What do you think?
Rate this book
Pieces of Me
For Delaney Roberts, moving across country and away from everyone who knew her darkest secrets, was the last chance she had at normal. When she starts her freshman year at Cedar Mountain University, she isn't focused on making friends or falling in love. She just wants to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and fit them back together the best she can.
Cole Marsh hadn't settled down since getting his heart broken three years before. But one look at the sexy brunette with the sad blue eyes and he’s lost. But can he convince her to trust him enough to put the past behind her?
Cole Marsh hadn't settled down since getting his heart broken three years before. But one look at the sexy brunette with the sad blue eyes and he’s lost. But can he convince her to trust him enough to put the past behind her?
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2013
22 people are currently reading
1404 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 1, 2013
Pieces of Me by Ann Garner
Ann Garner first book is called Pieces of Me, I am not sure I have enough words to express how much I truly enjoyed reading this story, there are some many beautiful words and feelings that come across in this novel that it’s hard to express the emotions you have while reading Pieces of Me. There are many NA books coming out of late, but I have to say this is one of the best ones I have read. There are parts of this book that stick with you.
And you carefully gather the pieces of yourself.
You collect them together in your mind.
The old pieces, the new pieces, the ones that are too shattered for you to tell what they are.
You collect them and hold them close.
You will need these pieces one day.
Pieces of Me is story of a young woman named Delaney who moves thousands miles away from her home town and parents. She wants to start fresh where no one knows her and what better place to start besides the beginning of her college years. As you get to know Delaney you know something has happened to her, you can feel the heartbreak and the sadness. Delaney’s dorm mate is Grace who has been raised in a very loving, affectionate home and growing up with a bunch of brothers makes Grace a fun character to get to know. Grace and Delaney become fast friends.
Grace does everything she can to bring Delaney out of her shell, making her go out, introducing her to her friends and her brothers. Delaney has some personal struggles being around so many people and at times she cannot handle all of it. Keeping herself away from people has kept her sheltered and not very comfortable in social situations. Some of the situations are funny and heartbreaking. But you cheer for Delaney each step she takes in reclaiming her life.
Then of course there is Cole he is heartwarming and you begin to see that he truly cares for Delaney he is a nice young man who has had his fun but see’s Delaney as someone he really wants to get to know. Delaney of course feels the attraction but she is not sure she could ever truly let someone close never mind touch her. The small touches and the comfort she feels immediately in Cole’s presence does say something to Delaney but can she ever trust him.
Of course things don’t go smoothly for Delaney and she makes some big mistakes, not sure she can fix things with her new friends she ends up pulling and slipping away.
Pieces of Me is a beautifully written story, it’s about finding the strength to move on, love, trust and finding the courage to become the person you always wanted to be.
I have rated Pieces of Me a 5 star rating and highly recommend it to anyone who is reading my review to go purchase a copy you will not be disappointed.
Ann Garner first book is called Pieces of Me, I am not sure I have enough words to express how much I truly enjoyed reading this story, there are some many beautiful words and feelings that come across in this novel that it’s hard to express the emotions you have while reading Pieces of Me. There are many NA books coming out of late, but I have to say this is one of the best ones I have read. There are parts of this book that stick with you.
And you carefully gather the pieces of yourself.
You collect them together in your mind.
The old pieces, the new pieces, the ones that are too shattered for you to tell what they are.
You collect them and hold them close.
You will need these pieces one day.
Pieces of Me is story of a young woman named Delaney who moves thousands miles away from her home town and parents. She wants to start fresh where no one knows her and what better place to start besides the beginning of her college years. As you get to know Delaney you know something has happened to her, you can feel the heartbreak and the sadness. Delaney’s dorm mate is Grace who has been raised in a very loving, affectionate home and growing up with a bunch of brothers makes Grace a fun character to get to know. Grace and Delaney become fast friends.
Grace does everything she can to bring Delaney out of her shell, making her go out, introducing her to her friends and her brothers. Delaney has some personal struggles being around so many people and at times she cannot handle all of it. Keeping herself away from people has kept her sheltered and not very comfortable in social situations. Some of the situations are funny and heartbreaking. But you cheer for Delaney each step she takes in reclaiming her life.
Then of course there is Cole he is heartwarming and you begin to see that he truly cares for Delaney he is a nice young man who has had his fun but see’s Delaney as someone he really wants to get to know. Delaney of course feels the attraction but she is not sure she could ever truly let someone close never mind touch her. The small touches and the comfort she feels immediately in Cole’s presence does say something to Delaney but can she ever trust him.
Of course things don’t go smoothly for Delaney and she makes some big mistakes, not sure she can fix things with her new friends she ends up pulling and slipping away.
Pieces of Me is a beautifully written story, it’s about finding the strength to move on, love, trust and finding the courage to become the person you always wanted to be.
I have rated Pieces of Me a 5 star rating and highly recommend it to anyone who is reading my review to go purchase a copy you will not be disappointed.
August 13, 2013
Before I begin, I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
“I want you. I want us.”
“I watch as his hands uncurl in his lap, first one then the other. He lifts one toward me and I see the hesitancy in his eyes. It makes me want to cry, because this is what I was afraid of, his knowledge changing everything between us.”
Oh my Lord. *wipes eyes with sleeve* Pieces of Me was THAT kind of book. The kind to toy with your emotions and tie your stomach in knots. I laughed, I cried, I huffed out in exasperation, and then I cried some more. Breathtakingly beautiful and heartbreakingly poignant, this book took a piece of my soul, a part of me that I know I won’t get back after reading this heartfelt book.
“And you carefully gather the pieces of yourself. You collect them together in your mind. The old pieces, the new pieces, the ones that are too shattered for you to tell what they are. You collect them and hold them close.”
“You dream about the day you will no longer be pieces of yourself.”
Right from the start, I knew Delaney was broken. And not just from the words on the page, no. Her pain is so sharp, so jagged, it was impossible for me not to feel its presence after the first few pages.
“I wanted him to suffer like I had suffered. I wanted him to feel as broken and beaten and worthless as he made me feel. He damaged so much of me.”
As a result of her ordeal, Delaney packs her bags and moves far away from her hometown for college. She is quiet, reserved, and skittish, the complete opposite of her outgoing roommate, Grace, who happens to be the sister of the most notorious man-slut on campus. When she first meets Grace’s brother Cole, she is instantly attracted to him, and for the first time in four years, she is comfortable around another male.
“She watches you. She relaxes more when you’re in the room. You just have to give her some room, Cole, she’ll come around.”
Oh Cole! He is the perfect guy for Delaney. Despite his reputation, he never disrespects her or makes her feel inferior. As for Delaney’s ordeal, I suspected abuse or rape, but when I read the first snippet that hinted at what happened, it was like…BAM. Shocked. Speechless. My heart broke for Delaney, and at the really detailed parts, I had tears trickling down my face.
“It was like being broken into a thousand different pieces. But worse is the knowledge that those pieces are never going to fit the same way they did before. That they aren’t just broken, they’re…dirty. And it doesn’t matter how many people tell you it isn’t your fault, that you have nothing to be ashamed of, you can’t help but feel that you’ll never be all the way clean again.”
