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In Too Deep #1
Three Years Later
The last thing Rachel Coleman wanted to do the summer before her senior year was go on a family vacation to Disneyland. The first thing she did when she got there, however, was run headlong into her happily ever after. Unfortunately for her, the guy was way out of her league.
Collin Blake, along with the rest of his college swim team, was just visiting Los Angeles for a few days. It was something the U Cal swimmers did every year. Falling in love definitely wasn't on his list things to do while he was there.
Is love at first sight even possible?
Collin and Rachel thought so. They had an instant connection... right up to the point when Rachel disappeared.
Can they pick up where they left off even though it’s... Three Years Later
Collin Blake, along with the rest of his college swim team, was just visiting Los Angeles for a few days. It was something the U Cal swimmers did every year. Falling in love definitely wasn't on his list things to do while he was there.
Is love at first sight even possible?
Collin and Rachel thought so. They had an instant connection... right up to the point when Rachel disappeared.
Can they pick up where they left off even though it’s... Three Years Later
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2013
30 people are currently reading
1842 people want to read
About the author
Casey McMillin
18 books361 followersI've always explored various artistic mediums but nothing has ever captivated me like the world of literature. I am truly grateful to all the authors who have inspired me, and only hope I can contribute to the wonderful craft of storytelling.
I like games and kids and red Starburst.
I like tattoos and koi fish and tattoos of koi fish.
I like fresh air and gardening and sushi.
I'm sure you'll read about my other interests because I draw inspiration from things I enjoy.
I love to hear from my fans. Feel free to contact me anytime.
I like games and kids and red Starburst.
I like tattoos and koi fish and tattoos of koi fish.
I like fresh air and gardening and sushi.
I'm sure you'll read about my other interests because I draw inspiration from things I enjoy.
I love to hear from my fans. Feel free to contact me anytime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
May 17, 2013
While I really like the concept of this book I did not like the execution. This story revolves around Rachel and Collin, who met and spent one day together in Disney when they were younger. There was an instant attraction and connection and then the great misunderstanding that drove them apart. It flashes to three years later when they meet again.
Both are in great places in there lives but still think about the other person. I was good up until this point, when they reconnect at a party. They within minutes of seeing each other again begin to make out and one of the characters cheats on their significant other. Collin breaks up with his girlfriend and in the same night proposes to Rachel and she says yes. They spent one day together three years previously and they want to get married? I'm all for love at first sight but come on they could have at least dated for a little while.
The story continues from there with no conflict and everything works out great. They move in together have an engagement party and then the book ends before the speeches begin at the party. The ending was extremely abrupt and I didn't like that at all.
Overall this book just didn't hit the mark for me. I'm sure others will love it and think it is romantic, but for me it was not my favorite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2013
2.5 WISHING UPON A STAR FOR MORE
A lot of bones but not much meat! Engaging tale began to take shape and then lost its form. If you believe in love at first sight, this one may work for you, but there wasn’t enough substance to completely win me over.
Rachel is 17 and spending summer vacation with her parents at DisneyLand. She’s not very excited because her best friend cancelled at the last minute. But just wait – things aren’t always as bad as they seem and vacation is about to get a whole lot better when she encounters Collin in line to ride the roller coaster. Collin is there with his UCal swim team. Both like what they see and spend one unforgettable day together. Of course, things don’t always work out the way we plan and there’s a big misunderstanding and Rachel flees the scene.
Fast forward three years and these two meet up once again. And this is when it all goes off the trolley for me. Immediately insta-love is born between Rachel and Collin. Too quickly both throw aside commitments and suddenly they are a couple. Poof! The last three years seem to be easily forgotten. They become engaged and life is peachy. Nope, not believing this set up at all. Where’s the story?
I’ll admit that this one had some real potential but it just didn’t hit the mark.
A lot of bones but not much meat! Engaging tale began to take shape and then lost its form. If you believe in love at first sight, this one may work for you, but there wasn’t enough substance to completely win me over.
Rachel is 17 and spending summer vacation with her parents at DisneyLand. She’s not very excited because her best friend cancelled at the last minute. But just wait – things aren’t always as bad as they seem and vacation is about to get a whole lot better when she encounters Collin in line to ride the roller coaster. Collin is there with his UCal swim team. Both like what they see and spend one unforgettable day together. Of course, things don’t always work out the way we plan and there’s a big misunderstanding and Rachel flees the scene.
Fast forward three years and these two meet up once again. And this is when it all goes off the trolley for me. Immediately insta-love is born between Rachel and Collin. Too quickly both throw aside commitments and suddenly they are a couple. Poof! The last three years seem to be easily forgotten. They become engaged and life is peachy. Nope, not believing this set up at all. Where’s the story?
I’ll admit that this one had some real potential but it just didn’t hit the mark.
May 3, 2013
I FREAKING LOVED THIS!!!! The premise was what captivated me and it didn't disappoint! Collin is such to DIE FOR! He made moves on Rachel that gave me butterflies and lip biting moments. Except there was a douchebag moment he did that made me wavered my opinion on him but he redeemed himself at the end as it was inevitable for him to do it. Rachel was a bit of a twit at the beginning but she was young so it was understandable.
This was a well-written and one of those I-couldn't-put-it-down books. It had witty dialogues and the characters just came alive to me.
This is a must read if you want a romantic and swoon worthy moments. I have a new favorite author!!
This was a well-written and one of those I-couldn't-put-it-down books. It had witty dialogues and the characters just came alive to me.
This is a must read if you want a romantic and swoon worthy moments. I have a new favorite author!!
