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Between the Lines #4
Here Without You
Reid Alexander, Hollywood’s hottest young actor, is completely distracted. And this time it isn’t his latest co-star or a major new film role that’s demanding his attention but something far more life-changing...
The hotly anticipated fourth book in the irresistible Between the Lines series.
The hotly anticipated fourth book in the irresistible Between the Lines series.
336 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2013
71 people are currently reading
7827 people want to read
About the author
Tammara Webber
10 books13.2k followersAuthor of the CONTOURS OF THE HEART series and the BETWEEN THE LINES series.
I'm a New York Times and international bestselling author of contemporary romantic fiction. My novels have been translated into twenty-five languages around the world. Gen-Xer. Feminist. Hopeful romantic. Fueled by coffee, a supportive spouse, and a never-ending feeling that I've forgotten to do something.
Please check my website for book updates. If you have questions, I have an FAQ tab there, and a contact form for anything not covered. :)
I'm a New York Times and international bestselling author of contemporary romantic fiction. My novels have been translated into twenty-five languages around the world. Gen-Xer. Feminist. Hopeful romantic. Fueled by coffee, a supportive spouse, and a never-ending feeling that I've forgotten to do something.
Please check my website for book updates. If you have questions, I have an FAQ tab there, and a contact form for anything not covered. :)
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January 4, 2015I'm the author of this YA-M/New Adult novel, the fourth (final) book in the Between the Lines series. :)
August 7, 2013
10 stars!
WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS HOW MUCH I LOVED THIS BOOK! So profound. So deep. So moving. So inspirational. In Colleen Hoover's words: so heartbreakingly beautiful.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Tammara for closing out this series so perfectly that in no way my lowly, non-creative mind could have ever dreamed.
This is more than a love story. This is not your typical Hollywood romance between a big shot actor and an ordinary girl who met, fell in love and are now trying to make their relationship work. This is way more than that. Tammara Webber writes beautifully about life truths. Think Slammed and Point of Retreat but with even greater depth and subtlety. Poignant has been mentioned in several reviews and this is absolutely on target.
Redemption. Consequences. Trust. Destiny. Altruism. Open-mindedness. Tolerance and intolerance. Conscience. Faith. Fate. These are just some of the few life truths Tammara Webber tackle in this series. Sometimes they are devastating. Always so moving...affecting.
I read Good For You a year ago and was so blown away by that book. Tammara Webber doesn't write to merely entertain so you can pass away a few hours. She writes things that stick to you. I re-read that book for weeks - refusing to let it go. A year later, I continue to re-read passages every once in awhile and have Reid and Dori's journey committed to my memory. While I was so scared to learn that there was to be a continuation, I welcomed the news. I did feel that Good For You ended abruptly. I also wanted to see a way for Dori and Reid to make it work outside in the real world - outside of that bubble they had created in Reid's home. Plus Reid had a secret that will render Dori even more vulnerable...
Does Reid and Dori have a chance for a HEA? How will a plain Berkeley student taking up a degree in social work fit in Reid's Hollywood life? Is this merely a good-for-now versus a shot at forever? Different worlds and age don't bode well for these two. And with Reid's secret that needs to be divulged, things just seemed so stacked up against this couple. Can Dori and Reid's secret co-exist? And more importantly, can Dori be accepting?
Dori, the do-gooder, does and is proud of Reid for taking this challenge on. Dori's issue is she lacks faith in a future with Reid. She was living in the NOW grateful for what happiness it brings at this moment but constantly conscious of the fact that there WILL BE AN END to all of this. But Reid never backs down.
This is Reid - the character we all loved to hate from the first two books of this series. He WAS the spoiled Hollywood prince who never had to lift a finger in his entire life but he goes all out to save this. How Reid has grown and his universe altered by Dori who saved him from self-destruction because she saw something innately good in him and lit that path for him.
In all the books I have read since last year (close to 300 of them), there is no better male POV to me than Reid. To watch his growth was beautiful. Yet, he never loses himself in the process. His sense of humor remained fully intact.
Reed embodies the main theme that ran in the third book - REDEMPTION. The theme carries on here with Brooke. If the readers were split on Reid's HEA, Brooke is singularly hated by all. But as Tammara has shown us in Good For You, there is no person unredeemable.
There are no caricatures in Tammara's world. Every personality are multi-faceted with so many layers in their character. Her world is not split into two: one of pure good and the other of pure evil characters. Every single person in this series is real and there is rationale behind everyone's actions. It may not be right but the reasoning is there and each person is living with the consequences of their choices. Even the seemingly asshole fathers of Brooke and Reid get a chance to voice out the justifications for their inadequacies. And save for Sharla, you do reach a level of understanding - if not of acceptance. No one consciously sets out to mean harm or hurt. It's just that some have misguided notions and live by these. In Brooke's pondering, she hits it closest to home - sometimes we get blinded by what we think is best for us without thinking if this is also the best for the other person.
While this is more than your Hollywood romance, there are two scenes that stood out for me in which Reid expresses his love for Dori - in so many words and in the greatest of deeds. I have added these scenes to that list I have committed to memory from book 3. And with these in mind, how can you not believe a future for these two?
THIS IS EASILY ONE OF MY FAVORITE READS EVER. I DIDN'T THINK MISS WEBBER CAN TOP GOOD FOR YOU BUT SHE DID. AND I'VE PUT THIS RIGHT BESIDE THAT BOOK IN MY FAVORITES SHELF. We read books to while away the time but once in awhile we encounter stories like this that simply unforgettable. READ THIS SERIES. IT ELEVATES THE AMAZING TO SUBLIME.
WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS HOW MUCH I LOVED THIS BOOK! So profound. So deep. So moving. So inspirational. In Colleen Hoover's words: so heartbreakingly beautiful.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Tammara for closing out this series so perfectly that in no way my lowly, non-creative mind could have ever dreamed.
This is more than a love story. This is not your typical Hollywood romance between a big shot actor and an ordinary girl who met, fell in love and are now trying to make their relationship work. This is way more than that. Tammara Webber writes beautifully about life truths. Think Slammed and Point of Retreat but with even greater depth and subtlety. Poignant has been mentioned in several reviews and this is absolutely on target.
Redemption. Consequences. Trust. Destiny. Altruism. Open-mindedness. Tolerance and intolerance. Conscience. Faith. Fate. These are just some of the few life truths Tammara Webber tackle in this series. Sometimes they are devastating. Always so moving...affecting.
I read Good For You a year ago and was so blown away by that book. Tammara Webber doesn't write to merely entertain so you can pass away a few hours. She writes things that stick to you. I re-read that book for weeks - refusing to let it go. A year later, I continue to re-read passages every once in awhile and have Reid and Dori's journey committed to my memory. While I was so scared to learn that there was to be a continuation, I welcomed the news. I did feel that Good For You ended abruptly. I also wanted to see a way for Dori and Reid to make it work outside in the real world - outside of that bubble they had created in Reid's home. Plus Reid had a secret that will render Dori even more vulnerable...
Does Reid and Dori have a chance for a HEA? How will a plain Berkeley student taking up a degree in social work fit in Reid's Hollywood life? Is this merely a good-for-now versus a shot at forever? Different worlds and age don't bode well for these two. And with Reid's secret that needs to be divulged, things just seemed so stacked up against this couple. Can Dori and Reid's secret co-exist? And more importantly, can Dori be accepting?
Dori, the do-gooder, does and is proud of Reid for taking this challenge on. Dori's issue is she lacks faith in a future with Reid. She was living in the NOW grateful for what happiness it brings at this moment but constantly conscious of the fact that there WILL BE AN END to all of this. But Reid never backs down.
Remember last fall, when you needed to be reckless, and I told you to use me? Well, now, it's time to be fearless. I can't promise that you won't be hurt again, because life can suck. And, sometimes, it hurts like hell. I'm asking you to have faith in one thing, for now: the fact that we're alone, I'm just Reid, and you're just Dori,and we're going to love each other for the rest of our lives."
This is Reid - the character we all loved to hate from the first two books of this series. He WAS the spoiled Hollywood prince who never had to lift a finger in his entire life but he goes all out to save this. How Reid has grown and his universe altered by Dori who saved him from self-destruction because she saw something innately good in him and lit that path for him.
In all the books I have read since last year (close to 300 of them), there is no better male POV to me than Reid. To watch his growth was beautiful. Yet, he never loses himself in the process. His sense of humor remained fully intact.
So. Does every girl I know have to turn insightful all at once? I mean hell - I know I'm shallow, but Jesus. You'd think somebody would be content to remain superficial, just to keep me company.
