future, but finding love starts on the inside. She has to find a way to find love within herself before she will be able to love anyone else. As I said, emotional from beginning to end.
Now one thing I absolutely loved was her best friend and sidekick. That girl is kick ass. Not only does she have her own life to live, but she has the strength and compassion to help Roxanne find hers.
This book ended way too quickly for me (which is kind of funny because it is a longer than normal kind of book). I cannot wait for more of this story. I need to know what happens after the summer ends! This is a great book and it had my attention from beginning to end. I am anxious to read more from Reylynn Purdue!
Roxanne is struggling really badly when we first meet her. Her mother is gone, she is in despair and she found her boyfriend cheating on her (with her best friend) the day of her mother’s funeral. This girl struggles to get through day by day. The struggle just keeps getting harder and harder. She has lost her will to fight. But then something happens.
Then one day she meets a complete stranger who will change everything in her world. He helps her through the pain of the past and helps her find hope for the future. Though Roxanne’s struggle seems to ebb and flow through the majority of the book, she is deeply scarred from the past. Can Jordan be the one to fix that or will the two men that have been her constant be the people she needs to get her through it?
I am still convinced the brother’s BFF is in love with Roxanne but won’t act on it because of this unwritten rule that her big brother has about her dating his friends. Her brother, oh my, he is a pain in the ass from the beginning. He is protective of his little sister to a fault. Despite having her best interests at heart, I think he does more harm than good and her father… well… he never has been much of a figure in her life and perhaps that is the reason for her overbearing brother’s mean nature towards her. But she wouldn’t trade these two guys in for the world.
Now let’s talk about the creepy ex that ran off with her friend… well hell… he is his own kind of nutcase. But you really don’t know what he is capable of. OK… now with all these men in her life, you would think that Roxanne would be able to find the one thing she is so desperate for…love. But when one gives her everything, another shatters it. It is an emotional tug of war for her.
But I can’t help but think that she is better than all of this drama that she is letting herself get in the middle of. She has a bright future, but finding love starts on the inside. She has to find a way to find love within herself before she will be able to love anyone else. As I said, emotional from beginning to end.
Now one thing I absolutely loved was her best friend and sidekick. That girl is kick ass. Not only does she have her own life to live, but she has the strength and compassion to help Roxanne find hers.
This book ended way too quickly for me (which is kind of funny because it is a longer than normal kind of book). I cannot wait for more of this story. I need to know what happens after the summer ends! This is a great book and it had my attention from beginning to end. I am anxious to read more from Reylynn Purdue!
January 19, 2015
Ok got to say I loved this book, there was so many characters in it with their only story to tell. That you got glimpses of but never the whole thing.
Roxanne as known as roxy is in a work of pain, she came home one night to her mother dead on the kitchen floor, then found her boyfriend with one of her best friends a couple days later. She thought that nothing else could brake her more then she already was, living in a state of pain and numbing it with her moths pills, made evryone that cared about her worry. Feeling that her father didn't care enough and vowing to never giver love to anyone else not to get hurt again was the only plan she could seem to come up with. Until she meet Jordan.
Jorden is lost in his own way hurt by his ex in more ways then one. He's vowed never to let love in so he uses girls for what he wants and never looks back, in fact every time his ex comes calling he runs to her. So when the most beautiful creature he's seen walks up to him and kisses him he's shocked beyond belief. He's not looking for anything seriouse but there's something about roxy that he can't seem to forget. So when he sees her on the beach later that day he pauses her again and won't taje no for an answer.
Tonya is fearse with so much love for roxy it can be scary. She has stuck by her side through everything and would do anything her her best friend.after she was hurt by live she slept around never giving her heart to anyone again so telling roxy to do the same seemed natural, but then came Shawn the one that could change it all and in the blink of an eye.
Ryan is the over bearing brother with so much love for his sister roxy he can't see past her being his little sister. He's scared for her in more ways then one since their moms death and her ex breaking her heart. He is all ways there calling daily, to check on her and yelling at her when she acts stupid. Their so no where she can hide from him even when he's not around, but he's so scared for her he doesn't know what else to do.
