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Emerge
Jenna has spent too long being complacent and accepting. Her mother and step-father constantly belittle and berate her for simply being alive. She passes through life keeping everyone and everything at arm’s length because it’s just not worth the questions or the pity party. She takes what they dish out and just tries to survive.
She has thought up a million different ways to get away from them, but lacked the motivation and the sheer will. Like a fast moving tornado, her motivation comes in the form of a boy who cares for her as none other has and who shows her a glimpse of hope, a glimpse into a life she never thought she could have.
But is her new motivation enough to get her out…
She has thought up a million different ways to get away from them, but lacked the motivation and the sheer will. Like a fast moving tornado, her motivation comes in the form of a boy who cares for her as none other has and who shows her a glimpse of hope, a glimpse into a life she never thought she could have.
But is her new motivation enough to get her out…
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2012
82 people are currently reading
1639 people want to read
About the author
Lila Felix
62 books857 followersLila Felix is full of antics and stories. She refused to go to Kindergarten after the teacher made her take a nap on the first day of school. She staged her first protest in middle school. She almost flunked out of her first semester at Pepperdine University because she was enthralled with their library and frequently was locked in. Now her husband and three children have to put up with her rebel nature in Louisiana where her days are filled with cypress trees, crawfish, and of course her books and writing. She writes about the ordinary people who fall extraordinarily in wild, true love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
September 5, 2012
This story is in my TOP 5 for the year!
Jenna was real, she was sweet, she was honest, she was modest and so insecure. She was a mirror of how I used to be when I was a teenager and I felt for her so much. I loved her. And Carlos...Not a flaw in the boy!!! He was A-Mazing. This book definitely speaks to the 'teen' that's still in me, though I am far from a teen anymore. It's about abuse, respect and the lack there of, overcoming, being kicked when you're down, and finding that there is always a way to get back up. The road may not be easy, but people come into your life that 'save' you in a sense. Carlos really saved Jenna and that had me bawling on more than one occasion.
Their chemistry built nicely over time and though this was a quick read, their relationship didn't feel forced even a little. Sometimes you just know when you know and I loved the pace of the book and them as a couple.
The mother in this book should be maimed on town square. She was the perfect villain and I felt Jenna was more than accommodating to that...woman. And she was justified with what happened in the end. I was surprised she lasted that long.
Overall, I loved it. It was a beautiful story about a young girl who found a way when there seemed to be none with the help of a cutie with passion and heart. Loved it!
5 stars from me!!!
Jenna was real, she was sweet, she was honest, she was modest and so insecure. She was a mirror of how I used to be when I was a teenager and I felt for her so much. I loved her. And Carlos...Not a flaw in the boy!!! He was A-Mazing. This book definitely speaks to the 'teen' that's still in me, though I am far from a teen anymore. It's about abuse, respect and the lack there of, overcoming, being kicked when you're down, and finding that there is always a way to get back up. The road may not be easy, but people come into your life that 'save' you in a sense. Carlos really saved Jenna and that had me bawling on more than one occasion.
Their chemistry built nicely over time and though this was a quick read, their relationship didn't feel forced even a little. Sometimes you just know when you know and I loved the pace of the book and them as a couple.
The mother in this book should be maimed on town square. She was the perfect villain and I felt Jenna was more than accommodating to that...woman. And she was justified with what happened in the end. I was surprised she lasted that long.
Overall, I loved it. It was a beautiful story about a young girl who found a way when there seemed to be none with the help of a cutie with passion and heart. Loved it!
5 stars from me!!!
September 7, 2012
2.5 stars. The story was good and believe me, I really wanted to love it. However, the story was just missing more. More background into the parent's parents, more information on Carlos' past, more something. There was great potential but everything just moved forward for the sake of moving forward it seems like. I wanted more depth and details. I couldn't help but compare it something like Heart on a Chain when I was done and I just didn't feel the same connection to this book as I did the other one. It's still an ok story and if you want a girl-perseveres-and-overcomes kind of plot, then this is a good read for you.
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January 1, 2023🎊LAST BOOK OF 2022.
Picked a random book to surprise myself since I got nobody to do the countdown with.
Its okay tho, I celebrated 31st December very much. I was warm and comfy and TOTALLY hyped.
See-
About the book.... Review to come. But MAN if this isin't the best HS romance I've read in a long time.
Thanks to the forces that made me pick this book.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023 TO YOU, THE READER.
Picked a random book to surprise myself since I got nobody to do the countdown with.
Its okay tho, I celebrated 31st December very much. I was warm and comfy and TOTALLY hyped.
See-
About the book.... Review to come. But MAN if this isin't the best HS romance I've read in a long time.
Thanks to the forces that made me pick this book.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023 TO YOU, THE READER.
September 3, 2014
When Jenna comes home every day she never knows who will meet her at the door: Medusa Mom or June Cleaver Mom. More times than not it was Medusa Mom. Jenna never felt the warm fuzzy love a mother is supposed to bestow upon her daughter. In fact it was just the opposite. Jenna knew what the back of her mother’s hand being smacked against her face felt like. She knows what it was like to go without dinner because her mom never made enough for her. So Jenna only had one focus…make it to graduation so she could leave her abusive home life and never look back. Little did Jenna know her life was about to change. But things always get worse before they get better.
Honestly, I didn’t know what to say to him and really I was waiting for him to say that it was all too much. I was waiting for him to admit that I wasn’t worth the fight, wasn’t worth the hassle. Wasn’t worth the time and energy needed to deal with my drama.
I was absolutely blown away by the range of emotion in this story. The highs were high and lows were pretty darn low. At the mere mention of the so called mother I was ready to come unglued on her arse. She is despicable and the lowest of low. But thankfully Jenna made the good in her life outweigh the bad and I believe that was what helped her get through her horrible home life. And that good would not have been possible without Carlos. He showed her there is someone out there willing to stand up for you, willing to show you real love, and willing to be your everything. He was someone that would drop everything just to come and pick up the pieces…and he did several times. He gets an A+ in my book.
I love how quickly their relationship progressed. It was kinda like how the hubs and me dated. Two months after dating he popped the question…2 months after that we got married…and here were 12 yrs, and 3 daughters later. Quick love really does work out in the end, especially when you are so in love. And the love between Carlos and Jenna was apparent.
And his mouth…his lips were barely grazing the outside of my ear as he said “ I want you alone J with your mouth on mine and trust me, the last thing you will be doing is giggling.” *Swoooon*
Thank you so much Lila for sending an ARC my way and giving me a chance to review your work. Now stop biting your nails with worry…the book was wonderful! I look forward to reading more of your books in the future especially if there are more Carlos like characters!
Honestly, I didn’t know what to say to him and really I was waiting for him to say that it was all too much. I was waiting for him to admit that I wasn’t worth the fight, wasn’t worth the hassle. Wasn’t worth the time and energy needed to deal with my drama.
I was absolutely blown away by the range of emotion in this story. The highs were high and lows were pretty darn low. At the mere mention of the so called mother I was ready to come unglued on her arse. She is despicable and the lowest of low. But thankfully Jenna made the good in her life outweigh the bad and I believe that was what helped her get through her horrible home life. And that good would not have been possible without Carlos. He showed her there is someone out there willing to stand up for you, willing to show you real love, and willing to be your everything. He was someone that would drop everything just to come and pick up the pieces…and he did several times. He gets an A+ in my book.
I love how quickly their relationship progressed. It was kinda like how the hubs and me dated. Two months after dating he popped the question…2 months after that we got married…and here were 12 yrs, and 3 daughters later. Quick love really does work out in the end, especially when you are so in love. And the love between Carlos and Jenna was apparent.
And his mouth…his lips were barely grazing the outside of my ear as he said “ I want you alone J with your mouth on mine and trust me, the last thing you will be doing is giggling.” *Swoooon*
Thank you so much Lila for sending an ARC my way and giving me a chance to review your work. Now stop biting your nails with worry…the book was wonderful! I look forward to reading more of your books in the future especially if there are more Carlos like characters!
January 16, 2013
Emerge is a book where "you get exactly what you see." There's no twists or hidden meanings or agendas. It's a book about two 18-year-olds who fall head over heels in love which forms fast in to an instant love relationship. It's a pretty quick clean read written only in Jenna's POV.
Jenna is an 18-year-old living in an abusive home. She lives with her mom "Medusa", step-dad the "Tyrant", and 4-year-old half sister May. She's in her senior year in high school where she meets swoon worthy Carlos. Carlos is a hard worker, lives with his older brother and is also 18. They fall fast for each other and form an instant love relationship all before their first kiss.
Even though their relationship moved way too fast for me, I still loved Carlos. He was a very respectable boyfriend. He never pushed the limits sexually with Jenna. He loved her deeply from the first time he saw her. I loved how he felt about Jenna, how he was with her, how hard of a worker he was and how he tried to help and protect Jenna as best as he could. He was always there when she needed a shoulder to cry on or a lifting hand.
Jenna was a very good older sister to May. She kept her abuse a secret for too long in my opinion but she did the best she could in the situation she was in. She meets Carlos and he becomes her Savior. I did appreciate that Jenna gets herself out of her situation on her own merits when she's finally had enough.
I really loved the epilogue. It put a smile on my face and I was happy to see what life brought them years down the road.
With all that being said, this book made me giggle at times and put a smile on my face as well.
This is the first book by Lila Felix. I've read two other books by her and I will say, each book she writes gets better the more she hones her writing skills.
Jenna is an 18-year-old living in an abusive home. She lives with her mom "Medusa", step-dad the "Tyrant", and 4-year-old half sister May. She's in her senior year in high school where she meets swoon worthy Carlos. Carlos is a hard worker, lives with his older brother and is also 18. They fall fast for each other and form an instant love relationship all before their first kiss.
Even though their relationship moved way too fast for me, I still loved Carlos. He was a very respectable boyfriend. He never pushed the limits sexually with Jenna. He loved her deeply from the first time he saw her. I loved how he felt about Jenna, how he was with her, how hard of a worker he was and how he tried to help and protect Jenna as best as he could. He was always there when she needed a shoulder to cry on or a lifting hand.
Jenna was a very good older sister to May. She kept her abuse a secret for too long in my opinion but she did the best she could in the situation she was in. She meets Carlos and he becomes her Savior. I did appreciate that Jenna gets herself out of her situation on her own merits when she's finally had enough.
I really loved the epilogue. It put a smile on my face and I was happy to see what life brought them years down the road.
With all that being said, this book made me giggle at times and put a smile on my face as well.
This is the first book by Lila Felix. I've read two other books by her and I will say, each book she writes gets better the more she hones her writing skills.
August 29, 2020
Carlos was a unique love interest, and he was a lot different from what you usually read in these types of books. He spends a lot of his time working so that he can pay his half of the rent in the apartment he lives in with his brother. He has responsibilities and a stressful life of his own, though the focus is almost entirely on Jenna and her life. I think it's very telling when a romance like this focuses only on the female protagonist. I want to learn more about love interest, to get inside his head, in order to really feel the connection between them.
That said, the plot was somewhat tame and there were quite a few times when I really thought that Jenna should be able to get out. Her main reason for staying was to protect her little 4-year-old sister. This is an admirable reason, and I loved it--at first. It seems as though she forgets this responsibility as the novel progresses, and towards the end, she just leaves her sister there. I suppose she thinks her sister will be fine with her parents, but I guess she doesn't realize that as her sister gets older, her parents may focus their frustrations and self-loathing onto this new target. Ugh, this stresses me out!
All in all, this was a sweet romance, with some highs and lows, and it's worth checking out if you're obsessed with these types of themes in romance novels (like I am!).
That said, the plot was somewhat tame and there were quite a few times when I really thought that Jenna should be able to get out. Her main reason for staying was to protect her little 4-year-old sister. This is an admirable reason, and I loved it--at first. It seems as though she forgets this responsibility as the novel progresses, and towards the end, she just leaves her sister there. I suppose she thinks her sister will be fine with her parents, but I guess she doesn't realize that as her sister gets older, her parents may focus their frustrations and self-loathing onto this new target. Ugh, this stresses me out!
All in all, this was a sweet romance, with some highs and lows, and it's worth checking out if you're obsessed with these types of themes in romance novels (like I am!).
September 6, 2012
So I decided to read this book off of a recommendation of author Shelly Crane's. I know I say this a lot, but I absolutely LOVED this book. This book cover some seriously tough subject matter, but I have to say I thought the author did a great job with this story. I loved Carlos...he was such a strong figure in Jenna's life. No matter what happened he was always there to help her and support her through it. Their relationship progressed pretty fast but it was still believable. I truly loved the ending and the epilogue. It finished the story. I do wish the epilogue would have mentioned what happened to her mom, step dad, and May....I would've like to know that they minus May were rotting in jail. Anyway a terrific story. A MUST READ!!!!
October 21, 2012
I’m not a huge fan of contemporary. I get enough of real life that I find stories with real events boring, depressing and outright overlooked if I’m at the bookstore. I’m a fan of the paranormal. Give me vampires, demons, monsters. Give me the dark and twisted evils hidden in the night, under your bed, with a chainsaw. Those are my stories.
So when I noticed Ms. Felix had a blog tour and was recruiting people, I figured, meh, why not. I love helping another author. It’s only one day and just because I’m not a fan of the genre, doesn’t mean someone else isn’t.
Read the rest HERE
So when I noticed Ms. Felix had a blog tour and was recruiting people, I figured, meh, why not. I love helping another author. It’s only one day and just because I’m not a fan of the genre, doesn’t mean someone else isn’t.
Read the rest HERE
November 4, 2012
This had the potential to be an amazing book. You have elements that are all working together to make a great story. However, it just falls short.
Let me start with the good. I was engaged in the story and wanted to find out quickly what was happening. There were elements to the plot that were surprising and while there was drama, I didn't feel it was overdone which is amazing considering this is a book that deals with abuse themes.
So, the not so good? There were timing issues in this book. A few times in this book Jenna would say "and graduation was 3 weeks away" and then she would have a date with Carlos, go to bed, and the next chapter would start "the next day I woke up and realized I only had 3 days till graduation " OR "the next day I prepared for graduation". This happened a few times in the book. There were also lots of missed words or misspelled words.
I also felt like Carlos was just not real at all. He is a full time employee at night, a high school student during the day, and an 18 year old boy who acts like he is in his late 20's (looking for marriage and kids). Don't get me wrong, he was a great character and super dreamy...if he was in a book written about a guy in his late 20's early 30's. It seemed like he had some issues with his parents, but you never really get the full story as to what those issues are. He could have been better developed and provided some insight into why he was acting so much older than he really was.