Delaney’s horrifying experiences is a delicate subject, and what I love so much about Ann’s writing style is how she carefully, expertly weaves Delaney’s ordeal into the story. Nothing is downplayed or overstated, and every word counts.
“I will never be able to explain exactly what he has done for me, what he has given me back. I wish I had the words to tell him how I feel. He was the last piece that I needed to put myself back together.”
There were definitely some times in the book I didn’t agree with Delaney’s choices, but I understood that it had to be her decision to let go, to face her fears, and to move on. This was her journey to find herself, to be determined to battle her demons.
“You’re so strong, Del, so beautiful.”
“I don’t want you any less.”
“I don’t love you any less.”
It was extremely heartwarming to see Delaney heal, both physically and emotionally. I am a firm believer of happy endings, and she definitely deserved it after everything she went through. I hope Ann makes this book into a series because these characters are in my heart and I just can’t let go of them yet!
5 MAGNIFICENT STARS!!!
“I want you. I want us.”
“I watch as his hands uncurl in his lap, first one then the other. He lifts one toward me and I see the hesitancy in his eyes. It makes me want to cry, because this is what I was afraid of, his knowledge changing everything between us.”
Oh my Lord. *wipes eyes with sleeve* Pieces of Me was THAT kind of book. The kind to toy with your emotions and tie your stomach in knots. I laughed, I cried, I huffed out in exasperation, and then I cried some more. Breathtakingly beautiful and heartbreakingly poignant, this book took a piece of my soul, a part of me that I know I won’t get back after reading this heartfelt book.
“And you carefully gather the pieces of yourself. You collect them together in your mind. The old pieces, the new pieces, the ones that are too shattered for you to tell what they are. You collect them and hold them close.”
“You dream about the day you will no longer be pieces of yourself.”
Right from the start, I knew Delaney was broken. And not just from the words on the page, no. Her pain is so sharp, so jagged, it was impossible for me not to feel its presence after the first few pages.
“I wanted him to suffer like I had suffered. I wanted him to feel as broken and beaten and worthless as he made me feel. He damaged so much of me.”
As a result of her ordeal, Delaney packs her bags and moves far away from her hometown for college. She is quiet, reserved, and skittish, the complete opposite of her outgoing roommate, Grace, who happens to be the sister of the most notorious man-slut on campus. When she first meets Grace’s brother Cole, she is instantly attracted to him, and for the first time in four years, she is comfortable around another male.
“She watches you. She relaxes more when you’re in the room. You just have to give her some room, Cole, she’ll come around.”
Oh Cole! He is the perfect guy for Delaney. Despite his reputation, he never disrespects her or makes her feel inferior. As for Delaney’s ordeal, I suspected abuse or rape, but when I read the first snippet that hinted at what happened, it was like…BAM. Shocked. Speechless. My heart broke for Delaney, and at the really detailed parts, I had tears trickling down my face.
“It was like being broken into a thousand different pieces. But worse is the knowledge that those pieces are never going to fit the same way they did before. That they aren’t just broken, they’re…dirty. And it doesn’t matter how many people tell you it isn’t your fault, that you have nothing to be ashamed of, you can’t help but feel that you’ll never be all the way clean again.”
Delaney’s horrifying experiences is a delicate subject, and what I love so much about Ann’s writing style is how she carefully, expertly weaves Delaney’s ordeal into the story. Nothing is downplayed or overstated, and every word counts.
“I will never be able to explain exactly what he has done for me, what he has given me back. I wish I had the words to tell him how I feel. He was the last piece that I needed to put myself back together.”
There were definitely some times in the book I didn’t agree with Delaney’s choices, but I understood that it had to be her decision to let go, to face her fears, and to move on. This was her journey to find herself, to be determined to battle her demons.
“You’re so strong, Del, so beautiful.”
“I don’t want you any less.”
“I don’t love you any less.”
It was extremely heartwarming to see Delaney heal, both physically and emotionally. I am a firm believer of happy endings, and she definitely deserved it after everything she went through. I hope Ann makes this book into a series because these characters are in my heart and I just can’t let go of them yet!
5 MAGNIFICENT STARS!!!
August 11, 2013
**Copy kindly provided by author in exchange for honest review**
What a great book this was. I first want to thank Ann Garner for writing this book and for giving me the opportunity to read it. I truly enjoyed this book. It was a great love story, but also a story about a girl who learns to love herself and others. It was great to see Delaney' s confidence grow. It also kept me intrigued throughout the whole book. I was enjoying it so much that I ended up staying up until 3am to finish it. This is a pretty quick read...I was able to read it in one day.
This story is about a broken girl, Delaney, who travels over 3000 miles to go to college in North Carolina to escape the terrors and secrets of her past. I have to say I really liked Delaney, she didn't annoy me like some heroines do. Right off the bat you know that she is harboring a horrible secret from her past. I was thankful that the author didn't make us wait until the end of the book to find out what the secret was. We get bits and pieces throughout the story and then get the whole truth towards the end. What happens to Delaney is horrific. I was glad that the author didn't go into great detail of what happened...I think it was very well written because it gave enough detail that you knew what was going on but never to graphic to make it really disturbing. I loved Delaney' s strength through the story...she had her moments of insecurity and self doubt, but who wouldn't. I was glad she was trying to make a better life for herself. Cole Marsh.....he was amazing. I really liked his character. Even though at one point I wasn't to happy with him, I understood why he did what he did. I loved the support he showed Delaney throughout the book. He is another I'll be adding to my bbf list.
I also really liked the secondary characters in this story. Grace was an amazing friend and roommate to Delaney. Plus I loved their banter back and forth. All the guys were great too. I loved the family bond that Holden, Cole, and Grace had...they really had each others back. Delaney' s mom was just horrible....talk about selfish and uncaring. I was really glad to see her dad step up by the end of the book
My only real complaint about the book was I wish it would've been in dual POV's. I would have liked to know what Cole was thinking during the story. Plus there were some minor editing issues but nothing major enough to deter me from enjoying this book.
I would definitively recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a sweet love story and a story about a damaged and broken girl who learns to love herself and others.
Favorite Line : " Sometimes second chances are better then the first."......Delaney
What a great book this was. I first want to thank Ann Garner for writing this book and for giving me the opportunity to read it. I truly enjoyed this book. It was a great love story, but also a story about a girl who learns to love herself and others. It was great to see Delaney' s confidence grow. It also kept me intrigued throughout the whole book. I was enjoying it so much that I ended up staying up until 3am to finish it. This is a pretty quick read...I was able to read it in one day.
This story is about a broken girl, Delaney, who travels over 3000 miles to go to college in North Carolina to escape the terrors and secrets of her past. I have to say I really liked Delaney, she didn't annoy me like some heroines do. Right off the bat you know that she is harboring a horrible secret from her past. I was thankful that the author didn't make us wait until the end of the book to find out what the secret was. We get bits and pieces throughout the story and then get the whole truth towards the end. What happens to Delaney is horrific. I was glad that the author didn't go into great detail of what happened...I think it was very well written because it gave enough detail that you knew what was going on but never to graphic to make it really disturbing. I loved Delaney' s strength through the story...she had her moments of insecurity and self doubt, but who wouldn't. I was glad she was trying to make a better life for herself. Cole Marsh.....he was amazing. I really liked his character. Even though at one point I wasn't to happy with him, I understood why he did what he did. I loved the support he showed Delaney throughout the book. He is another I'll be adding to my bbf list.