May 29, 2013
I received ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Stars
Three Years Later was a sweet quick read that I did enjoy. Rachel and Collin first meet at Disneyland she is 17 years old and is on holiday with her parents and he is 20 years old and attending a competition with his swim team. They bump into each other in the hotel lobby they have a conversation and part ways. However they could not ignore the chemistry that they both felt, that feeling as if they have just met their one true love.
They end up meeting up again, they have a great time together but at some point during the evening, there’s a misunderstanding, Rachel disappears without giving Collin the chance to explain. He doesn’t have her number; he doesn’t even know her last name. He tries and fails to find her again before he has to leave Disneyland.
Fast forward three years later and Rachel and Collin meet up again in Vegas she is there for work and he again with his swim team. They see each other and both know that the feelings they had for each other three years ago are still very much there. Without going into detail a lot happens in the next 24 hours, with Collin doing all he can to make sure that Rachel never disappears from his life again, I did enjoy reading that part of the book. I was routing for Rachel and Collin to get their HEA.
I liked both Rachel and Collin they were funny and sweet together, however at one point I didn’t like Collin and want to slap him. There were some great secondary characters like Rachel best friend Gretchen and Collins’s teammates that add to the humor of the story. Their banter had me laughing out loud many times.
I enjoyed this book and wished it had been slightly longer as I felt some parts were rushed I also found myself saying ‘really would that happen’, but then romantic in me would say ‘yes of course it would’, so therefore even thought I did roll my eyes at some parts, I did find myself reading most of it with a big grin on my face.
I will say I did think the ending was rather sudden, it didn’t end on a cliffhanger but I got the feeling that there will be another book about Gretchen. I do hope that there will be more about Rachel and Collin in it as I could happily read more about them.
Three years later gets 3.5 stars from me.
3.5 Stars
Three Years Later was a sweet quick read that I did enjoy. Rachel and Collin first meet at Disneyland she is 17 years old and is on holiday with her parents and he is 20 years old and attending a competition with his swim team. They bump into each other in the hotel lobby they have a conversation and part ways. However they could not ignore the chemistry that they both felt, that feeling as if they have just met their one true love.
They end up meeting up again, they have a great time together but at some point during the evening, there’s a misunderstanding, Rachel disappears without giving Collin the chance to explain. He doesn’t have her number; he doesn’t even know her last name. He tries and fails to find her again before he has to leave Disneyland.
Fast forward three years later and Rachel and Collin meet up again in Vegas she is there for work and he again with his swim team. They see each other and both know that the feelings they had for each other three years ago are still very much there. Without going into detail a lot happens in the next 24 hours, with Collin doing all he can to make sure that Rachel never disappears from his life again, I did enjoy reading that part of the book. I was routing for Rachel and Collin to get their HEA.
I liked both Rachel and Collin they were funny and sweet together, however at one point I didn’t like Collin and want to slap him. There were some great secondary characters like Rachel best friend Gretchen and Collins’s teammates that add to the humor of the story. Their banter had me laughing out loud many times.
I enjoyed this book and wished it had been slightly longer as I felt some parts were rushed I also found myself saying ‘really would that happen’, but then romantic in me would say ‘yes of course it would’, so therefore even thought I did roll my eyes at some parts, I did find myself reading most of it with a big grin on my face.
I will say I did think the ending was rather sudden, it didn’t end on a cliffhanger but I got the feeling that there will be another book about Gretchen. I do hope that there will be more about Rachel and Collin in it as I could happily read more about them.
Three years later gets 3.5 stars from me.
August 12, 2013
Yes--you all did see that right--I am rating a book one star!
I realize this is totally rare for me!
However, somethings there is just NO excuse for!
Doing your proper research when you write a book is something I DEMAND of authors! If you are not going to write about what you know--then GOOGLE IT! It isn't hard--yes, it might take five or ten minutes out of your day! But really--do you want a story someone tears apart like I'm about to do!
So, lets start at the begin of this books journey for me--shall we?
Ok--so I read the blurb and I saw two things that instantly popped out for me.
First, the romance takes place at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California! (Let me note I not only worked there for a considerable amount of my young adult and new adult life, but I have been an annual pass holder since I quit--so I DO know what I'm talking about!)
Second, the lead male is a competitive swimmer (I was a competitive swimmer for 13 years)
Disneyland and swimming!
I was sold!
I was excited!
I was ready for this awesomesauce of a book and then WHAM!
It starts to go wrong when the lead female, Rachel, has a inner dialogue about how there is water park in the Disneyland Resort of Anaheim, California--and its connected to the theme park.
*insert loud wrong answer buzzer her*
There is NOT a waterpark anywhere in the Disneyland Resort in California. There are multiple hotels, and they have a few slides. Namely the one that looks like the monorail in the Disneyland Hotel. Then we get a dose of the lead mail swimming at the ESPN Sports Complex that is directly located next to the resort hotel they are staying in, which I'm assuming is The Grand California based on the very WRONG description of that also. Well, guess what! Disneyland Resort in California does NOT have the ESPN Sport Complex either. Not just that, but the ESPN Sports Complex in Florida doesn't even have an aquatics center!!!! Their Disney Showcase does not feature any aquatic events!
That took me about two minutes from my phone with a google search to verify that information. Also, asking a few friends that have been to the resort recently, have also been to the Disney Showcase, they are also former employees. (Never try to bullshit a former disney employee, it will just piss us off.)
Now, I MIGHT have been able to over look all of this. I said might--already I was pretty steamed up!
Then the author proceeds to talk about how they went bungee jumping and doing that sling shot deal in Disneyland Park--um, what?
Not only did Walt Disney NOT want any of his parts to have a County Fair type atmosphere--but DISNEYLAND ISN'T A COUNTRY FAIR!
The author only had to go to the Disney Parks website to yank huge details and it would have made the book 1000 times better than the half ass attempted that the tried to spew out at me! It didn't even match details of the Florida Parks! The whole thing was a mess! I was ready to stop reading! I was really close when she started to say 'U Cal'--um, what?