Jenna was a great character. I felt that Jenna was written very well and such great development through the book.
Overall, the book wasn't bad, it just needs a really good editor to go through it and hash out some of those timing issues and perhaps help with developing Carlos a bit more. I would recommend the book to others and I'm certainly going to pick up another book from Ms. Fox.
Let me start with the good. I was engaged in the story and wanted to find out quickly what was happening. There were elements to the plot that were surprising and while there was drama, I didn't feel it was overdone which is amazing considering this is a book that deals with abuse themes.
So, the not so good? There were timing issues in this book. A few times in this book Jenna would say "and graduation was 3 weeks away" and then she would have a date with Carlos, go to bed, and the next chapter would start "the next day I woke up and realized I only had 3 days till graduation " OR "the next day I prepared for graduation". This happened a few times in the book. There were also lots of missed words or misspelled words.
I also felt like Carlos was just not real at all. He is a full time employee at night, a high school student during the day, and an 18 year old boy who acts like he is in his late 20's (looking for marriage and kids). Don't get me wrong, he was a great character and super dreamy...if he was in a book written about a guy in his late 20's early 30's. It seemed like he had some issues with his parents, but you never really get the full story as to what those issues are. He could have been better developed and provided some insight into why he was acting so much older than he really was.
Jenna was a great character. I felt that Jenna was written very well and such great development through the book.
Overall, the book wasn't bad, it just needs a really good editor to go through it and hash out some of those timing issues and perhaps help with developing Carlos a bit more. I would recommend the book to others and I'm certainly going to pick up another book from Ms. Fox.
November 3, 2012
Mrs. Beamer's Review:
As I was reading this book, I kept thinking "there has to be more...there must be a twist...something major is right around the corner...etc" BUT...no such luck :( Very little about this book was believable to me. I'm never a big fan of "insta-love"...and it didn't work for me here, either. The relationships felt superficial. I kept wanting MORE. More on Jenna/May...more on Carlos/Saul...more on Jenna/Dad...more on Mom/Step-Dad...more on Jenna/Carlos. There was great potential, but I was left disappointed. I did like how the author introduced Jenna. I instantly felt a strong connection with our heroine and I was rooting for her immediately. But it was short-lived. The silver lining with this book...it had a happy ending. And I'm a sucker for a happy ending.
Mrs. Beamer’s advisory rating: 0-5 (0=none, 5=lots)
Language: 0
Violence: 0
Sexual Content: 1.5
Drugs/Alcohol: 0
Potential Controversial Topics: domestic abuse
As I was reading this book, I kept thinking "there has to be more...there must be a twist...something major is right around the corner...etc" BUT...no such luck :( Very little about this book was believable to me. I'm never a big fan of "insta-love"...and it didn't work for me here, either. The relationships felt superficial. I kept wanting MORE. More on Jenna/May...more on Carlos/Saul...more on Jenna/Dad...more on Mom/Step-Dad...more on Jenna/Carlos. There was great potential, but I was left disappointed. I did like how the author introduced Jenna. I instantly felt a strong connection with our heroine and I was rooting for her immediately. But it was short-lived. The silver lining with this book...it had a happy ending. And I'm a sucker for a happy ending.
Mrs. Beamer’s advisory rating: 0-5 (0=none, 5=lots)
Language: 0
Violence: 0
Sexual Content: 1.5
Drugs/Alcohol: 0
Potential Controversial Topics: domestic abuse
July 28, 2013
The book was very uninteresting. Especially the chemistry between the two primary characters. I had a difficult time reading the entire book because of the storyline dragging and the lack of appeal between the two main characters. Their "love" for each other is difficult to believe because their is so little information.
Even more despairing is the fact that the author did not address the underlying issues of abuse. It was made into something you shrug off. She totally glossed over the issue making it something minor, in which it is in fact, not! What a story to use as a platform to talk about abuse. The author failed, sadly.
Please don't waste your time or your money on this one.
Even more despairing is the fact that the author did not address the underlying issues of abuse. It was made into something you shrug off. She totally glossed over the issue making it something minor, in which it is in fact, not! What a story to use as a platform to talk about abuse. The author failed, sadly.
Please don't waste your time or your money on this one.
September 9, 2012
So much to say about this story. Emerge is something new on the market - it's not a love story based on chiseled chins and six-pack abs. What you'll find is so much better. Emerge is a story about real people, good people, that will make you smile and cry and cheer.
I loved this incredibly sweet and touching love story that also told a horrible story of neglect and abuse. Usually I can't handle abuse stories, but this one was beautifully captured and artfully balanced. The balance makes the darkness in the story palpable and the romance in the story that much more poignant.
The writing is smooth and the voice pulled me through the book. It was easy to read, like a long letter from a good friend. It was refreshing and sweet and I loved that too.
The ending...there's a lot I could say, but I won't ruin it for anyone. Except to say it was perfect. Beyond that. The emotions paired with the closing line of the story made me cry and smile and cheer all at once. Thanks for the great read, Lila!