Reed embodies the main theme that ran in the third book - REDEMPTION. The theme carries on here with Brooke. If the readers were split on Reid's HEA, Brooke is singularly hated by all. But as Tammara has shown us in Good For You, there is no person unredeemable.
...But if I've learned anything in the past few months - and I think you have, as well - it's that people must fix themselves. That's the only way change has any hope of becoming permanent.
There are no caricatures in Tammara's world. Every personality are multi-faceted with so many layers in their character. Her world is not split into two: one of pure good and the other of pure evil characters. Every single person in this series is real and there is rationale behind everyone's actions. It may not be right but the reasoning is there and each person is living with the consequences of their choices. Even the seemingly asshole fathers of Brooke and Reid get a chance to voice out the justifications for their inadequacies. And save for Sharla, you do reach a level of understanding - if not of acceptance. No one consciously sets out to mean harm or hurt. It's just that some have misguided notions and live by these. In Brooke's pondering, she hits it closest to home - sometimes we get blinded by what we think is best for us without thinking if this is also the best for the other person.
While this is more than your Hollywood romance, there are two scenes that stood out for me in which Reid expresses his love for Dori - in so many words and in the greatest of deeds. I have added these scenes to that list I have committed to memory from book 3. And with these in mind, how can you not believe a future for these two?
THIS IS EASILY ONE OF MY FAVORITE READS EVER. I DIDN'T THINK MISS WEBBER CAN TOP GOOD FOR YOU BUT SHE DID. AND I'VE PUT THIS RIGHT BESIDE THAT BOOK IN MY FAVORITES SHELF. We read books to while away the time but once in awhile we encounter stories like this that simply unforgettable. READ THIS SERIES. IT ELEVATES THE AMAZING TO SUBLIME.
I used to think of two people in love like that. Like puzzle pieces, fitting together. But it's not like that at all. Love pulls a part of you out, and it pulls a part of him - like taffy, stretching but not separating. The tendrils of each one wrap around the other, until they meld together. One, but not quite. Separate, but not quite..."
Everything isn't fixable, and miracles are only happy twists of fate. Fate can so easily twist in the opposite direction."
“No matter what grief or loss takes place, most of life flows on all around us, as though nothing's changed. At some point in our sorrow, we each make a choice to sink or swim. There's no alternative.”
August 25, 2013
5 Stars!! The talented Tammara Webber strikes again! I adored this book, I love these characters, and I'm so sad to see this series end, but the author is bowing out at the right time!
This book, actually the entire series, focuses on the aftermath of becoming a celebrity at an young age and how all too often it steals the youth of those who find fame early on in life. It deals with regrets, coming of age, trying to right the wrongs of the past.
I liked Reid when I first met him in Between the Lines, chalked up his arrogant personality to his fame and family. I despised him in Where You Are, grew to love him in Good For You, and was like a proud mother by the end of Here Without You. Dori was slightly annoying in this story, but not enough that she ruined the book for me. I did love their relationship, and in my heart I believe that their love will stand the test of time and Reid’s celebrity.
Brooke is so emotionally damaged and she was not an easy character to love, but somehow Tammara Webber made me sympathize with her. I wanted her to become a better person and succeed in her mission, which was the focal point of the plot, and you’ll have to read it to see what that is. It made for an unusual story and really caught my attention. What if you had a second chance to right a wrong? Okay maybe not a wrong, but a decision that was brought on by your youth and dysfunctional family life. Very interesting.
I was hoping that the author would not inject unnecessary angst into the story by reviving Reid and Brooke’s relationship. I’m happy to say, she was smart about how she handled it, and did right by this reader. She wrote the book that needed to be written, kept the focus on the relationships that had already formed, the story at hand, and locked the series up tight. Nice!
Two of my favorite characters, Graham and Emma played a key role and what a treat to have them back again. Reid had to do some major groveling, but I was happy to see that they could resolve their issues and remain friends.
The epilogue was deliciously sweet, just enough to allow to the reader to imagine a bright and happy future for all the characters we’ve grown to love in this series.
This series transitions from clean to slightly spicy, and appropriately so, as the series and the couples move forward. Tammara Webber is quite the talent and I was just as impressed with series as I was with her wildly popular New Adult book, Easy.
August 25, 2013
4 stars!!!
The fourth and final segment of 'Between the Lines', follows not only Reid and Dori, but Brooke as well. Reid and Dori are finally together. But it’s not that simple. Dori is not only leaving to go to a college 5 hours away, but she has yet to tell her parents about Reid. They don’t approve at all. Then there is Brooke. After everything went down with Graham, Brooke has been lost.
Brooke and Reid were together for a short while, but it’s been years ago. Sometimes, things don’t always stay in the past. Brooke is looking to make up for mistakes she made in the past. She wants to right her wrongs, redeem herself. Dori is trying to find herself, find her faith again. Reid is trying to make his relationship work. He has to do the right thing. Dori has changed him. He can’t go back to the selfish guy he was before.
Is telling the truth always the right thing? If his secret ever came out, it would change everything in his life. Sometimes, doing whats right isn’t always easy. But it’s necessary. What is Reid willing to risk to do the right thing?
As much as I LOVE Reid Alexander... I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this one. I mean, Brooke is one of the mc’s and I am not a fan of hers. After reading, I would say I like her better, but I still don’t love her. I respect her much more. Now... back to Reid- Reid was the jerk I loved in the first few books, then he turned around in book 3 and I loved him even more. I have always been Team Reid. He is just as amazing as ever in this one! He has grown and developed so much in this series. I wasn’t happy with Dori during the middle of this one, but she redeemed herself at the end.
I love Tammara Webber’s writing. Easy is one of my favorite ya/na books, but this series is pretty great as well. Sweet, sexy, emotional, touching... A story about doing the right thing, taking responsibilities for your actions, being truthful and having faith in the people you love. And yes... the ending left me in happy tears!
I used to think of two people in love like that. Like puzzle pieces, fitting together. But it's not like that at all. Love pulls a part of you out, and it pulls a part of him - like taffy, stretching but not separating. The tendrils of each one wrap around the other, until they meld together. One, but not quite. Separate, but not quite.
The fourth and final segment of 'Between the Lines', follows not only Reid and Dori, but Brooke as well. Reid and Dori are finally together. But it’s not that simple. Dori is not only leaving to go to a college 5 hours away, but she has yet to tell her parents about Reid. They don’t approve at all. Then there is Brooke. After everything went down with Graham, Brooke has been lost.
Brooke and Reid were together for a short while, but it’s been years ago. Sometimes, things don’t always stay in the past. Brooke is looking to make up for mistakes she made in the past. She wants to right her wrongs, redeem herself. Dori is trying to find herself, find her faith again. Reid is trying to make his relationship work. He has to do the right thing. Dori has changed him. He can’t go back to the selfish guy he was before.
Life was so much easier before I had a conscience.
Is telling the truth always the right thing? If his secret ever came out, it would change everything in his life. Sometimes, doing whats right isn’t always easy. But it’s necessary. What is Reid willing to risk to do the right thing?
No matter what grief or loss takes place, most of life flows on all around us, as though nothing's changed. At some point in our sorrow, we each make a choice to sink or swim. There's no alternative.
As much as I LOVE Reid Alexander... I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this one. I mean, Brooke is one of the mc’s and I am not a fan of hers. After reading, I would say I like her better, but I still don’t love her. I respect her much more. Now... back to Reid- Reid was the jerk I loved in the first few books, then he turned around in book 3 and I loved him even more. I have always been Team Reid. He is just as amazing as ever in this one! He has grown and developed so much in this series. I wasn’t happy with Dori during the middle of this one, but she redeemed herself at the end.
I love Tammara Webber’s writing. Easy is one of my favorite ya/na books, but this series is pretty great as well. Sweet, sexy, emotional, touching... A story about doing the right thing, taking responsibilities for your actions, being truthful and having faith in the people you love. And yes... the ending left me in happy tears!
October 24, 2013
Pffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt.
That about sums it up. Brooke should have just gotten an epilogue or a couple of chapters in book 3 to settle her story because I was bored with having to read an entire book 4 of this series
That about sums it up. Brooke should have just gotten an epilogue or a couple of chapters in book 3 to settle her story because I was bored with having to read an entire book 4 of this series
August 10, 2013
please please PLEEEEEASE can we get some Emma and Graham, I know you said they may pop up again in this book as cameos, but could we perhaps get a little short story as like, a bonus bit at the end or something? Sorry if someone has already asked you this already but I'm just DYING to get a glimpse as to what their lives are like now that they're together, how Emma deals with Cara and school etc........