Did you mean Cal State San Diego?
Yeah, I was pretty much done--but this whole disney disaster was the first 40% of the book.
I was invested, once the whole disney thing was over, I was like, "What else could go wrong?"
*insert my hysterical laughter here*
Well, I should have known better when the author pretty much picked and chose what she wanted to research in this book.
First, we had to believe that a 20 year old--unfinished with college--was an advertising dark horse. I might have been able to believe this--if the author gave the reader a scene to make me believe this instead of just TELLING ME!
Then we are barfed up some fake names of Aquatics Clubs.
"California Aquatics"
Hmmmm....
Would that be the former Industry Hills Swim Club, Rose Bowl Aquatics, Brea Aquatics, Mission Viejo Aquatics, Claremont Club Swim Team, NOVA???? What club are we talking about here???
I was ranting to the point my mom wanted to read it--the woman that took me to all these swim meets as a child--and laugh with me.
But, it wasn't just about this also.
We had to honestly believe that after one day at Disneyland Park in California, and then three years apart, they are gonna just get married and he's gonna just throw out his current girl friend.
Sorry, not buying what you are selling lady!
It didn't help that the author tried to sell me some line that because Collin was moving from one swim team to the other, in the same state mind you, it was supposed to ruin his swim career!
*insert me dying laughing on the floor*
It wasn't like he was hoping countries, nope he was going from San Diego area to the Los Angeles area and I'm sorry but he was probably going to get a far superior coaching staff near Los Angeles--he would get coaches from USC! Which is--yep superior. So I'm sorry--your forced plot conflict there was a bit FAIL!
So, there it is--if you still want to read it that is all your choice! I personally couldn't not say why this book was that bad!
I realize this is totally rare for me!
However, somethings there is just NO excuse for!
Doing your proper research when you write a book is something I DEMAND of authors! If you are not going to write about what you know--then GOOGLE IT! It isn't hard--yes, it might take five or ten minutes out of your day! But really--do you want a story someone tears apart like I'm about to do!
So, lets start at the begin of this books journey for me--shall we?
Ok--so I read the blurb and I saw two things that instantly popped out for me.
First, the romance takes place at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California! (Let me note I not only worked there for a considerable amount of my young adult and new adult life, but I have been an annual pass holder since I quit--so I DO know what I'm talking about!)
Second, the lead male is a competitive swimmer (I was a competitive swimmer for 13 years)
Disneyland and swimming!
I was sold!
I was excited!
I was ready for this awesomesauce of a book and then WHAM!
It starts to go wrong when the lead female, Rachel, has a inner dialogue about how there is water park in the Disneyland Resort of Anaheim, California--and its connected to the theme park.
*insert loud wrong answer buzzer her*
There is NOT a waterpark anywhere in the Disneyland Resort in California. There are multiple hotels, and they have a few slides. Namely the one that looks like the monorail in the Disneyland Hotel. Then we get a dose of the lead mail swimming at the ESPN Sports Complex that is directly located next to the resort hotel they are staying in, which I'm assuming is The Grand California based on the very WRONG description of that also. Well, guess what! Disneyland Resort in California does NOT have the ESPN Sport Complex either. Not just that, but the ESPN Sports Complex in Florida doesn't even have an aquatics center!!!! Their Disney Showcase does not feature any aquatic events!
That took me about two minutes from my phone with a google search to verify that information. Also, asking a few friends that have been to the resort recently, have also been to the Disney Showcase, they are also former employees. (Never try to bullshit a former disney employee, it will just piss us off.)
Now, I MIGHT have been able to over look all of this. I said might--already I was pretty steamed up!
Then the author proceeds to talk about how they went bungee jumping and doing that sling shot deal in Disneyland Park--um, what?
Not only did Walt Disney NOT want any of his parts to have a County Fair type atmosphere--but DISNEYLAND ISN'T A COUNTRY FAIR!
The author only had to go to the Disney Parks website to yank huge details and it would have made the book 1000 times better than the half ass attempted that the tried to spew out at me! It didn't even match details of the Florida Parks! The whole thing was a mess! I was ready to stop reading! I was really close when she started to say 'U Cal'--um, what?
Did you mean Cal State San Diego?
Yeah, I was pretty much done--but this whole disney disaster was the first 40% of the book.
I was invested, once the whole disney thing was over, I was like, "What else could go wrong?"
*insert my hysterical laughter here*
Well, I should have known better when the author pretty much picked and chose what she wanted to research in this book.
First, we had to believe that a 20 year old--unfinished with college--was an advertising dark horse. I might have been able to believe this--if the author gave the reader a scene to make me believe this instead of just TELLING ME!
Then we are barfed up some fake names of Aquatics Clubs.
"California Aquatics"
Hmmmm....
Would that be the former Industry Hills Swim Club, Rose Bowl Aquatics, Brea Aquatics, Mission Viejo Aquatics, Claremont Club Swim Team, NOVA???? What club are we talking about here???
I was ranting to the point my mom wanted to read it--the woman that took me to all these swim meets as a child--and laugh with me.
But, it wasn't just about this also.
We had to honestly believe that after one day at Disneyland Park in California, and then three years apart, they are gonna just get married and he's gonna just throw out his current girl friend.
Sorry, not buying what you are selling lady!
It didn't help that the author tried to sell me some line that because Collin was moving from one swim team to the other, in the same state mind you, it was supposed to ruin his swim career!
*insert me dying laughing on the floor*
It wasn't like he was hoping countries, nope he was going from San Diego area to the Los Angeles area and I'm sorry but he was probably going to get a far superior coaching staff near Los Angeles--he would get coaches from USC! Which is--yep superior. So I'm sorry--your forced plot conflict there was a bit FAIL!