I loved this incredibly sweet and touching love story that also told a horrible story of neglect and abuse. Usually I can't handle abuse stories, but this one was beautifully captured and artfully balanced. The balance makes the darkness in the story palpable and the romance in the story that much more poignant.
The writing is smooth and the voice pulled me through the book. It was easy to read, like a long letter from a good friend. It was refreshing and sweet and I loved that too.
The ending...there's a lot I could say, but I won't ruin it for anyone. Except to say it was perfect. Beyond that. The emotions paired with the closing line of the story made me cry and smile and cheer all at once. Thanks for the great read, Lila!
September 4, 2012
review is on www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com
I am not even sure on how to begin this review. Because I just finished this ARC that was given to me by the author and I am still a bit emotional from it.
Let's just start:
Best part: Jenna and Carlos are the best part of the book. I love how they met, how the interacted with each other and how they love each other. Carlos was such a wonderful and amazing person. He was a perfect match for Jenna in every way! Even though Jenna had the worst home life, I love how she was with Carols. I love how strong she became and what a great person she was through out the book.
Not so great about book: The only problem that I had with this book was how many tissues I went through because I was crying so badly.
However, even through all the bad parts (Jenna's home life) I enjoyed this book so much. This is a quick read because you will not want to put it down. MARK MY WORDS RIGHT NOW: We will be seeing Lila Felix again and I think BIG things for her are to come!!! Cannot wait to read more of her work!!
I am not even sure on how to begin this review. Because I just finished this ARC that was given to me by the author and I am still a bit emotional from it.
Let's just start:
Best part: Jenna and Carlos are the best part of the book. I love how they met, how the interacted with each other and how they love each other. Carlos was such a wonderful and amazing person. He was a perfect match for Jenna in every way! Even though Jenna had the worst home life, I love how she was with Carols. I love how strong she became and what a great person she was through out the book.
Not so great about book: The only problem that I had with this book was how many tissues I went through because I was crying so badly.
However, even through all the bad parts (Jenna's home life) I enjoyed this book so much. This is a quick read because you will not want to put it down. MARK MY WORDS RIGHT NOW: We will be seeing Lila Felix again and I think BIG things for her are to come!!! Cannot wait to read more of her work!!
October 3, 2013
I guess it's a pet peeve of mine that there are all these books out there about young girls with horrible lives for one reason or another - horrible home lives, bullying, eating disorders, injury/disfigurement, whatever - and the only possible solution to the problem is to find a guy who will make it right. I LOVE a good love story, but to be in love - madly, deeply, truly in love - you have to fix what's wrong with you first. It doesn't go the other way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2014
This was a sweet but sad story. I loved Jenna and Carlos- they were so great together. The book had me emotional at times, but the ending was great.
April 7, 2013
Alright, I am finally writing this review. I say finally because I finished this book a few weeks ago. Why did it take me so long? Well, besides the fact that my daughter is a little leech (I mean that in the nicest way of course) and I can’t get anything done, I also needed to recover. Emerge broke me. I was so emotionally spent after reading this story. Please don’t take that in a bad way though. This book was well worth every tear.
Before I begin I should probably tell you that Lila Felix is like my #1 gal. She probably doesn’t know this but I totally fan girl all over her. I talk about her work to random strangers. I think she is the cat’s meow (do people still say that?). Lila sent this book to me and just asked if I could give her a review on Amazon or something. Well, I can’t just leave it on Amazon. She (and Emerge) deserve so much more than that.
My thoughts
Where do I begin with this book???? I already told you that it is an emotional read. Well, it truly is. Jenna’s story is one that will break your heart. But, at the same time you just want to give her this huge high-five and a “hell yeah” because she is the strongest character I have ever come across. Her mother is a freaking bitch (pardon my language) and treats Jenna like crap. She has days of being a decent mom and putting dinner on the table and actually showing concern (her June Cleaver days) and days when she will hit Jenna, call her names, or flat out ignore her (her Medusa days). Jenna learns how to cope with all that her mother dishes because she wants to get through school. Her dreams of graduating high school and moving out seem to be what is most important in her life. I get it, I really do. But, I just wanted to pick her up and move her away from her psycho mom myself.
Carlos; sweet, loving, amazing Carlos. Carlos is a dream boyfriend. He amazed me from the first time we met him. His ability to be there for Jenna and to give her what she needs is beautiful. He is a flawless man who takes care of himself, helps out his brother, manages to work full-time and go to school, and then takes up for Jenna. He deals with her crazy mom because he loves her. He rescues her, whether for a few hours or a few days, and treats her the way she deserves to be treated. Carlos is amazing and truly a hit on the best book boyfriend list!