Can't wait to read about Reid, Dori, Brooke and whoever else also though :)
EDITED 10/8/2013
Quick Summary: The book picks off from where GFY ended and throughout we follow Reid's, Brooke's and Dori's journey on maturing, taking responsibilty and finally accepting past decisions and choices.Readers will most likey fall even deeper for Reid (STILL A GRAHAM LOVEEEEER ALL THE WAY THOUGH, JUST BECAUSE ;), sympathise with with Dori, and come to a better understanding of why Brooke was such a conniving bitch face in the beginning!!
Ok, i did really really really really LIKE this book, but I feel that for some reason I cannot fathom, I'm unable to give it a full 5 stars. No disrespect to you Ms Webber, your writing and style is like no one elses BUT, it felt like something was missing or something was just............AARGH I honestly can't explain. Basically the book was almost amazing and I want to give you 5 stars, but hopefully a 4.85 will do :)
Everything does kind of falls into place nicely and readers shouldn't be disappointed at all!! For those avid Graham and Emma fans, you will honestly not be disappointed but if you are..........then go write a fanfiction on them or something, lol :P
All in all, a great end to a phenomenal series, and i will miss these young hollywood actors/actresses dearly..........:'(
The End
August 9, 2013
Review with Spoilers
So, I was a bit concerned that I wasn't going to like this book, mainly because Brooke would be a prominent character. However, the direction the story took and Brooke's role in it didn't grate on my nerves at all. On the contrary, I was more frustrated at times with Reid and particularly Dori.
It was a good read, but unfortunately, it lost one star due to something that I will explain in a second.
Now, why I ended up rooting for Brooke? Well, because for once she acted human and cared about another person. The fact she was the one who took the initiative to look for her son went a long way to make her an acceptable narrator.
My problem with the book: Reid and Dori's romance wasn't as appealing as I remembered. I don't know, she was just such a boring character in this one. Not that I don't agree with her actions, I just didn't find her interesting enough. Or maybe it was just that Brooke's voice was louder and stole Dori's thunder, like some reviewers pointed out.
Let's take a look at their relationship. Dori goes to college while Reid continues working in another town. Okay, they weren't that far away from each other, but still, it was a long distance relationship. Even if Reid wasn't a famous actor, that would put a strain on it. Also, Reid and Dori were in totally different points in their lives. Dori was starting college, Reid had already a successful career going that required most of his time. Add the bonus pressure that he's a celebrity and we have a mix for disaster. Their relationship was fated to end sooner rather than later. I don't care that they were in luv. Reid proposing to Dori at the end just so he could prove they were meant for each other didn't sit well with me (I'll probably be the only one feeling this way).
I don't like to read about teenagers making that kind of commitment. It's crazy. I don't care if they are 'mature' for their age (which in my opinion they were not). Plus, getting married doesn't change the fact that Dori still has to go to college and Reid still has a career plus a child to contend with. I know, I know, Tammara is a HEA kind of author, but I would have preferred if the story had jumped in time. Maybe Reid and Dori break up only to reconnect 5 years later or something.
So, I was a bit concerned that I wasn't going to like this book, mainly because Brooke would be a prominent character. However, the direction the story took and Brooke's role in it didn't grate on my nerves at all. On the contrary, I was more frustrated at times with Reid and particularly Dori.
It was a good read, but unfortunately, it lost one star due to something that I will explain in a second.
Now, why I ended up rooting for Brooke? Well, because for once she acted human and cared about another person. The fact she was the one who took the initiative to look for her son went a long way to make her an acceptable narrator.
My problem with the book: Reid and Dori's romance wasn't as appealing as I remembered. I don't know, she was just such a boring character in this one. Not that I don't agree with her actions, I just didn't find her interesting enough. Or maybe it was just that Brooke's voice was louder and stole Dori's thunder, like some reviewers pointed out.
Let's take a look at their relationship. Dori goes to college while Reid continues working in another town. Okay, they weren't that far away from each other, but still, it was a long distance relationship. Even if Reid wasn't a famous actor, that would put a strain on it. Also, Reid and Dori were in totally different points in their lives. Dori was starting college, Reid had already a successful career going that required most of his time. Add the bonus pressure that he's a celebrity and we have a mix for disaster. Their relationship was fated to end sooner rather than later. I don't care that they were in luv. Reid proposing to Dori at the end just so he could prove they were meant for each other didn't sit well with me (I'll probably be the only one feeling this way).
I don't like to read about teenagers making that kind of commitment. It's crazy. I don't care if they are 'mature' for their age (which in my opinion they were not). Plus, getting married doesn't change the fact that Dori still has to go to college and Reid still has a career plus a child to contend with. I know, I know, Tammara is a HEA kind of author, but I would have preferred if the story had jumped in time. Maybe Reid and Dori break up only to reconnect 5 years later or something.
September 19, 2013
This needs to either be about Dori and Reid, including Dori finding out about Reid's secret--which for some reason HE NEVER TOLD HER, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS TOTALLY PERTINENT TO THEIR BIG CONVERSATION AT THE END OF THE BOOK--or about Brooke being less of a bitch.
March 9, 2016
4 stars!
This is the fourth and final book in the Between the Lines series. It took a different direction than what I was expecting, but I thought it was handled really well and I loved watching it all unfold.
The story picks up about a month after the end of Good For You. Reid and Dori are together and happy, though much to Reid’s disappointment, they are still keeping their relationship a secret. Dori is scared of the media circus that is Reid’s public life, and isn’t ready to face her parents who have made it clear that they disapprove of her pursuing anything with the notorious actor. But the time has finally come, and it means big changes for them, as their relationship ‘outing’ comes at the same time as Dori prepares to move to San Francisco for College. Their relationship will be put to the test as they do the long distance thing, and it’s all complicated further when Reid’s life takes a very interesting turn.
And this is where Brooke steps up to take a major role. Five years ago, Reid was with Brooke. Brooke’s presence in the series so far has been as the bitchy nemesis to pretty much everybody else, but in this book we get to see a different side of her as she is driven to make up for the mistakes of her past, and Reid gets dragged into the unfolding drama. I really liked enjoyed this storyline, and surprisingly, I was really impressed with Brooke. She’s definitely not been a favourite character but I loved the way she really turned herself around, standing strong and doing what she thought was right, not matter how much everybody doubted her. She followed her heart, and watching her embrace the changes that came with that was fantastic.
It was actually Dori who ticked me off in this book. Still struggling with her grief and her loss of faith after all she has been through, the way she dealt with everything that happened in the story was SO not cool. I get that she was having trouble dealing with it all but she came off as being whiny and annoying, and I just wanted to smack her.
But on the plus side, her stupid behaviour allowed Reid to shine and OMG, the boy completely blew me away! He has already changed so much from the selfish, thoughtless playboy he was at the beginning of the series, and events in this book force him to grow up even more. I felt so proud of him for stepping up and accepting responsibility for his actions, and loved watching him realising his priorities and getting them sorted, and growing into a mature and considerate man – while still maintaining his sarcastic snark, dirty mind and all-round hotness - who stole my heart. And, of course, as a man very much in love for the first time in his life and determined to make his relationship work, he is beautifully swoony.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a great end to a series that is sweet, romantic and full of surprises, and that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a well-done blend of YA/NA with fantastically fleshed-out characters who develop hugely throughout the series, and I have really enjoyed their journeys. And that ending left me very satisfied with tear-glazed eyes and a massive grin on my face.
4 stars.
This is the fourth and final book in the Between the Lines series. It took a different direction than what I was expecting, but I thought it was handled really well and I loved watching it all unfold.
The story picks up about a month after the end of Good For You. Reid and Dori are together and happy, though much to Reid’s disappointment, they are still keeping their relationship a secret. Dori is scared of the media circus that is Reid’s public life, and isn’t ready to face her parents who have made it clear that they disapprove of her pursuing anything with the notorious actor. But the time has finally come, and it means big changes for them, as their relationship ‘outing’ comes at the same time as Dori prepares to move to San Francisco for College. Their relationship will be put to the test as they do the long distance thing, and it’s all complicated further when Reid’s life takes a very interesting turn.
“Everything isn't fixable, and miracles are only happy twists of fate. Fate can so easily twist in the opposite direction.”
And this is where Brooke steps up to take a major role. Five years ago, Reid was with Brooke. Brooke’s presence in the series so far has been as the bitchy nemesis to pretty much everybody else, but in this book we get to see a different side of her as she is driven to make up for the mistakes of her past, and Reid gets dragged into the unfolding drama. I really liked enjoyed this storyline, and surprisingly, I was really impressed with Brooke. She’s definitely not been a favourite character but I loved the way she really turned herself around, standing strong and doing what she thought was right, not matter how much everybody doubted her. She followed her heart, and watching her embrace the changes that came with that was fantastic.