So, there it is--if you still want to read it that is all your choice! I personally couldn't not say why this book was that bad!
May 2, 2013
I'm thinking I should preface this review with a statement: Don't hate me. Really, I mean this as constructive criticism and not as some snarky rant.
The concept of this novel is very good and the beginning, with a few exceptions was well executed. However, the story stalled when our two protags reached the 60% mark. Until then I enjoyed watching how the lives of Collin and Rachel changed over the course of three years of separation after a fateful encounter which serendipitously brought them together. Once the reunion happened the balance of the story, and it was a huge aspect of the novel, was merely a HEA and a foray into the perfection of these characters lives.
There are some fundamental rules in writing. Formulas which should be adhered to in order to develop story arcs and basic plot elements. First, it's important to understand the story-building process. Generally there are three basic acts: The set-up, the confrontation and the resolution. There are writers who totally ignore this and focus on other elements, so this is just a basic rule which can be tweeked. It is important to note that there are elements of crisis which need to be introduced, these tend to take place throughout the middle of the book and culminate in a cresendo event toward the end of the book.
Why did I bother to write an entire paragraph about this? Because that's what was missing. Beyond these characters meeting each other again, around the 40% mark, very little happened. There was this huge build up to nothing. The sad part was that there was so much opportunity to create additional tension. Just to name a few: Joel's apparent crush on Rachel; Collin's mother; Collin giving up his home to move in with Rachel; potentially sacrificing his Olympic dream. There were so many choices but the author chose none of them.
It's clear the author loved her characters. There was some good dialogue and just the protracted HEA was proof enough that she must have at least liked them. But here's the thing, they didn't really earn it. There was no real struggle except for a three year separation which the author fast-forwarded over. If the story is based on the separation then it should have focused on those three years apart and the HEA should have been condensed into a few chapters at the end.
The author also overlapped her storytelling when switching POVs. When transitioning from Collin to Rachel, or vice versa, the reader is forced to reread narrative from the new point of view. It's redundant and unneccessary. What's key is the character's reaction and this can be easily managed without recapping. No one wants to reread something they've just read unless it's really, truly key to the plot and, if that's the case, there are better ways of doing it without recapping an entire event.
There were also some technical issues. First, there was flagrant paratheses abuse. It's imperative to understand how to use them. In many instances em dashes or commas would have been more appropriate. For instance, when you break up dialogue to note an observation and em dash is the appropriate choice. For example: "This thing"-I nod at the rusted airplane-"will never fly." That's how you create a pause in dialogue to denote an observation. There were a few glaring grammatical mistakes like: all of the sudden. All of what sudden? The idiom is: all of a sudden. It's basic English. Also: I stood on my feet. Um, what? These are just a few of many grammatical issues I encountered that broke up the flow of the storytelling and pull the reader from the book.
So here's the thing, the author show some promise and I would strongly suggest that if writing is a passion she intends to pursue, she get herself into a writing group, take a few writing classes or, at the very least, read a few books on the writing process. The Write Great Fiction series has some fantastic books on plot & structure; character development; editing & revisions.
Was it all bad? No. There were some sweet moments and it couldn't have been all bad since I finished it and I've been know to give up if a book is truly terrible. I will admit I skimmed, though, through quite a bit.
The concept of this novel is very good and the beginning, with a few exceptions was well executed. However, the story stalled when our two protags reached the 60% mark. Until then I enjoyed watching how the lives of Collin and Rachel changed over the course of three years of separation after a fateful encounter which serendipitously brought them together. Once the reunion happened the balance of the story, and it was a huge aspect of the novel, was merely a HEA and a foray into the perfection of these characters lives.
There are some fundamental rules in writing. Formulas which should be adhered to in order to develop story arcs and basic plot elements. First, it's important to understand the story-building process. Generally there are three basic acts: The set-up, the confrontation and the resolution. There are writers who totally ignore this and focus on other elements, so this is just a basic rule which can be tweeked. It is important to note that there are elements of crisis which need to be introduced, these tend to take place throughout the middle of the book and culminate in a cresendo event toward the end of the book.
Why did I bother to write an entire paragraph about this? Because that's what was missing. Beyond these characters meeting each other again, around the 40% mark, very little happened. There was this huge build up to nothing. The sad part was that there was so much opportunity to create additional tension. Just to name a few: Joel's apparent crush on Rachel; Collin's mother; Collin giving up his home to move in with Rachel; potentially sacrificing his Olympic dream. There were so many choices but the author chose none of them.
It's clear the author loved her characters. There was some good dialogue and just the protracted HEA was proof enough that she must have at least liked them. But here's the thing, they didn't really earn it. There was no real struggle except for a three year separation which the author fast-forwarded over. If the story is based on the separation then it should have focused on those three years apart and the HEA should have been condensed into a few chapters at the end.
The author also overlapped her storytelling when switching POVs. When transitioning from Collin to Rachel, or vice versa, the reader is forced to reread narrative from the new point of view. It's redundant and unneccessary. What's key is the character's reaction and this can be easily managed without recapping. No one wants to reread something they've just read unless it's really, truly key to the plot and, if that's the case, there are better ways of doing it without recapping an entire event.
There were also some technical issues. First, there was flagrant paratheses abuse. It's imperative to understand how to use them. In many instances em dashes or commas would have been more appropriate. For instance, when you break up dialogue to note an observation and em dash is the appropriate choice. For example: "This thing"-I nod at the rusted airplane-"will never fly." That's how you create a pause in dialogue to denote an observation. There were a few glaring grammatical mistakes like: all of the sudden. All of what sudden? The idiom is: all of a sudden. It's basic English. Also: I stood on my feet. Um, what? These are just a few of many grammatical issues I encountered that broke up the flow of the storytelling and pull the reader from the book.