Then there's brent, the best friend of ryan and the roommate to ryan and roxy. Roxy has always end had a thing for him but knew he was off limits, at some points you would think he loved her but hide it, it's so hard to tell the direction that goes in since he calls her princess and cares for her in so many ways that he tells Jordan to stay away. There's a story there I can't seem to figure out but and dying for more,
Then there's the smaller characters, like the ex Kevin, the guys that keep finding their way in to the girls paths, and the creepyness from the pool and missing bra top. So when I got to the end of the book,thorough all the heart ache, love, second chances, lost love, heart ach and so much more I was on the edge of my seat and still am, I can't wait to read more about this group of people and see what happens with roxy, I especially want to know about the package she gets at the end of the book,.
Roxanne as known as roxy is in a work of pain, she came home one night to her mother dead on the kitchen floor, then found her boyfriend with one of her best friends a couple days later. She thought that nothing else could brake her more then she already was, living in a state of pain and numbing it with her moths pills, made evryone that cared about her worry. Feeling that her father didn't care enough and vowing to never giver love to anyone else not to get hurt again was the only plan she could seem to come up with. Until she meet Jordan.
Jorden is lost in his own way hurt by his ex in more ways then one. He's vowed never to let love in so he uses girls for what he wants and never looks back, in fact every time his ex comes calling he runs to her. So when the most beautiful creature he's seen walks up to him and kisses him he's shocked beyond belief. He's not looking for anything seriouse but there's something about roxy that he can't seem to forget. So when he sees her on the beach later that day he pauses her again and won't taje no for an answer.
Tonya is fearse with so much love for roxy it can be scary. She has stuck by her side through everything and would do anything her her best friend.after she was hurt by live she slept around never giving her heart to anyone again so telling roxy to do the same seemed natural, but then came Shawn the one that could change it all and in the blink of an eye.
Ryan is the over bearing brother with so much love for his sister roxy he can't see past her being his little sister. He's scared for her in more ways then one since their moms death and her ex breaking her heart. He is all ways there calling daily, to check on her and yelling at her when she acts stupid. Their so no where she can hide from him even when he's not around, but he's so scared for her he doesn't know what else to do.
Then there's brent, the best friend of ryan and the roommate to ryan and roxy. Roxy has always end had a thing for him but knew he was off limits, at some points you would think he loved her but hide it, it's so hard to tell the direction that goes in since he calls her princess and cares for her in so many ways that he tells Jordan to stay away. There's a story there I can't seem to figure out but and dying for more,
Then there's the smaller characters, like the ex Kevin, the guys that keep finding their way in to the girls paths, and the creepyness from the pool and missing bra top. So when I got to the end of the book,thorough all the heart ache, love, second chances, lost love, heart ach and so much more I was on the edge of my seat and still am, I can't wait to read more about this group of people and see what happens with roxy, I especially want to know about the package she gets at the end of the book,.
February 7, 2015
This was a good book. Now I have to wait for the follow up to find out what happens in these characters lives. Roxanne Daniels is somewhat broken and lost. The night of her high school graduation, her mother died from cancer. Then the night after her mother's funeral she finds her boyfriend having sex with someone that was her friend. She is trying to survive but she can't escape the unbearable pain. She does many things to try to escape the pain or keep it away temporarily but it doesn't really help. She has her best friend, Tonya, who is honest and is there for her when needed. Her brother Ryan is over protective and his best friend Brent is as well. Ryan is overbearing and crazy protective but he feels it is his job to take care of Roxy. When she meets a stranger that helps her out, she finds some happiness because Jordan wants to be there for her. He's gorgeous and lots of girls want to be with him but he doesn't want anything serious until Roxy comes into his life. He can't control his need or want to be with her. She is beautiful and captivating and she just crashes into his life and changes things.