It was actually Dori who ticked me off in this book. Still struggling with her grief and her loss of faith after all she has been through, the way she dealt with everything that happened in the story was SO not cool. I get that she was having trouble dealing with it all but she came off as being whiny and annoying, and I just wanted to smack her.
But on the plus side, her stupid behaviour allowed Reid to shine and OMG, the boy completely blew me away! He has already changed so much from the selfish, thoughtless playboy he was at the beginning of the series, and events in this book force him to grow up even more. I felt so proud of him for stepping up and accepting responsibility for his actions, and loved watching him realising his priorities and getting them sorted, and growing into a mature and considerate man – while still maintaining his sarcastic snark, dirty mind and all-round hotness - who stole my heart. And, of course, as a man very much in love for the first time in his life and determined to make his relationship work, he is beautifully swoony.
“That’s what faith is, right?’ he says. “Believing in what can’t be known? Fall into my arms, Dori. I’ll catch you, every time, and I won’t let go.”
“I'm just Reid, and you're just Dori, and we're going to love each other for the rest of our lives.”
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a great end to a series that is sweet, romantic and full of surprises, and that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a well-done blend of YA/NA with fantastically fleshed-out characters who develop hugely throughout the series, and I have really enjoyed their journeys. And that ending left me very satisfied with tear-glazed eyes and a massive grin on my face.
4 stars.
August 12, 2013
It pains me to give this book such a low rating because I truly enjoy Ms. Webber's writing but this book severely disappoints. While Brooke and Reid's character development was engaging and even moving at times and River's pov made this mom tear up, I couldn't get past how lame Dori turned out to be (OMG she is such a dud), what a bitch her mom was and how anti-climactic her and Reid's relationship was.
Didn't buy their love for one second. Sex is not love. The two never really talked in this book and even when they had the chance, when the big "I have a son" reveal played out, there was nothing, nothing! I was actually giving my Kindle dirty looks because that scene could have been so much but literally turned out to be nothing.
Reid and Brooke's text messages were more informative than all of Dori and Reid's conversations put together. And when they did finally "talk" they didn't! They just ended up in bed. Big surprise. Oh Bleh. It was almost like Ms. Webber was too drained to put in the effort. She had all this build-up about the media "frenzy" that would be unleashed when photos of Reid and her with River surfaced but that plot line also went nowhere.
I would have enjoyed this book so much more if it just focused on Reid and Brooke getting River back and making him feel safe.
Didn't buy their love for one second. Sex is not love. The two never really talked in this book and even when they had the chance, when the big "I have a son" reveal played out, there was nothing, nothing! I was actually giving my Kindle dirty looks because that scene could have been so much but literally turned out to be nothing.
Reid and Brooke's text messages were more informative than all of Dori and Reid's conversations put together. And when they did finally "talk" they didn't! They just ended up in bed. Big surprise. Oh Bleh. It was almost like Ms. Webber was too drained to put in the effort. She had all this build-up about the media "frenzy" that would be unleashed when photos of Reid and her with River surfaced but that plot line also went nowhere.
I would have enjoyed this book so much more if it just focused on Reid and Brooke getting River back and making him feel safe.
August 16, 2013
AWWWWWW! THAT ENDING IS TOO SWEET!
This book provided the closure that I failed to get in the 3rd book. And heck it was just so good that it even made me not hate Brooke anymore! Kudos to Tammara Webber for giving a good ending to one of my favorite series ever. :)
----
THE COVER SAYS IT ALL!!!
Just look at it! It clearly shouts "I'm about Reid, Dori, Brooke and...little Reid, ya'll!"
I'm soooooooooo excited!
This book provided the closure that I failed to get in the 3rd book. And heck it was just so good that it even made me not hate Brooke anymore! Kudos to Tammara Webber for giving a good ending to one of my favorite series ever. :)
----
THE COVER SAYS IT ALL!!!
Just look at it! It clearly shouts "I'm about Reid, Dori, Brooke and...little Reid, ya'll!"
I'm soooooooooo excited!
October 12, 2019
Not many people know about this series, which I think is a shame. Personally for me I preferred the last two books in the series, which focus more on Reid Alexander and Dori, rather than Emma and Graham. And after re-reading them I’m reminded of just how amazing and inspiring they are. The first time I’d read Good For You and Here Without You, they affected me deep in my chest. I never truly let go of those characters because I loved them so much and their story was such a fantastic journey to experience. And it’s the exact same way second time around. These are two books I'm going to re-read over and over again, they’re so impacting.
This book, actually the entire series, focuses on the aftermath of becoming a celebrity at a young age and how all too often it steals the youth of those who find fame early on in life. It deals with regrets, coming of age, trying to right the wrongs of the past.
After falling in love with Reid and Dori’s relationship in Good For You, I couldn’t wait to see their love blossom in this book. However, after suffering devastating losses in her life, Dori finds herself lost. She doesn’t know who to believe in and has no faith in herself. It was really tough to see her go through such turmoil and not allow Reid to help her, even though he never gave up on her. while I wanted to shake Dori sometimes, I believe that Webber wrote her character arc in a realistic way – no one bounces back from a loss of faith easily, especially someone who’s used to keeping everything bottled up inside. And I felt so close to her character and journey, that at the end I was like a proud mama bear.
“I stare into his eyes, a slight smile pulling at my mouth, and I see myself as he sees me. I feel loved, and scared, and hopeful. I feel found. And I think, Here is the beginning of my faith. Here is my forever. Right here. Right here.”
Reid goes through some drastic changes over the course of the two books, with a development that shocked me the first time round. You can’t help but love Reid and admire how much he’s grown, while still being the cocky actor we know him as.
“I have only one truth to stand on. “I. Love. Her.”
Webber also took an interesting route in the story, one I don’t think anybody would expect, but it totally worked and I was dying for our characters to succeed in their mission.
She wrote the book that needed to be written, kept the focus on the relationships that had already formed, the story at hand, and locked the series up tight.
The epilogue was perfect, allowing the reader to imagine a bright and happy future for all the characters we’ve grown to love in this series.
If you love contemporary books with fantastic character growth, unique story twists, and endearing characters, I would definitely recommend giving this series a shot. It gives you a warm feeling in your tummy and reminds you that there are good people in this world, and that love, all kinds of love, is possible.
“That’s what faith is, right?’ he says. ‘Believing in what can’t be known? Fall into my arms, Dori. I’ll catch you, every time, and I won’t let go.”
This book, actually the entire series, focuses on the aftermath of becoming a celebrity at a young age and how all too often it steals the youth of those who find fame early on in life. It deals with regrets, coming of age, trying to right the wrongs of the past.
After falling in love with Reid and Dori’s relationship in Good For You, I couldn’t wait to see their love blossom in this book. However, after suffering devastating losses in her life, Dori finds herself lost. She doesn’t know who to believe in and has no faith in herself. It was really tough to see her go through such turmoil and not allow Reid to help her, even though he never gave up on her. while I wanted to shake Dori sometimes, I believe that Webber wrote her character arc in a realistic way – no one bounces back from a loss of faith easily, especially someone who’s used to keeping everything bottled up inside. And I felt so close to her character and journey, that at the end I was like a proud mama bear.
“I stare into his eyes, a slight smile pulling at my mouth, and I see myself as he sees me. I feel loved, and scared, and hopeful. I feel found. And I think, Here is the beginning of my faith. Here is my forever. Right here. Right here.”
Reid goes through some drastic changes over the course of the two books, with a development that shocked me the first time round. You can’t help but love Reid and admire how much he’s grown, while still being the cocky actor we know him as.
“I have only one truth to stand on. “I. Love. Her.”
Webber also took an interesting route in the story, one I don’t think anybody would expect, but it totally worked and I was dying for our characters to succeed in their mission.
She wrote the book that needed to be written, kept the focus on the relationships that had already formed, the story at hand, and locked the series up tight.
The epilogue was perfect, allowing the reader to imagine a bright and happy future for all the characters we’ve grown to love in this series.
If you love contemporary books with fantastic character growth, unique story twists, and endearing characters, I would definitely recommend giving this series a shot. It gives you a warm feeling in your tummy and reminds you that there are good people in this world, and that love, all kinds of love, is possible.
“That’s what faith is, right?’ he says. ‘Believing in what can’t be known? Fall into my arms, Dori. I’ll catch you, every time, and I won’t let go.”
August 13, 2013
I'm still scratching my head, wondering why this book exists.
