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In This Moment
Every moment possesses its own kind of magic...
Aimee Spencer learned the hard way that for some moments, there are no take-backs, no rewinds, no do-overs. A year ago her world imploded and Aimee has been running ever since. She doesn't want to feel. She doesn't want to remember. To bury the ghosts that haunt her, she is living a life that has become unrecognizable.
Cole Everly is a golden boy with a cocky smile and an attitude to match. He's grown accustomed to girls throwing themselves at his feet, but when Aimee trips and literally lands in his lap one afternoon, she's not at all what he expects. Difficult, damaged, closed-off. If Cole needed to make a list of qualities to avoid in a girl, Aimee would probably match up with every single one of them. He knows that he should stay away but he's drawn to her in a way that he can't exactly explain.
In this honest and absorbing story, Aimee and Cole struggle to sort out the thin spaces between loss and love. Ultimately, they will need to learn how to navigate through the pieces of the past if they want to hold on to the future and each other.
Aimee Spencer learned the hard way that for some moments, there are no take-backs, no rewinds, no do-overs. A year ago her world imploded and Aimee has been running ever since. She doesn't want to feel. She doesn't want to remember. To bury the ghosts that haunt her, she is living a life that has become unrecognizable.
Cole Everly is a golden boy with a cocky smile and an attitude to match. He's grown accustomed to girls throwing themselves at his feet, but when Aimee trips and literally lands in his lap one afternoon, she's not at all what he expects. Difficult, damaged, closed-off. If Cole needed to make a list of qualities to avoid in a girl, Aimee would probably match up with every single one of them. He knows that he should stay away but he's drawn to her in a way that he can't exactly explain.
In this honest and absorbing story, Aimee and Cole struggle to sort out the thin spaces between loss and love. Ultimately, they will need to learn how to navigate through the pieces of the past if they want to hold on to the future and each other.
292 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2013
808 people are currently reading
5066 people want to read
About the author
Autumn Doughton
9 books770 followersI write books. Fun books. Books for you, your best friend, your favorite barista and that girl you knew back in the tenth grade. I like to write about the things I know. Things like being confused. Being afraid. Falling in love.
When I’m not writing, I’m usually chasing after my two daughters, two dogs, two chinchillas, three cats and one lovely husband. You can find all of us in Florida, where it’s salty, sunny and humid. Bad for the hair. Good for the soul.
I love reading, eating pizza and meeting people who make everybody feel like a somebody. I am allergic to monogrammed towels, pretentious wine snobs, haters and the widely accepted practice of growing up.
When I’m not writing, I’m usually chasing after my two daughters, two dogs, two chinchillas, three cats and one lovely husband. You can find all of us in Florida, where it’s salty, sunny and humid. Bad for the hair. Good for the soul.
I love reading, eating pizza and meeting people who make everybody feel like a somebody. I am allergic to monogrammed towels, pretentious wine snobs, haters and the widely accepted practice of growing up.
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November 15, 2015
It's hard to sound genuine on the computer but thank you all for the downloads and the reviews. Goodreaders are WONDERFUL! The book is currently in the top 100, which is amazeballs, and I know that's because of you guys. So if you need someone to come help you clean, or if your battery dies and you need a jump... I may need to take a plane to reach you but I'll be there :)
***
A big thank you to all the Goodreaders for reaching out to me, writing reviews, telling your friends, etc. You rock my world!!
****
August 12th is right around the corner! In honor of the release, we've made some collages to introduce you to Cole and Aimee. I'll be adding a new collage or photo every few days along with a line from the book. I can't wait for you guys to fall in love with these characters the way that I did!!
1. Allow me to present Aimee Spencer and Cole Everly
2. "I'll be the bottles on the beaches,
You'll be the waves that wash them all ashore."
That's a line from "No Nostalgia" by AgesandAges (a band I listened to quite a bit while writing IN THIS MOMENT). The book is about more than romantic love. It's about friendship--the kind that burrows inside of you and stays there forever.
3. A little more Aimee and Cole to celebrate the fact that the release is less than a month away!
4. 27 days to go!! "Every moment possesses its own kind of magic." 
5. 22 days left... "Do you hear that sound? It's the sound of the world ripping apart."
August 23, 2013
***5 GROUNDBREAKING STARS!!!! Loved this emotional, poignant story that made me laugh, cry and swoon!!!***
“Do you hear that sound? Do you hear it? It’s the sound of the world ripping apart.”
Wow. This book is one of the reasons why I just LOVE New Adult stories. I loved the characters, loved the plotline, loved the writing style!! I practically worship NA books that give me that *jolt,* that story that walks between the fine line of tragedy and love, and this book is the epitome of it all! From the beginning it was obvious that Aimee went through some serious shit, and there’s nothing like a fascinating and mysterious prologue to get my attention.
“They want me to be like Mara. They want me to talk animatedly about hair products and get excited about recruitment fairs and parties and nail polish colors. Nobody wants to know about the nightmares or the riptide of memories constantly trying to drag me under. The world doesn’t want to be forced to look at my scars.”
Aimee Spencer is a college freshman who, after experiencing a horrific ordeal, wants to just blend in with the crowd and live in the shadows. Her older sister, Mara, however, is the complete opposite of her, and after a few twists and turns, Aimee ends up hanging out with her crowd of people. A fateful incident literally crashes Aimee into Cole Everly, the college’s most notorious man-whore. What I love about the setup of this story (besides the plot) is the dual POVs between Aimee and Cole. It’s immensely gratifying to read about both of their thoughts and feelings when they’re stuck in the same situation, and makes their connection even more electric.
“That first split-second of recognition hits me hard. It feels like an earthquake is trapped inside my body. My skin rumbles with the impact.
Power lines go down.
Trees are uprooted.
Homes are destroyed.
Cities are leveled.”
Nope, it’s not an exaggeration. Really, that’s how powerful their bond is. It wasn’t at first, and in the beginning, the book adopted a rather lighthearted tone but with an underlying sense of tragedy underneath. I love the book (and movie) name game Cole and Aimee play with each other. It warmed my heart to see that Aimee was willing to reach out to someone, and Cole was willing to make the effort to know someone, and the game as a meeting place, the middle ground where both of their efforts met.
“See? I know you, Aimee Spencer. I know you inside and out, and you know me. Shit. You’re crammed so far under my skin that it’s like my feelings can’t even take one step without tripping over a part of you.”
Cole is the definition of bad-boy-reformed, and though there were a few times he made some choices I didn’t agree with, he is the perfect person for Aimee. He gets her. He understands her. He knows her. Once again, the dual POVs helped me realize just how much he needs her.
“Look but don’t touch. That’s the deal with us and it doesn’t matter if I want more because I’m not going to touch her until she makes it clear that it’s what she wants. And that’s not a game. It’s a promise. No more strategy. No more pushing. No more bullshit.
Just her and me. Me and her.
Her. One word. A simple pronoun that seems like an entire vocabulary.”
Cole and Aimee’s relationship was like a shaky rollercoaster. They passed all the obstacles that threatened to tear them apart, but along the way, they had to cry, rage, push, and run from each other. It made their story that much more significant and real. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“If we can’t get our own lives straight then we’ll do worst than break each other’s hearts. We’ll tear them apart. And maybe I could risk myself, but I can’t risk you. I just can’t.”
Somewhere along that fine line, the dual POVs seemed to fuse into one, and what Cole said, Aimee answered. What Aimee experienced, Cole felt. Their relationship was all-out consuming, and I just love how Autumn makes their story come to a full circle: how they started, how they ended, what broke them up, what brought them back together.
“Now I have to ask you a question. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Breathe.
No thoughts.
No worries.
After all of it…the good, the bad, the in-between…If I told you that I love you, what would you say?”
I would say, this book really made me feel pain, anguish, guilt, love, fear, passion, and for that, I give this book 5 STARS!!!!
“Do you hear that sound? Do you hear it? It’s the sound of the world ripping apart.”
Wow. This book is one of the reasons why I just LOVE New Adult stories. I loved the characters, loved the plotline, loved the writing style!! I practically worship NA books that give me that *jolt,* that story that walks between the fine line of tragedy and love, and this book is the epitome of it all! From the beginning it was obvious that Aimee went through some serious shit, and there’s nothing like a fascinating and mysterious prologue to get my attention.
“They want me to be like Mara. They want me to talk animatedly about hair products and get excited about recruitment fairs and parties and nail polish colors. Nobody wants to know about the nightmares or the riptide of memories constantly trying to drag me under. The world doesn’t want to be forced to look at my scars.”
Aimee Spencer is a college freshman who, after experiencing a horrific ordeal, wants to just blend in with the crowd and live in the shadows. Her older sister, Mara, however, is the complete opposite of her, and after a few twists and turns, Aimee ends up hanging out with her crowd of people. A fateful incident literally crashes Aimee into Cole Everly, the college’s most notorious man-whore. What I love about the setup of this story (besides the plot) is the dual POVs between Aimee and Cole. It’s immensely gratifying to read about both of their thoughts and feelings when they’re stuck in the same situation, and makes their connection even more electric.
“That first split-second of recognition hits me hard. It feels like an earthquake is trapped inside my body. My skin rumbles with the impact.
Power lines go down.
Trees are uprooted.
Homes are destroyed.
Cities are leveled.”
Nope, it’s not an exaggeration. Really, that’s how powerful their bond is. It wasn’t at first, and in the beginning, the book adopted a rather lighthearted tone but with an underlying sense of tragedy underneath. I love the book (and movie) name game Cole and Aimee play with each other. It warmed my heart to see that Aimee was willing to reach out to someone, and Cole was willing to make the effort to know someone, and the game as a meeting place, the middle ground where both of their efforts met.
“See? I know you, Aimee Spencer. I know you inside and out, and you know me. Shit. You’re crammed so far under my skin that it’s like my feelings can’t even take one step without tripping over a part of you.”
Cole is the definition of bad-boy-reformed, and though there were a few times he made some choices I didn’t agree with, he is the perfect person for Aimee. He gets her. He understands her. He knows her. Once again, the dual POVs helped me realize just how much he needs her.
“Look but don’t touch. That’s the deal with us and it doesn’t matter if I want more because I’m not going to touch her until she makes it clear that it’s what she wants. And that’s not a game. It’s a promise. No more strategy. No more pushing. No more bullshit.
Just her and me. Me and her.
Her. One word. A simple pronoun that seems like an entire vocabulary.”
