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Young Love #3
Norma Jean
The night Chance Duncan drunkenly kissed me on his couch, I vowed my revenge. I finally had something over his head, something that would bring him to his knees. It only served him right. He bullied me for years and turned me into this messed up person I am now.
Though I didn’t know at the time he wasn’t that mean little boy anymore. He was almost a man and easily stole my breath away. I just wanted to make him fall in love with, then break his heart into a million pieces. Just the way mine was. Instead he put the pieces back together and I started to feel whole again.
Good things never last. He did what I was supposed to do. Broke my already fragile heart all over again. Betrayed and alone I fled my home town and started a new life where I wasn’t in the shadow of what I did.
Now he is back and trying to worm his way into my heart, again. Though he will never know it will always belong to him. He hurt me and I want nothing to do with him. Life has other plans. Doesn’t it always?
He doesn’t know though. Doesn’t know what I’m hiding or who I’m hiding from. I never thought I would see Chance again and I’m afraid that he’ll get hurt getting mixed up in my mess. Though he is right in the middle of it, without even knowing it. I have to find a way for us to get out, before somebody dies.
My name is Norma Jean and this isn’t a fairytale.
Though I didn’t know at the time he wasn’t that mean little boy anymore. He was almost a man and easily stole my breath away. I just wanted to make him fall in love with, then break his heart into a million pieces. Just the way mine was. Instead he put the pieces back together and I started to feel whole again.
Good things never last. He did what I was supposed to do. Broke my already fragile heart all over again. Betrayed and alone I fled my home town and started a new life where I wasn’t in the shadow of what I did.
Now he is back and trying to worm his way into my heart, again. Though he will never know it will always belong to him. He hurt me and I want nothing to do with him. Life has other plans. Doesn’t it always?
He doesn’t know though. Doesn’t know what I’m hiding or who I’m hiding from. I never thought I would see Chance again and I’m afraid that he’ll get hurt getting mixed up in my mess. Though he is right in the middle of it, without even knowing it. I have to find a way for us to get out, before somebody dies.
My name is Norma Jean and this isn’t a fairytale.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2013
48 people are currently reading
1514 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Heath
18 books1,721 followersI live in southern Arkansas with my husband and young daughter. There is also an insane Boston Terrier running around. I've always been a lone wolf and find my friends in books. I started writing at a young age and I haven't stopped since. Most days you can find me either glued to my laptop or my kindle. My first novel, This Beautiful Thing was an Amazon best seller for 11 weeks and a year later I'm still tickled to see people enjoy it. I may not be a huge seller but I have the best fans ever and I thank God everyday for every single one of them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
May 5, 2013
2.5 Stars :(
Me while reading the first chapter.
at 50%
at 70%
After that I skimmed my way to the end.
This book started off good. I liked both Norma and Chance in the beginning and they had good chemistry. I thought the whole book would be about Norma's revenge, second chance romance and a HEA and while it had all these elements it was the in-between shit that bugged me and made it hard to focus on Norma and Chance's story...at about 50% the story took a turn for the worse. :( The whole second half of the book became a completely different story that was so dramatic, unbelievable and rushed. It's too bad. This book had potential.
K, That's all
Me while reading the first chapter.
at 50%
at 70%
After that I skimmed my way to the end.
This book started off good. I liked both Norma and Chance in the beginning and they had good chemistry. I thought the whole book would be about Norma's revenge, second chance romance and a HEA and while it had all these elements it was the in-between shit that bugged me and made it hard to focus on Norma and Chance's story...at about 50% the story took a turn for the worse. :( The whole second half of the book became a completely different story that was so dramatic, unbelievable and rushed. It's too bad. This book had potential.
K, That's all
April 17, 2013
This book has quite a few editing issues but the story was really good and I really loved Norma and Chance. Norma has such a a troubled life but is such a strong character and Chance is so lovely they work really well together. Loads of twists and turns too.
April 30, 2013
A great read, I really enjoyed it!
What started out as revenge turned into love for Norma and Chance, the chemistry between them was undeniable.
This was very well written, not only was it truly captivating but it was constantly evolving from the start to the end and I'm so happy with the way it all played out!
The twists and turns in this story will leave you reeling!
A sweet love story and a must read for all!
What started out as revenge turned into love for Norma and Chance, the chemistry between them was undeniable.
This was very well written, not only was it truly captivating but it was constantly evolving from the start to the end and I'm so happy with the way it all played out!
The twists and turns in this story will leave you reeling!
A sweet love story and a must read for all!
April 9, 2013
*sigh* once in a while a book tears your wounds open. Makes you feel so hard that your lost to the tears streaming down your face and the pain you thought was closed up. Once in a while a book enters a new stratosphere in a bookworm's heart and all you bookies know what I mean. When I sat down to read this I didn't realize the "inbetween the lines" reading I was going to get into. Not everyone finds magic when they read a book and not everyone reads the same book even if we are reading the same story. I don't know what it was about this book but for some reason I felt the authors heart getting poured into it. I felt her tears and her hard work inbetween the pages. I found the magic this author poured into the words. I know every author works hard I'm not taking that away from anyone. I'm just saying for the first time I felt it as I read. Am I making any sense? Probably not! Lol here's what will make sense...I loved this story. Amanda Heath did such a wonderful job giving you a peak into her heart and I'm honored to have been given that opportunity!
Norma Jean, a broken soul with wounds and scars deep within from the torture she has had to endure from a boy who she could've loved. From peers that she could've been loyal to. A girl fighting to be something, anything. A girl with insecurities but made sure they hardened her in a way she could survive the harsh realities of the world. When one night this boy the same boy that has ruined her. The same boy that she gets butterflies in her stomach for, Chance... walks right up to her and in a drunken state bears his greatest weakness. His lust for her. Norma can't believe the opportunity she is given to play the strings of the one person who scarred her. She had a plan. Make him love her and then leave him. What ends up happening is a series of so many wonderful things and so many horrible things. You will be taken on a journey with Norma a journey where she is verbally abused, physically abused, publicly humiliated and deserted in the worst possible ways. But we get to watch her spit fire attitude shape her and bring her to a woman who can finally stand with her head up high. For her violet eyes have seen much and are far wiser than anyone's should be at her age.
When you sit down to read remember this....you are beautiful no matter what they say. When you sit down to read this grab a tissue! You're going to need it!! I give this book my thumbs up!
Norma Jean, a broken soul with wounds and scars deep within from the torture she has had to endure from a boy who she could've loved. From peers that she could've been loyal to. A girl fighting to be something, anything. A girl with insecurities but made sure they hardened her in a way she could survive the harsh realities of the world. When one night this boy the same boy that has ruined her. The same boy that she gets butterflies in her stomach for, Chance... walks right up to her and in a drunken state bears his greatest weakness. His lust for her. Norma can't believe the opportunity she is given to play the strings of the one person who scarred her. She had a plan. Make him love her and then leave him. What ends up happening is a series of so many wonderful things and so many horrible things. You will be taken on a journey with Norma a journey where she is verbally abused, physically abused, publicly humiliated and deserted in the worst possible ways. But we get to watch her spit fire attitude shape her and bring her to a woman who can finally stand with her head up high. For her violet eyes have seen much and are far wiser than anyone's should be at her age.