Roxy has lost so many things in a short period of time and she will never be able to get these things back. She had a mother that was completely there for her and her brother and would do anything for them. Her father was pretty estranged, he was still married to her mother and in their lives. But he works in Los Angeles and only visited every other weekend and when she tried to spend time with him he didn't seem all that interested. She was with her boyfriend for 4 years and she really loved him. He broke her heart and her trust. He wasn't there for her when she needed him and he cheated on her. She has moments of immaturity and doesn't always think before she reacts to situations. But she is only 18 years old and has a lot of learning and growing up to do. She is so scared of being hurt again that she tries to keep people at arms length or won't face her own feelings.
Jordan was hurt in a past relationship and only gets to spend a little time with his own mother due to his stepfather. He has had no interest in a serious relationship again until Roxy comes into his life. He has to spend so much time trying to keep her from pushing him away or for letting him admit his feelings. He's so scared of losing her or messing things up that he lies and omits things that he should be honest with her about. When people have trust issues and have been lied and cheated on it is hard to trust others especially when that someone has lied to them. Trust has to be earned and lying and hiding things just makes it harder for them to be capable of doing it.
Definitely worth reading. Now I just have to wait for the follow-up books.
Roxy has lost so many things in a short period of time and she will never be able to get these things back. She had a mother that was completely there for her and her brother and would do anything for them. Her father was pretty estranged, he was still married to her mother and in their lives. But he works in Los Angeles and only visited every other weekend and when she tried to spend time with him he didn't seem all that interested. She was with her boyfriend for 4 years and she really loved him. He broke her heart and her trust. He wasn't there for her when she needed him and he cheated on her. She has moments of immaturity and doesn't always think before she reacts to situations. But she is only 18 years old and has a lot of learning and growing up to do. She is so scared of being hurt again that she tries to keep people at arms length or won't face her own feelings.
Jordan was hurt in a past relationship and only gets to spend a little time with his own mother due to his stepfather. He has had no interest in a serious relationship again until Roxy comes into his life. He has to spend so much time trying to keep her from pushing him away or for letting him admit his feelings. He's so scared of losing her or messing things up that he lies and omits things that he should be honest with her about. When people have trust issues and have been lied and cheated on it is hard to trust others especially when that someone has lied to them. Trust has to be earned and lying and hiding things just makes it harder for them to be capable of doing it.
Definitely worth reading. Now I just have to wait for the follow-up books.
February 16, 2015
Book Review- Without You by Reylynn Purdue
Roxanne found her mother dead and then the day of her funeral found her boyfriend with another girl. The pain is so overwhelming that she uses her mother’s migraine meds to deaden it. Her brother constantly throws parties, she refuses to attend. Her depression envelops her as she shuts herself off from the world. Those around her are worried but no one knows what to do.
Just by chance Roxy meets Jordan. They meet under humiliating circumstances for Roxy but being with Jordan helps lessen her pain. She likes him but she refuses to jump into a relationship. She is broken and doesn’t know if she can even get her heart involved again. She continues to fight through her pain from loss and fears of getting hurt. Jordan breaks down the wall around her heart piece by piece. Jordan is supposed to only be a summer fling but he becomes more.
Then when Roxy has to fight with her brother and his friend Brent to even live her life, she refuses to let them ruin anything. Even when she learns the connection between Jordan and Brent, she still refuses to let them ruin it. Unfortunately nothing goes as planned, she fights herself instead.
This was a heart wrenching story. Having Roxanne lose her mother the way she did and being the one to find her is devastating. Not only is she feeling broken, the family is broken. She doesn’t have the support she needs to heal. I was disgusted with her father’s and her brother’s behavior toward her. They were both ridiculous. They all needed counseling in order to heal. The author gave them such destructive behavior.
The author really created and portrayed characters who avoid most things they find unpleasant. It was terribly sad to read. This family is so disconnected and they don’t even bother to realize it. Nothing like hiding their heads in the sand hoping it will go away or being a bully to get the behavior you want.
It was frustrating to read at times. I wanted to shake them all. I hope they do better figuring out things in the next book. I give this a 4 out of 5.