I mentioned this book broke me. It did. Seeing what Jenna went through and how she managed to live her life to the fullest was beyond me. She is so strong, so determined, and so downright amazing. She worked, did well in school, dealt with her mom, helped her little sister, took care of herself, and still had it in her to open her heart to a boy. But, there were some times that I wasn’t sure it would all work out. I had to believe in the HEA for this book because it just wouldn’t be fair for Jenna and Carlos not to get it. I didn’t give up my HEA thoughts. But, there were times I doubted. I knew that there had to be something big happening in the end because graduation came and went. Big there was. The final chapter truly had me in tears though and I won’t tell you why.
For the record, this has been the hardest no-spoiler review I have written. There is SO much I want to tell you about Emerge and Jenna and Carlos. I want to tell you all about their story but I won’t. The book is too good for me to ruin it for you. I feel like I am not doing this book justice though…
Please grab Emerge if you haven’t yet. Just because I fangirl all over Lila Felix doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be honest with you. You have to read this book. It gets a huge 5 stars from me.
Before I begin I should probably tell you that Lila Felix is like my #1 gal. She probably doesn’t know this but I totally fan girl all over her. I talk about her work to random strangers. I think she is the cat’s meow (do people still say that?). Lila sent this book to me and just asked if I could give her a review on Amazon or something. Well, I can’t just leave it on Amazon. She (and Emerge) deserve so much more than that.
My thoughts
Where do I begin with this book???? I already told you that it is an emotional read. Well, it truly is. Jenna’s story is one that will break your heart. But, at the same time you just want to give her this huge high-five and a “hell yeah” because she is the strongest character I have ever come across. Her mother is a freaking bitch (pardon my language) and treats Jenna like crap. She has days of being a decent mom and putting dinner on the table and actually showing concern (her June Cleaver days) and days when she will hit Jenna, call her names, or flat out ignore her (her Medusa days). Jenna learns how to cope with all that her mother dishes because she wants to get through school. Her dreams of graduating high school and moving out seem to be what is most important in her life. I get it, I really do. But, I just wanted to pick her up and move her away from her psycho mom myself.
Carlos; sweet, loving, amazing Carlos. Carlos is a dream boyfriend. He amazed me from the first time we met him. His ability to be there for Jenna and to give her what she needs is beautiful. He is a flawless man who takes care of himself, helps out his brother, manages to work full-time and go to school, and then takes up for Jenna. He deals with her crazy mom because he loves her. He rescues her, whether for a few hours or a few days, and treats her the way she deserves to be treated. Carlos is amazing and truly a hit on the best book boyfriend list!
I mentioned this book broke me. It did. Seeing what Jenna went through and how she managed to live her life to the fullest was beyond me. She is so strong, so determined, and so downright amazing. She worked, did well in school, dealt with her mom, helped her little sister, took care of herself, and still had it in her to open her heart to a boy. But, there were some times that I wasn’t sure it would all work out. I had to believe in the HEA for this book because it just wouldn’t be fair for Jenna and Carlos not to get it. I didn’t give up my HEA thoughts. But, there were times I doubted. I knew that there had to be something big happening in the end because graduation came and went. Big there was. The final chapter truly had me in tears though and I won’t tell you why.
For the record, this has been the hardest no-spoiler review I have written. There is SO much I want to tell you about Emerge and Jenna and Carlos. I want to tell you all about their story but I won’t. The book is too good for me to ruin it for you. I feel like I am not doing this book justice though…
Please grab Emerge if you haven’t yet. Just because I fangirl all over Lila Felix doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be honest with you. You have to read this book. It gets a huge 5 stars from me.
September 13, 2012
Emerge is one of those stories that will stay with you forever. You are so drawn into Jenna's story that you are right there with her feeling her pain and feeling her love. She is a strong character that knows right from wrong and lives with all the wrongs that were done to her. Despite her family trying to bring her down she laughs and smiles and keeps her spirits up and in the end something totally epic happens to her and she shines like the star she is.
Jenna lives her life on eggshells. She never knows who she is going to come home to. Her mother is bipolar and she has her different personalities and when she comes home she has to be careful not to upset her mother because there will be hell to pay. So Jenna comes home and takes care of her sister and goes to work. She avoids her mother and step father by going to school and keeping out of trouble. That is until she meets Carlos.
Jenna's English class is combined with another class and they meet up in the drama room. There she meets the guy of her dreams. She sees him across the way and can't stop staring at him. She is caught staring at him but he only smiles at her and thus the beginning of her first relationship with a boy. Carlos and Jenna start up a friendship that grows more and more each day until they have a relationship. Carlos is such a gentlemen never forcing her to do anything and never asking anything from her. As their relationship gets stronger Jenna gets stronger and realizes that she does not have to live with the abuse she has to endure everyday because she is eighteen and she can go off on her own.
Through the help of a neighbor and Carlos Jenna gets away from her abusive mother and starts a life with Carlos by her side. To me Carlos is what a man really is. He takes care of her and loves her and expects nothing back in return. He loves her and encourages her to do whatever it is she wants in life. This story tugged at my heart and I so love loved it! This is one of those romances where you say WOW can I please clone the main male character.I recommend it to everyone! Happy Reading and get some tissues because once you see how a man is supposed to treat a woman you will be crying like a crazy person!