When you sit down to read remember this....you are beautiful no matter what they say. When you sit down to read this grab a tissue! You're going to need it!! I give this book my thumbs up!
August 5, 2014
Ok, where to start. The book had potential,really, but after 50-55% I don't know what the author thought or tried to to, but it went down hill.
The blurb yeah hooked me and I was eager and curious to read about her revenge but in the middle of the book it seemed Ms Heath just added a total different story to the original one. It was confusing and destroyed the actual one.
The new added story made it seem unrealistic and I couldn't connect with it,even though I tried, but it wasn't for me. I thought many times wow where did this come from or this scene was soooo unnecessary andjust thrown in to fill the pages .
I like Chances' and Normas' characters a lot yeah the end was sweet and the epilogue good, but it wasn't that good that I'd rate it higher. In general it many parts felt rushed and it was a lil disappointing to realize.
___________________________________
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It is an Ok read; but I can't deny I expected more. Guess thats why it took me almost 5days to finish it...I didn't feel hooked!
The blurb yeah hooked me and I was eager and curious to read about her revenge but in the middle of the book it seemed Ms Heath just added a total different story to the original one. It was confusing and destroyed the actual one.
The new added story made it seem unrealistic and I couldn't connect with it,even though I tried, but it wasn't for me. I thought many times wow where did this come from or this scene was soooo unnecessary andjust thrown in to fill the pages .
I like Chances' and Normas' characters a lot yeah the end was sweet and the epilogue good, but it wasn't that good that I'd rate it higher. In general it many parts felt rushed and it was a lil disappointing to realize.
___________________________________
✦ Read all my review (A-Z) on the blog
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It is an Ok read; but I can't deny I expected more. Guess thats why it took me almost 5days to finish it...I didn't feel hooked!
December 31, 2015
Norma Jean is a teenager battling with acne, feeling bad about her looks. She is bullied at school by one specific boy, Chance Duncan. Norma Jean has had a huge crush on Chance for as long as she can remember. For him to be the one who is bullying her is devastating to the young girl.
Already struggling with her low self esteem, due to her looks, she changes totally. She dyes her hair black and adds colour to it, uses it to cover her face, she wears huge glasses and heavy makeup. Basically she tries to become invisible, and it works eventually. But the damage has been done, and only one person is to blame for it.
One evening, while babysitting Chance's niece Macy, Norma Jean finds herself the object of his drunken desire! She is horrified, yet ever so slightly turned on at the same time. What on earth is going on between these 2?
Norma Jean comes up with a plan - she will make Chance fall in love with her, then dump him, humiliating him the same way he did to her. She is adamant most of the way through that she feels nothing for Chance, she is doing this out of revenge and nothing more.
But at the crucial moment where her plan should come together she suddenly realises that she has fallen in love with him, and she allows herself to feel wanted, loved, and needed by the last person on earth she would have dreamed it would be.
Things go well until a so called friend tells her something about Chance which she believes, leading to both of their lives changing in ways neither could imagine.
Several years pass by and the lives of Norma Jean and Chance have moved on. Neither one has forgotten the other, though, and this eventually leads to them meeting again, with far reaching consequences for both them, their friends, and other members of their families.
At one point I began to wonder if Norma Jean would ever get a break! The things she goes through, the things that happen to her, and the secrets and lies which eventually come out, would have destroyed other people. But not Norma Jean! She is such a strong character she gets through everything, but she doesn't realise just how strong she is.
I love the way Chance totally and utterly falls for her. The way the author has him speak about his feelings, and what he sees in Norma Jean, cannot fail to move you. Oh to be loved so totally like that.
The author uses different points of view throughout the story, and this helps us to understand what each of the characters is thinking, and why they do the things they do. I feel that the story needed this as it allows the reader to 'get' the story.
This is not a story for younger people as it does include a lot of sexual scenes between the characters, as well as some violence.
I totally love this story! The relationship between Norma Jean and Chance is so intense at times, but it works so well.
July 23, 2013
Norma jean
This book broke my heart. I love Amanda. I have read all of her books. I can honestly say this book knocked me out! Brilliant!
Norma Jean and Chance Duncan. Those two have a story. So many times while reading this I wanted to knock them both up side the head.
Norma jean was bullied, ridiculed, and made fun of on a daily basis. She eventually withdrew into herself to become invisible. That was the plan anyway. Hide and your protected. Right?
Chance Duncan was a boy pissed off at the world. Mad at his father for his cheating ways. Unable to find outlet for his anger, he acted out and become one big jerk. Hide behind the wise cracks and hurtful things. Make someone else feel ugly, then I won't feel so bad. It is not right, it's wrong but he was a kid.
Can people change? Did Chance change?
One night changed a few things. One night of liquid courage and boom! Chance and Norma jean, one kiss and everything just seems different.
Is it really possible for the one person who caused you that kind of pain, to become something more?
Does Norma jean want anything really or is she just wanting revenge?
I enjoyed the play out of the story. The alternate POV worked so well here. Such a great insight into their side of things. I loved seeing the healing of both of them. In each other they found a peace. Amanda did not give them easy road though. It was twisted and turned. Hell at times I believe she took them on back roads in Arkansas thru the mud. It was brutal! Needed though. I never saw it coming at all! I am still just thinking really.. Really! Wow!
Norma jean was stronger than she realized. Such a strong female character. I really loved seeing old friends. (Such a great plus for us) Read it and you will see. Now let us take a moment people.. it deserves it! Amanda writes sexy with perfection! We had sweet, but damn we have spice too. She has gotten it down people, trust me! The relationship had a lovely tense heat, that you felt in your bones.
I enjoyed the story. The growth and changing of the characters. The way you can see someone differently and people can change. This story takes you from youth to adulthood. It allows you to have hope. People can change. You can believe in love and most important just every now and then you do get a happy ending! I could go on and on.. But I want you to read the book yourself.
Love it, read it.. Everyone. Well done Ms. Heath.
Just added another one of your beautiful creations to my list of favorites!
(I still feel like I am being unfaithful to Declan and Spencer, but damn Chance whew!)