Roxanne found her mother dead and then the day of her funeral found her boyfriend with another girl. The pain is so overwhelming that she uses her mother’s migraine meds to deaden it. Her brother constantly throws parties, she refuses to attend. Her depression envelops her as she shuts herself off from the world. Those around her are worried but no one knows what to do.
Just by chance Roxy meets Jordan. They meet under humiliating circumstances for Roxy but being with Jordan helps lessen her pain. She likes him but she refuses to jump into a relationship. She is broken and doesn’t know if she can even get her heart involved again. She continues to fight through her pain from loss and fears of getting hurt. Jordan breaks down the wall around her heart piece by piece. Jordan is supposed to only be a summer fling but he becomes more.
Then when Roxy has to fight with her brother and his friend Brent to even live her life, she refuses to let them ruin anything. Even when she learns the connection between Jordan and Brent, she still refuses to let them ruin it. Unfortunately nothing goes as planned, she fights herself instead.
This was a heart wrenching story. Having Roxanne lose her mother the way she did and being the one to find her is devastating. Not only is she feeling broken, the family is broken. She doesn’t have the support she needs to heal. I was disgusted with her father’s and her brother’s behavior toward her. They were both ridiculous. They all needed counseling in order to heal. The author gave them such destructive behavior.
The author really created and portrayed characters who avoid most things they find unpleasant. It was terribly sad to read. This family is so disconnected and they don’t even bother to realize it. Nothing like hiding their heads in the sand hoping it will go away or being a bully to get the behavior you want.
It was frustrating to read at times. I wanted to shake them all. I hope they do better figuring out things in the next book. I give this a 4 out of 5.
February 3, 2015
3.5 Stars!
I will be honest. I waited to write this review for a couple of weeks because I wasn't sure how I totally felt about this book. This book is a whole lot complicated and very frustrating at times. Oh and this book has angst and steam overload <--- warning that kindle may combust at times, it also has enough push and pull between the main characters to keep you invested. This book is longer and length and flowed well.
This is Roxy's story. Roxy knows pain and tragedy. Shutting herself off to the world, she withdraws until she is left with no choice but to suck it up thanks to her brother. When she runs into her ex ( aka cheating douche), she decides she needs a really quick distraction and kisses a total stranger who happens to be sweet Jordan. Roxy can't help but be attracted to him but she is not looking of a relationship and definitely not love. But when she sees him again, a friendship is born. But sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants. One thing is for sure... Roxy's life will never be the same.
Roxy.... she really is what made me waiver on this book. I wanted to smack the crap out of her at times. She frustrated me to the point I almost stopped this book but I did push through. She constantly contradicted herself and totally made serious error in judgments BUT I see potential in her to grow and I hope that happens in book two!
Ah! An effing cliffhanger which I did not realize it had or I probably would have put off reading this book but alas I will read book two because I do want answers.
I recommend this book to people who like a complicated love story with tons of angst!
Review Post---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
I will be honest. I waited to write this review for a couple of weeks because I wasn't sure how I totally felt about this book. This book is a whole lot complicated and very frustrating at times. Oh and this book has angst and steam overload <--- warning that kindle may combust at times, it also has enough push and pull between the main characters to keep you invested. This book is longer and length and flowed well.
This is Roxy's story. Roxy knows pain and tragedy. Shutting herself off to the world, she withdraws until she is left with no choice but to suck it up thanks to her brother. When she runs into her ex ( aka cheating douche), she decides she needs a really quick distraction and kisses a total stranger who happens to be sweet Jordan. Roxy can't help but be attracted to him but she is not looking of a relationship and definitely not love. But when she sees him again, a friendship is born. But sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants. One thing is for sure... Roxy's life will never be the same.
Roxy.... she really is what made me waiver on this book. I wanted to smack the crap out of her at times. She frustrated me to the point I almost stopped this book but I did push through. She constantly contradicted herself and totally made serious error in judgments BUT I see potential in her to grow and I hope that happens in book two!
Ah! An effing cliffhanger which I did not realize it had or I probably would have put off reading this book but alas I will read book two because I do want answers.
I recommend this book to people who like a complicated love story with tons of angst!
Review Post---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
February 12, 2015
3.5 Stars
I have to admit that my head is still spinning since finishing this book. Following Roxy’s journey gave me a serious case of emotional whiplash!
This is a coming of age tale where the main character failed to make much forward progress. At times she was so hopelessly lost in her own sorrow that she lashed out as one would after suffering such an intense array of loss.
What I found so frustrating were the so-called adults who did so little help. Granted, Roxy was an angry mess, but as a doctor her father should’ve done more. Her brother Ryan and friend Brent coddled her then reprimanded her for her insane behavior. Even in the midst of all of her pain her BFF Tonya and love interest Jordan tried to help. But it wasn’t enough. Her drinking, unsafe behavior and crazy temper were constant barriers. She stood resolutely in her own way of healing.
It was painful to read of her struggles. Terrible to watch as her heart broke again and again. Her immaturity rang through loud and clear, as at eighteen it should. But given the circumstances I wanted more, expected more from her. Too many times throughout the book she came across as spoiled and unsympathetic.
The addition of the mystery threw me. The hints were there and it does make me want to read book two. Honestly it probably saved the book for me, especially since Roxy and Jordan’s later interactions and dialogue I wanted to throw my kindle against the nearest wall!
Overall a very detailed and emotional tale of loss, love and growth when what you planned falls hopelessly apart.
I have to admit that my head is still spinning since finishing this book. Following Roxy’s journey gave me a serious case of emotional whiplash!
This is a coming of age tale where the main character failed to make much forward progress. At times she was so hopelessly lost in her own sorrow that she lashed out as one would after suffering such an intense array of loss.
What I found so frustrating were the so-called adults who did so little help. Granted, Roxy was an angry mess, but as a doctor her father should’ve done more. Her brother Ryan and friend Brent coddled her then reprimanded her for her insane behavior. Even in the midst of all of her pain her BFF Tonya and love interest Jordan tried to help. But it wasn’t enough. Her drinking, unsafe behavior and crazy temper were constant barriers. She stood resolutely in her own way of healing.
It was painful to read of her struggles. Terrible to watch as her heart broke again and again. Her immaturity rang through loud and clear, as at eighteen it should. But given the circumstances I wanted more, expected more from her. Too many times throughout the book she came across as spoiled and unsympathetic.
The addition of the mystery threw me. The hints were there and it does make me want to read book two. Honestly it probably saved the book for me, especially since Roxy and Jordan’s later interactions and dialogue I wanted to throw my kindle against the nearest wall!
Overall a very detailed and emotional tale of loss, love and growth when what you planned falls hopelessly apart.
January 31, 2015
* * ARC received on behalf of obsessed by books for an honest review * *
Roxy is suffering love and loss, she has just lost her mother and then walks in on her boyfriend and best friend having sex, to her life just ended and in a way it did. Roxy shuts everything and everyone out, she stays locked up in her room and sleeps and what ever else to numb the pain. Til one her brother Ryan saves her life by making her go to the 4th of July celebration. When she gets there she starts to panic cause coming toward her is her ex, she does the only thing she can think of she kisses a stranger and oh what a stranger, Jordan Carter the name even sounds sexy. The butterflies Roxy felt kissing Jordan gives her an uneasy feeling. They run into each on the beach and agree to hang out, but Roxy has rules cause she's not looking for a boyfriend or love. rule 1 no sleep overs, rule 2 no falling in love. Jordan says Ok as long as they can kiss some more, I loved Jordan he is serious but jokingly as well. Roxy finds it harder and harder to not fall in love with Jordan, but she cant, she just can't handle getting hurt again. Jordan And Roxy are pushed to the limits. I enjoyed this book, I so wanted to give it a 5 star rating but it was soooo long , so I give 4.5 and can't wait to see what happens next.
Roxy is suffering love and loss, she has just lost her mother and then walks in on her boyfriend and best friend having sex, to her life just ended and in a way it did. Roxy shuts everything and everyone out, she stays locked up in her room and sleeps and what ever else to numb the pain. Til one her brother Ryan saves her life by making her go to the 4th of July celebration. When she gets there she starts to panic cause coming toward her is her ex, she does the only thing she can think of she kisses a stranger and oh what a stranger, Jordan Carter the name even sounds sexy. The butterflies Roxy felt kissing Jordan gives her an uneasy feeling. They run into each on the beach and agree to hang out, but Roxy has rules cause she's not looking for a boyfriend or love. rule 1 no sleep overs, rule 2 no falling in love. Jordan says Ok as long as they can kiss some more, I loved Jordan he is serious but jokingly as well. Roxy finds it harder and harder to not fall in love with Jordan, but she cant, she just can't handle getting hurt again. Jordan And Roxy are pushed to the limits. I enjoyed this book, I so wanted to give it a 5 star rating but it was soooo long , so I give 4.5 and can't wait to see what happens next.
February 4, 2015
(I was given a digital copy of this book on NetGalley for free for a review.)
I did enjoy reading this book on most parts, but there were instances where I just totally hate Roxy. I didn't quite like her logic. Well, I did feel bad for her -- she has to deal with the loss of her mother and not long after that, she caught her boyfriend cheating. There were just times when her stubbornness went overboard. I am in no place to judge, but doesn't she want to help herself?
But I did like Jordan. I like the way they met -- it was too cute for words! :) And Jordan seems like somebody who's emotionally stable enough. Ryan was fine, I've always wanted an older brother. I think his over protectiveness is adorable. Hehe~
I think the book was too long, which kinda made me bored as the scenes just seem to be repeating. It would've probably been better if some were omitted, seeing as they really didn't seem significant.
Honestly, I do not know how I feel about the ending. I think it was weird that it just suddenly went into a mystery-type. And there was really no conclusion to everything that happened in book. I'll probably just wait for the next book~
I did enjoy reading this book on most parts, but there were instances where I just totally hate Roxy. I didn't quite like her logic. Well, I did feel bad for her -- she has to deal with the loss of her mother and not long after that, she caught her boyfriend cheating. There were just times when her stubbornness went overboard. I am in no place to judge, but doesn't she want to help herself?
But I did like Jordan. I like the way they met -- it was too cute for words! :) And Jordan seems like somebody who's emotionally stable enough. Ryan was fine, I've always wanted an older brother. I think his over protectiveness is adorable. Hehe~
I think the book was too long, which kinda made me bored as the scenes just seem to be repeating. It would've probably been better if some were omitted, seeing as they really didn't seem significant.
Honestly, I do not know how I feel about the ending. I think it was weird that it just suddenly went into a mystery-type. And there was really no conclusion to everything that happened in book. I'll probably just wait for the next book~
January 28, 2015
For 18 year old Roxanne, life is on a spiraling path to no where. He mother is dead and following her death, she caught her boyfriend in bed with her best friend.
Despite the attempts of her crazy best friend and way over protective brother.. Roxy can't seems to move past the hurt and pain consuming her life. That is until she meets a complete stranger who for once, allows her to forget how horrible her life is.
Destined to keep him at a distance, Roxy does her best to move beyond her nightmare of a life without the risk of losing her heart.
AHHH!! Seriously? I hate cliff hangers.
What an emotional roller coaster ride this book was.
Overall I enjoyed this book.
The characters were fun and flirty. The plot had its own unique twists and turns.
This was the first book I have read by Reylynn Purdue and I can't wait to read the next installment!
**I received a digital copy of this book in exchange of an honest review**
Despite the attempts of her crazy best friend and way over protective brother.. Roxy can't seems to move past the hurt and pain consuming her life. That is until she meets a complete stranger who for once, allows her to forget how horrible her life is.
Destined to keep him at a distance, Roxy does her best to move beyond her nightmare of a life without the risk of losing her heart.
AHHH!! Seriously? I hate cliff hangers.
What an emotional roller coaster ride this book was.
Overall I enjoyed this book.
The characters were fun and flirty. The plot had its own unique twists and turns.
This was the first book I have read by Reylynn Purdue and I can't wait to read the next installment!
**I received a digital copy of this book in exchange of an honest review**
February 9, 2015
Copy courtesy of Netgalley
Cliffhanger!!!!
This story was good but it went on forever. The story read like a soap opera. Roxanne lost a lot in a short period of time. It devastated her. She lost her mother. She was very frustrating with the push and pull romance with Jordan. One minute she likes him, the next she is mad and doesn't want to be with him. It seemed the loss of her cheating boyfriend messed her up more than the death of her mother. Her brother, Ryan, is over the top. He was too over protective. The best friend was crazy, but fun. She was supportive no matter what. The fight scene was pretty crazy. That's what best friend do!!!!And Brent, I just don't know what his angle is going forward. The story kept my interest with all the twists and turns. Just when you think jordan and Roxy will get there HEA, something pops up and we get a weird cliffhanger.
Cliffhanger!!!!
This story was good but it went on forever. The story read like a soap opera. Roxanne lost a lot in a short period of time. It devastated her. She lost her mother. She was very frustrating with the push and pull romance with Jordan. One minute she likes him, the next she is mad and doesn't want to be with him. It seemed the loss of her cheating boyfriend messed her up more than the death of her mother. Her brother, Ryan, is over the top. He was too over protective. The best friend was crazy, but fun. She was supportive no matter what. The fight scene was pretty crazy. That's what best friend do!!!!And Brent, I just don't know what his angle is going forward. The story kept my interest with all the twists and turns. Just when you think jordan and Roxy will get there HEA, something pops up and we get a weird cliffhanger.
February 9, 2015
The plot of this book is like a CW show, as interpreted by Cinemax. Roxanne is kind of terrible, which makes her story eminently readable. She's a creature of excess; there are very few stops along the spectrum for her. With Roxy, it's either the famine or the feast. Poor Jordan has to put up with her mood swings and her wishy-washiness, and I often felt really bad for him. I didn't really like Ryan or Tonya all that much, and I'm pretty sure that everybody but Roxy gets what's wrong with Brent, but I'll have to see how it all shakes out in the next book.
This is not quality literature. It's not even one of the better New Adult books out there. But if you're looking for an emotional train wreck of a book with a sad, probably pathologically self-involved protagonist, don't let another day go by without reading Without You.
This is not quality literature. It's not even one of the better New Adult books out there. But if you're looking for an emotional train wreck of a book with a sad, probably pathologically self-involved protagonist, don't let another day go by without reading Without You.
November 8, 2017
Without You is the first book by Ms. Purdue I have read and I can't wait for book 2. This is a story about a girl named Roxanne. A sudden tragedy blows her world apart and then the one person she turns to betrays her. She struggles through life until a chance meeting with Jordan. He is the only person who seems to be able to pull her out of the dark hole she is in. But one lie is all it takes to make Roxanne find her inner strength and do something she never thought she'd be strong enough to do.
The relationships between Roxanne, her brother, his best friend and Tonya, Roxy's best friend are very unique and will make you all strive for the same within your own families.
The relationships between Roxanne, her brother, his best friend and Tonya, Roxy's best friend are very unique and will make you all strive for the same within your own families.
February 17, 2016
Without You is the first book by Ms. Purdue I have read and I can't wait for book 2. This is a story about a girl named Roxanne. A sudden tragedy blows her world apart and then the one person she turns to betrays her. She struggles through life until a chance meeting with Jordan. He is the only person who seems to be able to pull her out of the dark hole she is in. But one lie is all it takes to make Roxanne find her inner strength and do something she never thought she'd be strong enough to do.
The relationships between Roxanne, her brother, his best friend and Tonya, Roxy's best friend are very unique and will make you all strive for the same within your own families.
The relationships between Roxanne, her brother, his best friend and Tonya, Roxy's best friend are very unique and will make you all strive for the same within your own families.
August 1, 2015
Without You by Reylynn Purdue is a turbulent romance with a cliff-hanger ending. The story line is a bit dark and the characters are very emotive. This meaning I was ready to choke a few of them throughout reading this book. As aggravated as I occasionally became, especially with Roxy, to me it's always a good sign of the quality of writing that they can evoke this type of reaction in me.Overall a slightly exhausting and interesting read.
January 23, 2015
Hum where to start, the synopsis sounded so promising with this book of short stories, which was all about betrayal, tragedy which all sounded so entertaining. However I didn't feel the book delivered the emotional feelings in order to have made it successful, it left me feeling flat, there was just to much repetition and not any real reason, it felt detached.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Reylynn Purdue for the digital copy to review.
This wasn't a bad read, but it was so, so long! It felt like it would never end, and because of that, I lost interest
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Reylynn Purdue for the digital copy to review.
This wasn't a bad read, but it was so, so long! It felt like it would never end, and because of that, I lost interest
January 21, 2015
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy.
As far as YA novels go, this was a pretty typical one. Granted, the majority of the male characters have serious anger management issues and the females have drinking problems. The MC was a perfect specimen of a woman, leaving boys drooling in her wake. Except she has “issues”. The love interest was too good to be true, until he wasn’t true. Not the best YA I’ve read but certainly not the worst. It left on a cliffhanger which never bothers me more so I’ll probably end up reading the next.
As far as YA novels go, this was a pretty typical one. Granted, the majority of the male characters have serious anger management issues and the females have drinking problems. The MC was a perfect specimen of a woman, leaving boys drooling in her wake. Except she has “issues”. The love interest was too good to be true, until he wasn’t true. Not the best YA I’ve read but certainly not the worst. It left on a cliffhanger which never bothers me more so I’ll probably end up reading the next.
March 19, 2015
This was a very intricate and angsty story!
It is about Roxy... she has experienced a lot of pain in her life. She is a broken soul...
She is in a world of hurt and truly drowning with life.
Enter Jordan.... enter some summer fun.... its all the Roxy thinks she can handle at this point at her life... maybe she is wrong though and just can't see through the murky waters of her life...
if you love angst.. love that want to fling your kindle at times but can't put the story down.. you will love this!
It is about Roxy... she has experienced a lot of pain in her life. She is a broken soul...
She is in a world of hurt and truly drowning with life.
Enter Jordan.... enter some summer fun.... its all the Roxy thinks she can handle at this point at her life... maybe she is wrong though and just can't see through the murky waters of her life...
if you love angst.. love that want to fling your kindle at times but can't put the story down.. you will love this!
February 22, 2015
This was a very intricate and angsty story!
It is about Roxy... she has experienced a lot of pain in her life. She is a broken soul...
She is in a world of hurt and truly drowning with life.
Enter Jordan.... enter some summer fun.... its all the Roxy thinks she can handle at this point at her life... maybe she is wrong though and just can't see through the murky waters of her life...
if you love angst.. love that want to fling your kindle at times but can't put the story down.. you will love this!
It is about Roxy... she has experienced a lot of pain in her life. She is a broken soul...
She is in a world of hurt and truly drowning with life.
Enter Jordan.... enter some summer fun.... its all the Roxy thinks she can handle at this point at her life... maybe she is wrong though and just can't see through the murky waters of her life...
if you love angst.. love that want to fling your kindle at times but can't put the story down.. you will love this!
February 16, 2015
Was not prepared for the ride this book took me on! Was completely in aww and amazement with this read! Emotionally strong! A page turner to say the least! And a book that will keep you from start to finish! This author know her skills and has used them to give the readers and amazing book! Would recommend this book as a MUST read!
*Received for an honest review*
*Received for an honest review*
Want to read
January 17, 2015*Arc kindly provided by author in exchange of Honest Review *
February 1, 2015
Roxy is selfish, insensitive, load, obnoxious, annoying, rude and all together unpleasant!
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