Wait, wait let me explain. I'm a fan of Ms. Webber's, I truly am. After reading Easy, I snapped up every book she has written. I like the way she builds tension between romantic leads and the way she artfully captures the dynamics of family and the tight bond therein (in some cases). Now that my appreciation of her work is understood, I'll get back to my point.
I understand that in some book series, some of the books are simply not as entertaining because they exist to drive the plot. This book ain't it. I would've been a happy, happy person to end with book 3. Yes, there were some loose ends at the end of that book, but I could easily chalk it up to "that's life" and move on. Since I'm on the topic of disclosure, might I add that book 2 wasn't my favorite, either? Yeah I know, driving the plot. Moving on.
In summation, I didn't hate the book. There were parts that I really enjoyed but I would've been cool with the story ending at book 3.
Wait, wait let me explain. I'm a fan of Ms. Webber's, I truly am. After reading Easy, I snapped up every book she has written. I like the way she builds tension between romantic leads and the way she artfully captures the dynamics of family and the tight bond therein (in some cases). Now that my appreciation of her work is understood, I'll get back to my point.
I understand that in some book series, some of the books are simply not as entertaining because they exist to drive the plot. This book ain't it. I would've been a happy, happy person to end with book 3. Yes, there were some loose ends at the end of that book, but I could easily chalk it up to "that's life" and move on. Since I'm on the topic of disclosure, might I add that book 2 wasn't my favorite, either? Yeah I know, driving the plot. Moving on.
In summation, I didn't hate the book. There were parts that I really enjoyed but I would've been cool with the story ending at book 3.
June 15, 2016
Not only did Brooke redeemed herself in the book, Reid went above and beyond my expectations. Reid stepped up to the plate and took on responsibilities for his actions years ago. And he did it with at mature attitude. I love this series! I'm only sad that I waited this long to read it.
Read
August 18, 2013He-he-he *insert evil smirk*
Confession Time: I kind of cheated on reading this one. I've only read until the fourth chapter and save myself from further complication and jumped into the last chapter and its epilogue. Cheating right?
Well, I have my reason/s. Firstly, the blurb already screamed complication with Dori, Reid and Brooke (and her child with Reid) and I guess I just wanted to save myself from further complication coz I know by the end the people whom I know will be together will eventually be together. Another thing, I don't like the disconnectedness I felt with Reid and Dori as I started reading it – as much as I love reading their story on the third book I don’t know why I feel so disconnected with them here, maybe because they’ve outgrown me or something. I don’t really know.
The first few chapters unfortunately didn’t hook me and I feel so repulsive especially reading that Brooke was on the greater picture of the story – I don’t really mean to easily judge her here since I didn’t really know the whole picture of the story but can you blame me for not liking her? And I really don't have anything against her child with Reid.
The story started on a heavy complicated side for me and I guess I can't seem to get the wits to read all thru it and put myself thru all the complications, self-doubts and miscommunications that I know will come on their ways.
But, regardless of me not reading everything in between of this book. I like the ending. I think it was suitable for the main struggle of the story. I was just left wondering... I guess I have to read it all in order to find out right?! Plus, seeing Reid as a father was so cute!!
Well, I have no rating for this one since I haven’t read it all. But I do appreciate the happy endings for the characters of this story. It was quite an adventure!
Confession Time: I kind of cheated on reading this one. I've only read until the fourth chapter and save myself from further complication and jumped into the last chapter and its epilogue. Cheating right?
Well, I have my reason/s. Firstly, the blurb already screamed complication with Dori, Reid and Brooke (and her child with Reid) and I guess I just wanted to save myself from further complication coz I know by the end the people whom I know will be together will eventually be together. Another thing, I don't like the disconnectedness I felt with Reid and Dori as I started reading it – as much as I love reading their story on the third book I don’t know why I feel so disconnected with them here, maybe because they’ve outgrown me or something. I don’t really know.
The first few chapters unfortunately didn’t hook me and I feel so repulsive especially reading that Brooke was on the greater picture of the story – I don’t really mean to easily judge her here since I didn’t really know the whole picture of the story but can you blame me for not liking her? And I really don't have anything against her child with Reid.
The story started on a heavy complicated side for me and I guess I can't seem to get the wits to read all thru it and put myself thru all the complications, self-doubts and miscommunications that I know will come on their ways.
But, regardless of me not reading everything in between of this book. I like the ending. I think it was suitable for the main struggle of the story. I was just left wondering... I guess I have to read it all in order to find out right?! Plus, seeing Reid as a father was so cute!!
Well, I have no rating for this one since I haven’t read it all. But I do appreciate the happy endings for the characters of this story. It was quite an adventure!
January 22, 2014
2.5 Stars
What's this book about, exactly? There's a lot of things in this book that I was unimpressed at. Firstly. Brooke. I do not want to read about Brooke. She gets a steady viewpoint throughout this which I faithfully skimmed over in disinterest. I've never liked Brooke, and I'm not going to start now. I don't care if she's redeemable, I don't care about her.
But towards the end, I really was more interested in her and Reid's kid than any of the other characters. Dori's problems took the backseat, which I thought was a little weird. In fact it, kind of bugged the hell out of me. Putting Brooke in there just made the book sit funny.
Reid holds onto his secret for ages in this book. He's actually still a pretty big dick. But his dirty talk had me smiling.
Dori's parents remain harsh, judgmental hypocrites.
Dori is still faithless as ever. She doesn't believe in miracles. Doesn't believe that she and Reid will last and so she refuses to say the three little words to him even though she knows she loves him.
Sexual Content: Very vague but you know what's happening
What's this book about, exactly? There's a lot of things in this book that I was unimpressed at. Firstly. Brooke. I do not want to read about Brooke. She gets a steady viewpoint throughout this which I faithfully skimmed over in disinterest. I've never liked Brooke, and I'm not going to start now. I don't care if she's redeemable, I don't care about her.
But towards the end, I really was more interested in her and Reid's kid than any of the other characters. Dori's problems took the backseat, which I thought was a little weird. In fact it, kind of bugged the hell out of me. Putting Brooke in there just made the book sit funny.
Reid holds onto his secret for ages in this book. He's actually still a pretty big dick. But his dirty talk had me smiling.
Dori's parents remain harsh, judgmental hypocrites.
Dori is still faithless as ever. She doesn't believe in miracles. Doesn't believe that she and Reid will last and so she refuses to say the three little words to him even though she knows she loves him.
Sexual Content: Very vague but you know what's happening
August 8, 2013
First review I've written on goodreads must mean something, right? I straight up LOVED this book. I liked Between the Lines and Where You Are well enough, but Reid and Dori's story was so much more and I loved the way it played out in Good For You and finally Here Without You. It was so well written and had me biting my nails to get to the end. I HAD to know how it ended. I did expect for it to be more of Brooke's story but I was not disappointed that is was less about Brooke but more about Brooke, Reid and Dori together. Great series finale!
Want to read
January 11, 2013OMG OMG OMG!!! I can not wait! I am super excited to find out who this book is about!
no-way-jose
October 30, 2018Now I am really throwing a pity party to myself. I was complaining and whining in another note for the complete series how regretful I am I bought the 3 first books in these series for $12. Now I am about to pull my hair out in agony after reading this review for the 4th book. Why didn't I know about GR and its review with spoilers? I want my $12 back....
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 7, 2013
Words are not enough to descibe how much I loved Here Without You! It's a beautiful conclusion to the Between the Lines series!
The book continues where the third book, Good For You left off. We get to meet Reid, Dori, Brooke again and also the other characters show up. :)
If you haven't met them yet, let me introduce you to the characters:
Reid Alexander, Hollywood's newest golden boy. He enjoys his celebrity status, partying, drinking and girls...well, up until he meets Dori. (Hint, hint: you must read Good For You if you're curious how their love started!)
Dori Cantrel, humanitarian with strict parents, who shows Reid every day there is more to him than what he let's the world see. Dori has secrets of her own, and on top of that she starts to loose faith after her sister's accident.
Brooke Cameron,... you remember Brooke, right? Remember that manipulative
And guess what! I even liked her in this book! Shocking I know! :) It felt like the characters matured a lot, instead of partying they're facing real problems and they were definitely more likeable!
Needless to say, the book was perfect! At first I thought it will be hard for me to remember all the previous books and characters, but I was wrong! You simply can't forget such beautifully written stories! I was back into it right from line one!
What Tammara Webber did with this book is AMAZING! The story is interesting, there is always something happening and you never get bored! I read the book in one sitting! You just can't put it down! There is a perfect balance between the dialogues and narration! The book is told from 4 POV's: Raid, Dori, Brooke, and a secret character's POV I won't reveal. :D You have to read the book if you want to know!