I also really liked the secondary characters in this story. Grace was an amazing friend and roommate to Delaney. Plus I loved their banter back and forth. All the guys were great too. I loved the family bond that Holden, Cole, and Grace had...they really had each others back. Delaney' s mom was just horrible....talk about selfish and uncaring. I was really glad to see her dad step up by the end of the book
My only real complaint about the book was I wish it would've been in dual POV's. I would have liked to know what Cole was thinking during the story. Plus there were some minor editing issues but nothing major enough to deter me from enjoying this book.
I would definitively recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a sweet love story and a story about a damaged and broken girl who learns to love herself and others.
Favorite Line : " Sometimes second chances are better then the first."......Delaney
August 23, 2013
Pieces of Me is about learning to love, and learning to trust – others as well as yourself. It is about picking up the broken pieces and trying to make them fit together to create a whole again.
And you carefully gather the pieces of yourself. You collect them together in your mind. The old pieces, the new pieces, the ones that are too shattered for you to tell what they are. You collect them and hold them close. You will need these pieces one day.
Delaney is a fabulous but heartbreaking character. She moved across the country to go to college in an attempt to get away from her past, but because the past was in her head she never really truly could put it behind her. We watch her through the story as she tries to make herself over into a new person so she can attempt to be a "normal" teenage girl again, but the memories of her past continually get in her way.
Grace is the kind of friend every girl needs. She is fun and outgoing and tries to help Delaney come out of her shell. Sometimes she may push too far, but only because she cares and cannot really understand what Delaney was going through. But how could she? Grace had everything in life Delaney didn't, a loving home, a great family, and a really great guy.
Cole…holy crap what to say about Cole? He is the kind of guy your momma warned you about. He doesn't "do" relationships and is all about moving from one girl to the next. However, he's not your typical "bad boy" screw 'em and leave 'em type of character, which I think is what I love most about him. He is honest about what he wants and is open, friendly, and a lot of fun.
I truly believe that the characters make the story. Besides the three mentioned above, the rest of the supporting characters were all made interesting and engaging as well. Each brought their own personality to the story and helped it come together into a meaningful narrative. And, while the story told here is not new, the author's execution of the tale was fabulous. Not only did Ann Garner do a wonderful job creating her characters, the rest of the story, the setting, the mood, and just all the small detail, was great as well. The underlying theme of the story was dark and painful, but the author was able to turn it into something beautiful. There was so much emotion infused in the story - I will warn you that it is definitely a tear jerker, so be prepared, but it also had its laugh out loud moments as well.
As a first book for Ann Garner I would say this one is a winner. I have no idea what she has planned for the future, but I really would love to see more of her characters (Robby anyone?). So I would just like to wish you good luck and say thank you for the opportunity to read your story.
And you carefully gather the pieces of yourself. You collect them together in your mind. The old pieces, the new pieces, the ones that are too shattered for you to tell what they are. You collect them and hold them close. You will need these pieces one day.
Delaney is a fabulous but heartbreaking character. She moved across the country to go to college in an attempt to get away from her past, but because the past was in her head she never really truly could put it behind her. We watch her through the story as she tries to make herself over into a new person so she can attempt to be a "normal" teenage girl again, but the memories of her past continually get in her way.
Grace is the kind of friend every girl needs. She is fun and outgoing and tries to help Delaney come out of her shell. Sometimes she may push too far, but only because she cares and cannot really understand what Delaney was going through. But how could she? Grace had everything in life Delaney didn't, a loving home, a great family, and a really great guy.
Cole…holy crap what to say about Cole? He is the kind of guy your momma warned you about. He doesn't "do" relationships and is all about moving from one girl to the next. However, he's not your typical "bad boy" screw 'em and leave 'em type of character, which I think is what I love most about him. He is honest about what he wants and is open, friendly, and a lot of fun.
I truly believe that the characters make the story. Besides the three mentioned above, the rest of the supporting characters were all made interesting and engaging as well. Each brought their own personality to the story and helped it come together into a meaningful narrative. And, while the story told here is not new, the author's execution of the tale was fabulous. Not only did Ann Garner do a wonderful job creating her characters, the rest of the story, the setting, the mood, and just all the small detail, was great as well. The underlying theme of the story was dark and painful, but the author was able to turn it into something beautiful. There was so much emotion infused in the story - I will warn you that it is definitely a tear jerker, so be prepared, but it also had its laugh out loud moments as well.
As a first book for Ann Garner I would say this one is a winner. I have no idea what she has planned for the future, but I really would love to see more of her characters (Robby anyone?). So I would just like to wish you good luck and say thank you for the opportunity to read your story.
September 29, 2013
4-4½♥'s.
This is a book. There are many words. I have feelings and/or thoughts about this book, but refuse to post them here in fear of the new TOS for reviewers. Once a review is posted on my blog, I will include a link.
I received a free eBook from Ann Garner via Making Connections in exchange for an unbiased review.
This is a book. There are many words. I have feelings and/or thoughts about this book, but refuse to post them here in fear of the new TOS for reviewers. Once a review is posted on my blog, I will include a link.
I received a free eBook from Ann Garner via Making Connections in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 13, 2013
♥ ♥ HOLY CRAP!!! FIVE+++++ STARS!!!!!!!! ♥ ♥
**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Cole Marsh
Delaney Roberts
Delaney was starting college in North Carolina, trying to escape her past in Oregon. Delaney is determined to start fresh and pick up the pieces of her past. Delaney and her roommate, Grace, hit off a friendship immediately. Delaney was not planning on falling in love but when she meets Grace's brother, Cole Marsh, she cannot resist the attraction. Cole Marsh wants Delaney to be able to trust him with her deep dark secrets but will she be able to allow him in?
I loved Delaney as a character because she was self-determined and I loved how she developed in the book. Cole Marsh was so sweet to Delaney throughout the novel. He really wanted Delaney to be able to trust him and he always let her know that she could. He was loving and patient towards Delaney as she was trying to pick up the shattered pieces of her past.
What if I said I wasn't looking for the same thing I was before? What if I said I wanted more, and I wanted it with you because you're exactly what I'm looking for?
I love you, Cole. I never thought was going to get to say that to anyone. I never thought I was going to be standing here, in this spot, wanting to make the next move.
Thank you Ann Garner for letting me read your FANTASTIC work!!!! I loved every bit of it! I finished this in less than a day and could not get my nose out of it! I recommend this book to everyone!!!!!!!!!
**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Cole Marsh
Delaney Roberts
Delaney was starting college in North Carolina, trying to escape her past in Oregon. Delaney is determined to start fresh and pick up the pieces of her past. Delaney and her roommate, Grace, hit off a friendship immediately. Delaney was not planning on falling in love but when she meets Grace's brother, Cole Marsh, she cannot resist the attraction. Cole Marsh wants Delaney to be able to trust him with her deep dark secrets but will she be able to allow him in?