May 28, 2013
I loved this book! It was my first book by Amanda Heath and I got only a taste of her writing skills! I got so much more than I bargained for with Norma Jean! I wasn't really sure about reading it after I read the synopsis but as soon as I started reading it I couldn't put it down! I thought that this book was going to be an adult book, but I soon discovered from the first chapter that it was a New Adult book! The plot of this book had so much in it! It was written over quite a long period of time and some years and months were missed out! I would love a novella to maybe what happened during some of the years or months that passed by in this book without us knowing much about what happened during that time as I think that it would be an amazing addition to thins amazing book! The plot also had so many twists and turns in it as well! I wasn't expecting some of the twists and turns so I was pretty excited about them! The characters were amazing! I felt so sorry for Norma Jean at the beginning of this book but I loved how she took revenge! The girl fought dirty! I connected with her instantly as well! I felt sorry for her throughout most of the book as well as you discover more about what she has been through! I loved how strong she was though through it all! Chance was the love interest of Norma Jean and I loved him as well! I loved how much he had grown up since the beginning of this book! When I got a glimmer of what he used to be like I felt myself comparing how much he had changed! There were quite a lot of other characters in this book and they were all amazing and brought so much to the story! I also loved that Norma Jean was written from Norma Jean and Chance's point of view as after you discover what Norma Jean went through you got to go inside Chance's head and see how he really felt about her! The ending of this book was beyond perfect! I found myself grinning like an idiot while reading it! After reading Norma Jean it has definitely motivated me to check out Amanda's other books! I have them on my Kindle but I am now even more motivated to finally read them! When I started reading this book I did think that the cover was maybe a little too sexy for the book but once I got to a certain stage I realised how much it actually suits the book and the character of Norma Jean! I really do love it! Big thank you to Amanda for a copy of Norma Jean and to Allison for having me on the Blog Tour!
May 25, 2013
The review is also posted at my blog
Some people cried, some couldn't finish it and others loved it. I don't belong to any of these categories. The strongest feeling I felt is disgust. I have to make it clear before you get anything wrong. That feeling came from a source you might not notice or cause you a similar feeling. For me though that resulted to a turning stomach and a strong desire to stop reading the book for a while. I am not a big fan of the parts where the characters live their life without the other after a break up and they get involve with other people.
My dislike for the book came from the second half. I felt as if some parts were missing. I could see when Chance and Norma connected for the first time but not the second. While Chance's behaviour wasn't a good or nice or proper behaviour, I couldn't understand why Norma was so fixed and determined to make him hurt. I don't understand such hate. Until a point I get it but not completely.
I thought Chance and Norma's bond was stronger than Heath made it to be. The synopsis promises a story that isn't fairytale, but the story is similar to one. Fairytales have Happily Ever Afters right?
After a couple of not so good books Norma Jean became a pleasant way to spend my time. I am not sure if you should consider this review if you are thinking to read the book. I don't think my judgment was at it's highest level nor I am completely honest.
Some people cried, some couldn't finish it and others loved it. I don't belong to any of these categories. The strongest feeling I felt is disgust. I have to make it clear before you get anything wrong. That feeling came from a source you might not notice or cause you a similar feeling. For me though that resulted to a turning stomach and a strong desire to stop reading the book for a while. I am not a big fan of the parts where the characters live their life without the other after a break up and they get involve with other people.
My dislike for the book came from the second half. I felt as if some parts were missing. I could see when Chance and Norma connected for the first time but not the second. While Chance's behaviour wasn't a good or nice or proper behaviour, I couldn't understand why Norma was so fixed and determined to make him hurt. I don't understand such hate. Until a point I get it but not completely.
I thought Chance and Norma's bond was stronger than Heath made it to be. The synopsis promises a story that isn't fairytale, but the story is similar to one. Fairytales have Happily Ever Afters right?
After a couple of not so good books Norma Jean became a pleasant way to spend my time. I am not sure if you should consider this review if you are thinking to read the book. I don't think my judgment was at it's highest level nor I am completely honest.
April 16, 2013
Another Slam-bam-thank-you-ma'am from Ms. Amanda. Norma may have insecurities but the girl knows how to speak her mind, "you can take that s*** and get out. I don't need you to make me happy. You've done enough in my life." Chance is in love with Norma's a** and we all know how much I like my men to be in love with a**es, I thought it was sweet in a demented sort of way that after all the years of not seeing each other he recognizes her by her butt, "I would know that a** anywhere." We see how protective Chance is when he learns the truth about what has happened to Norma, "I am going to kill this mother f***er. No one hurts Norma Jean. No one." Of course Amanda knows how to make our mouths water and have drool pouring out of it with the way she describes and writes her men, Chance is no exception, "all those muscles hiding on his abs. I could do my laundry on his abs. His pecks are buffed out and his shoulders are wide and strong." He also knows what to say to make are panties well wet, "Good. You should always be insane for me." Right before I kiss her full lips I say. "I'm always f***ing insane for you. You walk into the room and I look for things to bend you over." Why yes Chance every girl wants to hear that. Needless to say I'm still a big fan of Ms. Amanda and ready for the next book.
May 20, 2013
This book is one of those books that has so much emotion you almost have to put it down.
My gosh what Chance put Norma though was beyond awful. However what Norma was going to do to Chance was just as heart breaking. Just when I thought things were going to work out with them BAM. I had to put the book down at this point my heart just couldn't take it.
Then years past~ yes, years. What happened in those years was horrid. I just hoped Chance and Norma would find their way back to each other. They did but it was messy and what happened in those years they were apart was going to tear them up. As I'm reading I realize that most the characters from "This Beautiful Thing" are in this book as well- I didn't expect that at all-Nice Surprise Amanda Heath!
Fantastic Ending & an Epilogue to Rocks!
Quotes:
"I want to be immune to him but I know I never will be. That kiss last night made sure of that. Hormones are a bitch."
"I'm in love with the only person I ever hated."
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My gosh what Chance put Norma though was beyond awful. However what Norma was going to do to Chance was just as heart breaking. Just when I thought things were going to work out with them BAM. I had to put the book down at this point my heart just couldn't take it.
Then years past~ yes, years. What happened in those years was horrid. I just hoped Chance and Norma would find their way back to each other. They did but it was messy and what happened in those years they were apart was going to tear them up. As I'm reading I realize that most the characters from "This Beautiful Thing" are in this book as well- I didn't expect that at all-Nice Surprise Amanda Heath!
Fantastic Ending & an Epilogue to Rocks!
Quotes:
"I want to be immune to him but I know I never will be. That kiss last night made sure of that. Hormones are a bitch."
"I'm in love with the only person I ever hated."
Follow My Blog for Reviews & Giveaways!
January 20, 2015
Wow. Where do I begin? I wasn't sure what I was going to get from this book by the title and cover. I was very pleasantly surprised. The story really threw me for a loop and definitely had some twists and turns that I wasn't expecting.
The story started out with the characters in high school and their relationship continues well into college. In my opinion both Norma Jean and Chance's characters were well developed and I really felt for each one. They are both very tortured souls but bring out the best in one another and help each other to overcome the issues of their pasts.
One very minor problem for me was as all of the additional characters -extended family members, roommates and college friends were introduced - I started to have a bit of a difficult time following who everyone was and how they were involved in Norma and Chance's lives. I am really looking forward to reading the Young Love and Summer Loves series to become better acquainted with these other characters.
Overall, great read!
The story started out with the characters in high school and their relationship continues well into college. In my opinion both Norma Jean and Chance's characters were well developed and I really felt for each one. They are both very tortured souls but bring out the best in one another and help each other to overcome the issues of their pasts.
One very minor problem for me was as all of the additional characters -extended family members, roommates and college friends were introduced - I started to have a bit of a difficult time following who everyone was and how they were involved in Norma and Chance's lives. I am really looking forward to reading the Young Love and Summer Loves series to become better acquainted with these other characters.