So here's the thing, the author show some promise and I would strongly suggest that if writing is a passion she intends to pursue, she get herself into a writing group, take a few writing classes or, at the very least, read a few books on the writing process. The Write Great Fiction series has some fantastic books on plot & structure; character development; editing & revisions.
Was it all bad? No. There were some sweet moments and it couldn't have been all bad since I finished it and I've been know to give up if a book is truly terrible. I will admit I skimmed, though, through quite a bit.
August 6, 2014
2.5 stars
This book started out okay, but then took a turn for the ridiculous.
I thought that both Collin and Rachel were normal, rational people, until the 50% mark when everything just went nuts. I know they hadn’t seen each other for 3 years, but they had only spent like 3 hours together prior to that, and then as soon as he sees her again Collin decides he’s going to dump his long-term girlfriend, That is nuts! I tried to see it as sweet and romantic, but it just came across as a bit creepy I’m afraid.
The romance in this was pretty much non-existent after the two hours this couple spent together at the beginning of the book.
Overall I thought this pair were a bit crazy, and I didn’t enjoy the sex scene. The story just became silly, and Collin started to come off as creepy. Not impressed I’m afraid.
5 out of 10
This book started out okay, but then took a turn for the ridiculous.
I thought that both Collin and Rachel were normal, rational people, until the 50% mark when everything just went nuts. I know they hadn’t seen each other for 3 years, but they had only spent like 3 hours together prior to that, and then as soon as he sees her again Collin decides he’s going to dump his long-term girlfriend, That is nuts! I tried to see it as sweet and romantic, but it just came across as a bit creepy I’m afraid.
The romance in this was pretty much non-existent after the two hours this couple spent together at the beginning of the book.
Overall I thought this pair were a bit crazy, and I didn’t enjoy the sex scene. The story just became silly, and Collin started to come off as creepy. Not impressed I’m afraid.
5 out of 10
June 11, 2013
If I could give this book anything less than 1 star I would.
This is not only the dumbest plot ever, but so predictable ! I would not recommend this book!
This is not only the dumbest plot ever, but so predictable ! I would not recommend this book!
May 6, 2013
This review is kind of like the book...short and sweet. If you're looking for a sweet romance to read and you have a couple hours to spare this would be it.
There's no mystery, suspense, or heart break. Just a young couple who literally run into each other in Disneyland of all places while Collin is at a swim event with his college team mates and Rachel is on vacation with her parents. Rachel is a 17 year old senior in high school and Collin is a 20 year old junior at U Cal.
Collin is training with his college swim team and hopes to one day make the Olympics team. He is extremely attractive, athletic and a really great all around guy who is instantly smitten with his dark haired gypsy (Rachel).
Rachel is a senior in high school who just broke up with her boyfriend and is not really thrilled about going to Disneyland with her parents for a vacation. When she meets Collin she is smitten but thinks he is way out of her league.
A huge misunderstanding happens and Rachel disappears before Collin has a chance to explain or get her last name or number.
Three Years Later...
Rachel is working at a top advertising agency in a position way beyond her years and rising quickly. Her big client right now is the inventor of a special type of swimming goggles...I'm sure you can see where this is heading.
Collin is in a year long relationship with Beth. He doesn't really care for her too much, he says he's just comfortable for now. He has never once forgotten about Rachel in the three years since she disappeared. I won't spoil the ending...but needless to say a happily ever after is pretty much a foregone conclusion.
This book was a really cute and sweet book. It was a nice little break from my regular reading interests and let me just enjoy a book without having to think to hard about what was going to happen next or wondering if Collin and Rachel would ever get their HEA. I'd give it 3.5 Stars.
July 31, 2013
I feel like I read two completely different books with this one. The first I loved - the time in Disneyland. Loved it. Couldn't put it down. Couldn't wait to see if they would find each other and what would happen and so on. It was so sweet and developed storyline and things happened and it was just wonderful. Then cut to three years later and I was okay until right after they met again. Then I really noticed how it turned into this horrible romance novel with no storyline really everything just happens instantly and it is like bam bam bam done. The ending also is really sudden and I was like what? Did I miss some pages here? The first half I totally believed the connection and what they were feeling and everything, but then the second half was so fake I didn't buy it. It turned from the nice story to the lame no content story. That and I kept waiting for some conflict, but there was none. Oh maybe something with the parents? Oh no, they are fine now. What about the other guy? Oh no, nothing there either. Moving to LA? Nope easy as well. Ex-girlfriend, nope everything is good. Well alright then. Such a disappointment. I mean the first half was so amazing...I just don't know what happened.
May 7, 2013
Maybe I'm a hopeless romantic that wants to believe in love at first sight and having a soul mate, but this book struck a chord in me. I believe Collin and Rachel knew from their very first run in that there was something between them that was hard to over look.
The hot (swimmer's body) Collin was at a competition with the UCAL swim team at Disney land when he first bumped in to Rachel. The last thing he was looking for was a girl but sometimes fate has other plans. Their run in was brief but he couldn't shake the feeling that he had to find this girl and learn more about her.
Rachel just wanted to get through this vacation. Her best friend bailed on her last minute and now she figured she would be the only seventeen year old girl with her parents at Disney. Little did she know her destiny awaited her.
Their time together was short but their chemistry was undeniable... fast forward to three years later when they meet again. I don't want to give away any spoilers but just let me say Collin's drive and determination to get the girl of his dreams is swoon worthy. I can't wait to see where Casey McMillin takes this series. She is definitely a new author to keep your eye on!!