I'll be honest with you. Reading the last chapters I thought the ending won't be satisfying. I simply wanted to read about these characters forever! I was so scared (yes, scared!) to finish it, I read the same paragraph like ten times! :)
Again, I was wrong! About the ending, I mean! Like the whole book, it was PERFECT!!! It was an excellent closing for the series!
The epilogue? It made me weeping! I cried my eyes out! Saying goodbye to these characters was one of the most difficult things ever!
Favorite quote:
“I used to think of two people in love like that. Like puzzle pieces, fitting together. But it's not like that at all. Love pulls a part of you out, and it pulls a part of him - like taffy, stretching but not separating. The tendrils of each one wrap around the other, until they meld together. One, but not quite. Separate, but not quite.”
Huge thank you for the author for writing such a wonderful book/series!!!
If you haven't started this series yet, here is your chance! Make sure to pick them up asap!
This book deserves all the stars out there!!!
I know the rating here doesn't allow it, but can I give it 6 stars?!?!
September 14, 2013
I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't my favorite in the series. And I think it was honestly because I wasn't a huge fan of Dori. I thought she was kind of boring, and I just couldn't get behind what Reid felt for her. I didn't enjoy her narratives at all. And I don't remember disliking her as much in "Good For You", so I'm not sure what happened. I'm probably way in the minority when I say that I kept hoping Brooke and Reid would end up together. I know, it was never going to happen, but I thought Brooke's growth was incredible.
I did love the story with River and how he brought Reid and Brooke together as friends. That part of the story was so nicely played out, and the all-around HEA was sweet. I think if the book focused completely on this storyline, I would have liked it more, but that's just my opinion.
This book didn't have nearly the drama, angst and heat that most New Adult books have or even close to what the other books in this series had. I think it felt a little flat to me overall.
Reid Alexander is still one of my all-time favorite male leads, even if he is selfish and self-absorbed. He completely owns it, and that's what counts.
I did love the story with River and how he brought Reid and Brooke together as friends. That part of the story was so nicely played out, and the all-around HEA was sweet. I think if the book focused completely on this storyline, I would have liked it more, but that's just my opinion.
This book didn't have nearly the drama, angst and heat that most New Adult books have or even close to what the other books in this series had. I think it felt a little flat to me overall.
Reid Alexander is still one of my all-time favorite male leads, even if he is selfish and self-absorbed. He completely owns it, and that's what counts.
August 7, 2013
I hate seeing the end of this series. I really did love them. I feel like it could still move forward..there's still a lot to find out especially with Reid and Dori, River, Reid, and Brooke..and Brooke needs to find someone!! I hope Tammara hasn't totally made up her mind that this is the final one because the stories and great and love her characters. :) This one did not disappoint and fell right in line with the other books. I plowed through it dying to know how everything was going to be resolved.
August 13, 2013
Brooke, Reid and River
Dori.......
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I really liked Dori in the last book......now I and disappointed and annoyed with her.
Dori.......
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I really liked Dori in the last book......now I and disappointed and annoyed with her.
March 10, 2015
What a great ending to the series!! Review to come :)
Can we just take a minute to fangirl over this cover?
Can we just take a minute to fangirl over this cover?
August 22, 2013
I usually wait a couple of days before I rate books, but fuck that. ALL TIME FAVOURITE, I AM BROKEN SEND IMMEDIATE HELP
September 23, 2019
Wished we had more of Graham and Emma although the epilogue with Cara and River was adorable. Do we smell first love in the air?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2013
Let's get this part over with: THERE IS A CHARACTER WITH MY NAME! Color me excited. Not as excited as I would be if my name was Dorcas (which is a perfectly lovely Biblical name that also happens to be the name of the bride played by Julie Newmar in the movie musical version of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers", but I digress), but this is still a nice moment for one of the girls whose name is not typically available at the mall keychain kiosk.
Okay, now that that's done, one more thing: I'm Team Reid. I've been Team Reid since the first book. I'm Team Reid at the end of this book. Haters, I direct you to the left.
Even with all that considerable excitement going for it, this book feels like an unnecessary extension of the series. (I know. I cringe to even say it.) Or, perhaps it is important, but more for Brooke than anyone else; the story suffers a bit from pulling Reid and Dori into the muddle.
After making a run of poor choices, Brooke left with no one to turn to, and decides that the fix will be to find out what happened to the child she gave up for adoption. What she learns inspires her to make a drastic decision that will not impact not only her own life, but also Reid's.
This book reminded me a bit of how I felt about Where You Are, I wasn't sure where to set up camp in this story. Too many narrators, and not all of them equally compelling. Brooke does a fair job of examining what's driving her actions in this story, but I think I wanted something more? Different? I could be colored by the number of anti-adoption and pro-adoption reform birthmother blogs I've read, I can admit that. Brooke says the things you expect her to say about her feelings, and you can see that Webber draws her well. I don't know what didn't work for me on that front.
This should have been more of Brooke's book than anyone else's, and the spotlight shifts to Reid and Dori too often. I needed less from Reid here, and a lot less from Dori, given where the story ends up. Another reviewer points out that there's a lot of narrative build-up about what will happen to all of them when the story of Brooke and Reid's child hits the news, but this thread never goes anywhere. We see the characters brace for impact, but not the aftermath. I agree wholeheartedly with that criticism.
A small nitpick here that probably only bothers me: I kept trying to do the math on the timeline of events from Between the Lines to Here Without You, and it hurts my head. In BTL, isn't Brooke's bender on the child's fourth birthday? So that means:
BTL: the movie is shot, plus post-production and the lead up to the publicity tour (spring/summer? at the end, there's that gap between the first three-quarters of the story and the tail end of it when they come back together to do the publicity shoot, and somewhere in the gap Emma goes to a dance with the loser at home)
WYA: Publicity tour concurrent with Emma's application to college in NYC and the beginnings of her romance with Graham (spring/summer? since Emma is commits to relocating to NYC for school at the end of the book)
GFY: Reid's drunk driving, community service, seduction, break-up and make-up with Dori, plus shooting the new action movie (summer, fall-ish? since Dori bails on the fall semester after Deb's accident)
WYA: Brooke's drastic decision (which takes several months), School Pride is up for an MTV movie award (spring-ish since it crosses Dori's spring break and the MTV movie awards are around May)
And at the end of all that, Brooke and Reid's son is still four. Maybe he just made five due to a small time jump at the end of WYA. That's a remarkably busy year, to say the very least.
Yeah, it's a small thing, and I'm unhinged for letting it bother me. Mostly, I enjoyed the book, and if you liked the rest of the series, I absolutely recommend it. You won't regret spending additional time with any of these characters.
Okay, now that that's done, one more thing: I'm Team Reid. I've been Team Reid since the first book. I'm Team Reid at the end of this book. Haters, I direct you to the left.
Even with all that considerable excitement going for it, this book feels like an unnecessary extension of the series. (I know. I cringe to even say it.) Or, perhaps it is important, but more for Brooke than anyone else; the story suffers a bit from pulling Reid and Dori into the muddle.
After making a run of poor choices, Brooke left with no one to turn to, and decides that the fix will be to find out what happened to the child she gave up for adoption. What she learns inspires her to make a drastic decision that will not impact not only her own life, but also Reid's.
This book reminded me a bit of how I felt about Where You Are, I wasn't sure where to set up camp in this story. Too many narrators, and not all of them equally compelling. Brooke does a fair job of examining what's driving her actions in this story, but I think I wanted something more? Different? I could be colored by the number of anti-adoption and pro-adoption reform birthmother blogs I've read, I can admit that. Brooke says the things you expect her to say about her feelings, and you can see that Webber draws her well. I don't know what didn't work for me on that front.
This should have been more of Brooke's book than anyone else's, and the spotlight shifts to Reid and Dori too often. I needed less from Reid here, and a lot less from Dori, given where the story ends up. Another reviewer points out that there's a lot of narrative build-up about what will happen to all of them when the story of Brooke and Reid's child hits the news, but this thread never goes anywhere. We see the characters brace for impact, but not the aftermath. I agree wholeheartedly with that criticism.