Overall, great read!
April 10, 2013
I was going to wait until the blog tour to post my review but I decided to write a shortened version....
I have one word for this book... WOW!! I am a huge fan of Amanda Heath & I can honestly say Norma Jean is her best work to date! You will fall in love with Norma Jean & then you will fall in love with Chance, who admittedly is my favourite male character from all of Amanda's books! Yuur heart will break for what these 2 people go through & then Amanda will put it back together in the end <3 I love HEA's & this was no exception!
Amanda Heath is a literary force to be reckoned with & I seriously can't wait for more of her work!!
I can't wait to write my full review for the blog tour but in the mean time GO BUY THIS BOOK!! You will be far from disappointed!!
I have one word for this book... WOW!! I am a huge fan of Amanda Heath & I can honestly say Norma Jean is her best work to date! You will fall in love with Norma Jean & then you will fall in love with Chance, who admittedly is my favourite male character from all of Amanda's books! Yuur heart will break for what these 2 people go through & then Amanda will put it back together in the end <3 I love HEA's & this was no exception!
Amanda Heath is a literary force to be reckoned with & I seriously can't wait for more of her work!!
I can't wait to write my full review for the blog tour but in the mean time GO BUY THIS BOOK!! You will be far from disappointed!!
April 10, 2013
Abso-freaking-lutely LOVED it!!! I was so shocked to see all the other characters in there as well. I love Teagan and Declan then Spencer and Harley. Now Chance and Norma Jean!!! this was a great book. didn't put it down till I finished.
I can totally relate to Norma Jean. Growing up I was teased during school except I never grew out of it until I left school. Shit even then some of my peers didn't get the memo about growing up. But I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful boys and of course I live in a small town in Arkansas.
I can totally relate to Norma Jean. Growing up I was teased during school except I never grew out of it until I left school. Shit even then some of my peers didn't get the memo about growing up. But I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful boys and of course I live in a small town in Arkansas.
April 9, 2013
What a great read! I loved the story of Norma and Chance. and the twisted plots and sub plots. Wow! Norma had bad acne and everyone made fun of her, especially Chance. One day, chance realizes she's the "one". He goes for her. norma decides to pay him back for all the pain she has suffered. And then....she knows that she really loves him. And then.....life intruded.
April 10, 2013
I lovedddddddddddddd this book it was awesome. I didn't go to sleep until I finished reading it. I loved that you included characters from your other books and it just made it better and it game me a small preview of things to come. Can't wait for your next book!!!!
April 14, 2013
This was a really good book I loved the story, and Chance just a great guy he had somethings to apologize for and more than made up for it in my opinion and Norma Jean just one of the strongest woman the stuff she went through and came out the other side. Great read.
April 19, 2013
WOW! WONDERFUL STORY! I SIMPLY LOVED EVERY PAGE!!!!
THIS IS A MUST READ!
Complete Review coming soon...
THIS IS A MUST READ!
Complete Review coming soon...
September 13, 2013
Wow... That's what I have right now. Review to come
December 1, 2017
I liked the story line more in this one than the last. The characters I felt were more relatable in their attraction and connection. It wasn't instant love, it was revenge and fighting to keep feelings aside before Norma gives in.
Norma Jean became the school freak after Chance, her former crush, made fun of her appearance. After relentlessly being made fun of, she changed. She couldn't look in the mirror and instead of crumbling, she steeled herself off the the world. While babysitting Chance's little sister one night, Chance steels a kiss from her while drunk. Chance knew he was wrong to bully Norma years ago. He was in a lot of his own pain and took it out on the easiest target. Little did he know that he actually developed feelings for her and wanted to change her opinion of him.
While Chance takes this kiss as an opportunity to get forgiveness and make up for all the horrible things he said to her in the past, Norma wants revenge.
She wasn't planning on actually falling for him along the way. Only months later, they fell in love but it all comes crumbling down when Norma discovers Chance's secret. Disappearing after graduation, leaving Chance with only hateful words and a broken heart, Norma starts over and rediscovers herself.
But after several years a part with life changing events occurring in between, fate brings them face to face again. When the life of a loved one is in danger, they have no choice but to face the past.
***
Cage The Elephant - Ain't No Rest For The Wiked
Dorothy - Raise Hell, Wicked Ones
Bishop Briggs - River
Kongos - Come With Me Now
Ron Pope - Ain't No Angel
Jessie James - Wanted
Christina Aguilera - Fighter, Hurt
New Found Glory - Vicious Love
Pistol Annies - Hell On Heels
Gavin DeGraw - I Don't Want To Be
Haley James Scott - Halo
Labrinth - Jealous
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Face Down, Guardian Angel
Eminem - Love The Way You Lie ft. Rihanna
B.o.B - Airplanes ft. Hayley Williams
Stateless - Bloodstream
The Weekend - Die For You
Bebe Rexha, Florida Georgia Line - Meant To Be
MAX - Lights Down Low
Maroon 5 - One More Night
Imagine Dragons - Radioactive
Ed Sheeran - I See Fire
Willamette Stone - Heart Like Yours
Norma Jean became the school freak after Chance, her former crush, made fun of her appearance. After relentlessly being made fun of, she changed. She couldn't look in the mirror and instead of crumbling, she steeled herself off the the world. While babysitting Chance's little sister one night, Chance steels a kiss from her while drunk. Chance knew he was wrong to bully Norma years ago. He was in a lot of his own pain and took it out on the easiest target. Little did he know that he actually developed feelings for her and wanted to change her opinion of him.
While Chance takes this kiss as an opportunity to get forgiveness and make up for all the horrible things he said to her in the past, Norma wants revenge.
She wasn't planning on actually falling for him along the way. Only months later, they fell in love but it all comes crumbling down when Norma discovers Chance's secret. Disappearing after graduation, leaving Chance with only hateful words and a broken heart, Norma starts over and rediscovers herself.
But after several years a part with life changing events occurring in between, fate brings them face to face again. When the life of a loved one is in danger, they have no choice but to face the past.
***
Cage The Elephant - Ain't No Rest For The Wiked
Dorothy - Raise Hell, Wicked Ones
Bishop Briggs - River
Kongos - Come With Me Now
Ron Pope - Ain't No Angel
Jessie James - Wanted
Christina Aguilera - Fighter, Hurt
New Found Glory - Vicious Love
Pistol Annies - Hell On Heels
Gavin DeGraw - I Don't Want To Be
Haley James Scott - Halo
Labrinth - Jealous
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Face Down, Guardian Angel
Eminem - Love The Way You Lie ft. Rihanna
B.o.B - Airplanes ft. Hayley Williams
Stateless - Bloodstream
The Weekend - Die For You
Bebe Rexha, Florida Georgia Line - Meant To Be
MAX - Lights Down Low
Maroon 5 - One More Night
Imagine Dragons - Radioactive
Ed Sheeran - I See Fire
Willamette Stone - Heart Like Yours
May 16, 2013
This book broke my heart.
I love Amanda. I have read all of her books. I can honestly say this book knocked me out! Brilliant!