The hot (swimmer's body) Collin was at a competition with the UCAL swim team at Disney land when he first bumped in to Rachel. The last thing he was looking for was a girl but sometimes fate has other plans. Their run in was brief but he couldn't shake the feeling that he had to find this girl and learn more about her.
Rachel just wanted to get through this vacation. Her best friend bailed on her last minute and now she figured she would be the only seventeen year old girl with her parents at Disney. Little did she know her destiny awaited her.
Their time together was short but their chemistry was undeniable... fast forward to three years later when they meet again. I don't want to give away any spoilers but just let me say Collin's drive and determination to get the girl of his dreams is swoon worthy. I can't wait to see where Casey McMillin takes this series. She is definitely a new author to keep your eye on!!
December 9, 2013
This book was so sweet and so mooshy! I loved it!
Rachel and Colin literally runs into each other while Rachel is on vacation with her parents and even though they are attracted to each other they don't get number/names nothing.
So of course they run into each other again at the Disney Park with friends. They spend an amazing day together and then something happens and Rachel leaves.
Colin doesn't know her name/number/where she's staying and thats it.
Three Years later and fate steps in.
Needless to say it is something you will have to read, cause like it is something right out of the movies that happens after that.
Picture your favourite Romance movie and I'm sure when you read this book you will be sighing with a dreamy look on your face...
Thank you Casey for giving me the chance to read this book, can't wait
to read the next one which is Gretchen and Joel's story!!
Rachel and Colin literally runs into each other while Rachel is on vacation with her parents and even though they are attracted to each other they don't get number/names nothing.
So of course they run into each other again at the Disney Park with friends. They spend an amazing day together and then something happens and Rachel leaves.
Colin doesn't know her name/number/where she's staying and thats it.
Three Years later and fate steps in.
Needless to say it is something you will have to read, cause like it is something right out of the movies that happens after that.
Picture your favourite Romance movie and I'm sure when you read this book you will be sighing with a dreamy look on your face...
Thank you Casey for giving me the chance to read this book, can't wait
to read the next one which is Gretchen and Joel's story!!
May 12, 2013
The characters are great specially Collin. He was a little possessive which makes me all gooey inside.
It was a nice read if you're looking for something sweet, romantic, unbelievable and cheesy.. yep.. cheeeeeesy! there were parts in this story that made me roll my eyes... I haven't read anything cheesy in awhile but surprisingly I devoured this in one sitting!
I guess this was a nice little break from my erotics or train wrecked genres that I used to read. lol.
Looking forward for the next book in this series!
It was a nice read if you're looking for something sweet, romantic, unbelievable and cheesy.. yep.. cheeeeeesy! there were parts in this story that made me roll my eyes... I haven't read anything cheesy in awhile but surprisingly I devoured this in one sitting!
I guess this was a nice little break from my erotics or train wrecked genres that I used to read. lol.
Looking forward for the next book in this series!
August 6, 2014
This started out quite boring, but it got worse.
The characters both annoyed me, and I thought they were ridiculous.
The beginning was quite boring, and it was repetitive. I really didn't need to read about their first encounter twice.
The rest of it was dull.
Overall, Dull and Ridiculous.
The characters both annoyed me, and I thought they were ridiculous.
The beginning was quite boring, and it was repetitive. I really didn't need to read about their first encounter twice.
The rest of it was dull.
Overall, Dull and Ridiculous.
June 12, 2013
Terrible ending. It wasn't a cliff hanger if that is what the author was going for, it was just extremely abrupt and left me feeling as though I had not finished the book. I would not recommend this to anyone that I know. In fact I would go as far as saying I wasted too minutes of my life reading crappy drivel. It has potential but the author needs to go back to the proverbial drawing board. Wish I could have liked this book.
June 10, 2024
This book was ok. A little too young for me. If you are looking for an easy read though, then it might be a good one to check out ☺️
July 26, 2014
The concept of this novel is very good and the beginning, with a few exceptions was well executed. However, the story stalled when our two protags reached the 60% mark.
Until then I enjoyed watching how the lives of Collin and Rachel changed over the course of three years of separation after a fateful encounter which serendipitously brought them together. Once the reunion happened the balance of the story, and it was a huge aspect of the novel, was merely a HEA and a foray into the perfection of these characters lives.
Beyond these characters meeting each other again, around the 40% mark, very little happened. There was this huge build up to nothing. The sad part was that there was so much opportunity to create additional tension. Just to name a few: Joel's apparent crush on Rachel; Collin's mother; Collin giving up his home to move in with Rachel; potentially sacrificing his Olympic dream. There were so many choices but the author chose none of them.
It's clear the author loved her characters. There was some good dialogue and just the protracted HEA was proof enough that she must have at least liked them. But here's the thing, they didn't really earn it. There was no real struggle except for a three year separation which the author fast-forwarded over. If the story is based on the separation then it should have focused on those three years apart and the HEA should have been condensed into a few chapters at the end.
There seems to be a sequel that focuses on Rachel's friend, but this book ended so abruptly I'm not sure why there would be another book - finish this one first, no?
I probably should go back and see if there was a download error and I maybe didn't get the full book - I mean what I read can't be the ending. Yet at the same time, I don't care enough about the characters to even waste my time looking.
May 13, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t really know what to expect before reading it but I actually loved it. The whole thing actually. I like that it is short and sweet but with so much emotion to it. I guess when Casey McMillin wrote this book, she was thinking of writing a sweet, lovely, no drama kind of story and it did came out right.
If you guys are looking for something that’s romantic, no drama at all, swoony and a quick read then give this book a try. You will not be disappointed.