Cole and Aimee’s relationship was like a shaky rollercoaster. They passed all the obstacles that threatened to tear them apart, but along the way, they had to cry, rage, push, and run from each other. It made their story that much more significant and real. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“If we can’t get our own lives straight then we’ll do worst than break each other’s hearts. We’ll tear them apart. And maybe I could risk myself, but I can’t risk you. I just can’t.”
Somewhere along that fine line, the dual POVs seemed to fuse into one, and what Cole said, Aimee answered. What Aimee experienced, Cole felt. Their relationship was all-out consuming, and I just love how Autumn makes their story come to a full circle: how they started, how they ended, what broke them up, what brought them back together.
“Now I have to ask you a question. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Breathe.
No thoughts.
No worries.
After all of it…the good, the bad, the in-between…If I told you that I love you, what would you say?”
I would say, this book really made me feel pain, anguish, guilt, love, fear, passion, and for that, I give this book 5 STARS!!!!
September 3, 2013
3.5 Stars.
This book was not bad by any means but it falls into the generic NA book category. It wasn't bad but didn't have a wow factor that I was looking for to make it different from all the other NA books....
You have your heroine, Aimee Spencer with her troubled past.
You have man slut, Cole Everly who has his own troubled past and will never settle down with one girl.
You have their chance meeting where she trips and falls but of course man slut Cole is there to catch her.
She runs, He runs... (If you know me, you know my thoughts on running in books)
I will say the parts of the books that redeemed it a little were the cute movie titles, the way Cole broke his nose, and some of the other funny banter between Cole and Aimee.
If you are a NA fanatic, you will likely enjoy this book.
This book was not bad by any means but it falls into the generic NA book category. It wasn't bad but didn't have a wow factor that I was looking for to make it different from all the other NA books....
You have your heroine, Aimee Spencer with her troubled past.
You have man slut, Cole Everly who has his own troubled past and will never settle down with one girl.
You have their chance meeting where she trips and falls but of course man slut Cole is there to catch her.
She runs, He runs... (If you know me, you know my thoughts on running in books)
I will say the parts of the books that redeemed it a little were the cute movie titles, the way Cole broke his nose, and some of the other funny banter between Cole and Aimee.
If you are a NA fanatic, you will likely enjoy this book.
May 20, 2017
UPDATE 5/20/17
Okay, so I'm changing my rating to 5 stars and adding this to my ultimate favorites list. I can't stop thinking about it lately. I so desperately wish the paperback version was available on Barnes & Noble because I really want it. I really, really, really want to reread this, but I don't want to read on my Kindle right now. :( :(
Anyway, I honestly don't know what I was thinking when I first rated this book. It deserves 5 stars because it's stayed with me since I first read it, and that's not true for every book I've read. I want more NA from Autumn Doughton because I love her and her writing so very much.
****
Between 4 and 4.5 stars
Do you hear that sound? It's the sound of the world ripping apart.
When asked to sum a book up in one word, I'm often unable to do so effectively. I might say "phenomenal" or "wonderful" or "beautiful" or other similar adjectives, but these words don't really sum the book itself up, but rather how I saw the book. They work, sure, but they don't say what I want them to say.
If prompted to sum In This Moment up in one word, I could do it so easily: realistic.
So, there's this girl...
Not only was the plot incredibly realistic, but the relationship between Cole and Aimee was so pure and every single part of it felt real to me. Every. Part. This isn't just a love story. No, quite the contrary. It's a story about friendship, and how friendship can lead to love, but even when Cole and Aimee are at that point in their relationship, it's still about friendship. It was a slow-build to their relationship, but it definitely didn't take anything away from the story at all. To me, it seemed like the focus of their relationship was this unbreakable bond between friends. Above all else, there were there for each other, even when they needed some time. I really, really liked this. Really.
Back then I didn't know the way that a person can crawl so far inside of you that your organs voluntarily shift to the side to make room for the shape of them.
Cole is such a sweetheart. He's a total dude, sure, but he's also, like, the cutest thing ever. Seriously, I couldn't handle it sometimes. I kept squealing and giggling and grinning. He is just SO freaking cute. Don't get me wrong, he can totally bring the steam, but he's just as adorable as he is sexy. I think everyone should have a Cole. Everyone deserves a guy who'll respect you and your boundaries and who will be there for you when you need him. God, he's great. I'm so in love with him. And it didn't take long. It was insta-love. How could it not be? I mean, come ON!
"It was a pleasure to catch you."
Even as we go along, you can feel how much Cole actually cares. You can see how hard he's trying. Trying to be there for Aimee, trying to hold back on his own desires so he doesn't scare her away, trying to make her understand that she has someone. He worked so hard, so damn hard, that I forgive him for his little slip-up where I totally wanted to kick him even though he TECHNICALLY didn't do anything wrong. Technically. It still pissed me off.
"You don't get permission to break my fucking heart.
But I let it go. I saw what it did to him, and how he overcame it, and I just couldn't stay mad at him. How do you stay mad at guy like him? That's right, you DON'T. He's beautiful. His character development is beautiful. I loved it. I loved watching him grow.
Just her and me. Me and her.
Her. One word. A simple pronoun that seems like an entire vocabulary.
I also loved Aimee, of course. And Daniel. And Mara. I wasn't sure about Mara at first. She seemed like she could end up being a bit of a jerk, but that was gone pretty quickly. You could just see how much Aimee's well-being meant to her, and how close they were, and it was a beautiful relationship. I loved being able to explore that. Aimee, in general, was a lovely heroine. I felt for her through it all. I supported her. I just wanted to give her a great big hug. I wanted to ease her suffering.
There is so much to feel that I might be drowning. Fuck it. Let the tide take me under. I don't need oxygen to breathe as long as I've got this girl's mouth.
Apart from the incredibly realistic plot and relationship between Cole and Aimee, I think my favorite part of this book was the beautiful writing (in case you couldn't tell with all the quotes I'm throwing at you). It was lyrical, poetic, so smooth, and flowed so naturally. There are some books where the writing tries too hard to be poetic, and you can feel that. Not here. Autumn Doughton's writing is impeccable. It's simple, yet complex; so lyrical, it just flows through you like liquid. God, I love writing like that. I love that natural talent in writing, to feel like the author's reaching out to you and communicating something important, something real. Autumn hit that spot-on, and I loved every second of it.
And if she wanted to, she could reach into my chest and rip my heart out of my body because it already belongs to her.
Ultimately, this is an incredibly real story of friendship, love, and moving on. It was pure, powerful, laugh-out-loud hilarious, and so genuine. I will absolutely be reading more from this author. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up today. Give it a read. You may find that it's exactly what you need right now.
Okay, so I'm changing my rating to 5 stars and adding this to my ultimate favorites list. I can't stop thinking about it lately. I so desperately wish the paperback version was available on Barnes & Noble because I really want it. I really, really, really want to reread this, but I don't want to read on my Kindle right now. :( :(
Anyway, I honestly don't know what I was thinking when I first rated this book. It deserves 5 stars because it's stayed with me since I first read it, and that's not true for every book I've read. I want more NA from Autumn Doughton because I love her and her writing so very much.
****
Between 4 and 4.5 stars
Do you hear that sound? It's the sound of the world ripping apart.
When asked to sum a book up in one word, I'm often unable to do so effectively. I might say "phenomenal" or "wonderful" or "beautiful" or other similar adjectives, but these words don't really sum the book itself up, but rather how I saw the book. They work, sure, but they don't say what I want them to say.
If prompted to sum In This Moment up in one word, I could do it so easily: realistic.
So, there's this girl...
Not only was the plot incredibly realistic, but the relationship between Cole and Aimee was so pure and every single part of it felt real to me. Every. Part. This isn't just a love story. No, quite the contrary. It's a story about friendship, and how friendship can lead to love, but even when Cole and Aimee are at that point in their relationship, it's still about friendship. It was a slow-build to their relationship, but it definitely didn't take anything away from the story at all. To me, it seemed like the focus of their relationship was this unbreakable bond between friends. Above all else, there were there for each other, even when they needed some time. I really, really liked this. Really.
Back then I didn't know the way that a person can crawl so far inside of you that your organs voluntarily shift to the side to make room for the shape of them.
Cole is such a sweetheart. He's a total dude, sure, but he's also, like, the cutest thing ever. Seriously, I couldn't handle it sometimes. I kept squealing and giggling and grinning. He is just SO freaking cute. Don't get me wrong, he can totally bring the steam, but he's just as adorable as he is sexy. I think everyone should have a Cole. Everyone deserves a guy who'll respect you and your boundaries and who will be there for you when you need him. God, he's great. I'm so in love with him. And it didn't take long. It was insta-love. How could it not be? I mean, come ON!
"It was a pleasure to catch you."
Even as we go along, you can feel how much Cole actually cares. You can see how hard he's trying. Trying to be there for Aimee, trying to hold back on his own desires so he doesn't scare her away, trying to make her understand that she has someone. He worked so hard, so damn hard, that I forgive him for his little slip-up where I totally wanted to kick him even though he TECHNICALLY didn't do anything wrong. Technically. It still pissed me off.
"You don't get permission to break my fucking heart.
But I let it go. I saw what it did to him, and how he overcame it, and I just couldn't stay mad at him. How do you stay mad at guy like him? That's right, you DON'T. He's beautiful. His character development is beautiful. I loved it. I loved watching him grow.
Just her and me. Me and her.
Her. One word. A simple pronoun that seems like an entire vocabulary.
I also loved Aimee, of course. And Daniel. And Mara. I wasn't sure about Mara at first. She seemed like she could end up being a bit of a jerk, but that was gone pretty quickly. You could just see how much Aimee's well-being meant to her, and how close they were, and it was a beautiful relationship. I loved being able to explore that. Aimee, in general, was a lovely heroine. I felt for her through it all. I supported her. I just wanted to give her a great big hug. I wanted to ease her suffering.
There is so much to feel that I might be drowning. Fuck it. Let the tide take me under. I don't need oxygen to breathe as long as I've got this girl's mouth.
Apart from the incredibly realistic plot and relationship between Cole and Aimee, I think my favorite part of this book was the beautiful writing (in case you couldn't tell with all the quotes I'm throwing at you). It was lyrical, poetic, so smooth, and flowed so naturally. There are some books where the writing tries too hard to be poetic, and you can feel that. Not here. Autumn Doughton's writing is impeccable. It's simple, yet complex; so lyrical, it just flows through you like liquid. God, I love writing like that. I love that natural talent in writing, to feel like the author's reaching out to you and communicating something important, something real. Autumn hit that spot-on, and I loved every second of it.