A small nitpick here that probably only bothers me: I kept trying to do the math on the timeline of events from Between the Lines to Here Without You, and it hurts my head. In BTL, isn't Brooke's bender on the child's fourth birthday? So that means:
BTL: the movie is shot, plus post-production and the lead up to the publicity tour (spring/summer? at the end, there's that gap between the first three-quarters of the story and the tail end of it when they come back together to do the publicity shoot, and somewhere in the gap Emma goes to a dance with the loser at home)
WYA: Publicity tour concurrent with Emma's application to college in NYC and the beginnings of her romance with Graham (spring/summer? since Emma is commits to relocating to NYC for school at the end of the book)
GFY: Reid's drunk driving, community service, seduction, break-up and make-up with Dori, plus shooting the new action movie (summer, fall-ish? since Dori bails on the fall semester after Deb's accident)
WYA: Brooke's drastic decision (which takes several months), School Pride is up for an MTV movie award (spring-ish since it crosses Dori's spring break and the MTV movie awards are around May)
And at the end of all that, Brooke and Reid's son is still four. Maybe he just made five due to a small time jump at the end of WYA. That's a remarkably busy year, to say the very least.
Yeah, it's a small thing, and I'm unhinged for letting it bother me. Mostly, I enjoyed the book, and if you liked the rest of the series, I absolutely recommend it. You won't regret spending additional time with any of these characters.
August 25, 2013
I feel bad to give this book a 3 stars because I LOVED the other books in this series and Easy.
Tammara Webber is one of my favorite author, but this book just didn't do it for me.
This is supposed to be the conclusion to this series, but I think I would've preferred if it had ended with the previous book. There are just to many "Adult" situation in this book. They are only 19. I know that Hollywood makes you "older", but I'm not convinced about how much older these characters act and think. It almost felt like they were in their late 20's or early 30's at times. Marriage? Kids? Hanging out with another couple with a kid... at 19? It's just a bit too much for me.
It may also have to do with the fact that I find Dori extremely boring as a character. Also that after two books about their love story. I still don't believe in Dori and Reid as a couple. I don't feel it. I even found myself rooting for Brooke at some points, because even though I truly hated her in the previous books. I think that she was the better match for Reid in the end. They've both grown over the years and managed to become friends again. It would've been so great. True love broken because they were kids in an adult world. Growing up too fast, but still thinking like kids when it comes to life. Reunited after years of making bad decisions. Reunited once they realized that they are now more mature and have learned from the choices they've made.
I did have some hope during the book that we would eventually see that Reid and Dori realized that they weren't meant to be together. They would realize that what they had was important, but in the end their moment in each other's life was only to help them grow and learn about themselves. Dori to help her move on from the past and learn to trust again. Reid to help him see that he could be more and that he needed to trust in himself.
If this were real life, I'm almost 100% sure that he would eventually start feeling something for Brooke again because of the child they share and their history. He wouldn't act on it because he wouldn't want to hurt Dori. I also think that Dori would be the one letting him go because she would realize that he should be with Brooke and their son. Plus I really don't see how she would survive Hollywood and the lifestyle. She would probably end up with a college student like her. Someone that wouldn't feel like he's living in a different world than she is.
I'm also wondering how Dori will feel about River considering that she had an abortion at 15 and she finds herself at 19, helping raise a boy that is almost the same age that her baby would've been. Can you imagine living everyday with your boyfriend's kid who's the same age that your's would've been? Knowing that this is what your life would've been like if you had kept the baby. Loving this child and feeling guilty about it because you didn't keep yours. Add this to the fact that Reid and her have nothing in common really. The stress of Hollywood. Different goals for their life... I just don't see how they could make it.
In the end, the story felt unfinished to me, even rushed. I don't think that any part of this book will stay with me like it often happens when I fall in love with a book and it's characters. The only thing that seem to stick in my mind is: "What about Brooke? Where's her happy ending?"
Here are a few reviews that I feel explain how I feel about this book in a better way than I did ;-)
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Tammara Webber is one of my favorite author, but this book just didn't do it for me.
This is supposed to be the conclusion to this series, but I think I would've preferred if it had ended with the previous book. There are just to many "Adult" situation in this book. They are only 19. I know that Hollywood makes you "older", but I'm not convinced about how much older these characters act and think. It almost felt like they were in their late 20's or early 30's at times. Marriage? Kids? Hanging out with another couple with a kid... at 19? It's just a bit too much for me.
It may also have to do with the fact that I find Dori extremely boring as a character. Also that after two books about their love story. I still don't believe in Dori and Reid as a couple. I don't feel it. I even found myself rooting for Brooke at some points, because even though I truly hated her in the previous books. I think that she was the better match for Reid in the end. They've both grown over the years and managed to become friends again. It would've been so great. True love broken because they were kids in an adult world. Growing up too fast, but still thinking like kids when it comes to life. Reunited after years of making bad decisions. Reunited once they realized that they are now more mature and have learned from the choices they've made.
I did have some hope during the book that we would eventually see that Reid and Dori realized that they weren't meant to be together. They would realize that what they had was important, but in the end their moment in each other's life was only to help them grow and learn about themselves. Dori to help her move on from the past and learn to trust again. Reid to help him see that he could be more and that he needed to trust in himself.
If this were real life, I'm almost 100% sure that he would eventually start feeling something for Brooke again because of the child they share and their history. He wouldn't act on it because he wouldn't want to hurt Dori. I also think that Dori would be the one letting him go because she would realize that he should be with Brooke and their son. Plus I really don't see how she would survive Hollywood and the lifestyle. She would probably end up with a college student like her. Someone that wouldn't feel like he's living in a different world than she is.
I'm also wondering how Dori will feel about River considering that she had an abortion at 15 and she finds herself at 19, helping raise a boy that is almost the same age that her baby would've been. Can you imagine living everyday with your boyfriend's kid who's the same age that your's would've been? Knowing that this is what your life would've been like if you had kept the baby. Loving this child and feeling guilty about it because you didn't keep yours. Add this to the fact that Reid and her have nothing in common really. The stress of Hollywood. Different goals for their life... I just don't see how they could make it.
In the end, the story felt unfinished to me, even rushed. I don't think that any part of this book will stay with me like it often happens when I fall in love with a book and it's characters. The only thing that seem to stick in my mind is: "What about Brooke? Where's her happy ending?"
Here are a few reviews that I feel explain how I feel about this book in a better way than I did ;-)
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2013
It's funny to look back at my reviews of the other books in the series now that it's over. I had just started blogging when I discovered this series and it quickly became a favorite. My reviews of the first three books, however, did not do them justice and my review for this book, probably won't either. But, I'll do my best. The most important thing to note is that this was a perfect ending for a wonderful series!
In all honesty, I was terrified to read this book. I was so happy with the ending of Good For You and just couldn't imagine anything happening to Reid and Dori. But, there were issues that were unresolved and it did ultimately affect the future of their relationship. One thing is certain though, I'm finally, unequivocally, a Reid Alexander fan now. I didn't really like him all that much in the first two books in the series. He was selfish, arrogant, and spoiled. Reid has come a long way since then. He grew on me in Good For You. He needed to have something or someone really slap him in the face with reality. And Dori was just the person to help him do that. Well, I'm happy to say that his growth continued on in this book. Reid is now a mature, responsible, and self-less adult. I was really proud of the person he's become.
I can't talk about Reid without talking about Dori. I just simply love her. She's so perfect for Reid. She doesn't see him as the famous movie star. She sees him. Of course, their relationship comes with many challenges; she's heading off to college, he has a busy work schedule, she's trying to learn how to handle living in the spotlight, then...there's the secret. Was it wrong that Reid wasn't open about it right away? Yes. And I really do think that Dori's reaction was appropriate, even if it did make me a bit mad. But, I also understood why Reid handled it the way he did. There were moments I really thought the towel was going to be thrown, but as I said before, Reid has grown and Dori has been a catalyst to these changes. He won't live without her. I was so happy that he didn't give up on fighting for their realtionship.
Ok. Brooke. I hate to say this, but I still don't like her. However, I did sympathize with her in this book. And like Reid, I think she's matured significantly. Her life isn't just about her anymore. I appreciated Brooke's drive to make things right. Not only with her own situation, but with trying to resolve her friendship with Graham.
Speaking of Graham...He remains my very favorite character in this series. Fortunately for me, he does appear a few times throughout the book. I can't tell you how happy that made me. But, the stand-out for me was River. Oh...my...word. River broke my heart. I never expected the story to go the way it did. I "knew" about him, but that was it. I was so happy to read River's POV. Looking at his old life and his new life from his perspective was very emotional. I can't imagine reading this book without it. Or him.
Overall, I loved it. I'm so sad that the series has ended, but I really feel like everyone is where they're supposed to be. The ups and downs...the love and loss...the deceptions and truths-this series has had it all. It will forever remain a favorite series of mine. If you haven't read it, you're truly missing out. Go grab it now!
Quotes:
~"I'm such a coward-I'm terrified that if I meet River, he'll become important to me. And when everything ends with Reid, I'll lose him too."-Loc 2991
~"I'm asking you to have faith in one thing, for now: the fact that when we're alone, I'm just Reid, and you're just Dori, and we're going to love each other for the rest of our lives."-Loc 3140
~I've always said I would never need a man, and no boy would ever save me.