I loved Delaney as a character because she was self-determined and I loved how she developed in the book. Cole Marsh was so sweet to Delaney throughout the novel. He really wanted Delaney to be able to trust him and he always let her know that she could. He was loving and patient towards Delaney as she was trying to pick up the shattered pieces of her past.
What if I said I wasn't looking for the same thing I was before? What if I said I wanted more, and I wanted it with you because you're exactly what I'm looking for?
I love you, Cole. I never thought was going to get to say that to anyone. I never thought I was going to be standing here, in this spot, wanting to make the next move.
Thank you Ann Garner for letting me read your FANTASTIC work!!!! I loved every bit of it! I finished this in less than a day and could not get my nose out of it! I recommend this book to everyone!!!!!!!!!
October 9, 2013
There was nothing original about this storyline. I feel like I've read it a hundred times before. Girl has secret past, meets a boy, falls instantly in love, withholds the secret only for it to break them up blah, blah, blah.
The problem with this book is yes Delaney has a secret past..normally in a book like this, we will get little snippets along the way up to the big reveal near the end but around 20% of this story, when the characters are having a conversation, Delaney's internal thoughts suddenly announce what happened to her! I'm not sure why the author did this, it ruined the build up as from that point on, I knew what had happened to her four years ago. We don't get the full story until she confesses to Cole near the end but even then, the full story had holes in it. Why did the person do what he did? It was weak in my opinion.
As for Delaney and Cole. I felt no connection between them at all, no attraction, no chemistry. We don't get to read much of their actual relationship. It's glossed over or fast forwarded in the storyline. Therefore when the part came when the author wanted me to feel something, I felt nothing. The way Cole's sister Grace reacted to Delaney's past seemed ridiculous to me and then of course everything is neatly wrapped up in the epilogue but for me, that part (with Grace) and the part with Delaney's Dad should have been in a chapter near the end and not rushed in the epilogue.
I think the author should have taken more time with it and padded it out more plus all the characters needed fleshing out more and we needed more of Delaney and Cole's relationship and to feel their love. The story did have potential, it just fell flat for me.
The problem with this book is yes Delaney has a secret past..normally in a book like this, we will get little snippets along the way up to the big reveal near the end but around 20% of this story, when the characters are having a conversation, Delaney's internal thoughts suddenly announce what happened to her! I'm not sure why the author did this, it ruined the build up as from that point on, I knew what had happened to her four years ago. We don't get the full story until she confesses to Cole near the end but even then, the full story had holes in it. Why did the person do what he did? It was weak in my opinion.
As for Delaney and Cole. I felt no connection between them at all, no attraction, no chemistry. We don't get to read much of their actual relationship. It's glossed over or fast forwarded in the storyline. Therefore when the part came when the author wanted me to feel something, I felt nothing. The way Cole's sister Grace reacted to Delaney's past seemed ridiculous to me and then of course everything is neatly wrapped up in the epilogue but for me, that part (with Grace) and the part with Delaney's Dad should have been in a chapter near the end and not rushed in the epilogue.
I think the author should have taken more time with it and padded it out more plus all the characters needed fleshing out more and we needed more of Delaney and Cole's relationship and to feel their love. The story did have potential, it just fell flat for me.
August 11, 2013
I was given a copy of Pieces of Me in exchange for an honest review.
Delaney is heading off to college in North Carolina, 3000 miles away from her home in Oregon! She's running away from something in her past that has left her broken, shattered into a million pieces. She has a high level of social anxiety but is determined that a fresh start is going to be good for her and she forms an instant friendship with her roommate Grace. Delaney doesn't want to be a girl that's pitied when people find out about her past so she does and says everything she can to hide it. She wasn't counting on the instant attraction between her and Grace's brother Cole. Cole knows that there's something big holding her back but he's patient with her until he realizes that she's hiding something bigger than he can even imagine. Will she be able to piece together enough strength to finally let him in once and for all, or is she destined to be broken and shattered and alone?
I absolutely love this book. My heart broke for Delaney, even before I knew her secret and even more when I did learn about her past. Like her, I fell in love with Cole and I so desperately was hoping that she'd be able to share everything with him and that he would be strong enough to stand beside her while she put herself back together.
Have a box of Kleenex ready, because if you get all emotional over broken characters like I do, you're definitely going to be needing the box.
Ann Garner, you did an amazing job with this story and I look forward to reading anything else by you in the future!!!
Delaney is heading off to college in North Carolina, 3000 miles away from her home in Oregon! She's running away from something in her past that has left her broken, shattered into a million pieces. She has a high level of social anxiety but is determined that a fresh start is going to be good for her and she forms an instant friendship with her roommate Grace. Delaney doesn't want to be a girl that's pitied when people find out about her past so she does and says everything she can to hide it. She wasn't counting on the instant attraction between her and Grace's brother Cole. Cole knows that there's something big holding her back but he's patient with her until he realizes that she's hiding something bigger than he can even imagine. Will she be able to piece together enough strength to finally let him in once and for all, or is she destined to be broken and shattered and alone?
I absolutely love this book. My heart broke for Delaney, even before I knew her secret and even more when I did learn about her past. Like her, I fell in love with Cole and I so desperately was hoping that she'd be able to share everything with him and that he would be strong enough to stand beside her while she put herself back together.
Have a box of Kleenex ready, because if you get all emotional over broken characters like I do, you're definitely going to be needing the box.
Ann Garner, you did an amazing job with this story and I look forward to reading anything else by you in the future!!!
July 29, 2014
A gripping, heart-felt story. Simply stunning!
October 7, 2014
Read both her books back to back. I was totally sucked in and I can't wait until she puts something else out.
August 18, 2013
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
How do you move on - knowing you are broken?
Knowing that everything you were has been irrevocably changed.
Delaney doesn't have the answer but she has pinned all of her hope on moving 3000 miles away from home. If she can just put physical distance between the trauma of her past and her future....well, she might just have a chance at happiness.
This isn't a story about a girl who is trying to reinvent herself. Delaney isn't pretending to be someone she is not. She is just trying to find a way to repair herself. She really doesn't have any expectations out of life other than to hope for just a sliver of happiness. Just as Delaney begins to find her inner strength and push herself in the right direction, she meets Cole.
I loved reading how Delaney feels when she is around Cole. At the beginning of the book, Delaney's outlook for herself is quite bleak. Just meeting Cole is like a shock to her system that she never expected. I do believe that we need certain people to enter our lives (usually when we least expect it) and teach us things about ourselves, both good and bad. It is just one of those right time, right place scenarios. Cole is certainly that person for Delaney. Understandably, Delaney is reluctant to risk the fragile pieces of the life she is only just beginning to live.
This book has the right blend of emotion and drama. It kept me engaged throughout. There were some beautiful and poetic passages in this book.
I really enjoyed reading Pieces Of Me and will certainly be looking to read more from Ann Garner in the future.
How do you move on - knowing you are broken?
Knowing that everything you were has been irrevocably changed.
Delaney doesn't have the answer but she has pinned all of her hope on moving 3000 miles away from home. If she can just put physical distance between the trauma of her past and her future....well, she might just have a chance at happiness.