Jenna lives her life on eggshells. She never knows who she is going to come home to. Her mother is bipolar and she has her different personalities and when she comes home she has to be careful not to upset her mother because there will be hell to pay. So Jenna comes home and takes care of her sister and goes to work. She avoids her mother and step father by going to school and keeping out of trouble. That is until she meets Carlos.
Jenna's English class is combined with another class and they meet up in the drama room. There she meets the guy of her dreams. She sees him across the way and can't stop staring at him. She is caught staring at him but he only smiles at her and thus the beginning of her first relationship with a boy. Carlos and Jenna start up a friendship that grows more and more each day until they have a relationship. Carlos is such a gentlemen never forcing her to do anything and never asking anything from her. As their relationship gets stronger Jenna gets stronger and realizes that she does not have to live with the abuse she has to endure everyday because she is eighteen and she can go off on her own.
Through the help of a neighbor and Carlos Jenna gets away from her abusive mother and starts a life with Carlos by her side. To me Carlos is what a man really is. He takes care of her and loves her and expects nothing back in return. He loves her and encourages her to do whatever it is she wants in life. This story tugged at my heart and I so love loved it! This is one of those romances where you say WOW can I please clone the main male character.I recommend it to everyone! Happy Reading and get some tissues because once you see how a man is supposed to treat a woman you will be crying like a crazy person!
September 17, 2012
This book was heartbreakingly sweet. It's about a girl who's been neglected and abused her whole life. Then she meets a boy who shows her that love is possible.
Jenna has been battered, beaten, and broken down by her terrible excuse for parents. I really felt for her. I wanted to wrap her up and hold her. As a result of this horrific treatment, Jenna is insecure, shy, and has little confidence. She has few friends, because she's been forced to care for her family. She goes to school, work, and home. When Carlos enters her world, everything changes.
Carlos knew how to handle and treat her from the beginning. He knew to take things slow with her and build her trust. I believe he helped to build her confidence and sense of security. Once he figured out what her home life was like, he tried everything he could to get her away from it. He's truly a great guy. I loved how their relationship developed.
While abuse is difficult to read about, I felt that the overall message of the book was positive. It showed a girl overcoming some pretty difficult obstacles. Jenna gained confidence, removed herself from her bad home life, and she learned how to recognize and accept love. Jenna was definitely a resilient girl. It touched my heart.
If you are looking for a sweet love story, definitely check this one out. It will tug at your heart.
Jenna has been battered, beaten, and broken down by her terrible excuse for parents. I really felt for her. I wanted to wrap her up and hold her. As a result of this horrific treatment, Jenna is insecure, shy, and has little confidence. She has few friends, because she's been forced to care for her family. She goes to school, work, and home. When Carlos enters her world, everything changes.
Carlos knew how to handle and treat her from the beginning. He knew to take things slow with her and build her trust. I believe he helped to build her confidence and sense of security. Once he figured out what her home life was like, he tried everything he could to get her away from it. He's truly a great guy. I loved how their relationship developed.
While abuse is difficult to read about, I felt that the overall message of the book was positive. It showed a girl overcoming some pretty difficult obstacles. Jenna gained confidence, removed herself from her bad home life, and she learned how to recognize and accept love. Jenna was definitely a resilient girl. It touched my heart.
If you are looking for a sweet love story, definitely check this one out. It will tug at your heart.
August 20, 2015
At first I was quite excited to read this book. It's my kind of book. Then I reach the part where the main character, Jenna, laid her eyes on a boy, and guess what? 5 minutes later, 3 paragraphs later to be exact, she has already talked about love. That’s fast! Like really fast, maybe the fastest insta-love I've ever read. And it says a lot, believe me, since there are lots of insta-love in books, especially in YA/NA, I read. It practically ruined my mood to finish it.
I also have problem with the way Jenna tells her story. It feels like it doesn’t have a soul. She only recites her story without any feeling. I surely didn't feel it moreover buy it, though this is a realistic contemporary story.
There isn't enough background story for the characters either, especially Jenna. I think it can be a good story if the author dig more deeper into the story. There aren't characters development, story development and such. Everything feels in a rush and out of the blue
In the end, when I finished it I left wondering what the heck did I just read? Because I just feel nothing. And I even have to force myself to remembering the main characters' name. That's how unmemorable the story was for me.
I also have problem with the way Jenna tells her story. It feels like it doesn’t have a soul. She only recites her story without any feeling. I surely didn't feel it moreover buy it, though this is a realistic contemporary story.
There isn't enough background story for the characters either, especially Jenna. I think it can be a good story if the author dig more deeper into the story. There aren't characters development, story development and such. Everything feels in a rush and out of the blue
In the end, when I finished it I left wondering what the heck did I just read? Because I just feel nothing. And I even have to force myself to remembering the main characters' name. That's how unmemorable the story was for me.