And if she wanted to, she could reach into my chest and rip my heart out of my body because it already belongs to her.
Ultimately, this is an incredibly real story of friendship, love, and moving on. It was pure, powerful, laugh-out-loud hilarious, and so genuine. I will absolutely be reading more from this author. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up today. Give it a read. You may find that it's exactly what you need right now.
August 29, 2014
PPFF Rating: 5/5 Stars
A story of life, loss, friendship, love, of choices and what-ifs, of forgiveness and new beginnings.
Just... WOW! I've been trying to think of something really clever to say but, as cliche as it is, there are simply no words to express how much I LOVED this book. Seriously, I can't remember the last time I've read something that left my heart beating this fast even as I'm typing this. I feel like my heart's going to burst out of my chest and that I'm supposed to break into song or something that would sum up the brilliance of this poetic of a story.
To be honest, I'm not sure if I can be able to make a decent review or that I even want to try. But I NEED to say that In This Moment is one book that no one should NOT read. To those who've been reading my reviews, you know how much I've been complaining lately that most books now are almost always about two f*ked up characters with troubled pasts and reading the same storyline gets old after a while. So imagine my surprise when even this is about, yes - two f*ked up characters with troubled pasts - I ended up loving it so much that I'm pretty sure Aimee Spencer and Cole Everly's story will forever stay with me.
Autumn Doughton's writing was so superb that everything just flowed. From the first page up to the last, I felt like every word and every sentence were perfectly sewn together by a single thread. Nothing was overdone, no line was irrelevant. The book was just beautifully written - powerful, thought-provoking, poignant.
Her characters had depth and not once did I feel annoyed (we all know how these damaged characters usually are). For everything that Aimee experienced, never did I question or think that she was overreacting. In fact, I know she had every right to feel or act the way she did. I just simply believed her. Period. As for Cole, it wasn't even so much about him being a playboy and all that usual drama. Sure, he was hot, he made me swoon - typical book boyfriend material. But what was so amazing about him, for me, was that he truly made me feel.
I guess no matter how overused a plot is, the way it is written still does make a big difference. There are ripoffs and the real deal. THIS IS THE REAL DEAL.
In This Moment is a story of life, loss, friendship, love, of choices and what-ifs, of forgiveness and new beginnings.
***Check out my blog: Press Pause, Fast Forward
A story of life, loss, friendship, love, of choices and what-ifs, of forgiveness and new beginnings.
Do you hear it? It's the sound of the world ripping apart.
Just... WOW! I've been trying to think of something really clever to say but, as cliche as it is, there are simply no words to express how much I LOVED this book. Seriously, I can't remember the last time I've read something that left my heart beating this fast even as I'm typing this. I feel like my heart's going to burst out of my chest and that I'm supposed to break into song or something that would sum up the brilliance of this poetic of a story.
To be honest, I'm not sure if I can be able to make a decent review or that I even want to try. But I NEED to say that In This Moment is one book that no one should NOT read. To those who've been reading my reviews, you know how much I've been complaining lately that most books now are almost always about two f*ked up characters with troubled pasts and reading the same storyline gets old after a while. So imagine my surprise when even this is about, yes - two f*ked up characters with troubled pasts - I ended up loving it so much that I'm pretty sure Aimee Spencer and Cole Everly's story will forever stay with me.
I will if you will.
Autumn Doughton's writing was so superb that everything just flowed. From the first page up to the last, I felt like every word and every sentence were perfectly sewn together by a single thread. Nothing was overdone, no line was irrelevant. The book was just beautifully written - powerful, thought-provoking, poignant.
Her characters had depth and not once did I feel annoyed (we all know how these damaged characters usually are). For everything that Aimee experienced, never did I question or think that she was overreacting. In fact, I know she had every right to feel or act the way she did. I just simply believed her. Period. As for Cole, it wasn't even so much about him being a playboy and all that usual drama. Sure, he was hot, he made me swoon - typical book boyfriend material. But what was so amazing about him, for me, was that he truly made me feel.
I guess no matter how overused a plot is, the way it is written still does make a big difference. There are ripoffs and the real deal. THIS IS THE REAL DEAL.
"Love is a choice, not a chance."
In This Moment is a story of life, loss, friendship, love, of choices and what-ifs, of forgiveness and new beginnings.
***Check out my blog: Press Pause, Fast Forward
August 18, 2013
4 Scrummy Cole Everly stars!!
At the very beginning the story plays like a story book damsel in distress as we see Aimee's plan at trying to remain invisible to becoming the most conspicuous person on campus by tripping over a hot guy during a panic attack episode.
Meet every girl's book boyfriend (Cole Everly) the hot golden boy with a cocky smile and an attitude to match, tall and hunky at just over 6 foot, with striking green/grey eyes and blond bed hair, swoon worthy material!!
Meet Aimee the dark haired beauty with the bright blue eyes who was an Allstate for the 200 yard medley and the 100 yard butterfly her junior year..
I don't want to spoil this book for anyone so here's my review without spoilers,two people broken who were able to fix each other at the end, you'll laugh a few times, you'll feel anger, and sadness but most of all you'll end up loving these characters and believe me once you start reading this you'll find it hard to put down and you will feel a strong connection for Aimee and all she had to endure..
Highly recommend
At the very beginning the story plays like a story book damsel in distress as we see Aimee's plan at trying to remain invisible to becoming the most conspicuous person on campus by tripping over a hot guy during a panic attack episode.
Meet every girl's book boyfriend (Cole Everly) the hot golden boy with a cocky smile and an attitude to match, tall and hunky at just over 6 foot, with striking green/grey eyes and blond bed hair, swoon worthy material!!
Meet Aimee the dark haired beauty with the bright blue eyes who was an Allstate for the 200 yard medley and the 100 yard butterfly her junior year..
I don't want to spoil this book for anyone so here's my review without spoilers,two people broken who were able to fix each other at the end, you'll laugh a few times, you'll feel anger, and sadness but most of all you'll end up loving these characters and believe me once you start reading this you'll find it hard to put down and you will feel a strong connection for Aimee and all she had to endure..
Highly recommend
August 28, 2013
BOOM! Another upcoming release from Autumn Doughton!
If I knew how to add those gif thingys or images to my review, then I'd put in the one of that kid that does the fist thingy. And he's doing that face that's like, "Hell yeah!" You know the one? Yeah, that one.
Or one of someone running around screaming. Because I am running around and screaming on the inside. Joyful, happy swearing screaming.
If I knew how to add those gif thingys or images to my review, then I'd put in the one of that kid that does the fist thingy. And he's doing that face that's like, "Hell yeah!" You know the one? Yeah, that one.
Or one of someone running around screaming. Because I am running around and screaming on the inside. Joyful, happy swearing screaming.
October 16, 2017
Technically, Cole Everly didn't cheat. Yeah, technically. I kept on telling that to myself. But I couldn't help it! I was hurt. I know I am not Aimee, but I felt cheated. Lol! Maybe, I fell in love with Cole really fast that I didn't see that one coming. I guess, I let my guard down so easily assuming he's not like that and he wouldn't do anything. And when it happened, my guard just came backing up on me. I tried to understand. But that's just how I felt.
Putting that one aside, this story was beautiful. It may seemed like a typical love story that's why I was skeptical at first. But it's not. The author made it refreshing. The heroine wasn't annoying even though she's wounded. She tried to move forward with her life and tried to fix herself gradually. Of course, that wouldn't happen without Cole. He'd helped her every step of the way. He was there for her and what I loved about it was that they started out as friends... then close friends... then best friends. Cole just wanted to heal her and be whatever she needs him to be. He was patient with her. And I just loved their chemistry. It's not love at first sight. Everything was gradual. They're both just trying to figure things out.
I became giddy with their witty banters. And boy, I fell in love with Cole really fast! I just loved the way he thinks. He reminded me so much of Holder from Losing Hope. I could say I connected more with him than the heroine and that's a rare thing for me.
So, back on the "technically not cheating"... It happened when they're just best friends. But that was the time when they were really really close. It was also the time when they're nearing the transition of best friends to lovers. But judging it objectively, I understand him because he was confused. He felt that maybe things were just one-sided. And I couldn't blame him... Aimee had apprehensions and she's good at hiding her true feelings. So yeah, I get him. And at least he had the decency to feel guilty with what he'd done. It was also a realization for him that something just didn't feel right anymore. But still, I couldn't control my emotions and I was hurt. I just wished he didn't have to do that. Maybe, I was being unfair because I rated "Beautiful Disaster" by Jamie McGuire 5-stars when in fact, Travis Maddox "technically didn't cheat" on Abby. If I could change it, I will. But that's how I rated it at that time. So, I decided not to.
Anyway, you've been warned. So, at least you know what to expect. Usually, things like that didn't bother me much. But I liked Cole, you know... I loved him. And I think that's a good thing because at least I was attached to the characters.
I wouldn't let that one small thing get in the way with the beauty of the whole story though. I think anyone could relate to the heroine. The story was inspiring. Definitely, a lot of lessons learned in here. I loved how this was written. The mystery was enough for me not to let the book down. There were lines that I've highlighted as well. Some simple wisdom I could get back into...
All in all, this is a must read! :)
Putting that one aside, this story was beautiful. It may seemed like a typical love story that's why I was skeptical at first. But it's not. The author made it refreshing. The heroine wasn't annoying even though she's wounded. She tried to move forward with her life and tried to fix herself gradually. Of course, that wouldn't happen without Cole. He'd helped her every step of the way. He was there for her and what I loved about it was that they started out as friends... then close friends... then best friends. Cole just wanted to heal her and be whatever she needs him to be. He was patient with her. And I just loved their chemistry. It's not love at first sight. Everything was gradual. They're both just trying to figure things out.
I became giddy with their witty banters. And boy, I fell in love with Cole really fast! I just loved the way he thinks. He reminded me so much of Holder from Losing Hope. I could say I connected more with him than the heroine and that's a rare thing for me.
So, back on the "technically not cheating"... It happened when they're just best friends. But that was the time when they were really really close. It was also the time when they're nearing the transition of best friends to lovers. But judging it objectively, I understand him because he was confused. He felt that maybe things were just one-sided. And I couldn't blame him... Aimee had apprehensions and she's good at hiding her true feelings. So yeah, I get him. And at least he had the decency to feel guilty with what he'd done. It was also a realization for him that something just didn't feel right anymore. But still, I couldn't control my emotions and I was hurt. I just wished he didn't have to do that. Maybe, I was being unfair because I rated "Beautiful Disaster" by Jamie McGuire 5-stars when in fact, Travis Maddox "technically didn't cheat" on Abby. If I could change it, I will. But that's how I rated it at that time. So, I decided not to.