Three Years Later is a story about second chance at love. What Collin & Rachel had the first time they met was fleeting, like literally. A situation that can be explained led em to part ways in a not so mature mature, in my opinion. Rachel should’ve handled it differently, in a mature manner ya know. She should’ve stayed and could’ve ask, right? But where’s the fun in that? Hihihihi And who am I to judge, maybe if I was in the same situation, I will do the same thing. But what I really like about the story is how serendipity-like when they found each other three years later. It was like the Earth just made it happen. It was bound to happen and I soooo love it!!!! I am a sucker for second chance at love, if you must know. Given of course with a lovely storyline like this one.
Collin is just swoony and the whole time I was reading the book, I was thinking of Micheal Phelps body. HAHAHAHA I also thought of Ryan Lochte but I think Collin’s bod is more like Phelps but I am not sure in the face department though.
Anyways, there’s book 2 for sure but I am not sure if it’s going to be a continuation of Rachel & Collin’s story or Gretchen and Joel but I hope it’s going to be Ray & Collin’s. There’s more to tell, I think. And I want more.
This book is a good read. Try it and feel in love. :)
** Also posted on my TUMBLR account & AMAZON
http://xoxopimpimxoxo.tumblr.com/post...
If you guys are looking for something that’s romantic, no drama at all, swoony and a quick read then give this book a try. You will not be disappointed.
Three Years Later is a story about second chance at love. What Collin & Rachel had the first time they met was fleeting, like literally. A situation that can be explained led em to part ways in a not so mature mature, in my opinion. Rachel should’ve handled it differently, in a mature manner ya know. She should’ve stayed and could’ve ask, right? But where’s the fun in that? Hihihihi And who am I to judge, maybe if I was in the same situation, I will do the same thing. But what I really like about the story is how serendipity-like when they found each other three years later. It was like the Earth just made it happen. It was bound to happen and I soooo love it!!!! I am a sucker for second chance at love, if you must know. Given of course with a lovely storyline like this one.
Collin is just swoony and the whole time I was reading the book, I was thinking of Micheal Phelps body. HAHAHAHA I also thought of Ryan Lochte but I think Collin’s bod is more like Phelps but I am not sure in the face department though.
Anyways, there’s book 2 for sure but I am not sure if it’s going to be a continuation of Rachel & Collin’s story or Gretchen and Joel but I hope it’s going to be Ray & Collin’s. There’s more to tell, I think. And I want more.
This book is a good read. Try it and feel in love. :)
** Also posted on my TUMBLR account & AMAZON
http://xoxopimpimxoxo.tumblr.com/post...
May 3, 2013
3.5-4 Stars!
A very nice read. I LOVED IT...but didn't fully love it. While the romance was indeed romantic and cute, it was a bit unreal. While I do think falling in love in a day is possible (though very very hard/rare), I think I would have been more accepting of the short time it took for Rachel and Collin to fall in love if there were more scenes/descriptions of the time they had together at Disneyland. It also seemed strange to me how desperate/determined Collin was to find Rachel even though he had a barley 1 minute conversation with her during their literal run in.
The pacing of the novel seemed a bit odd to me as well. I'm use to the typical plot, climax, short resolution, and end sequence in stories, but for this book the resolution stretched out really long. It also seemed strange to end the book where it did. I know that there will be a next book, but I wish the first one ended in a better spot. The way it ended here seemed to suit better for something like a TV episode.
I loved the story, I loved where it was going, but I probably would have loved it even more if it was longer and went in a bit more depth. If you're a picky realist like me, you might not enjoy the story as much. But if you're head over heels for mature YA/New Adult romance novels that have an extremely romantic storyline, you'll probably love this book. (Though I say mature YA, it's not because it's fully of smutty scenes, but because there's some sexual content that comes up somewhat near the end.) Despite my picky comments, I did enjoy reading it and am looking forward to see what happens next.
A very nice read. I LOVED IT...but didn't fully love it. While the romance was indeed romantic and cute, it was a bit unreal. While I do think falling in love in a day is possible (though very very hard/rare), I think I would have been more accepting of the short time it took for Rachel and Collin to fall in love if there were more scenes/descriptions of the time they had together at Disneyland. It also seemed strange to me how desperate/determined Collin was to find Rachel even though he had a barley 1 minute conversation with her during their literal run in.
The pacing of the novel seemed a bit odd to me as well. I'm use to the typical plot, climax, short resolution, and end sequence in stories, but for this book the resolution stretched out really long. It also seemed strange to end the book where it did. I know that there will be a next book, but I wish the first one ended in a better spot. The way it ended here seemed to suit better for something like a TV episode.
I loved the story, I loved where it was going, but I probably would have loved it even more if it was longer and went in a bit more depth. If you're a picky realist like me, you might not enjoy the story as much. But if you're head over heels for mature YA/New Adult romance novels that have an extremely romantic storyline, you'll probably love this book. (Though I say mature YA, it's not because it's fully of smutty scenes, but because there's some sexual content that comes up somewhat near the end.) Despite my picky comments, I did enjoy reading it and am looking forward to see what happens next.
December 16, 2013
Received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Three Years Later by Casey McMillin is like a modern day fairytale. Rachel and Collin had a chance meeting at Disneyland when she was on vacation with her parents and he was there with his college swim team. They share an instant connection and end up spending a perfect day together, but a terrible misunderstanding causes Rachel to run and leaving Collin with no way to get in touch with her since they never exchanged last names or phone number. Collin is devastated thinking he will never see Rachel again and get a chance to explain.
Three Years Later…
Rachel and Collin end up attending the same Swim convention in Las Vegas and once Collin locks eyes with Rachel he knows he won’t let anything stand in his way of having her. But sometimes things aren’t that easy. Collin has brought along his girlfriend of a year and Rachel doesn’t know how to feel after not seeing Collin for so long and the fact that he has a serious girlfriend.