Norma Jean and Chance Duncan. Those two have a story. So many times while reading this I wanted to knock them both up side the head. Norma jean was bullied, ridiculed, and made fun of on a daily basis. She eventually withdrew into herself to become invisible. That was the plan anyway. Hide and your protected. Right?
Chance Duncan was a boy pissed off at the world. Mad at his father for his cheating ways. Unable to find outlet for his anger, he acted out and become one big jerk. Hide behind the wise cracks and hurtful things. Make someone else feel ugly, then I won't feel so bad. It is not right, it's wrong but he was a kid.
Can people change? Did Chance change?
One night changed a few things. One night of liquid courage and boom! Chance and Norma jean, one kiss and everything just seems different. Is it really possible for the one person who caused you that kind of pain, to become something more? Does Norma jean want anything really or is she just wanting revenge? I enjoyed the play out of the story. The alternate POV worked so well here. Such a great insight into their side of things. I loved seeing the healing of both of them. In each other they found a peace. Amanda did not give them easy road though. It was twisted and turned. Hell at times I believe she took them on back roads in Arkansas thru the mud. It was brutal! Needed though. I never saw it coming at all! I am still just thinking really.. Really! Wow! Norma jean was stronger than she realized. Such a strong female character.
I really loved seeing old friends. (Such a great plus for us) Read it and you will see.
Now let us take a moment people.. it deserves it! Amanda writes sexy with perfection! We had sweet, but damn we have spice too. She has gotten it down people, trust me! The relationship had a lovely tense heat, that you felt in your bones. I enjoyed the story.
The growth and changing of the characters. The way you can see someone differently and people can change. This story takes you from youth to adulthood. It allows you to have hope. People can change. You can believe in love and most important just every now and then you do get a happy ending! I could go on and on.. But I want you to read the book yourself.
Love it, read it.. Everyone. Well done Ms. Heath. Just added another one of your beautiful creations to my list of favorites!
(I still feel like I am being unfaithful to Declan and Spencer, but damn Chance whew!)
********************
September 23, 2018
Twisted tale of bullying , revenge, love , abuse and drugs. Chance has bullied Norma at school even though their mums are best friends. When he drunkenly kisses her , it sees off a revenge plan to break his heart like he's done to her. The trouble comes when he actually starts putting the pieces back together and makes her feel whole again. Enter Creed and lies and secrets develop . At college Chance's room-mates are Declan and Caden so we get to catch up with these lads and Teegan and Grace . I read this after This Beautiful Thing so need to go back and read Fire In Her Eyes, which is actually the next book in the series.
July 8, 2022
Me alegro de que terminara.
April 21, 2013
The beginning was so good but suddenly, the book changed and it's another story.
Voilà ma deuxième incursion dans l’oeuvre d’Amanda Heath et si la déception n’est pas aussi grande que la première fois, il reste du chemin à parcourir à cette auteure pour rivaliser avec d’autres. C’est comme si elle avait du mal à tenir la distance dans une course, le début est excellent, original et ouvre de nombreuses pistes mais part dans une histoire zigzagante très surprenante.
Nous restons avec ce livre dans le monde qu’elle avait ouvert avec ses précédents romans même s’il se lit de façon indépendante. Le roman s’appelle Norma Jean et ouvre sur l’histoire de cette jeune femme qui ne ressemble sans doute à aucune héroïne que vous avez croisée. Elle est la fille adolescente d’un couple qui l’a conçue au même âge qu’elle a alors. Son père n’a jamais pris vraiment de place dans sa vie et est devenue un auteur à succès, sa mère vit au fond d’un mobil home très modestement et Norma Jean loge avec elle. Elle a été nommée ainsi en hommage à Marilyn Monroe évidemment dont le véritable nom était Norma Jean Baker. C’est une tradition familiale car sa mère est surnommée Elizabeth en hommage à Elizabeth Taylor. Norma est une ado mal dans sa peau au premier sens du terme. Victime d’acné quelques années auparavant, elle a conservé des cicatrices profondes et surtout le souvenir des moqueries cruelles et incessantes d’un gamin, Chance. Elle le hait, a peu d’ami hormis son serpent (surnommé Rydstrom en hommage à un démon de Kresley Cole...)... Bref, c’est une ado rebelle, mal à l’aise, follement intéressante. Le récit est superbe dans la première partie. Norma et Chance vont se découvrir une attirance inattendue qui va donner une idée à la jeune fille : se venger enfin en le séduisant et en l’abandonnant. La suite va être beaucoup moins convaincante.
L’idée d’Amanda Heath était brillante. Chance, honteux de son attitude et Norma vont lentement évoluer dans l’image réciproque qu’ils ont de l’autre. La jeune fille qui avait perdu toute confiance en elle va la retrouver dans les yeux mêmes de la personne qui lui a fait perdre. Quelle belle image. Mais Amanda Heath va plus loin et nous emmène dans un récit qui va s’étaler sur plusieurs années.
Le gros problème est les rebondissements incessants et largement incohérents. Amanda Heath avait déjà montré cette tendance. Jamais rien n’est acquis mais à force de vouloir surprendre en cachant les indices qui permettent de bien comprendre qui est tel ou tel personnage, cela finit par ne plus cadrer du tout avec ce qu’on sait de lui. Ajoutons une tendance à se débarrasser très vite de certaines scènes et vous avez franchement des passages ratés. J’ai particulièrement en mémoire le moment où le vilain de l’histoire coupable d’un viol, de battre sa petite amie, et d’avoir enlever peu de temps une gamine de quatre ans par vengeance se voit recevoir des menaces de la part d’une grand-mère qui ressemble un peu à Ma Dalton mais tout de même... Mais que fait la police dans les livres d’Amanda Heath ?
Cahin caha, l’histoire se développe et l’on continue à lire pour les passages parfois superbes qu’elle sait écrire comme les relations passionnées, tendres et sexy entre les héros. Mais Amanda Heath donne trop l’impression de se laisser entrainer par ses histoires sans les maitriser. C’est dommage. Ajoutons à cela une profusion de personnages qui auront sans doute des rôles plus importants ultérieurement et vous avez une impression de désordre.
Amanda Heath a un vrai problème avec l’écriture donnant l’impression que parfois tout s’emballe et cela nuit grandement à ses romans. Pas sûr que je persiste avec elle dans ses montagnes russes !
May 1, 2013
Oh. My damn. That was...kinda screwed up. But in an angsty, hormone fueled, heartbreaking kind of way- which is right up my alley Lol. The characters, and I do mean all of them, were an emotional hott-mess. And I loved every one of them- Okay, most of them. But even if you don't love them you will have some strong, if not conflicted, feelings for them. One in particular, whom I will not name-you will find out the same way I did, tore me up. He was a complete psychopath, but you still feel kinda bad for him. Screwed up I know, I blame the author. She really draws you deeply into each of the characters lives in such a way you can't help but connect with them on some level. Norma Jean was my kind of girl (well, except for the snakes & spiders thing...gross) and Chance, oh sweet lord the older he got the hotter!!