Anyway, you've been warned. So, at least you know what to expect. Usually, things like that didn't bother me much. But I liked Cole, you know... I loved him. And I think that's a good thing because at least I was attached to the characters.
I wouldn't let that one small thing get in the way with the beauty of the whole story though. I think anyone could relate to the heroine. The story was inspiring. Definitely, a lot of lessons learned in here. I loved how this was written. The mystery was enough for me not to let the book down. There were lines that I've highlighted as well. Some simple wisdom I could get back into...
All in all, this is a must read! :)
September 11, 2016
Rating: 4.5 stars
"I want to be with you. And that might be selfish of me, but I never claimed to be self-less or a good guy."
This story was truly extraordinary and it told the tale of a girl/woman’s journey to self-discovery after the tragedy that occurred in her life. The author did an excellent job with pacing and her writing was exceptional, I always love it when I’m able to read a story and the sentences and paragraphs make sense and flow in a nice manner.
The book tells the story of Aimee that after the tragedy that occurred in her life has to cope with living with guilt and her insecurities. I loved Aimee so much, but most of all, I wanted to hug her and tell her that everything would be alright. Maybe the reason I loved her so much was because she was all that I would want to be life and all of what I wouldn't either.
Now we cannot forget about Cole…Cole…Cole…Cole, these are my feelings regarding Cole:
Again Ms. Doughton did a great job with characterization (it was in a dual pov) and all that I can say is that Cole was such a guy. What I mean by this is that in stories when authors usually write in a guy’s point of view you can tell that it was written by a women because it’s usually unrealistic. The guy acts, thinks and does what we women would like the men in real life to act like (I’m not saying this is always true), they are PERFECT. However, in a reality men aren't perfect because they’re human after all, Cole was real and raw, he had his flaws and he was far from perfect and that’s why I loved him so much.
Then we had the secondary characters, even though Mara (Aimee’s sister) bothered me at the beginning of the story she grew on me and I began to understand her and the reasons why she wanted the old Aimee back. Jodi was also amazing, she made me laugh so hard with her stories, I would love to have her as a best friend.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because at the beginning of the story Aimee annoyed me a bit with her inability to finish a sentence and the overuse of "...um...". However, that’s me just being picky. So yes, I highly recommend this story, read it because you will not regret it, it even made me cry a little and that does not happen often.
"I want to be with you. And that might be selfish of me, but I never claimed to be self-less or a good guy."
This story was truly extraordinary and it told the tale of a girl/woman’s journey to self-discovery after the tragedy that occurred in her life. The author did an excellent job with pacing and her writing was exceptional, I always love it when I’m able to read a story and the sentences and paragraphs make sense and flow in a nice manner.
The book tells the story of Aimee that after the tragedy that occurred in her life has to cope with living with guilt and her insecurities. I loved Aimee so much, but most of all, I wanted to hug her and tell her that everything would be alright. Maybe the reason I loved her so much was because she was all that I would want to be life and all of what I wouldn't either.
Now we cannot forget about Cole…Cole…Cole…Cole, these are my feelings regarding Cole:
Again Ms. Doughton did a great job with characterization (it was in a dual pov) and all that I can say is that Cole was such a guy. What I mean by this is that in stories when authors usually write in a guy’s point of view you can tell that it was written by a women because it’s usually unrealistic. The guy acts, thinks and does what we women would like the men in real life to act like (I’m not saying this is always true), they are PERFECT. However, in a reality men aren't perfect because they’re human after all, Cole was real and raw, he had his flaws and he was far from perfect and that’s why I loved him so much.
Then we had the secondary characters, even though Mara (Aimee’s sister) bothered me at the beginning of the story she grew on me and I began to understand her and the reasons why she wanted the old Aimee back. Jodi was also amazing, she made me laugh so hard with her stories, I would love to have her as a best friend.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because at the beginning of the story Aimee annoyed me a bit with her inability to finish a sentence and the overuse of "...um...". However, that’s me just being picky. So yes, I highly recommend this story, read it because you will not regret it, it even made me cry a little and that does not happen often.
August 25, 2013
5 "THIS IS REAL" STARS!
Do you hear that sound? Do you hear it? It’s the sound of the world ripping apart.”
I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end and EVERYTHING in between! This was such a slow build which is my absolute favorite part about this book... I feel it is what made this story truly special and different then many books I have read recently! I felt every emotion that I want to feel while reading a book. I highlighted so much in this book; and I know this story will stay with me. I don't normally write a review; well because I am no good at them and really this is not so much a review as it is a series of quotes that touched my heart! Some for personal reasons and others that just had a huge impact on me.
I don't really buy into the insta-love thing. Love isn't an accident or something that just....I search for the right word.....Happens when you're not looking. Love is a choice, not a chance.
All we get are moments, Cole. One at a time, like heartbeats. Once one of them is gone, that's it. No Do-overs. No repeats. Every moment possesses its own kind of magic and what we do with it counts. It counts.
You could change your mind about something a hundred times. You could lay awake in bed and replay that single heartbeat over and over and over again, and you could imagine every other possible outcome, but it won't change what's true.
So say what you have to say but don't ask me to understand or see things your way. You don't get my permission to break my fucking heart.
Forgiveness isn't simple she says like I don't already know that. There's always a possibility that you aren't the only one who needs it.
You're crammed so far under my skin that it's like my feelings can't even take one step without tripping over a part of you. GOD I absolutely love Cole!
After all of it...the good, the bad, the in-between...If I told you I love you, what would you say?
LOVE IS A CHOICE
Do you hear that sound? Do you hear it? It’s the sound of the world ripping apart.”
I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end and EVERYTHING in between! This was such a slow build which is my absolute favorite part about this book... I feel it is what made this story truly special and different then many books I have read recently! I felt every emotion that I want to feel while reading a book. I highlighted so much in this book; and I know this story will stay with me. I don't normally write a review; well because I am no good at them and really this is not so much a review as it is a series of quotes that touched my heart! Some for personal reasons and others that just had a huge impact on me.
I don't really buy into the insta-love thing. Love isn't an accident or something that just....I search for the right word.....Happens when you're not looking. Love is a choice, not a chance.
All we get are moments, Cole. One at a time, like heartbeats. Once one of them is gone, that's it. No Do-overs. No repeats. Every moment possesses its own kind of magic and what we do with it counts. It counts.
You could change your mind about something a hundred times. You could lay awake in bed and replay that single heartbeat over and over and over again, and you could imagine every other possible outcome, but it won't change what's true.
So say what you have to say but don't ask me to understand or see things your way. You don't get my permission to break my fucking heart.
Forgiveness isn't simple she says like I don't already know that. There's always a possibility that you aren't the only one who needs it.
You're crammed so far under my skin that it's like my feelings can't even take one step without tripping over a part of you. GOD I absolutely love Cole!
After all of it...the good, the bad, the in-between...If I told you I love you, what would you say?
LOVE IS A CHOICE
February 17, 2016
Actual rating - 2.5
The characters annoyed me one or two times, and I didn't love them, but they weren't bad.
This wasn't an awful read, but I found it pretty slow, and there were quite a few times where I felt bored.
The characters annoyed me one or two times, and I didn't love them, but they weren't bad.
This wasn't an awful read, but I found it pretty slow, and there were quite a few times where I felt bored.
April 10, 2017
**** 4 "This is Real" Stars ****
Can one forgive themself for an accident that so many paid the price for? Is love enough to mend the shattered pieces of their mind, body & soul.
Review to come...
Can one forgive themself for an accident that so many paid the price for? Is love enough to mend the shattered pieces of their mind, body & soul.
Review to come...
August 17, 2013
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
I love a goodnight sleep and it would take a very good novel to keep me up reading at night when all I wanted to do is go to dreamland. In This Moment had me up until the wee hours, and I couldn't get enough of Cole!
Among all of my Autumn Doughton reads, I must say, In This Moment will stand as my favorite. I enjoyed reading it in one sitting, trying not to laugh out loud to wake up my neighbors, and trying harder not to cry my heart out.
Aimee Spencer knew firsthand how what loss is, how hard it is, and how life can change in one wrong turn. She lost someone very close to her, and life had never been the same again. She used to swim, belonged to the popular crowd, date – do whatever a normal teenager would do. But now, all she does is run. Numbness was a welcome reprieve. To forget her past, and every painful memory that has been haunting her, she changed to someone unrecognizable. Lifeless, focused, emotionless. Until she literally fell into the lap of Cole Everly.
15% of the book and I fell in love with the dashing and cocky Cole Everly. Yes, I have been a fallen victim to a brain fog induced by Cole’s quasi-magical green eyes. (Aimee’s words) I like my men with wit and humor – and Cole is the perfect epitome of HIM. (He’s totally my new book boyfriend!) He’s quite arrogant, but it’s cute (not the annoying type), determined, persuasive and cool. When he met Aimee, he knew she was different. She wasn’t the type of girl he would normally go for: broken, difficult, closed-off. She was someone he should stay away from, but the building attraction, the pull of gravity is hard to resist – something he could hardly explain himself. Because if he follow his own logic – he’d run away FAST.
It’s not only Aimee who has a past to deal with. Cole has his own shares of misfortunes. That’s why he didn’t allow himself to fall in love. Love makes you lose your mind, focus, and life. It breaks not just your heart, but everything in between. So, he shags them, and leaves them. No cuddling, no staying over, no strings – no complication. Until Aimee came along, he found himself doing what he's been avoiding.
For the first time, it didn’t felt wrong. He wanted to see her smile, to make her happy – he does things he doesn’t normally do for girls. Oh, he can be sweet when he wanted to. But when his past came into the picture, he was lost once again. He closed himself to Aimee, ran away and is about to make the stupidest thing he’s done. It cost him one important thing he has in his life right now – Aimee.
Their parents weren’t perfect (which is pretty much an understatement), but they have the support of their siblings and friends. I totally loved Jodi, she was the exact opposite of Aimee, and exactly what she needed. Just like Cole, she was determined to be Aimee’s friend – whether she likes it or not. Aimee didn’t really have a choice.