September 27, 2012
Raw, Real, Relatable
When I was browsing to buy another young adult book, I was captivated by this cover. It ignited a spark within me, and I just had to see what it was about. Suffice to say, I definitely travelled a journey with bumpy rides, but it was worth it―the money was well spent.
I connected with Jenna on an emotional level. There were some aspects of her thoughts, that I had said to myself before. Her self-sacrificing ways really made things hard on her, but at the end, she realized that looking out for one's self isn't selfish. In her situation, it definitely wasn't.
Carlos is one of those heroes that I'll always like. He was fun, protective, understanding, and sweet. He really made her feel loved. Though he could have been more fleshed out, I think he was the perfect match for Jenna.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommends it to anyone who wants a dose of realistic tribulations and the triumphs over obstacles that happen to many people in this world.
When I was browsing to buy another young adult book, I was captivated by this cover. It ignited a spark within me, and I just had to see what it was about. Suffice to say, I definitely travelled a journey with bumpy rides, but it was worth it―the money was well spent.
I connected with Jenna on an emotional level. There were some aspects of her thoughts, that I had said to myself before. Her self-sacrificing ways really made things hard on her, but at the end, she realized that looking out for one's self isn't selfish. In her situation, it definitely wasn't.
Carlos is one of those heroes that I'll always like. He was fun, protective, understanding, and sweet. He really made her feel loved. Though he could have been more fleshed out, I think he was the perfect match for Jenna.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommends it to anyone who wants a dose of realistic tribulations and the triumphs over obstacles that happen to many people in this world.
September 15, 2012
Jenna's life is not much..apart from her school..with her mother and her stepfather's who cares nothing about her,does nothing for work and to add that their physical abuse makes Jenna's life fill with dread.All she wants is to finish her high school and go away from them.
So when a cute,hot guy - Carlos - tries to capture Jenna's attention..though still with a little doubt..she enters a world filled with joy,love,affection N care..which she always missed!
But their parents are not one to leave her soon..they try to steal her little happiness she gains and taunts her at every corner..makes her life more miserable.
Jenna has enough and now its time she stands up against them..and when Carlos is on her side...all the doubts fade and a life is filled with sweet promises and love is emerged!
Emerge is a beautiful ,emotional and a passionate journey of a girl struggling with her life and trying to find herself who she is...!I loved it :)
Sri.
So when a cute,hot guy - Carlos - tries to capture Jenna's attention..though still with a little doubt..she enters a world filled with joy,love,affection N care..which she always missed!
But their parents are not one to leave her soon..they try to steal her little happiness she gains and taunts her at every corner..makes her life more miserable.
Jenna has enough and now its time she stands up against them..and when Carlos is on her side...all the doubts fade and a life is filled with sweet promises and love is emerged!
Emerge is a beautiful ,emotional and a passionate journey of a girl struggling with her life and trying to find herself who she is...!I loved it :)
Sri.
April 26, 2016
I love this story. It made me want to slap the crap out of Jenna's mom and the sorry excuse for a step dad. I adore Carlos. He immediately wanted to protect her and keep her safe. That is a great quality. In this story Jenna needed someone to make her feel like a Princess and that's what Carlos did for her. The love story is real and the beauty of it all is after all of these years the love is still just as strong. I highly recommend this book. Its one of my favs!!!
December 31, 2012
This was an awful book. It started off with potential but as I got further into the book, I started to realize that it lacked any real depth for a good romance story. The drama surrounding the teens in the story never gets resolved in the book-it's as if the villains win because nothing ever happens. Don't waste your time on this one. It's not worth it.
September 12, 2012
honestly i do not know where to begin. This book was all kinds of amazing. You are taken on a roller coaster of emotions. Parts had me laughing and others had me crying. I was up all night reading this book and regret nothing. I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!!!
October 25, 2012
This book was obviously self-published. Needed some revising. Needed an editor.
April 30, 2013
Makes you thankful to come from a loving home. Really enjoy the way Lila Felix writes and have enjoyed all the books I've read so far even though the books with deal some very heavy issues. wished the mum was made accountable and May had been taken off her but maybe thats for another story.
August 7, 2016
The writing felt so bad and the characters were so two dimensional??? not to mention the relationship had no depth at all. Quite unrealistic and a very disappointing read.
May 17, 2018
This was a sweet story but it did go over the top on 'love at first sight" and her parents!?! there was no mention on if the got what they deserved.. like how Carlos and Jenna had to be the ones to pay off all that debt and the troubles they both had after they got married, I felt like they should've got a break in their lives.
October 19, 2020
DNF at 52%
Contemporary high school insta love. A lot of time skips and telling of the story. Little sister. Step father (enabler) and bipolar mother (abuser). Boy from drama romance.
Contemporary high school insta love. A lot of time skips and telling of the story. Little sister. Step father (enabler) and bipolar mother (abuser). Boy from drama romance.
March 23, 2018
didnt finish the book, it felt so unrealistic, under so much problems in her life and suddently she is inlove with a guy right away, not my thing
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