This isn't a story about a girl who is trying to reinvent herself. Delaney isn't pretending to be someone she is not. She is just trying to find a way to repair herself. She really doesn't have any expectations out of life other than to hope for just a sliver of happiness. Just as Delaney begins to find her inner strength and push herself in the right direction, she meets Cole.
I loved reading how Delaney feels when she is around Cole. At the beginning of the book, Delaney's outlook for herself is quite bleak. Just meeting Cole is like a shock to her system that she never expected. I do believe that we need certain people to enter our lives (usually when we least expect it) and teach us things about ourselves, both good and bad. It is just one of those right time, right place scenarios. Cole is certainly that person for Delaney. Understandably, Delaney is reluctant to risk the fragile pieces of the life she is only just beginning to live.
This book has the right blend of emotion and drama. It kept me engaged throughout. There were some beautiful and poetic passages in this book.
"...you carefully gather the pieces of yourself. You collect them together in your mind. The old pieces, the new pieces, the ones that are too shattered for you to tell what they are. You collect the, all and hold them close.
You will need these pieces one day. "
I really enjoyed reading Pieces Of Me and will certainly be looking to read more from Ann Garner in the future.
July 25, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.....
I would like to give this book 4 1/2 stars
The Cover: The cover is ok, it's sweet and caught my attention.
The Characters: I really liked the characters in this book. They are strong and honest.
The Story Line: The story line was great and I like the way it played out.
The Writing Style: It was great - easy to read and no errors (that I recall)
The Ending: Great ending.
...I really enjoyed this book!
When i picked it up and started reading I was immediately drawn in. The author creates a huge question right from the start and you can't help but read on, desperate to find out the answer.
The more you read, the more drawn in you are and before you know it the story is wide open. It's captive and sweet, daring and funny. There are some parts that made me chuckle.
I love how Cole was gentle and sweet, yet he was a player (but not) and also he was rough and gruff when he had to be. The characters were great and there are so many entwined lives that there could easily be a second book or third, about each person/couple.
I would absolutely recommend this book.
- * - ** - *** - **** - ***** -
1 star - I did not like this book or did not finish it and do not recommend it. 2 stars - It was ok, I finished it but would not recommend it unless you were completely bored. 3 stars - It was ok and I am not sorry I read it but I could have lived without reading it. I would recommend it if you had some time on your hands and nothing else planned to read. 4 Stars - I really like this book and would recommend it to anyone. It captivated me and kept me intrigued. 5 Stars - I loved this book and everything about it. I would like to jump into it and join the characters in their story. I would recommend it to anyone any time any place. (5 stars is very hard to get from me).
I would like to give this book 4 1/2 stars
The Cover: The cover is ok, it's sweet and caught my attention.
The Characters: I really liked the characters in this book. They are strong and honest.
The Story Line: The story line was great and I like the way it played out.
The Writing Style: It was great - easy to read and no errors (that I recall)
The Ending: Great ending.
...I really enjoyed this book!
When i picked it up and started reading I was immediately drawn in. The author creates a huge question right from the start and you can't help but read on, desperate to find out the answer.
The more you read, the more drawn in you are and before you know it the story is wide open. It's captive and sweet, daring and funny. There are some parts that made me chuckle.
I love how Cole was gentle and sweet, yet he was a player (but not) and also he was rough and gruff when he had to be. The characters were great and there are so many entwined lives that there could easily be a second book or third, about each person/couple.
I would absolutely recommend this book.
- * - ** - *** - **** - ***** -
1 star - I did not like this book or did not finish it and do not recommend it. 2 stars - It was ok, I finished it but would not recommend it unless you were completely bored. 3 stars - It was ok and I am not sorry I read it but I could have lived without reading it. I would recommend it if you had some time on your hands and nothing else planned to read. 4 Stars - I really like this book and would recommend it to anyone. It captivated me and kept me intrigued. 5 Stars - I loved this book and everything about it. I would like to jump into it and join the characters in their story. I would recommend it to anyone any time any place. (5 stars is very hard to get from me).
August 3, 2014
Genre: NA romance
Sensuality: PG-13
Cliffy? No.
Rating: 3
Why does he have to be so damn gorgeous?
And why do I have to be so damned screwed up?
- Kindle Location 1080
Said by every NA narrator, ever. - seton
Broken freshman narrator meets manslut who cures her (not with his "magic pen", surprise!). As can be seen from the backblurb and the quote above, this is a by-the-numbers NA romance. Pleasant enough if you don't expect any verve or style. And if you can overlook the grammatical errors.
I was expecting generic so I aint mad at it. Next!
Spoilers about the h's Big Sad if you wanta know:
Sensuality: PG-13
Cliffy? No.
Rating: 3
Why does he have to be so damn gorgeous?
And why do I have to be so damned screwed up?
- Kindle Location 1080
Said by every NA narrator, ever. - seton
Broken freshman narrator meets manslut who cures her (not with his "magic pen", surprise!). As can be seen from the backblurb and the quote above, this is a by-the-numbers NA romance. Pleasant enough if you don't expect any verve or style. And if you can overlook the grammatical errors.
I was expecting generic so I aint mad at it. Next!
Spoilers about the h's Big Sad if you wanta know:
August 15, 2013
Loved!
May 19, 2014
I defiantly have a big issue with this book. That being that this is only her first. Seriously, I didn't know and now I'm stuck waiting for the next bit of amazingness that comes from this author. If you read the description for this you could get sucked into the foolish assumption that this book would be like every other book of this kind.
Insanely pretty heroine with something dark that has happened? Check. Hotness of a hero with a reputation for not doing relationships? Check.
Oh! but my dear fellow readers please don't let that get to you.
What Anna Garner does is take a story we have heard before and tell it in a completely different way.
Things that made me fall in love with this book.
The introduction of the "event" is slipped into the book in a way that doesn't leave us guessing for the entire first half of the book while the heroine does that vaguely eluding thing. You know pretty close to the beginning what happens, even though there is a more in depth explanation further along this works so well for me. I find that sometime the author gets too caught up in keeping us guessing only to forget that there is suppose to be other things going on.
<3Cole. SOOOOO much to love about Cole. I love me a hero who knows what he wants and sticks with it. I get so lost when they bounce back and forth between wanting the heroine and wanting to be a player. Not Cole though. All Cole wants is a chance to make Delaney his.
<3>Delaney. I loved her. Did she have hang ups about life? Yes and given what she went through that was understandable. But I saw a want to truly make a way in life after her "before". Sometimes the Heroine in these types of story get too caught up in whining about not being able to move on rather than actually fighting to get back their life. There was struggles for her yes but I never lost my love for her. The empathy and pain I felt for her wasn't strained as I read. I rooted for her, cried for her, and admired her right till the end.
<3>The sexy time.
This book wasn't completely focused on that and I admit sometimes I get impatient waiting for those particular scenes. BUT this one made me ok with waiting. And when they happened they were worth the wait. Not off the charts steamy but so damn perfect for our two main characters.
<3>The friends.