Norma hates Chance with everything she has, his torment of her is the reason she carries the scars she does today. At 12yrs old with a severe acne problem Norma became the focus of Chance's very harsh, very public teasing. For over a year he was ruthless & cruel, being the popular kids in school everyone else fell in line causing Norma to lose any and all friends she had. Alone & hurt, she develops some severe self-esteem issues, slips into a depression & forms a bitchy-badass exterior to try to keep anyone from coming near her.
What Norma doesn't know is Chance lashing out at her is his way of hiding from the pain of a pretty messed up home life. Not that this excuses his behavior (believe me, I've been on the losing end of this situation before) and eventually guilt sets in, but at the time he's a 12yr old boy who's hurting & angry, so there you have it.
Fast foward five years....
They are now seniors in high school...
One night changes everything when Chance drunkenly & eagerly starts to make out with Norma...and again the next night-only now he's sober. This is when Norma realizes she has Chance resting nicely in the palm of her hands and hatches her plan of the ultimate revenge -make Chance fall in love with her, then break his heart- only, revenge doesn't go quite the way it's supposed to, big surprise there-it rarely does. Time spent with Chance shows her he's not the mean little boy he once was. And though he hurt her terribly, she begins to understand him & ultimately falls in love with the man he has become. By a cruel twist of fate (yes I'm being deliberately vague here) she ends up getting her mended heart broken all over again & deals with it the only way she knows how. She then immediately flees town in the hopes of never crossing paths with Chance ever again.
But fate is a fickle bitch and several years later she finds herself facing him once more. Her life is in ruins & she knows she needs to keep him as far away from her as possible, to protect her heart as well as his life. He has no idea about the trouble she is in & doesn't care, he won't let her walk away again without a fight.
Seriously, there was so much going in on this book you really had to pay attention to the details. When the villain was revealed I actually back tracked a bit just to see how the hell I could have missed it. So much heartache, tears, drama, suspense, laughs & steam. Oh yeah, there was definitely some Smokin-hott steam. I friggin loved it. All the characters, their relationships & interactions were amazing. So much love, loyalty, respect, protectiveness & yes deceit. Marley was EPIC!! Norma's relationship with her mother was hilarious & Grammy was Awesomesauce. Absolutely loved this book & all it's intriguing glory. Cannot wait to see more from this author.
Norma hates Chance with everything she has, his torment of her is the reason she carries the scars she does today. At 12yrs old with a severe acne problem Norma became the focus of Chance's very harsh, very public teasing. For over a year he was ruthless & cruel, being the popular kids in school everyone else fell in line causing Norma to lose any and all friends she had. Alone & hurt, she develops some severe self-esteem issues, slips into a depression & forms a bitchy-badass exterior to try to keep anyone from coming near her.
What Norma doesn't know is Chance lashing out at her is his way of hiding from the pain of a pretty messed up home life. Not that this excuses his behavior (believe me, I've been on the losing end of this situation before) and eventually guilt sets in, but at the time he's a 12yr old boy who's hurting & angry, so there you have it.
Fast foward five years....
They are now seniors in high school...
One night changes everything when Chance drunkenly & eagerly starts to make out with Norma...and again the next night-only now he's sober. This is when Norma realizes she has Chance resting nicely in the palm of her hands and hatches her plan of the ultimate revenge -make Chance fall in love with her, then break his heart- only, revenge doesn't go quite the way it's supposed to, big surprise there-it rarely does. Time spent with Chance shows her he's not the mean little boy he once was. And though he hurt her terribly, she begins to understand him & ultimately falls in love with the man he has become. By a cruel twist of fate (yes I'm being deliberately vague here) she ends up getting her mended heart broken all over again & deals with it the only way she knows how. She then immediately flees town in the hopes of never crossing paths with Chance ever again.
But fate is a fickle bitch and several years later she finds herself facing him once more. Her life is in ruins & she knows she needs to keep him as far away from her as possible, to protect her heart as well as his life. He has no idea about the trouble she is in & doesn't care, he won't let her walk away again without a fight.
Seriously, there was so much going in on this book you really had to pay attention to the details. When the villain was revealed I actually back tracked a bit just to see how the hell I could have missed it. So much heartache, tears, drama, suspense, laughs & steam. Oh yeah, there was definitely some Smokin-hott steam. I friggin loved it. All the characters, their relationships & interactions were amazing. So much love, loyalty, respect, protectiveness & yes deceit. Marley was EPIC!! Norma's relationship with her mother was hilarious & Grammy was Awesomesauce. Absolutely loved this book & all it's intriguing glory. Cannot wait to see more from this author.
May 21, 2013
O M G. This book was insane!! I fucking loved Norma Jean, she was such a great character and I loved that she didnt take shit from anyone. (Not even going to bother to include the plot twist which contradicts this statement but I dont care, she's badass)
SO much stuff happened! Its such a relief to read a book that's not overly long, with useleess chapters that do nothing for the plot. Here, stuff kept happening all the time. Especially during the middle (it wasnt actually the middle, god, maybe 1-3 of the book). I'm being really vague because I dont want to spoil anyone. But if you're reading this, I definitely think you should read this book!
I laughed so much aswell, then nicknames Norma and Chance had for each other, they were hilarious. Everytime she said "big foot" I laughed out loud.
Basically what this book is about is this girl, Norma Jean who more or less falls in love with a guy that has tormented her during her childhood, the flashback moments where you got to see the insults he threw at her daily seriously made me rage. RAGE. I thought he was a disgusting human being. I felt so bad for Norma. Long story short, after they end up kissing one time when Chance is really drunk, she decides to take advantage of his attraction for her to get back at him for fucking with her when they were younger. It gets really messy after that, and you would think the story would only revolve around this but NOOO, so many other things happen its just mind-blowing.
The only thing I disliked about this book was the cliche ending....and pre-ending, I just didnt like it. Happily ever after doesnt mean you have to end it the way it ended, not everyone does that. It felt a bit rushed too, like "OH now this happened so we OBVIOUSLY have to do this aswell" and blablabla, this makes no sense unless you've read it.
(also just rememered that there were a LOT of character names who were just plain confusing. There were too many people to keep up with and they all showed up during the end-ish and I really dont even know who they are so I kept having to search their names and go back for it to make any sense - i still dont know who Harley was? She just randomly showed up. And Paige...Teagan... Dean...I dont remember him even being explained, Mason...seriously who the hell is Mason? AND MIMI oh my god almost forgot this person, WHO IS SHE??? I kept reading about "Mommy and Mimi" who the heck is mimi??) Its annoying when new characters are introduced, such as Regina and then they just go away with some half-assed excuse while you introduce 100 other characters with no backstory other than "my cousin" and expect you to remember them at all.
I will be reading more from this author though and I'm happy I discovered this book!
SO much stuff happened! Its such a relief to read a book that's not overly long, with useleess chapters that do nothing for the plot. Here, stuff kept happening all the time. Especially during the middle (it wasnt actually the middle, god, maybe 1-3 of the book). I'm being really vague because I dont want to spoil anyone. But if you're reading this, I definitely think you should read this book!
I laughed so much aswell, then nicknames Norma and Chance had for each other, they were hilarious. Everytime she said "big foot" I laughed out loud.
Basically what this book is about is this girl, Norma Jean who more or less falls in love with a guy that has tormented her during her childhood, the flashback moments where you got to see the insults he threw at her daily seriously made me rage. RAGE. I thought he was a disgusting human being. I felt so bad for Norma. Long story short, after they end up kissing one time when Chance is really drunk, she decides to take advantage of his attraction for her to get back at him for fucking with her when they were younger. It gets really messy after that, and you would think the story would only revolve around this but NOOO, so many other things happen its just mind-blowing.
The only thing I disliked about this book was the cliche ending....and pre-ending, I just didnt like it. Happily ever after doesnt mean you have to end it the way it ended, not everyone does that. It felt a bit rushed too, like "OH now this happened so we OBVIOUSLY have to do this aswell" and blablabla, this makes no sense unless you've read it.
(also just rememered that there were a LOT of character names who were just plain confusing. There were too many people to keep up with and they all showed up during the end-ish and I really dont even know who they are so I kept having to search their names and go back for it to make any sense - i still dont know who Harley was? She just randomly showed up. And Paige...Teagan... Dean...I dont remember him even being explained, Mason...seriously who the hell is Mason? AND MIMI oh my god almost forgot this person, WHO IS SHE??? I kept reading about "Mommy and Mimi" who the heck is mimi??) Its annoying when new characters are introduced, such as Regina and then they just go away with some half-assed excuse while you introduce 100 other characters with no backstory other than "my cousin" and expect you to remember them at all.
I will be reading more from this author though and I'm happy I discovered this book!
June 14, 2013
When I first heard about Norma Jean I knew it was a book I wanted to read. I knew it would be a departure from what I normally read but since I like a wide variety of book genres and this story spoke to me I figured I would give it a try. I am so glad that I did. Amanda Heath has written an amazing tragic story that didn't back down from displaying the harsh reality of just how cruel life and people can really be.
Norma Jean, in her tween years, was the butt of every cruel taunt and joke that Chance Duncan could think of. He tormented her so thoroughly that he scared Norma Jean emotionally for the rest of her life. When an opportunity presented itself one night, by way of a drunken kiss by Chance when she was baby sitting his niece, Norma hatched a plan to extract her revenge on Chance Duncan once and for all.
Chance Duncan came from a troubled home life. He will forever be haunted by the fact that his father cheated on his mother, in their home, especially because his father knew that he and his sister where home at the time and just didn't care enough to even try and hide it from them. This started Chance down the road to shutting down emotionally and deflecting his pain onto someone else, namely Norma Jean.
With one drunken kiss, Norma Jean and Chance's lives changed FOREVER. Norma wanted to hurt Chance and he in turn wanted to right his wrong with Norma Jean and have a real life with her. But like all things good and not so good their intentions never go the way they planned. Norma ends up falling in love with Chance only to have her heart ripped out again and he gets told by the woman he loves, via her diary, that her love was just a cruel revenge plot to bring him to his knees.
What they don't realize is that they are just pawns on a chessboard for a dark and sinister force who will stop at nothing to get what they want and happily ruin their lives in the process.
I could tell you more about it but in doing so, I would ruin this fantastic story for everyone and trust me when I tell you that what I have said is only a tiny tip of a HUGE iceberg. Amanda had me so invested in this story it brought me to tears and I LOVED every second of it. I feel that this book is relateable to everyone in some form or another. On a scale from 1-10 I give Norma Jean a great big 10. It touched my soul in a way that no other book ever has. If you are looking for a story that has characters with real human flaws, raw emotions, insurmountable odds, or just one heck of a book than I encourage EVERY adult 18+ to pick up a copy of Norma Jean and let them tell you their tragic tale of woe in their own words.
Norma Jean, in her tween years, was the butt of every cruel taunt and joke that Chance Duncan could think of. He tormented her so thoroughly that he scared Norma Jean emotionally for the rest of her life. When an opportunity presented itself one night, by way of a drunken kiss by Chance when she was baby sitting his niece, Norma hatched a plan to extract her revenge on Chance Duncan once and for all.
Chance Duncan came from a troubled home life. He will forever be haunted by the fact that his father cheated on his mother, in their home, especially because his father knew that he and his sister where home at the time and just didn't care enough to even try and hide it from them. This started Chance down the road to shutting down emotionally and deflecting his pain onto someone else, namely Norma Jean.
With one drunken kiss, Norma Jean and Chance's lives changed FOREVER. Norma wanted to hurt Chance and he in turn wanted to right his wrong with Norma Jean and have a real life with her. But like all things good and not so good their intentions never go the way they planned. Norma ends up falling in love with Chance only to have her heart ripped out again and he gets told by the woman he loves, via her diary, that her love was just a cruel revenge plot to bring him to his knees.
What they don't realize is that they are just pawns on a chessboard for a dark and sinister force who will stop at nothing to get what they want and happily ruin their lives in the process.
I could tell you more about it but in doing so, I would ruin this fantastic story for everyone and trust me when I tell you that what I have said is only a tiny tip of a HUGE iceberg. Amanda had me so invested in this story it brought me to tears and I LOVED every second of it. I feel that this book is relateable to everyone in some form or another. On a scale from 1-10 I give Norma Jean a great big 10. It touched my soul in a way that no other book ever has. If you are looking for a story that has characters with real human flaws, raw emotions, insurmountable odds, or just one heck of a book than I encourage EVERY adult 18+ to pick up a copy of Norma Jean and let them tell you their tragic tale of woe in their own words.
June 3, 2013
I have to say right of the bat that the cover to this book is incredible. You see this beautiful girl Norma Jean she is baring it all for you to see. You get a feel of a certain sadness that she may have. Your left wondering what could of happened to this girl that she would bare her sole for everyone to see. Sometimes a cover of a book is just as important to the story itself. After admiring this cover I just wanted to wrap myself around it. This story was unique in its own way and the characters were utterly mesmerizing to me. It was a story about a girl and a boy and how childhood circumstances defined them. I thought this book was a nice change from some books in the genre.
The book starts off with Norma Jean having a unusual encounter with chance. Chance is the reason she is an outcast in high school. He tormented her and she hates him. In their encounter he ends up kissing her while she is babysitting his niece. Now he regrets the way he treated her in the past. She sees this as her chance to exact revenge on him. She wants him to fall in love with her so she can break his heart. The problem is she starts to see him in a different light. He is good to her, he want to make her happy. He would do anything for her. So things may not work out like she planned! They might turn out even better in the end.
Norma Jean was such a wonderful character. She had a light inside of her that was so appealing. She was brave, and honest, she loved with everything she had. Chance was such a great match for her. He had so much to give her and he did his best to tread lightly. He didn't want to make any mistakes with Norma Jean. He knew that what they shared was pretty special. He didn't want to risk it up to chance no pun intended. So we have these two beautiful people who are perfect for one another but a past that tore one of them to pieces is what has made her who she is. Which I don't think is such a bad thing. In the end we learn from our mistakes and move on to bigger and better things. This story was very intriguing to say the least. It drew me in and Norma and Chance's story was one of epic proportions.
My recommendation is to get this book while you can. The story is one I'm glad I got to experience. A book that I could identify with and I know so many of you will too.
The book starts off with Norma Jean having a unusual encounter with chance. Chance is the reason she is an outcast in high school. He tormented her and she hates him. In their encounter he ends up kissing her while she is babysitting his niece. Now he regrets the way he treated her in the past. She sees this as her chance to exact revenge on him. She wants him to fall in love with her so she can break his heart. The problem is she starts to see him in a different light. He is good to her, he want to make her happy. He would do anything for her. So things may not work out like she planned! They might turn out even better in the end.
Norma Jean was such a wonderful character. She had a light inside of her that was so appealing. She was brave, and honest, she loved with everything she had. Chance was such a great match for her. He had so much to give her and he did his best to tread lightly. He didn't want to make any mistakes with Norma Jean. He knew that what they shared was pretty special. He didn't want to risk it up to chance no pun intended. So we have these two beautiful people who are perfect for one another but a past that tore one of them to pieces is what has made her who she is. Which I don't think is such a bad thing. In the end we learn from our mistakes and move on to bigger and better things. This story was very intriguing to say the least. It drew me in and Norma and Chance's story was one of epic proportions.
My recommendation is to get this book while you can. The story is one I'm glad I got to experience. A book that I could identify with and I know so many of you will too.
July 16, 2013
From my blog.
**ARC provided by author for an honest review**
How can I describe MY reading experience? I liked it, liked it some more, and then... I didn't anymore. Not that much at least. I felt completely overwhelmed by everything going on and this time it wasn't the good kind of overwhelmed. There were way too many things happening and that overshadowed Norma Jean and Chance's relationship.
I liked the relationship between Norma Jean and Chance before the big breakup. It was believable: Chance trying to make up for everything he'd done as a boy and falling in love with her, Norma Jean trying to get her revenge and falling in love with him despite of everything he'd put her through. After they got back together, it all went way too easily (mostly because the main action was elsewhere). I would have expected a lot more work to make their relationship work after all those things they'd gone through. They just fought a little, had some make-up sex, and were so in love with each other, because neither had never stopped loving the other. I can't see this relationship going anywhere in real life...
Oh, one more thing that disturbed me personally: I felt lost during such a big part of the book. Why? Because there were so many names and not enough faces to connect them to. Honestly, I still have no idea which one is Declan and which is Caden, or who is Teagan with. And who the hell is Harley? Sorry, but I just had very hard time keeping up with the characters and their names.
Other than all that, this story had so, so much potential, but for me, it just couldn't live up to the blurb. It did have some great parts, but at the same time, it also had some not that great parts.
Should you read it? I think you shouldn't base your decision purely on my review. I've read so many different opinions about this book: some loved it, were moved to the tears, some couldn't even finish, and some were somewhere in the middle. I'm in the middle. And I guess to find out what you think about Norma Jean you just have to read it yourself...
**ARC provided by author for an honest review**
How can I describe MY reading experience? I liked it, liked it some more, and then... I didn't anymore. Not that much at least. I felt completely overwhelmed by everything going on and this time it wasn't the good kind of overwhelmed. There were way too many things happening and that overshadowed Norma Jean and Chance's relationship.
I liked the relationship between Norma Jean and Chance before the big breakup. It was believable: Chance trying to make up for everything he'd done as a boy and falling in love with her, Norma Jean trying to get her revenge and falling in love with him despite of everything he'd put her through. After they got back together, it all went way too easily (mostly because the main action was elsewhere). I would have expected a lot more work to make their relationship work after all those things they'd gone through. They just fought a little, had some make-up sex, and were so in love with each other, because neither had never stopped loving the other. I can't see this relationship going anywhere in real life...
Oh, one more thing that disturbed me personally: I felt lost during such a big part of the book. Why? Because there were so many names and not enough faces to connect them to. Honestly, I still have no idea which one is Declan and which is Caden, or who is Teagan with. And who the hell is Harley? Sorry, but I just had very hard time keeping up with the characters and their names.
Other than all that, this story had so, so much potential, but for me, it just couldn't live up to the blurb. It did have some great parts, but at the same time, it also had some not that great parts.
Should you read it? I think you shouldn't base your decision purely on my review. I've read so many different opinions about this book: some loved it, were moved to the tears, some couldn't even finish, and some were somewhere in the middle. I'm in the middle. And I guess to find out what you think about Norma Jean you just have to read it yourself...
April 20, 2013
4.5 stars
Full Review posted on Lori's Book Blog - http://lorisbookblog.blogspot.com/201...
Have you ever read a book that had a little something to deal with Enemies turned Lovers? Did you ever wonder how in the world the couple would be able to make it? Would it be possible for their emotions to turn from pure lust to true love? I've lots of these kind of books... only I've never seriously questioned how they would make it... I've always seen their taunting for exactly what it was - a crush.
But that was not the case with Norma Jean... this was pure hatred here... the things Chance says and does... all I can say is WOW. Now I totally understood, but it definitely didn't make it right and in all honesty I don't think I could have gotten through this story based on his actions alone... getting inside his head is what made me fall for him, watching him struggle trying to right his wrongs made me want to fix it all for him, and then finally watching him get the chance to live out his dream was absolute bliss.
These two had one hell of a rough ride and each and every word kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. The struggles that Norma Jean faced throughout her life were heartbreaking. The fact that she had to face them all over again when it was time to leave for college my heart broke for her. But then watching those shattered pieces place themselves back together again... it was bittersweet because of who it was that was able to mend it.
The writing style has this amazing flow and the characters are so well built I can still picture them in my head. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more work by Amanda Heath.
Happy Reading!
Full Review posted on Lori's Book Blog - http://lorisbookblog.blogspot.com/201...
Have you ever read a book that had a little something to deal with Enemies turned Lovers? Did you ever wonder how in the world the couple would be able to make it? Would it be possible for their emotions to turn from pure lust to true love? I've lots of these kind of books... only I've never seriously questioned how they would make it... I've always seen their taunting for exactly what it was - a crush.
But that was not the case with Norma Jean... this was pure hatred here... the things Chance says and does... all I can say is WOW. Now I totally understood, but it definitely didn't make it right and in all honesty I don't think I could have gotten through this story based on his actions alone... getting inside his head is what made me fall for him, watching him struggle trying to right his wrongs made me want to fix it all for him, and then finally watching him get the chance to live out his dream was absolute bliss.
These two had one hell of a rough ride and each and every word kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. The struggles that Norma Jean faced throughout her life were heartbreaking. The fact that she had to face them all over again when it was time to leave for college my heart broke for her. But then watching those shattered pieces place themselves back together again... it was bittersweet because of who it was that was able to mend it.
The writing style has this amazing flow and the characters are so well built I can still picture them in my head. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more work by Amanda Heath.
Happy Reading!
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