I really enjoyed reading Three Years Later and loved the dual POV’s. I adored Collin and how confident he was in his feeling for Rachel. Their love is something every girl dreams of and I loved that they got their HEA.
Three Years Later by Casey McMillin is like a modern day fairytale. Rachel and Collin had a chance meeting at Disneyland when she was on vacation with her parents and he was there with his college swim team. They share an instant connection and end up spending a perfect day together, but a terrible misunderstanding causes Rachel to run and leaving Collin with no way to get in touch with her since they never exchanged last names or phone number. Collin is devastated thinking he will never see Rachel again and get a chance to explain.
Three Years Later…
Rachel and Collin end up attending the same Swim convention in Las Vegas and once Collin locks eyes with Rachel he knows he won’t let anything stand in his way of having her. But sometimes things aren’t that easy. Collin has brought along his girlfriend of a year and Rachel doesn’t know how to feel after not seeing Collin for so long and the fact that he has a serious girlfriend.
I really enjoyed reading Three Years Later and loved the dual POV’s. I adored Collin and how confident he was in his feeling for Rachel. Their love is something every girl dreams of and I loved that they got their HEA.
November 20, 2015
a very cute and sweet love story.
The idea of "love at first sight" is one that hits close to my heart - because it's exactly how I met my husband. We literally locked eyes and it was all over. And we had to struggle to find out about each other too - until we were able to go on a date and get to know one another.
But, although I knew my own circumstances, I did have to suspend a little disbelief at the amount of time (shouldn't be a shock since the book is called 3 Years later :D) that transpired between their one day encounter and their next meeting. But it was so sweet and cute!
And some of the conversations were so real and well done I was literally laughing out loud and interrupting everyone around me. I loved Maggie, Gretchen and Josh. They were such great additions to the story and really helped flush out Collin and Rachel even more.
The idea of "love at first sight" is one that hits close to my heart - because it's exactly how I met my husband. We literally locked eyes and it was all over. And we had to struggle to find out about each other too - until we were able to go on a date and get to know one another.
But, although I knew my own circumstances, I did have to suspend a little disbelief at the amount of time (shouldn't be a shock since the book is called 3 Years later :D) that transpired between their one day encounter and their next meeting. But it was so sweet and cute!
And some of the conversations were so real and well done I was literally laughing out loud and interrupting everyone around me. I loved Maggie, Gretchen and Josh. They were such great additions to the story and really helped flush out Collin and Rachel even more.
September 5, 2024
Amazing book..Love the short and sweetness of it with a little bit of mystery and drama. If you were debating on reading this book, I recommend it with no reserves. I finished it at 12:30 in the morning and went on a hunt for a second book, due to the ending and the hint on the cover that it was in a series. After searching Amazon for a while and coming up with nothing, I went to bed disappointed. I woke up this afternoon jumped on good reads and found out that Three Years Later was only just released last month, and that was probably why I couldn't find a sequel. But I looked on here a little more and found that you had mentioned there would be a sequel. I literally did a little happy dance in my head.
April 29, 2013
I am new to the New Adult genre and was not really sure what to expect when I chanced into an advanced copy of this book. I have to say that I was really impressed. It was well written and paced fantastically. The tension between the two main characters (Collin and Rachel) keeps you engaged throughout the entire story. There is some great, witty dialogue between several characters and I actually laughed out loud a few times.
As a reader who enjoys many of the 'classics', this books is right up there with my all time favorites. Ms. McMillin hit her stride right out of the gates and left me wanting more. Can't wait to see what the next book in the series brings!
As a reader who enjoys many of the 'classics', this books is right up there with my all time favorites. Ms. McMillin hit her stride right out of the gates and left me wanting more. Can't wait to see what the next book in the series brings!
May 26, 2013
I read the entire book in one day! When you combine three of my favorite things as elements in the story - Disney, Romance, and swimming you will get me hooked. Although there were inaccuracies in the story (Disneyland has no bungee rides) I was able to overlook them as the story itself made my gooey little heart melt.
Yes, this is pure fantasy but I really enjoyed the premise & the characters...the idea of soulmates and being crazy in love. I look forward to the sequel.
Yes, this is pure fantasy but I really enjoyed the premise & the characters...the idea of soulmates and being crazy in love. I look forward to the sequel.
May 17, 2013
A heartwarming read about two people who shared a connection from the very moment they bumped in to each other. It's quite the whirlwind when these two meet again years later, but you can't help pulling for Collin and Rachel. It's an overall a sweet story that won't leave you disgruntled with the characters and that will have you believing in love-at-first-sight.
May 23, 2013
I loved this book. Collin makes my heart happy :) I love how strong a character Rachel is. This was a really fun book and i love the competitive swimmer aspect. This is a must read to anyone who loves to read about love and finding your soul mate! Eagerly awaiting the sequel..and as much as i want the sequel to be about Gretchen...i really just want more Collin and Rachel!
May 2, 2013
I was just browsing amazon when I can across this book and I was pleasantly surprised. It was very well written. The two main characters were like-able and engaging. The book makes you second guess your opinion on love at first sight. I am excited to read part two.
May 5, 2013
this story is so superb and so alive! the author tells us FATE is still existing no matter how long it takes, it will bring them back together.
I can't wait for your another in to deep series miss Casey McMillin :)
I can't wait for your another in to deep series miss Casey McMillin :)
May 5, 2013
Rachel went on a family vaca with her parents. She didn't realize then the significance of that trip. Collin was a hot shot college swimmer their for an expo who wasn't looking to meet the Girl who changed everything.
Such a cute quick read. I'm a sucker for soulmate romance books lol
Such a cute quick read. I'm a sucker for soulmate romance books lol
May 7, 2013
A HOT Mess /HaHa/ ... Still I'm curious of what is next for the characters.
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