I loves the secondary cast of characters here. Obviously I loved Grace. The banter between her and Delaney was a great comic relief and made me laugh out loud a few times. I loved her with Dean and I'm not going to lie I'm a little bit scared to see if the next book is about her. I liked the little group of friends they hung out with. I really liked Robby and how much he brought to the story without even being in a huge amount of it.
If you are looking for something new that makes you actually feel this is the book for you. It takes the run down story we have heard a few too many times and tells it wonderfully. I cant wait too see what happens next with this author.
Insanely pretty heroine with something dark that has happened? Check. Hotness of a hero with a reputation for not doing relationships? Check.
Oh! but my dear fellow readers please don't let that get to you.
What Anna Garner does is take a story we have heard before and tell it in a completely different way.
Things that made me fall in love with this book.
The introduction of the "event" is slipped into the book in a way that doesn't leave us guessing for the entire first half of the book while the heroine does that vaguely eluding thing. You know pretty close to the beginning what happens, even though there is a more in depth explanation further along this works so well for me. I find that sometime the author gets too caught up in keeping us guessing only to forget that there is suppose to be other things going on.
<3Cole. SOOOOO much to love about Cole. I love me a hero who knows what he wants and sticks with it. I get so lost when they bounce back and forth between wanting the heroine and wanting to be a player. Not Cole though. All Cole wants is a chance to make Delaney his.
<3>Delaney. I loved her. Did she have hang ups about life? Yes and given what she went through that was understandable. But I saw a want to truly make a way in life after her "before". Sometimes the Heroine in these types of story get too caught up in whining about not being able to move on rather than actually fighting to get back their life. There was struggles for her yes but I never lost my love for her. The empathy and pain I felt for her wasn't strained as I read. I rooted for her, cried for her, and admired her right till the end.
<3>The sexy time.
This book wasn't completely focused on that and I admit sometimes I get impatient waiting for those particular scenes. BUT this one made me ok with waiting. And when they happened they were worth the wait. Not off the charts steamy but so damn perfect for our two main characters.
<3>The friends.
I loves the secondary cast of characters here. Obviously I loved Grace. The banter between her and Delaney was a great comic relief and made me laugh out loud a few times. I loved her with Dean and I'm not going to lie I'm a little bit scared to see if the next book is about her. I liked the little group of friends they hung out with. I really liked Robby and how much he brought to the story without even being in a huge amount of it.
If you are looking for something new that makes you actually feel this is the book for you. It takes the run down story we have heard a few too many times and tells it wonderfully. I cant wait too see what happens next with this author.
August 26, 2016
**Pieces of Me provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
I really wanted to fall in love with this story, Pieces of Me. The blurb intrigued, the cover enticed, the foundation of the story built upon a very sad story for the heroine. But in this classic story of broken girl meets her dream guy nothing really stood out for me as particularly different or interesting. The basic plot here has been done so many times in order to pull it off in a big way some aspect of the story really has to grab my attention. It’s written well throughout however the chapters became terse at points leaving me wondering what happened in a certain scene. There abrupt endings to chapters where I felt there could have been more to complete the scene adding extra insight and depth. The hero and heroine of the story, Cole and Delaney, didn’t feel natural to me as a couple at first. Cole’s character took a back seat to the horror living inside Delaney on a daily. He’s charming, funny, and charismatic definitely, but some comments he made and actions turned me off from him. He also didn’t have a huge plot line; he was just sort the knight in shining armor with no real depth to his character. Delaney struggled through the first half of the book with trying to convince her to be a “normal” freshman in college. I sympathized with her, felt for her, when the horrors she faced were uncovered. However, when her relationship with Cole became a relationship I never felt any real change or growth. The secondary characters, Grace especially, lent a shining light through a lot of the story for me. Pieces of Me is the first book in this new adult series and on the shorter side compared to other books of its genre.
November 9, 2013
This was a really good book and I really enjoyed it. Delaney is somewhat broken and feels that she was broken into small pieces that will never be able to be put back together. She's hiding from a terrible past so she moves across the country from Oregon to go to college in North Carolina. She wants a life where everyone around does not know what happened to her and treats her differently because of it. Delaney does not have a great relationship with her parents. Her father wants her to be happy and understands her need to get away while her mother uses everything possible to make her feel guilty. Her freshman year roommate is Grace Marsh. They become fast friends after that. The night they meet Grace takes Delaney to her brothers' townhouse for a small get together and that is where she meets Cole. He is one of Grace's brothers. He is a really good guy that hasn't let a girl get too close for about 3 years when his girlfriend broke his heart. He fools around with girls but he's sweet to them and remains friends with most of them. There is an instant connection between the two but Delaney feels that she is too messed up to have a relationship.
This book has a great story with some terrible things that happened in the past but it shows hope and the ability for people to find their way to get better. Opening up and feeling that you have the ability to get past what happened is some of the first and most important steps needed to recover.
Cole is a great character with real heart and tremendous patience. His love of Delaney is evident in this book. I'm looking forward to the next book with Grace.
This book has a great story with some terrible things that happened in the past but it shows hope and the ability for people to find their way to get better. Opening up and feeling that you have the ability to get past what happened is some of the first and most important steps needed to recover.
Cole is a great character with real heart and tremendous patience. His love of Delaney is evident in this book. I'm looking forward to the next book with Grace.
August 16, 2013
Delaney moves across the country to start college and escape her past. She's broken and doesn't quite know how to put herself back together or even if she can. Delaney's new roomie, Grace, takes Delaney under her wing, introducing her to shopping, fashion and the best thing of all, her brother Cole. Grace's brother is not a stranger to girls throwing themselves at him, but there's something about Delaney that draws him in and makes him want to take a chance and pursue her. But Delaney's secrets get in the way of their budding relationship and if she can't learn to let Cole in, she will have to let him go.
This was a great read. The prologue was very well written and heartbreaking. I liked all the characters from the start and I really liked the friendship that developed between Delaney and Grace. Even though Delaney was very insecure in the beginning, she wasn't whiny and her inner strength still shone through. The fact that she could be broken and strong at the same time was an example of some great character development. Her secret was not as predictable as I originally thought and the reveal in bits and pieces throughout the book was well executed. I would have liked to see a little more of Delaney and Cole's time together and I would have also liked to see a little bit more of what when on in Delaney's life during winter break. Overall, I would recommend this book to friends and I would definitely read more from this author.
This was a great read. The prologue was very well written and heartbreaking. I liked all the characters from the start and I really liked the friendship that developed between Delaney and Grace. Even though Delaney was very insecure in the beginning, she wasn't whiny and her inner strength still shone through. The fact that she could be broken and strong at the same time was an example of some great character development. Her secret was not as predictable as I originally thought and the reveal in bits and pieces throughout the book was well executed. I would have liked to see a little more of Delaney and Cole's time together and I would have also liked to see a little bit more of what when on in Delaney's life during winter break. Overall, I would recommend this book to friends and I would definitely read more from this author.
September 12, 2013
So where do I start? First off, it was a good book, well written, and flowed well. There were some typos but very few. How ever the one thing that didn't thrill me was the fact that it wasn't really different or original. When you have read as many books as I have you start to see the same story over and over again just with a bit of a twist. That's what this story was like for me. Same old same old with a twist on the tragedy.Collage girl meets collage boy, girl has tragic past, boy helps her past it. Not that it was bad, because it wasn't. I have just read a handful of books just like it. As I said over all it was a good book.