I was wrong.-Loc 3198
In all honesty, I was terrified to read this book. I was so happy with the ending of Good For You and just couldn't imagine anything happening to Reid and Dori. But, there were issues that were unresolved and it did ultimately affect the future of their relationship. One thing is certain though, I'm finally, unequivocally, a Reid Alexander fan now. I didn't really like him all that much in the first two books in the series. He was selfish, arrogant, and spoiled. Reid has come a long way since then. He grew on me in Good For You. He needed to have something or someone really slap him in the face with reality. And Dori was just the person to help him do that. Well, I'm happy to say that his growth continued on in this book. Reid is now a mature, responsible, and self-less adult. I was really proud of the person he's become.
I can't talk about Reid without talking about Dori. I just simply love her. She's so perfect for Reid. She doesn't see him as the famous movie star. She sees him. Of course, their relationship comes with many challenges; she's heading off to college, he has a busy work schedule, she's trying to learn how to handle living in the spotlight, then...there's the secret. Was it wrong that Reid wasn't open about it right away? Yes. And I really do think that Dori's reaction was appropriate, even if it did make me a bit mad. But, I also understood why Reid handled it the way he did. There were moments I really thought the towel was going to be thrown, but as I said before, Reid has grown and Dori has been a catalyst to these changes. He won't live without her. I was so happy that he didn't give up on fighting for their realtionship.
Ok. Brooke. I hate to say this, but I still don't like her. However, I did sympathize with her in this book. And like Reid, I think she's matured significantly. Her life isn't just about her anymore. I appreciated Brooke's drive to make things right. Not only with her own situation, but with trying to resolve her friendship with Graham.
Speaking of Graham...He remains my very favorite character in this series. Fortunately for me, he does appear a few times throughout the book. I can't tell you how happy that made me. But, the stand-out for me was River. Oh...my...word. River broke my heart. I never expected the story to go the way it did. I "knew" about him, but that was it. I was so happy to read River's POV. Looking at his old life and his new life from his perspective was very emotional. I can't imagine reading this book without it. Or him.
Overall, I loved it. I'm so sad that the series has ended, but I really feel like everyone is where they're supposed to be. The ups and downs...the love and loss...the deceptions and truths-this series has had it all. It will forever remain a favorite series of mine. If you haven't read it, you're truly missing out. Go grab it now!
Quotes:
~"I'm such a coward-I'm terrified that if I meet River, he'll become important to me. And when everything ends with Reid, I'll lose him too."-Loc 2991
~"I'm asking you to have faith in one thing, for now: the fact that when we're alone, I'm just Reid, and you're just Dori, and we're going to love each other for the rest of our lives."-Loc 3140
~I've always said I would never need a man, and no boy would ever save me.
I was wrong.-Loc 3198
August 12, 2013
Rating: 4.5 stars.
I didn’t know this was coming out. Didn’t even know it’s being written. Talk about an avid reader, ha? LOL
I wasn’t a huge fan of the first two books, but I will admit that this story keeps getting better with each book. I very much enjoyed book 3 and thought that at the point all the characters involved grew a lot, matured and turned out to be normal individuals and not petulant children. Mostly.
That Here Without You deals with Reid and Brooke’s biological child was a big surprise and I was very curious what Mr. Webber is planning.
After Reid FINALLY got his act together, his selfish, obnoxious personality in order – he also got the girl. Dorcas (Dori) agreed to be his girl. Yay.
Here Without You opens with Reid frustrated that Dori keeps her relationship with him hidden from her parents, which means they can’t go out in public. Of course, by the time she does (fairly at the beginning of the book, don’t worry), other life hurdles fall on Reid, in the form of his biological son, of whom he learned just a few months back.
Brooke, Reid’s ex-girlfriend from 5 years ago has nightmares about the baby she gave up for adoption years before. When she hires a private investigator to check on the child, she learns he is back with child services due to abuse and neglect. This, of course, sets her on a mission – she’s going to get River, her son back.
I loved the progression of the story in this book. I felt like all of the characters involved matured, wised-up, whatever you want to call it, and that alone set a good pace for the plot. Nothing felt rushed, yet nothing lagged.
Reid, whilst more responsible, more tame and a lot more serious now that he has Dori in his life and he really loves her, appreciates her and learns from her, is still a little bratty in the beginning. But that changes when he makes a decision regarding his involvement in Brooke’s endeavors.
Also, Reid… SWOOOOOOON!
Dori, away for college, learns to trust her feelings and Reid’s feelings. She learns that good friends can be found in new people walking into her life and she learns how to stand up to preconceptions and maybe even finds her faith in God again after believing he (she?) deserted her and Deb (her sister if you forgot). Even Dori’s parents changed with the progression of the story and as a result, Dori’s bond with them changed, and possibly grew stronger.
Brooke grows SO MUCH in this book. She makes a weighted, adult and responsible decision about her personal life, her career and what is important to her, based on how she lives her life now and how she grew up. She realizes family can be different than the organic, biological unit that raised her and she follows her heart and conscience.
And what tugged at the strings of my heart the most was River. Some of the chapters are in River’s POV, and a 4 year old’s mind, especially one who doesn’t talk, is mature and yet so innocent and vulnerable. I found it fascinating how Webber was able to get into an abused child’s mind. I thought it was subtle and not presumptuous and it felt very honest.
The book delicately skirts around the foster system’s issues and intertwines it in a love story. The love story of parents with the child and parents with their respective partners. And it is all done very realistically (even if the MCs are Hollywood stars).
The series as a whole is very recommended. While the first couple of books feel like ground breaking for the actual story which starts in Good For You and continues in this Here Without You.
The review is also available on my blog
I didn’t know this was coming out. Didn’t even know it’s being written. Talk about an avid reader, ha? LOL
I wasn’t a huge fan of the first two books, but I will admit that this story keeps getting better with each book. I very much enjoyed book 3 and thought that at the point all the characters involved grew a lot, matured and turned out to be normal individuals and not petulant children. Mostly.
That Here Without You deals with Reid and Brooke’s biological child was a big surprise and I was very curious what Mr. Webber is planning.
After Reid FINALLY got his act together, his selfish, obnoxious personality in order – he also got the girl. Dorcas (Dori) agreed to be his girl. Yay.
Here Without You opens with Reid frustrated that Dori keeps her relationship with him hidden from her parents, which means they can’t go out in public. Of course, by the time she does (fairly at the beginning of the book, don’t worry), other life hurdles fall on Reid, in the form of his biological son, of whom he learned just a few months back.
Brooke, Reid’s ex-girlfriend from 5 years ago has nightmares about the baby she gave up for adoption years before. When she hires a private investigator to check on the child, she learns he is back with child services due to abuse and neglect. This, of course, sets her on a mission – she’s going to get River, her son back.
I loved the progression of the story in this book. I felt like all of the characters involved matured, wised-up, whatever you want to call it, and that alone set a good pace for the plot. Nothing felt rushed, yet nothing lagged.
Reid, whilst more responsible, more tame and a lot more serious now that he has Dori in his life and he really loves her, appreciates her and learns from her, is still a little bratty in the beginning. But that changes when he makes a decision regarding his involvement in Brooke’s endeavors.
Also, Reid… SWOOOOOOON!
Dori, away for college, learns to trust her feelings and Reid’s feelings. She learns that good friends can be found in new people walking into her life and she learns how to stand up to preconceptions and maybe even finds her faith in God again after believing he (she?) deserted her and Deb (her sister if you forgot). Even Dori’s parents changed with the progression of the story and as a result, Dori’s bond with them changed, and possibly grew stronger.
Brooke grows SO MUCH in this book. She makes a weighted, adult and responsible decision about her personal life, her career and what is important to her, based on how she lives her life now and how she grew up. She realizes family can be different than the organic, biological unit that raised her and she follows her heart and conscience.
And what tugged at the strings of my heart the most was River. Some of the chapters are in River’s POV, and a 4 year old’s mind, especially one who doesn’t talk, is mature and yet so innocent and vulnerable. I found it fascinating how Webber was able to get into an abused child’s mind. I thought it was subtle and not presumptuous and it felt very honest.
The book delicately skirts around the foster system’s issues and intertwines it in a love story. The love story of parents with the child and parents with their respective partners. And it is all done very realistically (even if the MCs are Hollywood stars).
The series as a whole is very recommended. While the first couple of books feel like ground breaking for the actual story which starts in Good For You and continues in this Here Without You.
The review is also available on my blog
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