From the cover, the blurb, the characters – everything about In This Moment is fantastic. It was hard to see Aimee moving on because every day is a task for her. Putting a mask on is harder than putting make up, but when the most eligible bachelor in the campus starts giving her attention, her world changed. Oh, she tried to lock herself – but Cole is determined to find the key, and get to her.
I totally love the story, the progression and most especially the character development. The transition that Aimee and Cole had were gradual, you can see and feel the growth of their characters. I swooned at times, laugh for most, and cried a little. When I reached the end of the page, it was pretty hard to say goodbye to Cole.
In This Moment is a story about loss, love, second chances and forgiveness. It's something you would not put down until you reach the very end page. I assure you, you will fall in love with the characters, especially with Cole. Now I know what a book hang-over feels like.
If your work gets beautiful every time you release a book - I totally can't wait what you have installed for us on your next work!!
And because you totally rocked my night (and well, morning), and I had Cole in my dreams I'm giving In This Moment...
I love a goodnight sleep and it would take a very good novel to keep me up reading at night when all I wanted to do is go to dreamland. In This Moment had me up until the wee hours, and I couldn't get enough of Cole!
Among all of my Autumn Doughton reads, I must say, In This Moment will stand as my favorite. I enjoyed reading it in one sitting, trying not to laugh out loud to wake up my neighbors, and trying harder not to cry my heart out.
Aimee Spencer knew firsthand how what loss is, how hard it is, and how life can change in one wrong turn. She lost someone very close to her, and life had never been the same again. She used to swim, belonged to the popular crowd, date – do whatever a normal teenager would do. But now, all she does is run. Numbness was a welcome reprieve. To forget her past, and every painful memory that has been haunting her, she changed to someone unrecognizable. Lifeless, focused, emotionless. Until she literally fell into the lap of Cole Everly.
Handsome isn’t the right word. It sounds too bland and average and this guy is anything but average.
15% of the book and I fell in love with the dashing and cocky Cole Everly. Yes, I have been a fallen victim to a brain fog induced by Cole’s quasi-magical green eyes. (Aimee’s words) I like my men with wit and humor – and Cole is the perfect epitome of HIM. (He’s totally my new book boyfriend!) He’s quite arrogant, but it’s cute (not the annoying type), determined, persuasive and cool. When he met Aimee, he knew she was different. She wasn’t the type of girl he would normally go for: broken, difficult, closed-off. She was someone he should stay away from, but the building attraction, the pull of gravity is hard to resist – something he could hardly explain himself. Because if he follow his own logic – he’d run away FAST.
Aimee’s words are careful, decided. “I don’t date.”
I brush a few loose hairs away from her face and bend to her ear. She really does smell amazing. Absolutely amazing. “I don’t date either, so I won’t tell if you don’t.” I whisper.
It’s not only Aimee who has a past to deal with. Cole has his own shares of misfortunes. That’s why he didn’t allow himself to fall in love. Love makes you lose your mind, focus, and life. It breaks not just your heart, but everything in between. So, he shags them, and leaves them. No cuddling, no staying over, no strings – no complication. Until Aimee came along, he found himself doing what he's been avoiding.
“Okay. Scrabble, donuts, flowers, corndogs, pre-pubescent British wizards and indie music. Am I missing anything important?”
She’s still blushing and it’s like the heat in her face is trapping all the words inside of her. “What is it?” I ask, an involuntary grin tugging on my mouth. I love it when she blushes like this.
Amy sighs, looks up toward the chandelier, “You, Cole. I like you.”
For the first time, it didn’t felt wrong. He wanted to see her smile, to make her happy – he does things he doesn’t normally do for girls. Oh, he can be sweet when he wanted to. But when his past came into the picture, he was lost once again. He closed himself to Aimee, ran away and is about to make the stupidest thing he’s done. It cost him one important thing he has in his life right now – Aimee.
Their parents weren’t perfect (which is pretty much an understatement), but they have the support of their siblings and friends. I totally loved Jodi, she was the exact opposite of Aimee, and exactly what she needed. Just like Cole, she was determined to be Aimee’s friend – whether she likes it or not. Aimee didn’t really have a choice.
You don’t get my permission to break my f*cking heart.
From the cover, the blurb, the characters – everything about In This Moment is fantastic. It was hard to see Aimee moving on because every day is a task for her. Putting a mask on is harder than putting make up, but when the most eligible bachelor in the campus starts giving her attention, her world changed. Oh, she tried to lock herself – but Cole is determined to find the key, and get to her.
I totally love the story, the progression and most especially the character development. The transition that Aimee and Cole had were gradual, you can see and feel the growth of their characters. I swooned at times, laugh for most, and cried a little. When I reached the end of the page, it was pretty hard to say goodbye to Cole.
In This Moment is a story about loss, love, second chances and forgiveness. It's something you would not put down until you reach the very end page. I assure you, you will fall in love with the characters, especially with Cole. Now I know what a book hang-over feels like.
If your work gets beautiful every time you release a book - I totally can't wait what you have installed for us on your next work!!
And because you totally rocked my night (and well, morning), and I had Cole in my dreams I'm giving In This Moment...
September 6, 2013
Sometimes you come across books that are so unexpected that you're surprised why you've never read or heard of them before. In This Moment was one of those cases.
"All we get are moments, Cole. One at a time, like heartbeats. Once one of them is gone, that's it. No do-overs. No repeats. Every moment possesses its own kind of magic and what we do with it counts. It counts."
Aimee Spencer moves back to Florida to attend college after spending her senior year of high school in Portland with her grandparents following the death of her best friend. Determined to start over, she promises to start living her life and move on from her past. Enter Cole Averly, resident playboy with a past he himself is running from, feels an instant connection to Aimee. The two embark on a friendship and soon more but both find they can't run from their pasts forever.
Told in alternating POV's it was a real treat to really get inside the heads of both the main characters. In Aimee, we had all the grief and guilt associated with the death of her best friend, Jillian, the year before and her just trying to bury all that emotion and start really living her life again as opposed to just going through the motions. With Cole, we get the ultimate dude thoughts but he's a really sensitive and thoughtful guy. I loved reading his thoughts and seeing what makes him tick. I liked the fact that both of them were very similar in the sense that both of them are runners figuratively and literally. They're afraid to face the past. This obviously becomes an issue in their relationship later on but we don't dwell in it too long. While some of the themes in the book were dark it never felt heavy and angsty or melodramatic. It had the right balance of drama and warmheartedness.
Of course this was also a love story between Aimee and Cole and while they do have past experiences with the opposite sex, it was the first 'real' relationship they have had and it was so wonderful to get to experience that with them. Yes, there were a couple of love scenes but they were very tasteful and revealed just enough but never got graphic which is very common nowadays in romance books. I really enjoyed the banter they had going and this game they played throughout the book of changing one letter from book titles to create new books. It was so adorable and I was smiling like an idiot the whole time. The side characters were just as endearing and Aimee's friend Jodi provided much needed comic relief and bluntness for her because Aimee can be so serious and inside herself at times that she needed a friend the polar opposite.
All in all it was a very special book. One that was very realistic and uplifting. Anyone can read this and enjoy something about it. This may be my first book by this author but it certainly won't be my last. There's just something so special about Ms. Doughton's writing that I find truly remarkable. She made the most basic of plots interesting and different and not heavy or dark at all. I really appreciated that. Many writers out there would just make the plot just so dark and depressing and it was refreshing that this felt so different. I recommend this to everyone and at 99¢ it's truly a steal.
4.5 stars
"All we get are moments, Cole. One at a time, like heartbeats. Once one of them is gone, that's it. No do-overs. No repeats. Every moment possesses its own kind of magic and what we do with it counts. It counts."
Aimee Spencer moves back to Florida to attend college after spending her senior year of high school in Portland with her grandparents following the death of her best friend. Determined to start over, she promises to start living her life and move on from her past. Enter Cole Averly, resident playboy with a past he himself is running from, feels an instant connection to Aimee. The two embark on a friendship and soon more but both find they can't run from their pasts forever.
Told in alternating POV's it was a real treat to really get inside the heads of both the main characters. In Aimee, we had all the grief and guilt associated with the death of her best friend, Jillian, the year before and her just trying to bury all that emotion and start really living her life again as opposed to just going through the motions. With Cole, we get the ultimate dude thoughts but he's a really sensitive and thoughtful guy. I loved reading his thoughts and seeing what makes him tick. I liked the fact that both of them were very similar in the sense that both of them are runners figuratively and literally. They're afraid to face the past. This obviously becomes an issue in their relationship later on but we don't dwell in it too long. While some of the themes in the book were dark it never felt heavy and angsty or melodramatic. It had the right balance of drama and warmheartedness.
Of course this was also a love story between Aimee and Cole and while they do have past experiences with the opposite sex, it was the first 'real' relationship they have had and it was so wonderful to get to experience that with them. Yes, there were a couple of love scenes but they were very tasteful and revealed just enough but never got graphic which is very common nowadays in romance books. I really enjoyed the banter they had going and this game they played throughout the book of changing one letter from book titles to create new books. It was so adorable and I was smiling like an idiot the whole time. The side characters were just as endearing and Aimee's friend Jodi provided much needed comic relief and bluntness for her because Aimee can be so serious and inside herself at times that she needed a friend the polar opposite.
All in all it was a very special book. One that was very realistic and uplifting. Anyone can read this and enjoy something about it. This may be my first book by this author but it certainly won't be my last. There's just something so special about Ms. Doughton's writing that I find truly remarkable. She made the most basic of plots interesting and different and not heavy or dark at all. I really appreciated that. Many writers out there would just make the plot just so dark and depressing and it was refreshing that this felt so different. I recommend this to everyone and at 99¢ it's truly a steal.
4.5 stars
September 3, 2013
3.5 stars
This book didn't have a lot of drama in it. I felt like all the good stuff happened before the book started. The book was pretty much happy go lucky through the whole thing, aside from Aimee's grief that she worked through.
Aimee was a incoming college freshman, rooming with her older sister Mara,who also attends the same school. The book hints that Aimee is running/hiding from something. As the book progresses her secret comes out. It was definitely tragic and is understandable why she is so withdrawn. She's trying to move on and appear "normal"for her families sake.
Cole is the campus hottie, runs track and does not do relationships. He prefers the wham bam method with the females. The reason he uses to justify this, is the situation with his parents. it wasn't a good enough reason for me, but whatever.
When Aimee literally falls onto Cole, its the start of something beautiful. These two were really cute together.They both tried to fight it. Cole was really cute and sweet. Sometimes they go too into their own heads and would create some issues. They both struggled strongly with 2 things. LOSS & LOVE.
They both suffered loss, albeit in very different ways. Cole needed to learn to forgive his mom, while I felt Aimee needed to forgive herself. They both struggled with Love. Loving themselves and other people. There were a couple of issues, and Aimee finally pulled her shoulders up, put on her game face and got healthy. She really needed that for herself, and for her family. I felt she was too alone with her thoughts dragging her down. I was so happy for her.
These two were an adorable happy couple.
I would've liked more angst, some drama, and a better epi. Overall I did like main characters a lot.
This book didn't have a lot of drama in it. I felt like all the good stuff happened before the book started. The book was pretty much happy go lucky through the whole thing, aside from Aimee's grief that she worked through.
Aimee was a incoming college freshman, rooming with her older sister Mara,who also attends the same school. The book hints that Aimee is running/hiding from something. As the book progresses her secret comes out. It was definitely tragic and is understandable why she is so withdrawn. She's trying to move on and appear "normal"for her families sake.
Cole is the campus hottie, runs track and does not do relationships. He prefers the wham bam method with the females. The reason he uses to justify this, is the situation with his parents. it wasn't a good enough reason for me, but whatever.
When Aimee literally falls onto Cole, its the start of something beautiful. These two were really cute together.They both tried to fight it. Cole was really cute and sweet. Sometimes they go too into their own heads and would create some issues. They both struggled strongly with 2 things. LOSS & LOVE.
They both suffered loss, albeit in very different ways. Cole needed to learn to forgive his mom, while I felt Aimee needed to forgive herself. They both struggled with Love. Loving themselves and other people. There were a couple of issues, and Aimee finally pulled her shoulders up, put on her game face and got healthy. She really needed that for herself, and for her family. I felt she was too alone with her thoughts dragging her down. I was so happy for her.
These two were an adorable happy couple.
I would've liked more angst, some drama, and a better epi. Overall I did like main characters a lot.
September 29, 2013
I liked this book, a lot. I have been on a strict bad boy kick of late and after finishing a wonderful tear jerker, I think I needed a nice refreshing New adult read. In This Moment did the trick.
Aimee Spencer enters college after losing someone close to her. She is wallowing in a world of self doubt, guilt, and panic. She literally stumbles upon Cole Everly, the typical hot boy with the bad rep. Both are troubled by their pasts, but both are inherently good characters. This is not the typical "extreme" bad boy turned good, but the typical college aged male who embraces his popularity with meaningless hookups. Aimee Spencer comes along and makes him think that a simple hook up would not do her or him justice. For Cole Everly, this girl will not fall easily as she has a past that is keeping her from living.
There are many positives to this book that I like. I like the ease of their relationship that has both sweet romantic qualities and a bit of heat when needed. I love the witty banter with all the characters. I like the flow of the story and the fast pace, yet nothing was underdeveloped. I especially like the open communication. There is not messy cheating scandal or misinterpreted encounters. There is no love triangle. Most importantly there is not spineless hero or heroine. I honestly found both characters refreshingly likeable and honest. It was nice to see that heartbreak and relationship struggle is not just one sided. Of course there is some angst, come on, no one wants to read a love story that is all roses from the beginning to the end right?
I strongly recommend this read to many of my friends. It is easy to read, it is not too heavy, and it is completely enjoyable. I look forward to more by this author, I am definitely a fan!
Aimee Spencer enters college after losing someone close to her. She is wallowing in a world of self doubt, guilt, and panic. She literally stumbles upon Cole Everly, the typical hot boy with the bad rep. Both are troubled by their pasts, but both are inherently good characters. This is not the typical "extreme" bad boy turned good, but the typical college aged male who embraces his popularity with meaningless hookups. Aimee Spencer comes along and makes him think that a simple hook up would not do her or him justice. For Cole Everly, this girl will not fall easily as she has a past that is keeping her from living.
There are many positives to this book that I like. I like the ease of their relationship that has both sweet romantic qualities and a bit of heat when needed. I love the witty banter with all the characters. I like the flow of the story and the fast pace, yet nothing was underdeveloped. I especially like the open communication. There is not messy cheating scandal or misinterpreted encounters. There is no love triangle. Most importantly there is not spineless hero or heroine. I honestly found both characters refreshingly likeable and honest. It was nice to see that heartbreak and relationship struggle is not just one sided. Of course there is some angst, come on, no one wants to read a love story that is all roses from the beginning to the end right?
I strongly recommend this read to many of my friends. It is easy to read, it is not too heavy, and it is completely enjoyable. I look forward to more by this author, I am definitely a fan!
August 20, 2013
"All we get are moments, Cole. One at a time, like heartbeats. Once one of them is gone, that's it. No do-overs. No repeats. Every moment possesses its own kind of magic and what we do with it counts. It counts." From this Moment by Autumn Doughton
This one very pleasantly surprised me to say the least. Autumn Doughton’s writing skills and character development were top-notch. There was perfect fluidity to this storyline with a realistic journey to substantiating a believable and meaningful relationship between Aimee and Cole. The alternating POVs upped the ante by providing both characters’ thoughts and feelings toward the other.
Their story revolves around friendship, family issues, guilt, loss, love and forgiveness. At times, it is heartbreaking and sadly painful. But there are also good times filled with fun and joy and a magical romance. I adoringly fell for the whole shebang created within the pages of “In this Moment.”
Two young people running from ugly memories literally fall into each other’s arms and their journey begins. Cole, the charming bad boy, dealing with issues of his own, quickly stepped in and stole my heart. He is one swoon-worthy and heart stealing temptation from the outset. Aimee is scarred and fragile in many ways yet stands strong on her own. She’s trying to repair the damage in her life and move on but facing difficulties in doing so. I found both these characters very interesting and likable and their story undeniably mesmerizing.
I intend to immediately check out Doughton’s backlog of books. And I’ll also be keeping an eye out for her future releases.
This one very pleasantly surprised me to say the least. Autumn Doughton’s writing skills and character development were top-notch. There was perfect fluidity to this storyline with a realistic journey to substantiating a believable and meaningful relationship between Aimee and Cole. The alternating POVs upped the ante by providing both characters’ thoughts and feelings toward the other.
Their story revolves around friendship, family issues, guilt, loss, love and forgiveness. At times, it is heartbreaking and sadly painful. But there are also good times filled with fun and joy and a magical romance. I adoringly fell for the whole shebang created within the pages of “In this Moment.”
Two young people running from ugly memories literally fall into each other’s arms and their journey begins. Cole, the charming bad boy, dealing with issues of his own, quickly stepped in and stole my heart. He is one swoon-worthy and heart stealing temptation from the outset. Aimee is scarred and fragile in many ways yet stands strong on her own. She’s trying to repair the damage in her life and move on but facing difficulties in doing so. I found both these characters very interesting and likable and their story undeniably mesmerizing.
I intend to immediately check out Doughton’s backlog of books. And I’ll also be keeping an eye out for her future releases.
August 3, 2014
“It’s hard to say how it happens. How all of the bits of me – even the broken ones – start to tumble. I think it’s my toes that go first. Next – my legs and the hallow spaces behind my ribs. And then my arms all the way down through my wrist bones to the tips of my fingers. My lips part and I realize that this is what it feels like to fall.”
5 STARS
What a beautiful, pleasantly surprising book. I can't even remember how I found it- I had just finished reading Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken and was looking for something to carry on the two days of my 'I'm going to read every single second of every single minute of every single hour that I can possibly spare' mood. At 77p, it was hard to resist buying this even after reading only few reviews.
I think the plot synopsis on here is pretty good in not giving away too much information yet still making you want to read the book and I'm not really sure where I would start with an outline of the story, therefore I suggest you go and read that if you want to know a little more about the book.
First of all, I'd just like to praise Autumn Doughton for how well written this book was and how developed each character was. I loved every single character (aside from Kate, obviously. All I could think about when reading a scene that involved her character was Kate Sanders from Lizzie McGuire. Total. Bitch). I loved Aimee because she wasn't just your average whiny protagonist. I loved Cole because... well *swoons* ... who doesn't love a guy as attractive as him. But in all seriousness, I actually think Cole was a very well written character. He didn't have that 'Hi, I'm a creepy college student-borderline stalker that will make you fall in love with me' vibe that I think a lot of male characters in NA books can have. The relationship between Aimee and Cole was just written in a way that seemed so natural, rather than forced. Aside from the main characters, I also adored Daniel, Mara and Jodi- Daniel with his kindness towards Aimee and going against his mother's beliefs; Mara and her protective nature; and of course Jodi, because who doesn't need a friend as bubbly and outgoing as her?
The plot of it was incredibly realistic and I loved every second of it. The writing flowed and everything made sense and it made me laugh, cry and smile. I just got so completely lost in the story; hell, about half way through I sat there and thought to myself 'Wait, what is this called again?'. I finished it in a mere 3 hours, my Kindle glued to my hands the entire time. I LITERALLY couldn't put it down. If you are a fan of NA, or even just a fan of any genre, read this book! Please?
5 STARS
What a beautiful, pleasantly surprising book. I can't even remember how I found it- I had just finished reading Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken and was looking for something to carry on the two days of my 'I'm going to read every single second of every single minute of every single hour that I can possibly spare' mood. At 77p, it was hard to resist buying this even after reading only few reviews.
I think the plot synopsis on here is pretty good in not giving away too much information yet still making you want to read the book and I'm not really sure where I would start with an outline of the story, therefore I suggest you go and read that if you want to know a little more about the book.
First of all, I'd just like to praise Autumn Doughton for how well written this book was and how developed each character was. I loved every single character (aside from Kate, obviously. All I could think about when reading a scene that involved her character was Kate Sanders from Lizzie McGuire. Total. Bitch). I loved Aimee because she wasn't just your average whiny protagonist. I loved Cole because... well *swoons* ... who doesn't love a guy as attractive as him. But in all seriousness, I actually think Cole was a very well written character. He didn't have that 'Hi, I'm a creepy college student-borderline stalker that will make you fall in love with me' vibe that I think a lot of male characters in NA books can have. The relationship between Aimee and Cole was just written in a way that seemed so natural, rather than forced. Aside from the main characters, I also adored Daniel, Mara and Jodi- Daniel with his kindness towards Aimee and going against his mother's beliefs; Mara and her protective nature; and of course Jodi, because who doesn't need a friend as bubbly and outgoing as her?
The plot of it was incredibly realistic and I loved every second of it. The writing flowed and everything made sense and it made me laugh, cry and smile. I just got so completely lost in the story; hell, about half way through I sat there and thought to myself 'Wait, what is this called again?'. I finished it in a mere 3 hours, my Kindle glued to my hands the entire time. I LITERALLY couldn't put it down. If you are a fan of NA, or even just a fan of any genre, read this book! Please?
December 17, 2014
4 insta-love stars
First and foremost, I have to comment on the writing...it was just beautiful. Many of the lines read like a poem. The depth and emotion Autumn Doughton put into these two broken characters, paired with her gorgeous writing style, made this such an amazing read.
We meet Aimee starting her freshman year in college. Having lost her best friend to an accident, Aimee is broken and tortured by the memories of what happened that night. I truly felt for this girl. There were many times in the book that I was an emotional wreck and had to put the book down and collect myself.
Aimee literally falls into Cole on her first day at school. Cole was a womanizing jock who knew the second he saw Aimee, he had to have her. He is very patient in dealing with the emotional roller coaster that is Aimee and I have to give him props for that! He falls head over heels for her and it was great being able to have his POV and see just how much he truly cared about her.
"Aimee has me wrapped up inside this moment. And if she wanted to, she could reach into my chest and rip my heart out of my body because it already belongs to her"
I also love how the book always seems to go back to Aimee and her inability to go back to the sport that she loved- swimming. This sort of eludes to the fact that her friends death had something to do with water. Throughout the book, water is a key term used to describe many things in her life. For example: Aimee describes Cole's green eyes like "leaves submerged in water" and she uses the term "riptide" to describe the many memories that rush back to her that seem to keeptrying to drag her under." Like I said, I loved the writing. I could probably write more about it, but I really don't want you guys to experience it on your own!
Overall, this was an amazing and emotional read! I loved this book and I would definitely recommend it to those who love a good heartwarming story about healing and learning how to swim with your head above the water again. (get what I did there? yep...)
First and foremost, I have to comment on the writing...it was just beautiful. Many of the lines read like a poem. The depth and emotion Autumn Doughton put into these two broken characters, paired with her gorgeous writing style, made this such an amazing read.
We meet Aimee starting her freshman year in college. Having lost her best friend to an accident, Aimee is broken and tortured by the memories of what happened that night. I truly felt for this girl. There were many times in the book that I was an emotional wreck and had to put the book down and collect myself.
Aimee literally falls into Cole on her first day at school. Cole was a womanizing jock who knew the second he saw Aimee, he had to have her. He is very patient in dealing with the emotional roller coaster that is Aimee and I have to give him props for that! He falls head over heels for her and it was great being able to have his POV and see just how much he truly cared about her.
"Aimee has me wrapped up inside this moment. And if she wanted to, she could reach into my chest and rip my heart out of my body because it already belongs to her"
I also love how the book always seems to go back to Aimee and her inability to go back to the sport that she loved- swimming. This sort of eludes to the fact that her friends death had something to do with water. Throughout the book, water is a key term used to describe many things in her life. For example: Aimee describes Cole's green eyes like "leaves submerged in water" and she uses the term "riptide" to describe the many memories that rush back to her that seem to keeptrying to drag her under." Like I said, I loved the writing. I could probably write more about it, but I really don't want you guys to experience it on your own!
Overall, this was an amazing and emotional read! I loved this book and I would definitely recommend it to those who love a good heartwarming story about healing and learning how to swim with your head above the water again. (get what I did there? yep...)
September 6, 2013
“All we get are moments, Cole. One at a time, like heartbeats. Once all of them is gone, that’s it. No do-overs. No repeats. Every moment possesses its down kind of magic and what we do with it counts. It counts.” -
So, I do this thing pretty regularly where I peruse the Top 100 of Amazon Kindle books. Most often all I find are almost-kissing covers or bare stomachs with splayed hands gripping the skin. Not my kind of book, you know? But this one? This one grabbed me. The reviews were stellar (and by people who were actually talking about the writing and not something else...) and the cover incredible. I purchased it on Sunday evening, thinking it was worth a shot.
I finished in twelve hours and immediately downloaded Doughton's other books.
What I Liked -
Being a coming-of-age novel, there were ample opportunities for Doughton to throw in gratuitous sex scenes. She didn't. There are scenes, but they aren't overwhelming and serve as something that move the plot forward. I can appreciate {and even celebrate} this. I felt Cole and Aimee's relationship rang true and I loved the slow burn of their chemistry.
What I Loved -
Y'all. Have I mentioned Autumn Doughton is an indie author? She doesn't have a massive publishing team behind her {mark my words: she will} and her writing is still breathtaking. The nuance, the repetition, the poetry—it made me want to pick up my pen and write some more. Which is huge in this post-release state I've been in lately.
Also, I loved the themes of friendship and letting go and how she wove the {much needed} tension between Aimee and Cole and how they deal with their pasts individually and together.
What You Should Know -
Because Doughton is indie, it's incredibly impressive that her book shot up to Amazon's Top 100 and is proof of the caliber of this book. The market is pretty saturated right now, and so she's done an incredible job letting the story speak for itself.
When I find an author I like, I gush. It just happens. This book immediately shot up to one of my favorite reads of 2013. She's definitely a new favorite, y'all. Check her out.
So, I do this thing pretty regularly where I peruse the Top 100 of Amazon Kindle books. Most often all I find are almost-kissing covers or bare stomachs with splayed hands gripping the skin. Not my kind of book, you know? But this one? This one grabbed me. The reviews were stellar (and by people who were actually talking about the writing and not something else...) and the cover incredible. I purchased it on Sunday evening, thinking it was worth a shot.
I finished in twelve hours and immediately downloaded Doughton's other books.
What I Liked -
Being a coming-of-age novel, there were ample opportunities for Doughton to throw in gratuitous sex scenes. She didn't. There are scenes, but they aren't overwhelming and serve as something that move the plot forward. I can appreciate {and even celebrate} this. I felt Cole and Aimee's relationship rang true and I loved the slow burn of their chemistry.
What I Loved -
Y'all. Have I mentioned Autumn Doughton is an indie author? She doesn't have a massive publishing team behind her {mark my words: she will} and her writing is still breathtaking. The nuance, the repetition, the poetry—it made me want to pick up my pen and write some more. Which is huge in this post-release state I've been in lately.
Also, I loved the themes of friendship and letting go and how she wove the {much needed} tension between Aimee and Cole and how they deal with their pasts individually and together.
What You Should Know -
Because Doughton is indie, it's incredibly impressive that her book shot up to Amazon's Top 100 and is proof of the caliber of this book. The market is pretty saturated right now, and so she's done an incredible job letting the story speak for itself.
When I find an author I like, I gush. It just happens. This book immediately shot up to one of my favorite reads of 2013. She's definitely a new favorite, y'all. Check her out.
March 22, 2016
Wow. Well, that was a piece of awesome. Ms. Doughton seriously knocks it out of the park with this one -- it was a nice piece of real...if that makes sense. It's just that Cole and Aimee felt like *real* people working through *real* problems and dealing with situations in a reasonable manner. It was just so nice to read about a real relationship....from the falling in love (which was epic), to the pitfalls of growing and changing together. I never felt like their reactions were over the top. They both still made mistakes and had misunderstandings (ish), but it wasn't dragged out into this over the top dramafest....they behaved like human beings, and figured things out in rational and reasonable time. This is making it sound boring, but it was anything but. It's just that, sometimes I get so angry at characters in books I read....I know they need to have hardships and challenges, but I don't want these people I care about to fall so far that I can't follow them and believe that there's still something worthy inside. OK, this is sounding weird and very unreviewlike. I just LOVED these characters so much, and I LOVED watching their story unfold. It was real.
I probably could write more, but I seem to be losing my train of thought. Basically I loved it. Heartbreaking, hilarious, uplifting...oh, and did I mention the hero is to die for?
ps - I read Harry Potter, and I'm NOT A DOUCHEBAG!!
I probably could write more, but I seem to be losing my train of thought. Basically I loved it. Heartbreaking, hilarious, uplifting...oh, and did I mention the hero is to die for?
ps - I read Harry Potter, and I'm NOT A DOUCHEBAG!!
November 5, 2014
Excellent read
Autumn Doughton is a lyrical writer who tells great stories from the heart. Curling up with Aimee and Cole, following along as their relationship unfolded was an excellent escape and a reminder to savor the little moments: like a heart beat, like waves washing to shore and each other. In this moment is an offering.
Autumn Doughton is a lyrical writer who tells great stories from the heart. Curling up with Aimee and Cole, following along as their relationship unfolded was an excellent escape and a reminder to savor the little moments: like a heart beat, like waves washing to shore and each other. In this moment is an offering.
January 16, 2016
I didn't put it down. Loved it. I typically get frustrated with books heavy on the drama on drama on drama, but I liked the characters, liked their back stories, loved their relationship development in that it actually had full development. It wasn't drawn out hastily like and forced out shallow. This was probably the most fluid dually narrated books I've read. Yay! I love good books!
September 9, 2013
Such a sweet book! So refreshing! Gah cole was totally precious and swoon worthy too! Aimee is sweet and has a past to get through but she's also fun and cute and like able :)
September 8, 2013
This book was amazing! The author really has a knack for making you feel the characters emotions. I cried, I loved, and I honestly will forever hold this story in my heart.
September 3, 2013
Loved this!!! I felt like the ending/Epilogue could have been alittle better but 4.5 stars for sure!
February 27, 2014
Cocky boys are like my kryptonite in books.
October 20, 2015
Zugegeben, weder der Maibook Verlag noch die amerikanische Autorin Autumn Doughton waren mir bisher ein Begriff, doch als mich das Übersetzerkollektiv Littra anschrieb und fragte, ob ich den von ihnen übersetzten Roman “Hier und Jetzt” (“In This Moment”) lesen möchte, klang die Geschichte so vielversprechend, dass ich zusagte.
Dabei klingt die Geschichte um Cole und Aimee im Grunde genau so, wie auch fast jede andere NA-Story. Cole ist absolut nicht der Typ Mann, der Beziehungen führt, vielmehr ist er der Womanizer schlechthin und genießt auch seinen Ruf als solcher. Aimee dagegen trauert bereits seit über einem Jahr um ihre verstorbene beste Freundin, welche bei einem Autounfall ums Leben gekommen ist. Beide saßen im Auto, doch nur eine von ihnen hat mit ihrem Leben bezahlt. Der Beginn ihres Studiums soll nun den vollkommenen Neuanfang für Aimee darstellen – allerdings ohne Beziehungs- oder Liebeskram. Doch wie heißt es immer so schön? Es kommt immer anders, als man denkt.
Auch wenn die Handlung im Grunde wirklich nichts allzu Besonderes und schon gar nichts Neues für erfahrene NA-Leser ist, hat sie mir doch unheimlich gut gefallen. Ich denke, das ist vor allem natürlich auch eine Sache der aktuellen Lese-Stimmung, aber bei mir hat es zu diesem Zeitpunkt tatsächlich super gepasst. Anfangs stolperte ich noch über manche übertriebene Formulierungen, gewöhnte mich jedoch mit der Zeit daran, so dass ich schon bald von der Handlung gefesselt war und den Roman auch direkt in einem Rutsch durch gelesen hatte.
Da ich eine große Anhängerin verschiedener Erzählperspektiven bin, gefiel es mir besonders, dass Doughton zwischen Coles und Aimees Perspektive hin und her wechselt. So bekommt man als Leser einen sehr umfassenden Einblick in die Gedanken und Gefühle der beiden Charaktere, was meiner Meinung nach sehr oft in anderen NA-Romanen fehlt. Zumal es vieles einfach für den Leser klarer macht und man so nicht nur etwas Abwechslung, sondern auch gleichzeitig eine vielseitigere Handlung vorgelegt bekommt.
Oft bemängele ich in solchen Geschichten auch die unfassbar schnelle und unlogische Entwicklung einer Liebesbeziehung, ein Umstand, der meistens dazu führt, dass ich die Geschichte dann nicht mag. In “Hier und Jetzt” entwickelt sich die Beziehung zwischen Aimee und Cole jedoch sehr gemächlich, oft vergehen zwischen den einzelnen Kapiteln Tage oder Wochen, was dazu führt, dass ich deren Entwicklung eben viel mehr nachvollziehen konnte und sie mir sehr viel logischer erschien. Auch gibt es hier keinerlei übertrieben dargestellte Liebesszenarien, vielmehr fühlen sich die Gefühle und das Verhalten der beiden sehr authentisch und nachvollziehbar an. Tatsächlich habe ich sowohl Cole als auch Aimee schon bald sehr gerne als Charaktere gehabt und habe ihre Geschichte sehr gerne verfolgt. Kurzum: das war definitiv nicht mein letzter Roman der Autorin.
Übrigens finde ich den Roman auch äußerlich sehr ansprechend gestaltet. Das gestaltete Cover finde ich klasse, da es eine sehr willkommene Abwechslung zu den – meiner Meinung nach – sonst so übertrieben dargestellten Covern anderer Titel darstellt und zudem auch wirklich zur Handlung und den beiden Charakteren passt.
Auch wenn die Geschichte von Aimee und Cole scheinbar alle typischen Klischees des Genre New Adult bedient, ist “Hier und Jetzt” doch einer der besten NA-Romane, die ich bisher lesen durfte und zeichnet sich vor allem durch die wechselnden Perspektiven, sympathische Protagonisten und eine nachvollziehbare, nicht übertriebene Handlung aus. Wer wirklich Lust auf einen guten NA-Roman hat, dem kann ich “Hier und Jetzt” absolut empfehlen.
Dabei klingt die Geschichte um Cole und Aimee im Grunde genau so, wie auch fast jede andere NA-Story. Cole ist absolut nicht der Typ Mann, der Beziehungen führt, vielmehr ist er der Womanizer schlechthin und genießt auch seinen Ruf als solcher. Aimee dagegen trauert bereits seit über einem Jahr um ihre verstorbene beste Freundin, welche bei einem Autounfall ums Leben gekommen ist. Beide saßen im Auto, doch nur eine von ihnen hat mit ihrem Leben bezahlt. Der Beginn ihres Studiums soll nun den vollkommenen Neuanfang für Aimee darstellen – allerdings ohne Beziehungs- oder Liebeskram. Doch wie heißt es immer so schön? Es kommt immer anders, als man denkt.
Auch wenn die Handlung im Grunde wirklich nichts allzu Besonderes und schon gar nichts Neues für erfahrene NA-Leser ist, hat sie mir doch unheimlich gut gefallen. Ich denke, das ist vor allem natürlich auch eine Sache der aktuellen Lese-Stimmung, aber bei mir hat es zu diesem Zeitpunkt tatsächlich super gepasst. Anfangs stolperte ich noch über manche übertriebene Formulierungen, gewöhnte mich jedoch mit der Zeit daran, so dass ich schon bald von der Handlung gefesselt war und den Roman auch direkt in einem Rutsch durch gelesen hatte.
Da ich eine große Anhängerin verschiedener Erzählperspektiven bin, gefiel es mir besonders, dass Doughton zwischen Coles und Aimees Perspektive hin und her wechselt. So bekommt man als Leser einen sehr umfassenden Einblick in die Gedanken und Gefühle der beiden Charaktere, was meiner Meinung nach sehr oft in anderen NA-Romanen fehlt. Zumal es vieles einfach für den Leser klarer macht und man so nicht nur etwas Abwechslung, sondern auch gleichzeitig eine vielseitigere Handlung vorgelegt bekommt.
Oft bemängele ich in solchen Geschichten auch die unfassbar schnelle und unlogische Entwicklung einer Liebesbeziehung, ein Umstand, der meistens dazu führt, dass ich die Geschichte dann nicht mag. In “Hier und Jetzt” entwickelt sich die Beziehung zwischen Aimee und Cole jedoch sehr gemächlich, oft vergehen zwischen den einzelnen Kapiteln Tage oder Wochen, was dazu führt, dass ich deren Entwicklung eben viel mehr nachvollziehen konnte und sie mir sehr viel logischer erschien. Auch gibt es hier keinerlei übertrieben dargestellte Liebesszenarien, vielmehr fühlen sich die Gefühle und das Verhalten der beiden sehr authentisch und nachvollziehbar an. Tatsächlich habe ich sowohl Cole als auch Aimee schon bald sehr gerne als Charaktere gehabt und habe ihre Geschichte sehr gerne verfolgt. Kurzum: das war definitiv nicht mein letzter Roman der Autorin.
Übrigens finde ich den Roman auch äußerlich sehr ansprechend gestaltet. Das gestaltete Cover finde ich klasse, da es eine sehr willkommene Abwechslung zu den – meiner Meinung nach – sonst so übertrieben dargestellten Covern anderer Titel darstellt und zudem auch wirklich zur Handlung und den beiden Charakteren passt.
Auch wenn die Geschichte von Aimee und Cole scheinbar alle typischen Klischees des Genre New Adult bedient, ist “Hier und Jetzt” doch einer der besten NA-Romane, die ich bisher lesen durfte und zeichnet sich vor allem durch die wechselnden Perspektiven, sympathische Protagonisten und eine nachvollziehbare, nicht übertriebene Handlung aus. Wer wirklich Lust auf einen guten NA-Roman hat, dem kann ich “Hier und Jetzt” absolut empfehlen.
February 13, 2014
In This Moment is the perfect title for this story because it's so full of those moments in life that can either pass you by, leaving you scarred and a wreck or you can grab ahold of them, cherishing each and everyone of them, no matter how painful they may be because in life all we have are these moments. Aimee has moved away to go to college. She's running from her past and one tragic moment that has defined the rest of her life when she literally runs into (or falls into) Cole Everly. Cole is athletic, gorgeous and knows his way around women. Like Aimee Cole has a past too that he's trying to escape yet unlike Aimee he finds his escape in the arms of other women (lots of women) and he never allows himself to get too close or to fall in love. Aimee and Cole keep running into each other and despite their own fears they both become closer over the course of the book. Aimee is afraid to relive her past and to let anyone know the truth about her. She's withdrawn and feels like she doesn't have the right to experience joy or love while Cole doesn't want to ever experience love. He has never been in a real relationship but since running into Aimee he can't get her out of his mind and the more he's drawn into her the scarier it gets for both of them. Cole and Aimee are runners, it's what they do. when things go bad they run the other direction as far and as fast as they can but sometimes you can't outrun you past and sometimes, just sometimes running can be more painful than staying because some things are worth fighting for.
Both characters have their hang ups, neither one of them is perfect and both make plenty of mistakes. They are well fleshed out along with the side characters like Aimee's new best friend and Cole's roommate. This is just one of those books that grabs your heart and chews it up, spitting it out before super gluing it back together for you in the end. You can't help but feel for Aimee and Cole and when both relive their pasts and tell their stories you just want to be there to hug them. If you're like me and love stories about love and redemption, of hope when everything seems hopeless then you'll love In This Moment. I've seen this book compared to The Sea of Tranquility and the themes are similar so if you enjoyed that one then you'll love this book. Both have slow building relationships that aren't perfect and don't just happen overnight and both deal with loss and love. Heck even if this isn't your genre of choice give it a try anyway. I'm pretty sure if you're human then you'll love this book. Actually I'm pretty positive that space aliens would enjoy it too. It's just too good of a book.
Both characters have their hang ups, neither one of them is perfect and both make plenty of mistakes. They are well fleshed out along with the side characters like Aimee's new best friend and Cole's roommate. This is just one of those books that grabs your heart and chews it up, spitting it out before super gluing it back together for you in the end. You can't help but feel for Aimee and Cole and when both relive their pasts and tell their stories you just want to be there to hug them. If you're like me and love stories about love and redemption, of hope when everything seems hopeless then you'll love In This Moment. I've seen this book compared to The Sea of Tranquility and the themes are similar so if you enjoyed that one then you'll love this book. Both have slow building relationships that aren't perfect and don't just happen overnight and both deal with loss and love. Heck even if this isn't your genre of choice give it a try anyway. I'm pretty sure if you're human then you'll love this book. Actually I'm pretty positive that space aliens would enjoy it too. It's just too good of a book.
July 9, 2019
And here I thought New Adult Books with tolerable or even likable female main character does not exist anymore.
The truth is: the main reason why I finished this book at all is because of Aimee. She's a great character. And I'm actually very proud of how mature she's acting in the end. It's just perfect.
A bit cheesy at some points but that's just my taste. I'm sure every romance fans would swoon for this book.
The truth is: the main reason why I finished this book at all is because of Aimee. She's a great character. And I'm actually very proud of how mature she's acting in the end. It's just perfect.
A bit cheesy at some points but that's just my taste. I'm sure every romance fans would swoon for this book.
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