Now as far as the story it self! Book boyfriend wise....not feeling Cole because I think that he was kinda a jerk. The way he handled the situation over Thanksgiving was not how a loving boyfriend should have acted. He should have tried harder to understand and be there for her even if she wouldn't open up yet. Grace was even worse. She was kinda a sucky best friend.She should have never let her brothers and her friends relationship interfere with their friendship and that's on her. She had no right to get mad and act the way she did. I liked the Epilog at the end and am happy with the way the story ended. It was a sad and tragic love story about learning to heal and love again and be whole after being broken.
Now as far as the story it self! Book boyfriend wise....not feeling Cole because I think that he was kinda a jerk. The way he handled the situation over Thanksgiving was not how a loving boyfriend should have acted. He should have tried harder to understand and be there for her even if she wouldn't open up yet. Grace was even worse. She was kinda a sucky best friend.She should have never let her brothers and her friends relationship interfere with their friendship and that's on her. She had no right to get mad and act the way she did. I liked the Epilog at the end and am happy with the way the story ended. It was a sad and tragic love story about learning to heal and love again and be whole after being broken.
January 1, 2015
Pieces of Me was recommended to me on Goodreads, I've got a whole shelf dedicated to high-school/college romance cause I kinda love books set in college, the American education system kind of interests me. Can you tell I'm studying education at uni?
Pieces of Me followed the unwritten New Adult rule that the female heroin must have a dark secret which causes her to be unwilling to enter into a relationship. Delaney's secret was a lot more traumatising than the standard cheating ex, so that definitely sets it apart from its counterparts.
Time moved quite quickly in Pieces of Me, I didn't have to suffer through an endless description of Delaney's day, cause there's nothing worse than reading in minute detail what the character had for lunch. Cole was a really nice character, the typical player that settles down with the special someone. One aspect of Delaney and Cole's relationship that I really liked is that the disagreement and fight actually felt realistic, I hate when I read something that feels like the author wrote it purely for the purpose of a reconciliation. This was definitely not the case in Pieces of Me, Delaney has issues, and Cole just wanted her to trust him.
I liked Pieces of Me, it's not my all time favourite book, but it was enjoyable.
Pieces of Me followed the unwritten New Adult rule that the female heroin must have a dark secret which causes her to be unwilling to enter into a relationship. Delaney's secret was a lot more traumatising than the standard cheating ex, so that definitely sets it apart from its counterparts.
Time moved quite quickly in Pieces of Me, I didn't have to suffer through an endless description of Delaney's day, cause there's nothing worse than reading in minute detail what the character had for lunch. Cole was a really nice character, the typical player that settles down with the special someone. One aspect of Delaney and Cole's relationship that I really liked is that the disagreement and fight actually felt realistic, I hate when I read something that feels like the author wrote it purely for the purpose of a reconciliation. This was definitely not the case in Pieces of Me, Delaney has issues, and Cole just wanted her to trust him.
I liked Pieces of Me, it's not my all time favourite book, but it was enjoyable.
July 23, 2014
4.25 Beautiful stars.
This was my first book of Ann Garner and I must say, I liked the way she writes, and I am definitely gonna read more of hers. The characters were pretty close to reality, nothing extremely perfect about them that's hard to believe. I also love the way Delaney reacted to changes in her life, it felt so real. I loved Delaney and Cole, and also Grace.
This is a well written story, which I enjoyed a lot. Thanks for this story, having the story that sets me on edge, and I often don't enjoy such stories, but the way it's written, I didn't feel the pain as much, that's a good way according to me.
NOTE: A bit of a spoiler below:
This is a book not only about the love between Cole and Delaney, but also Delaney's journey of learning to love. The book has a dreaded story of a girl being raped and tortured at a tender age of 15, after which her life changes drastically. She has the touch phobia, also her relationship is strained with her parents. Everyone in her town looks down to her pitifully. And the only hope that keeps her alive is that, she wants to move out of this town for college. This is the life changing event, and how the pieces of her life set back in place.
It is worth reading, and kept me hooked.
This was my first book of Ann Garner and I must say, I liked the way she writes, and I am definitely gonna read more of hers. The characters were pretty close to reality, nothing extremely perfect about them that's hard to believe. I also love the way Delaney reacted to changes in her life, it felt so real. I loved Delaney and Cole, and also Grace.
This is a well written story, which I enjoyed a lot. Thanks for this story, having the story that sets me on edge, and I often don't enjoy such stories, but the way it's written, I didn't feel the pain as much, that's a good way according to me.
NOTE: A bit of a spoiler below:
This is a book not only about the love between Cole and Delaney, but also Delaney's journey of learning to love. The book has a dreaded story of a girl being raped and tortured at a tender age of 15, after which her life changes drastically. She has the touch phobia, also her relationship is strained with her parents. Everyone in her town looks down to her pitifully. And the only hope that keeps her alive is that, she wants to move out of this town for college. This is the life changing event, and how the pieces of her life set back in place.
It is worth reading, and kept me hooked.
August 11, 2014
This is a poignant tale of a girl trying, in her own way, to piece her life back together after a horrifying event. Her family weren't exactly high on the caring scale before it happened so she didn't get much (if any) support from them afterwards. To start with you don't know what happened, although you can take a good guess. There are snippets throughout, both verbal, thought and body reactions, that give you a clue of what might have happened but it's only towards the end that you find out the full story. I thought it was incredibly well written from Delaney's point of view and stuck to the facts as she knew them. The story does not go off on a tangent to try and fill you in with the whys and wherefores that Delaney would not have known.
I'm trying to keep this review spoiler free so it kind of makes it difficult to say things in too great a detail!
The supporting characters are all well-rounded and solid. I'd love to see more of Ally as I really enjoyed her sense of humour and how she interacted with both Grace and Delaney.
Tender, poignant and with excellent timing and incredibly well written given the nature of the subject. Looking forward to book 2, All in All, in the Cedar Mountain University series.
I'm trying to keep this review spoiler free so it kind of makes it difficult to say things in too great a detail!
The supporting characters are all well-rounded and solid. I'd love to see more of Ally as I really enjoyed her sense of humour and how she interacted with both Grace and Delaney.
Tender, poignant and with excellent timing and incredibly well written given the nature of the subject. Looking forward to book 2, All in All, in the Cedar Mountain University series.
August 22, 2014
I loved this book! Delaney....was so broken! She can not stand to be home any more. Her mom doesn't want her to move so far away. Her dad just wants her to be happy. So they let her move. She moves far away to college. She wants a fresh start and hoping to try to be some what normal. She moves in to her dorm and meets Grace. Grace is the perfect roommate for her. She pulls Delaney out of her shell. I really loved Grace! Grace has brothers also in the same college. Of course when Delaney meets Cole (one of Grace's brothers) she feels things she thought she would never feel. Cole of course sees a beautiful girl with sad eyes. They form a friendship that eventually becomes more.
Grace's friends and her whole family are so sweet. I loved them all!
There is very little drama in this book. I didn't think it was over the top. No cliffhanger:-)
I can't wait to read Graces story next...we get a little sneak peak at the end:-)
Grace's friends and her whole family are so sweet. I loved them all!
There is very little drama in this book. I didn't think it was over the top. No cliffhanger:-)
I can't wait to read Graces story next...we get a little sneak peak at the end:-)
April 13, 2015
3, and maybe a quarter "nothing special - could have been better" stars
My friend really liked this book, and recommended it to me. Even though our taste in books not always match, I had high expectations and unfortunately, the Pieces of Me didn't fullfill them.
Maybe because it was too short, but I felt like I didn't even know the hero, Cole. Sure, he was a nice guy, but he and their relationship with Delaney felt kind of empty, lacking for me. I have not once read a real conversation between them, something that would have given their relationship something to be based on. They had how many, one date described in details?
I often found myself bored because of the predictableness and lack of exitement in the story.
All in all, it was a nice enough read, I didn't want to slap the heroine, which is always a good thing, but it hadn't given me anything, not even entertaintment, I didn't feel with the charachters, didn't live through their actions, feelings with them, the story couldn't sucked me in. Then again, maybe I'm just a heartless bitch and the story had real emotional dept, dunno. That's why I'm giving it only 3 (and a quarter, maybe) stars.
My friend really liked this book, and recommended it to me. Even though our taste in books not always match, I had high expectations and unfortunately, the Pieces of Me didn't fullfill them.
Maybe because it was too short, but I felt like I didn't even know the hero, Cole. Sure, he was a nice guy, but he and their relationship with Delaney felt kind of empty, lacking for me. I have not once read a real conversation between them, something that would have given their relationship something to be based on. They had how many, one date described in details?
I often found myself bored because of the predictableness and lack of exitement in the story.
All in all, it was a nice enough read, I didn't want to slap the heroine, which is always a good thing, but it hadn't given me anything, not even entertaintment, I didn't feel with the charachters, didn't live through their actions, feelings with them, the story couldn't sucked me in. Then again, maybe I'm just a heartless bitch and the story had real emotional dept, dunno. That's why I'm giving it only 3 (and a quarter, maybe) stars.
July 31, 2015
ARC was provided in exchange for honest review.
4 Wonderful Stars!
I loved Pieces of Me so much! The book is told from Delaney’s perspective about a very serious and devastating tragedy that she went through. In the book, she meets Cole Marsh, who is unbelievably sweet and sexy, and it explores the difficulties she has with falling in love with him.
First off let me say, BETH IS A FREAKING BITCH! Excuse the language, but I wanted to slap her the whole time, which essentially I think was the point. Kudos to you Ms. Garner! I also want to say that I was not expecting what had happened to Delaney at all. I had some theories that were similar, but what she went through was awful. The pain she experienced bled through the pages, and at moments, I definitely shed a tear or two (especially around Thanksgiving ☹)
All in all, it was a great read, one that I would recommend to all. I am definitely looking forward to Grace’s book, All In and more to come from Ms. Garner.
4 Wonderful Stars!
I loved Pieces of Me so much! The book is told from Delaney’s perspective about a very serious and devastating tragedy that she went through. In the book, she meets Cole Marsh, who is unbelievably sweet and sexy, and it explores the difficulties she has with falling in love with him.
First off let me say, BETH IS A FREAKING BITCH! Excuse the language, but I wanted to slap her the whole time, which essentially I think was the point. Kudos to you Ms. Garner! I also want to say that I was not expecting what had happened to Delaney at all. I had some theories that were similar, but what she went through was awful. The pain she experienced bled through the pages, and at moments, I definitely shed a tear or two (especially around Thanksgiving ☹)
All in all, it was a great read, one that I would recommend to all. I am definitely looking forward to Grace’s book, All In and more to come from Ms. Garner.
May 5, 2014
Delaney is a broken girl.She leaves her past,parents,her standoffish mom and town to come to college to start new life.But still she is shy and reserved.Grace her room-mate helps her out of it by taking her to party to her brothers house..that's where she meets Cole..and after a long time..she starts feeling for someone.She ignores him first but Cole takes no for answer and pursues her and she agrees.Just when she thinks everything is great..her past comes back to mess with her.Delaney has choice- to overcome past or wallow n wither away.
Loved reading it.The past of Delaney is sad and broken.Loved Cole and grace for all support.
For a debut author..this is such a great book start..can't wait for the next books by Ann and i definitely wouldn't mind s series of this book *wink*!
Rating - 4 !
Loved reading it.The past of Delaney is sad and broken.Loved Cole and grace for all support.
For a debut author..this is such a great book start..can't wait for the next books by Ann and i definitely wouldn't mind s series of this book *wink*!
Rating - 4 !
August 22, 2013
Love the cover, loved the book. Cole he's a cocky little s***, "it's alright," Cole says. "It's only the truth." He winks at me. "I do leave them happy." And he's honest on what he's going to do, "I'm going to hit on you again." I mean he's just so honest I've never really read or met a guy like him before, "I'm not sure I understand the guys where you come from, Delaney. Were they effing morons?" Grace (Cole's sister) is just to funny, "only apparently my roommate hasn't been in class all week long, and my normally level headed is freaking out. Like dragging me out of my class to yell at me, freaking out." And Cole he's just so dreamy, "would you get your a** over here so I can stick my tongue down your throat be better?" I really did love this book.
May 30, 2014
I'm having a hard time figuring out what to rate this book. In a way I totally fell in love with this book. Like how I couldn't stop reading Pieces of Me and stayed up until midnight! Then there's Cole too. Who was super duper hot and had this caring personality. Then there was the bad stuff. Like how I couldn't really get into the story at first. Or how the story really didn't make sense in different intervals. Still, the good made the bad seem small. Like how I laughed a lot and was really sucked into the story in a way where I couldn't put it down. So overall, I give it a four. It was really good, but not amazing enough to be a five, although I do kind of like the twist of plot. Either way, a four is what I'm rating it!! :) and I really did enoy it :D
September 14, 2013
Delaney has been through hell and back. She goes to college three thousand miles away to start over. She didn't plan on friendships or falling in love.
Cole is the handsome guy on campus. He has his hookups with no strings attach. Cole and Delaney are instantly attracted to one another.
Delaney has a hard time letting go of her horrid past and does what she knows best. She pushes everyone away.
It was so good I read it in one sitting. Love Delaney and cole is a book boyfriend so you fall for him!
Cole is the handsome guy on campus. He has his hookups with no strings attach. Cole and Delaney are instantly attracted to one another.
Delaney has a hard time letting go of her horrid past and does what she knows best. She pushes everyone away.
It was so good I read it in one sitting. Love Delaney and cole is a book boyfriend so you fall for him!
April 16, 2014
What an emotional but captivating read. Ann really put a storyline together that got your heart from page one. The characters were great and had emotion and depth that had you connecting with them throughout the book. The hell that Delaney had been through was such a heartbreaking time for her that you couldn't help but admire the strength that she had to try to put her life back together. Cole was the perfect man for her to be her strength and to love her unconditionally. Loved them together!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews