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Crashing Into You
New Adult Contemporary Romance
Bookish college sophomore Sydney Baker wants Evan Taylor with every ounce of her being. The hottest stud on campus, Evan is six foot four, ripped, stacked with muscles. He's even easy to talk to.
There's just one problem: he's her roommate Melanie's boyfriend.
But when Melanie tragically dies after a night of wild partying, Sydney and Evan turn to each other in a time of intense grief. And it doesn't take long for their close friendship to blossom into something more.
Unfortunately for Sydney, secrets from the past soon put her relationship with Evan to the test. Especially when a sexy blonde freshman makes her way into Evan's life, and tries to rip away everything Sydney holds close to her heart.
**Mature Situations and Sexual Content - Recommended for Ages 17+**
Bookish college sophomore Sydney Baker wants Evan Taylor with every ounce of her being. The hottest stud on campus, Evan is six foot four, ripped, stacked with muscles. He's even easy to talk to.
There's just one problem: he's her roommate Melanie's boyfriend.
But when Melanie tragically dies after a night of wild partying, Sydney and Evan turn to each other in a time of intense grief. And it doesn't take long for their close friendship to blossom into something more.
Unfortunately for Sydney, secrets from the past soon put her relationship with Evan to the test. Especially when a sexy blonde freshman makes her way into Evan's life, and tries to rip away everything Sydney holds close to her heart.
**Mature Situations and Sexual Content - Recommended for Ages 17+**
310 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
6 people are currently reading
1280 people want to read
About the author
B.D. Rowe
2 books14 followersB.D. Rowe is a Sacramento native with a penchant for crafting tales of romance, mystery, and intrigue. Crashing Into You is B.D. Rowe's New Adult debut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
October 8, 2013
A ridiculous mess of a book!
I honestly requested this via NetGalley because the blurb was interesting. Sadly, the book did not live up to it.
Sydney Baker is a college student in love with her roommate's boyfriend, Evan. I get to constantly read about Sydney wanting to jump Evan's bones, fantasizing about Evan and creating every opportunity to be alone with Evan. I mean, hello? Fatal Attraction much?
Evan is a douche. There's no other way to say it. He's a douche and liar. He has a girlfriend but flirts with Sydney and kisses her when the girlfriend is not around. I hated both Sydney and Evan. They were shallow and immature and I feel no sympathy towards them whatsoever.
In fact, all characters in this book are shallow. From Sydney to Evan to Melanie, even Sydney's bestfriend. They were all immature and shallow people. I can't even begin to tell you how much I rolled my eyes while reading this book.
The writing is terribly dry and uninspired. The plot is all over the place and the dialogue is stilted. It was just so ridiculous. I don't really know what the author was trying to convey, that I'm supposed to like these characters? Sympathize with them? Frankly, I just didn't get it. This is the shallowest piece of fiction I have ever come across.
Spoilers...
It was just ridiculous.
And that ending was eye-roll inducing. I bet there's going to be a second book after this one. Honestly, I don't care anymore. I won't be reading it and I won't be recommending this one either. You'll just be wasting your time.
ARC is provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I honestly requested this via NetGalley because the blurb was interesting. Sadly, the book did not live up to it.
Sydney Baker is a college student in love with her roommate's boyfriend, Evan. I get to constantly read about Sydney wanting to jump Evan's bones, fantasizing about Evan and creating every opportunity to be alone with Evan. I mean, hello? Fatal Attraction much?
Evan is a douche. There's no other way to say it. He's a douche and liar. He has a girlfriend but flirts with Sydney and kisses her when the girlfriend is not around. I hated both Sydney and Evan. They were shallow and immature and I feel no sympathy towards them whatsoever.
In fact, all characters in this book are shallow. From Sydney to Evan to Melanie, even Sydney's bestfriend. They were all immature and shallow people. I can't even begin to tell you how much I rolled my eyes while reading this book.
The writing is terribly dry and uninspired. The plot is all over the place and the dialogue is stilted. It was just so ridiculous. I don't really know what the author was trying to convey, that I'm supposed to like these characters? Sympathize with them? Frankly, I just didn't get it. This is the shallowest piece of fiction I have ever come across.
Spoilers...
It was just ridiculous.
And that ending was eye-roll inducing. I bet there's going to be a second book after this one. Honestly, I don't care anymore. I won't be reading it and I won't be recommending this one either. You'll just be wasting your time.
ARC is provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2013
Received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
So here goes some honesty...
This book was really hard to get through... in reality, I didn't actually get through it. The first few chapters really pulled me in. I loved the whole unrequited love aspect, the forbidden romance between Evan and his girlfriend's roommate. (Honestly, I forget her name.) The whole back story of losing her boyfriend in that wreck, the drunk driving accident making her this straight laced college student, I got all that. But the way she went all Robocop on everyone that drank, I mean really, it got overkill. And then Evan going so hot and cold, it just lost me. I stopped buying into the idea that he ever really liked her to begin with. And Melanie's death... flies circling the bunk bed, the girl decomposing in the dorm room and this chick never noticed... the smell was tolerable in the morning and then by afternoon she was rotting so badly that they couldn't breathe in the room... so farfetched and outlandish, it totally lost me. I envisioned a steamy love triangle here, all angst ridden and dramatic... And then the chick dies. And I never really got a sense of who any of these people were.I couldn't connect with any of them, I couldn't connect with the story emotionally at all, it just wasnt for me.
So here goes some honesty...
This book was really hard to get through... in reality, I didn't actually get through it. The first few chapters really pulled me in. I loved the whole unrequited love aspect, the forbidden romance between Evan and his girlfriend's roommate. (Honestly, I forget her name.) The whole back story of losing her boyfriend in that wreck, the drunk driving accident making her this straight laced college student, I got all that. But the way she went all Robocop on everyone that drank, I mean really, it got overkill. And then Evan going so hot and cold, it just lost me. I stopped buying into the idea that he ever really liked her to begin with. And Melanie's death... flies circling the bunk bed, the girl decomposing in the dorm room and this chick never noticed... the smell was tolerable in the morning and then by afternoon she was rotting so badly that they couldn't breathe in the room... so farfetched and outlandish, it totally lost me. I envisioned a steamy love triangle here, all angst ridden and dramatic... And then the chick dies. And I never really got a sense of who any of these people were.I couldn't connect with any of them, I couldn't connect with the story emotionally at all, it just wasnt for me.
July 11, 2015
Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
DNF @ 26%
I wasn't able to post my thoughts last year because.. well it's full of rants. I hate the story, the characters, the romance.. JUST NO. It's dull and terrible. I didn't feel any emotions towards the characters. The leading guy here is a complete bastard and absolutely bullshit. Uggh. *eye rolling*
I hate it when I DNF a book. I guess this one is not for me.
DNF @ 26%
I wasn't able to post my thoughts last year because.. well it's full of rants. I hate the story, the characters, the romance.. JUST NO. It's dull and terrible. I didn't feel any emotions towards the characters. The leading guy here is a complete bastard and absolutely bullshit. Uggh. *eye rolling*
I hate it when I DNF a book. I guess this one is not for me.
October 11, 2013
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
I wanted to read this book because the blurb looked interesting. I love college romance stories. But honestly, this book was a bit all over the place and there was a lot going on.
Sydney is a college student who is more into studying than partying. She had a traumatic experience with alcohol and has therefore sworn off anything that could make her out of control. The one interesting thing about Sydney is that she's in love with her roommate's boyfriend, Evan. She and Evan have been just friends for two years, but she's been pining for him all that time. Now I can usually get behind a story like this, but she's kind of obsessive in her undercover love. She's constantly thinking about him and finding ways for them to hang out.
I liked Evan, but he did need a firm talking to. Flirting and kissing someone who's not your girlfriend is a big no-no. Obviously forces bring them together and allow them to start a relationship, but it just felt off. When someone new comes into the picture, Sydney went a little crazy. I kept thinking she was a bit of a hypocrite. Karma can sometimes be a bitch.
There's an entire theme throughout the book that deals with alcohol and its effects. Sydney's staunch beliefs on the subject sometimes made the book feel more like a lesson on alcohol awareness than a romance. Also, the ending is a cliffhanger. Its not terrible but its a cliffhanger all the same. I'll probably read the second book because I hate starting a story and not knowing the conclusion.
This is author B.D. Rowe's first book and its really well written. Yes, the plot if kind of a mess but the writing was what kept me going.
I wanted to read this book because the blurb looked interesting. I love college romance stories. But honestly, this book was a bit all over the place and there was a lot going on.
Sydney is a college student who is more into studying than partying. She had a traumatic experience with alcohol and has therefore sworn off anything that could make her out of control. The one interesting thing about Sydney is that she's in love with her roommate's boyfriend, Evan. She and Evan have been just friends for two years, but she's been pining for him all that time. Now I can usually get behind a story like this, but she's kind of obsessive in her undercover love. She's constantly thinking about him and finding ways for them to hang out.
I liked Evan, but he did need a firm talking to. Flirting and kissing someone who's not your girlfriend is a big no-no. Obviously forces bring them together and allow them to start a relationship, but it just felt off. When someone new comes into the picture, Sydney went a little crazy. I kept thinking she was a bit of a hypocrite. Karma can sometimes be a bitch.
There's an entire theme throughout the book that deals with alcohol and its effects. Sydney's staunch beliefs on the subject sometimes made the book feel more like a lesson on alcohol awareness than a romance. Also, the ending is a cliffhanger. Its not terrible but its a cliffhanger all the same. I'll probably read the second book because I hate starting a story and not knowing the conclusion.
This is author B.D. Rowe's first book and its really well written. Yes, the plot if kind of a mess but the writing was what kept me going.
March 21, 2020
The writing style and plot was difficult to get into the flow. However, the blurb was quite interesting. But iy wasn't my cup of tea.
June 18, 2018
Unfortunately the book didn't live up to the blurb, it started off well enough but then just fizzled and got silly and messy. I spent way too much time eye-rolling to contemplate finishing this.
DNF when Melanie was conveniently gotten out of the way 🙄
Arc received from Netgalley for review.
DNF when Melanie was conveniently gotten out of the way 🙄
Arc received from Netgalley for review.
October 7, 2013
I don't quite know what to make of this book.
By turns relatively realistic and believable and then unbearably preachy, the book tells the story of Sydney, a young woman living on campus with a huge crush on her roommate's boyfriend. Mixed into this is Sydney's past - the fact that she lost her highschool boyfriend in a car crash because he was driving while drunk, and the way she deals with her crush on Evan as she tries to move forward.
Overall, it just feels as though this should have been a first draft and could have used a lot more editing and review.
Note: E-Arc received through Netgalley for review.
By turns relatively realistic and believable and then unbearably preachy, the book tells the story of Sydney, a young woman living on campus with a huge crush on her roommate's boyfriend. Mixed into this is Sydney's past - the fact that she lost her highschool boyfriend in a car crash because he was driving while drunk, and the way she deals with her crush on Evan as she tries to move forward.
Overall, it just feels as though this should have been a first draft and could have used a lot more editing and review.
Note: E-Arc received through Netgalley for review.
October 13, 2013
Received Through NetGalley For Honest Review
*Includes Spoilers*
I don't even know where to start with this book. This story was just so SAD & TRAGIC! So many people dying, so many lies...Urgh!
Syd here is madly in love with her roommate, Melanie's boyfriend Evan.Also hanging over her is her past - the fact that she lost her high school boyfriend in a car crash because he was driving while drunk, and the way she deals with her crush on Evan as she tries to move on. The story veers between Sydney's feelings about the crash that caused the death of her boyfriend and two other people, to her dealing with her roommate's death from alcohol poisoning, to her romantic life and that of her best friend, too. I felt that the book was rather short for what the author seemed to be trying to accomplish, the conclusion wasn't satisfactory, either. It seemed rather abrupt. The characters seemed to lack depth for me. Evan was sure a HUGE disappointment for me. I liked him in the beginning but by the end I can't say the same.
Although the book really pulled me in in the beginning I wasn't really satisfied with it as a whole.
Seeing as I prefer books with a HEA and I'm not really into such tragic stories, I have to say sadly this book wasn't for me.
*Includes Spoilers*
I don't even know where to start with this book. This story was just so SAD & TRAGIC! So many people dying, so many lies...Urgh!
Syd here is madly in love with her roommate, Melanie's boyfriend Evan.Also hanging over her is her past - the fact that she lost her high school boyfriend in a car crash because he was driving while drunk, and the way she deals with her crush on Evan as she tries to move on. The story veers between Sydney's feelings about the crash that caused the death of her boyfriend and two other people, to her dealing with her roommate's death from alcohol poisoning, to her romantic life and that of her best friend, too. I felt that the book was rather short for what the author seemed to be trying to accomplish, the conclusion wasn't satisfactory, either. It seemed rather abrupt. The characters seemed to lack depth for me. Evan was sure a HUGE disappointment for me. I liked him in the beginning but by the end I can't say the same.
Although the book really pulled me in in the beginning I wasn't really satisfied with it as a whole.
Seeing as I prefer books with a HEA and I'm not really into such tragic stories, I have to say sadly this book wasn't for me.
October 6, 2013
**This book was received from Netgalley**
2.5 stars
I just don't even know where to start with this one. The premise was great. The actual story? Not so much. Sydney was very immature and really bothered me through the whole book. One minute she was sad, the next she was smiling. One minute she was ranting at her friends, the next they were all happy-go-lucky. And then there was her obsession with her roommate's boyfriend, whom she started dating after her roommate died. Throw in the dead roommate's almost twin-looking sister and you've got a hot mess. I get what the author was trying to do...it clicked when Sydney's film professor showed Vertigo and the plot of that movie was revealed. The book sort of followed the movie. I get it. Sydney was just so annoying that it didn't quite work for me. Sadly, the cliffhanger ending was also a let down. I would have liked to have some sort of resolution for Sydney and Evan.
2.5 stars
I just don't even know where to start with this one. The premise was great. The actual story? Not so much. Sydney was very immature and really bothered me through the whole book. One minute she was sad, the next she was smiling. One minute she was ranting at her friends, the next they were all happy-go-lucky. And then there was her obsession with her roommate's boyfriend, whom she started dating after her roommate died. Throw in the dead roommate's almost twin-looking sister and you've got a hot mess. I get what the author was trying to do...it clicked when Sydney's film professor showed Vertigo and the plot of that movie was revealed. The book sort of followed the movie. I get it. Sydney was just so annoying that it didn't quite work for me. Sadly, the cliffhanger ending was also a let down. I would have liked to have some sort of resolution for Sydney and Evan.
January 30, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. NetGalley
Let's just say this book starts with a bang and then a crash.
Sydney would never forget that night with James.
Two years later it haunts her dreams, that night she lost him forever.
She's at college and moving along with her life she stays on campus with Melanie her roommate. Her best friend Lukas is a cute and quirky guy who is totally into guys. He knows all about the accident and Syd's dirty little secret.
Sydney wants Evan but he's Melanie's boyfriend and already I'm thinking no! No love triangles!
This book has so many twists and turns you get a little tired of trying to figure out the grand plot.
I found myself reminded of my kids when they used to ask, " and then what happens?"
It's a hot mash up of grief and passion mixed with friendship and crazy.
Throw in an ending that I really hope is not the end and you get four stars from me.
I would have given it five stars because I really couldn't put it down but it was so here and there!
If there is another story about Sydney Baker and Evan Taylor I am definitely going to read it! I kinda need to know what happens with Lukas and with Michelle too!!!!
★★★★★★★★★★★★★
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
IF YOU CLICK THE LINK TO SHOW SPOILERS YOU WILL INDEED SPOIL THE STORY!!!
IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK AND DO NOT WANT IT SPOILED THEN DO NOT CLICK IT!!!
Unless of course you are one of the brave few who wants to know before you read it! Then by all means click away!
That is all..... carry on.....
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Let's just say this book starts with a bang and then a crash.
Sydney would never forget that night with James.
Two years later it haunts her dreams, that night she lost him forever.
She's at college and moving along with her life she stays on campus with Melanie her roommate. Her best friend Lukas is a cute and quirky guy who is totally into guys. He knows all about the accident and Syd's dirty little secret.
Sydney wants Evan but he's Melanie's boyfriend and already I'm thinking no! No love triangles!
This book has so many twists and turns you get a little tired of trying to figure out the grand plot.
I found myself reminded of my kids when they used to ask, " and then what happens?"
It's a hot mash up of grief and passion mixed with friendship and crazy.
Throw in an ending that I really hope is not the end and you get four stars from me.
I would have given it five stars because I really couldn't put it down but it was so here and there!
If there is another story about Sydney Baker and Evan Taylor I am definitely going to read it! I kinda need to know what happens with Lukas and with Michelle too!!!!
★★★★★★★★★★★★★
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
IF YOU CLICK THE LINK TO SHOW SPOILERS YOU WILL INDEED SPOIL THE STORY!!!
IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK AND DO NOT WANT IT SPOILED THEN DO NOT CLICK IT!!!
Unless of course you are one of the brave few who wants to know before you read it! Then by all means click away!
That is all..... carry on.....
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
added-it
June 8, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/8/2021)! 🎁
October 31, 2013
This is a book about a your girl, Sydney and how she is try to overcome the tragedies in her life to have normal college experiences. Sydney is in love with her Dorm roommate’s boyfriend, Evan and he shows some significant interest in her as well. Evan and Sydney are connected because of a class and spend time together without his girlfriend – her roommate- because of this class. Sydney fantasized about Evan and want’s to be with him but refuses to hurt her friend. Sydney has had tragedy at a young age and it has changed her profoundly. She is not the carefree, easygoing, partying typical college student.
The theme of the books is tragedy surrounded by the effects of drinking. The message isn’t don’t drink but it certainly is be responsible when you do.
What I liked – not much I must admit. Sydney, I liked her. She seemed to be so tragic though that pulled away from the story. She was strong and stuck to her commitment about drinking have survived a terrible event in her senior year. I can’t imagine the anguish one would feel after living through what she did. It doesn’t surprise me that she would be so committed in her plight.
What I did not like.
Well – TOO MANY TRAGIC THINGS GOING ON IN THIS BOOK! There is what happens to Sydney in high school, then Melanie then that ending – jeeze.
The writing seemed clunky and rushed. The scenes could have been more defined and elaborated upon rather than rushed and passed over for the next sad and horrifying event. As with my fellow reviewers, I feel for this author as it is her first book and there are pockets of good. I loved the way that Evan and Sydney finally do hook up but again the scene seemed rushed and not really connected to anything else.
Somethings weren’t explained entirely. Like the ending for one…I HATED the ending of this book and felt so cheated. I’m assuming that the author plans to write a second book for this one because the ending was sooooooo undone. The writer just didn’t hit the mark with this book so I don’t know that she would get many return readers unfortunately to read the next one if the writing is as clunky as this one.
Overall, I would only afford this book a half a star to 1 star. It just didn’t do it for me.
Now the cover on the other hand….FABULOUS! The book just didn’t even live up to the cover!
B.D. Rowe, if you happen to come across this, here are my recommendations to making this book a smashing 5 star…
1. Embellish on the beginning… Start with a Prologue that says something like Sydney – 18 years old – high school. or 5 years earlier…something! Then be descriptive. Talk through the accident as if in slow motion and embellish on her memories of that night. Zero in on the little boys face or the moment of impact and the thoughts that were racing through her head. MAKE THE READER FEEL IT!
2. Definitely embellish the little triangle between Melanie, Evan and Sydney. Have a cat fight in there between Melanie and Sydney. Have a few flashbacks or NIGHTMARES that Evan has about that fateful night or even Sydney and the cat fight that you add. Sydney should have several nightmares when sleeping with Evan…over what happened when she was 18 and what happened with Melanie. Her guilt should consume her somewhat more than it does.
3. Detail, Detail, Detail. Describe things. the Crunch of the impact….Evan’s soft pink lips, or beard stubble and the beard burn on her thighs or ribs or chin…whatever. JUST ADD DETAILS!
4. RE-WRITE that ending. What a mess. Add detail. change the way the events begin to unfold and ultimately land. Make the triangle between Sydney, Evan and Michelle (the sister) a bit more dramatic…Do another party where Evan and Michelle start out at this party and go to a bedroom rather than her dorm. ADD DRAMA. Don’t be so doom and gloom. People read books to get SOME happiness from it. Give this girl a little piece of happiness.
5. FINISH the ending in this book. Give the reader some closure. I’m all for cliff hangers but come on. NOTHING is explained and there is way too much undone and not concluded. And you wait for the very last page to have Evan reveal the reality of that night…BAD form!
I could go on and up but I think even if you re-write and add these 5 things…you would have a far better book.
The theme of the books is tragedy surrounded by the effects of drinking. The message isn’t don’t drink but it certainly is be responsible when you do.
What I liked – not much I must admit. Sydney, I liked her. She seemed to be so tragic though that pulled away from the story. She was strong and stuck to her commitment about drinking have survived a terrible event in her senior year. I can’t imagine the anguish one would feel after living through what she did. It doesn’t surprise me that she would be so committed in her plight.
What I did not like.
Well – TOO MANY TRAGIC THINGS GOING ON IN THIS BOOK! There is what happens to Sydney in high school, then Melanie then that ending – jeeze.
The writing seemed clunky and rushed. The scenes could have been more defined and elaborated upon rather than rushed and passed over for the next sad and horrifying event. As with my fellow reviewers, I feel for this author as it is her first book and there are pockets of good. I loved the way that Evan and Sydney finally do hook up but again the scene seemed rushed and not really connected to anything else.
Somethings weren’t explained entirely. Like the ending for one…I HATED the ending of this book and felt so cheated. I’m assuming that the author plans to write a second book for this one because the ending was sooooooo undone. The writer just didn’t hit the mark with this book so I don’t know that she would get many return readers unfortunately to read the next one if the writing is as clunky as this one.
Overall, I would only afford this book a half a star to 1 star. It just didn’t do it for me.
Now the cover on the other hand….FABULOUS! The book just didn’t even live up to the cover!
B.D. Rowe, if you happen to come across this, here are my recommendations to making this book a smashing 5 star…
1. Embellish on the beginning… Start with a Prologue that says something like Sydney – 18 years old – high school. or 5 years earlier…something! Then be descriptive. Talk through the accident as if in slow motion and embellish on her memories of that night. Zero in on the little boys face or the moment of impact and the thoughts that were racing through her head. MAKE THE READER FEEL IT!
2. Definitely embellish the little triangle between Melanie, Evan and Sydney. Have a cat fight in there between Melanie and Sydney. Have a few flashbacks or NIGHTMARES that Evan has about that fateful night or even Sydney and the cat fight that you add. Sydney should have several nightmares when sleeping with Evan…over what happened when she was 18 and what happened with Melanie. Her guilt should consume her somewhat more than it does.
3. Detail, Detail, Detail. Describe things. the Crunch of the impact….Evan’s soft pink lips, or beard stubble and the beard burn on her thighs or ribs or chin…whatever. JUST ADD DETAILS!
4. RE-WRITE that ending. What a mess. Add detail. change the way the events begin to unfold and ultimately land. Make the triangle between Sydney, Evan and Michelle (the sister) a bit more dramatic…Do another party where Evan and Michelle start out at this party and go to a bedroom rather than her dorm. ADD DRAMA. Don’t be so doom and gloom. People read books to get SOME happiness from it. Give this girl a little piece of happiness.
5. FINISH the ending in this book. Give the reader some closure. I’m all for cliff hangers but come on. NOTHING is explained and there is way too much undone and not concluded. And you wait for the very last page to have Evan reveal the reality of that night…BAD form!
I could go on and up but I think even if you re-write and add these 5 things…you would have a far better book.
October 3, 2013
Crashing Into You. B.D. Rowe.
ARC provided via Netgalley.
I saw the title of this, read the synopsis and I recalled reading reviews that were good I requested it. Stupidly I didn't check it WAS the same book I was remembering, and it wasn't – I was thinking of the forthcoming Kate McGarry book Crash into You, you can see how I made the mistake. And it was a mistake as this book simply didn't live up to the promise of the description for me.
The characters are around 20-21 so not teens but at times act incredibly immaturely. Sydney the lead female has a crush on her room-mates boyfriend. Supposedly they're really good friends and yet...she takes every opportunity to be with Evan alone, and fantasises constantly about him. Then later in the book she doesn't question something that would have most close friends/room-mates burning the phones and searching everywhere..her gay friend Lucas was closer to her IMO. He was a great character, and I enjoyed the snippets where he was involved, he was a very good friend to her. Then we've Evan, supposedly in love with Melanie and yet – he also is with Sydney as much as possible. To be honest I really didn't take to either Sydney or Evan. Sydney, well I just felt if she was that close a friend she's make every attempt to shut off her feelings, but she seemed to do the opposite and revel in them. I felt for her about the past trauma she's had, and could see where it impacted upon her present life, but she really just made herself a martyr rather than doing anything proactive. Evan I just found a cold person. His actions after Melanie's death were not those of a grieving boyfriend, but then I’m not convinced he was in love with her anyway...I think he just wanted the best of both worlds. Then when the other girl came on the scene...well that's when I really drifted from the book. Up til then it was OK, not particularly good but I felt I was waiting for something to happen that would wake it up, and the things that had occurred just didn't feel right but they would be explained by later actions. Then this other girl comes on the scene, Sydney gets more flashbacks and hallucinations – that's the only way I can describe them – and the whole story got really weird....went from indifferent to just totally strange and I felt detached from the actions.
The ending was very abrupt too. I felt I’d just come to the end of a chapter expecting to turn the page to a new one, but...no – that was it. End, finito, finis...unless of course there's another book? But I can't find that out anywhere, so either its a two or three parter without warning reader beforehand ( and I hate that) or else is one of those with very ambiguous ending, where the readers mind really supplies it. I don't like those either. The story just felt really unfinished to me, and I’m finding it very hard to rate – if its a two parter and there's more to come, then maybe its just that I didn't like this book, but if that's it and this is all there is then – sorry – but I hate it. That seems really harsh when I’m sure the author worked very hard, but though I'm certain there will be others who enjoy this novel, for me its one I really feel I wasted time reading :( I hate writing very low reviews, after the work that's gone into writing it must be upsetting for author to read these, but honest reviews are needed and this is what I felt personally about this book. That doesn't mean everyone will – and that's why I write what I didn't like, in the hope it may be just what someone else does want.
Stars: one
ARC provided via Netgalley.
I saw the title of this, read the synopsis and I recalled reading reviews that were good I requested it. Stupidly I didn't check it WAS the same book I was remembering, and it wasn't – I was thinking of the forthcoming Kate McGarry book Crash into You, you can see how I made the mistake. And it was a mistake as this book simply didn't live up to the promise of the description for me.
The characters are around 20-21 so not teens but at times act incredibly immaturely. Sydney the lead female has a crush on her room-mates boyfriend. Supposedly they're really good friends and yet...she takes every opportunity to be with Evan alone, and fantasises constantly about him. Then later in the book she doesn't question something that would have most close friends/room-mates burning the phones and searching everywhere..her gay friend Lucas was closer to her IMO. He was a great character, and I enjoyed the snippets where he was involved, he was a very good friend to her. Then we've Evan, supposedly in love with Melanie and yet – he also is with Sydney as much as possible. To be honest I really didn't take to either Sydney or Evan. Sydney, well I just felt if she was that close a friend she's make every attempt to shut off her feelings, but she seemed to do the opposite and revel in them. I felt for her about the past trauma she's had, and could see where it impacted upon her present life, but she really just made herself a martyr rather than doing anything proactive. Evan I just found a cold person. His actions after Melanie's death were not those of a grieving boyfriend, but then I’m not convinced he was in love with her anyway...I think he just wanted the best of both worlds. Then when the other girl came on the scene...well that's when I really drifted from the book. Up til then it was OK, not particularly good but I felt I was waiting for something to happen that would wake it up, and the things that had occurred just didn't feel right but they would be explained by later actions. Then this other girl comes on the scene, Sydney gets more flashbacks and hallucinations – that's the only way I can describe them – and the whole story got really weird....went from indifferent to just totally strange and I felt detached from the actions.
The ending was very abrupt too. I felt I’d just come to the end of a chapter expecting to turn the page to a new one, but...no – that was it. End, finito, finis...unless of course there's another book? But I can't find that out anywhere, so either its a two or three parter without warning reader beforehand ( and I hate that) or else is one of those with very ambiguous ending, where the readers mind really supplies it. I don't like those either. The story just felt really unfinished to me, and I’m finding it very hard to rate – if its a two parter and there's more to come, then maybe its just that I didn't like this book, but if that's it and this is all there is then – sorry – but I hate it. That seems really harsh when I’m sure the author worked very hard, but though I'm certain there will be others who enjoy this novel, for me its one I really feel I wasted time reading :( I hate writing very low reviews, after the work that's gone into writing it must be upsetting for author to read these, but honest reviews are needed and this is what I felt personally about this book. That doesn't mean everyone will – and that's why I write what I didn't like, in the hope it may be just what someone else does want.
Stars: one
October 6, 2013
* Review copy granted in exchange for an honest review*
Full Review - with spoilers - on my blog
http://where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/arc-review-crashing-into-you-by-b-d-rowe.html
I can't go into the in's and out's of why I didn't enjoy this book without giving away too many spoilers so I'm going to just say a few general things about it and if you want to read more, you click on the link and read the full review on my blog...
This is B. D. Rowe's first novel and it's an Indie novel (self-published). I'd like to say thank you to the author for writing, I'm sure alot of blood, sweat and tears went into this novel from conception to getting it on the market and I don't want to seem dismissive of all the work or ungrateful with my review but I'm afraid this review is overwhelmingly negative.
I don't know where to begin with this book. I really truly don't but I have to be honest!
The Main Characters:
I'm going to start by talking about Sydney.
Sydney is a self-righteous, judgemental, pain in the ass who is totally lacking in self-respect.
She is in love with her room-mates boyfriend. I love that saying "emotions don't have brains" because they don't. You cant help how you feel. So my problem isn't so much that she is in love with the boyfriend but the fact she is basically desperate for their one year relationship to collapse so she can make a move! Then the relationship does come to an end cause y'know the room-mate dies and Sydney is pretty much hitting on Evan at the funeral!! Who does that?!
Now, moving on to Evan.
Evan is a complete tool! He's been with one girl for a year but is leading on the room-mate (blowing hot and cold). You get the impression his relationship with Melanie was ending and me wanted Sydney but for whatever reason wouldn't let go of Melanie - that to me says COWARD. Chuck in some other stuff he does and yeah... He's not very endearing!
Other Issues:
There is no soul in this book. It doesn't make you feel. You don't share the emotions of the characters. All you kinda feel is general annoyance and frustration.
The only bit of the book that caused a reaction in sync with the characters was Honestly I almost threw my kindle.
I also hated some of the word choices of the author, for example "Twink" in reference to a gay man. Now, I don't know about the US but in the UK "Twink" is a derogatory term used in reference to gay men and every time is was used I wanted to screech.
Another thing that springs to mind is the use of the term "boy-toy"...
Then, the ending. A cliffhanger. Normally, even when I didn't really enjoy a book, I'll need to read the next one (if it ends on a cliffhanger) cause I just need to know how things end or it annoys me. It's why I never leave a book unfinished no matter how much I don't like it. With this I will quite happily not read the next one as I just don't care how it turns out, the entire novel is being banished to my mental room 101 once I publish this review.
Personally, I don't recommend this book but this entire review is just my own interpretation of the book, it's my opinion and everyone reads things differently so please don't let it put you off, just be prepared!
1 out of 5 stars
Full Review - with spoilers - on my blog
http://where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/arc-review-crashing-into-you-by-b-d-rowe.html
I can't go into the in's and out's of why I didn't enjoy this book without giving away too many spoilers so I'm going to just say a few general things about it and if you want to read more, you click on the link and read the full review on my blog...
This is B. D. Rowe's first novel and it's an Indie novel (self-published). I'd like to say thank you to the author for writing, I'm sure alot of blood, sweat and tears went into this novel from conception to getting it on the market and I don't want to seem dismissive of all the work or ungrateful with my review but I'm afraid this review is overwhelmingly negative.
I don't know where to begin with this book. I really truly don't but I have to be honest!
The Main Characters:
I'm going to start by talking about Sydney.
Sydney is a self-righteous, judgemental, pain in the ass who is totally lacking in self-respect.
She is in love with her room-mates boyfriend. I love that saying "emotions don't have brains" because they don't. You cant help how you feel. So my problem isn't so much that she is in love with the boyfriend but the fact she is basically desperate for their one year relationship to collapse so she can make a move! Then the relationship does come to an end cause y'know the room-mate dies and Sydney is pretty much hitting on Evan at the funeral!! Who does that?!
Now, moving on to Evan.
Evan is a complete tool! He's been with one girl for a year but is leading on the room-mate (blowing hot and cold). You get the impression his relationship with Melanie was ending and me wanted Sydney but for whatever reason wouldn't let go of Melanie - that to me says COWARD. Chuck in some other stuff he does and yeah... He's not very endearing!
Other Issues:
There is no soul in this book. It doesn't make you feel. You don't share the emotions of the characters. All you kinda feel is general annoyance and frustration.
The only bit of the book that caused a reaction in sync with the characters was Honestly I almost threw my kindle.
I also hated some of the word choices of the author, for example "Twink" in reference to a gay man. Now, I don't know about the US but in the UK "Twink" is a derogatory term used in reference to gay men and every time is was used I wanted to screech.
Another thing that springs to mind is the use of the term "boy-toy"...
Then, the ending. A cliffhanger. Normally, even when I didn't really enjoy a book, I'll need to read the next one (if it ends on a cliffhanger) cause I just need to know how things end or it annoys me. It's why I never leave a book unfinished no matter how much I don't like it. With this I will quite happily not read the next one as I just don't care how it turns out, the entire novel is being banished to my mental room 101 once I publish this review.
Personally, I don't recommend this book but this entire review is just my own interpretation of the book, it's my opinion and everyone reads things differently so please don't let it put you off, just be prepared!
1 out of 5 stars
December 29, 2014
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
Sydney Baker has had her share of tragedy in her nearly 21 years. Important people in her life have fallen into the trap of alcohol abuse and have paid the ultimate consequence, their lives. The issue of underage drinking (that ultimately ends in death) is a major thematic element in this book, so if this is an issue for you, it would be best to proceed with caution. How Sydney lives her life is completely dictated by the actions of those around her. She lives in a state of fear, not wanting to go down the same path as her loved ones..
Problem is, she’s a college student, living on campus where college kids do what they do best, party. Sydney’s problem is that she often takes the moral high ground and she does not have many friends as a result. She is often bullied by her classmates because she is very vocal in her dislike of alcohol.
The budding romance between Sydney and Evan was sweet, as was the relationship between her roommate Lukas and his boyfriend Robert. The relationship between Sydney and her antagonists however, could have used a bit more work. There could have been far more interaction between the characters to explain a little bit better why the relationships between them are strained the way they are.
Crashing Into You was a quick, easy read. It was well written and a very solid freshman effort. While maybe a little heavy-handed, there certainly was a positive message about the effects of alcohol and the resulting impairment of judgment. I would have liked to see a deeper exploration of the relationship between Sydney and her boyfriend Evan, as well as discover the aftermath of the tragedy, and again life-changing, twist at the end.
I give Crashing Into You three and a half stars. The book had a lot of potential, however there were multiple missed opportunities for the development of not just the characters, but the storyline itself. The book seemed to end far too abruptly for the dramatic element introduced towards the end. I feel as though it was just glossed over, when so much more could have come out of it. The author has certainly left the door open for another book to follow, but there just didn’t seem to be enough resolution for this story. I would most definitely read a follow-up.
Sydney Baker has had her share of tragedy in her nearly 21 years. Important people in her life have fallen into the trap of alcohol abuse and have paid the ultimate consequence, their lives. The issue of underage drinking (that ultimately ends in death) is a major thematic element in this book, so if this is an issue for you, it would be best to proceed with caution. How Sydney lives her life is completely dictated by the actions of those around her. She lives in a state of fear, not wanting to go down the same path as her loved ones..
Problem is, she’s a college student, living on campus where college kids do what they do best, party. Sydney’s problem is that she often takes the moral high ground and she does not have many friends as a result. She is often bullied by her classmates because she is very vocal in her dislike of alcohol.
The budding romance between Sydney and Evan was sweet, as was the relationship between her roommate Lukas and his boyfriend Robert. The relationship between Sydney and her antagonists however, could have used a bit more work. There could have been far more interaction between the characters to explain a little bit better why the relationships between them are strained the way they are.
Crashing Into You was a quick, easy read. It was well written and a very solid freshman effort. While maybe a little heavy-handed, there certainly was a positive message about the effects of alcohol and the resulting impairment of judgment. I would have liked to see a deeper exploration of the relationship between Sydney and her boyfriend Evan, as well as discover the aftermath of the tragedy, and again life-changing, twist at the end.
I give Crashing Into You three and a half stars. The book had a lot of potential, however there were multiple missed opportunities for the development of not just the characters, but the storyline itself. The book seemed to end far too abruptly for the dramatic element introduced towards the end. I feel as though it was just glossed over, when so much more could have come out of it. The author has certainly left the door open for another book to follow, but there just didn’t seem to be enough resolution for this story. I would most definitely read a follow-up.
December 13, 2013
Drama-filled, emotional, and romantic, Crashing into You was a wonderful New Adult romance. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Sydney was a heroine that was easy to relate. She was't perfect. She had her flaws, one of them being the fact that she was hot for her roommate's boyfriend. But, those flaws were part of what made her likable. It made her seem more real. Beyond that, she was strong and unwilling to let anyone run all over her and determined to protect her loved ones. I thought she was great.
Evan was also good. There was no denying how attractive he was, but he was also sweet and determined to be a better person for Sydney. What we find out at the end, though, had me rethinking my opinion, but, regardless, he was trying to be a better person and that was enough for me. I thought he was amazing.
The romance was good. Sydney and Evan were sweet together. After so long with them crushing on each other but unable to be together, there were a lot of pent of feelings and that made for deep emotions, which I thought was sweet. And that also led to a lot of pent of lust, which made for some steamy moments. These two were wonderful together.
The plot was fast paced. I was kept interested the entire way through, though I couldn't say that I was completely hooked. I enjoyed the story, but the ending left me totally confused. All I can say about that is that I really hope there will be a sequel for the sake of my temper and sanity.
Crashing into You was a wonderful New Adult read. It had drama, romance, secrets, and a surprise ending. I really enjoyed reading it. Lovers of NA romance, this is a book worth checking out.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Sydney was a heroine that was easy to relate. She was't perfect. She had her flaws, one of them being the fact that she was hot for her roommate's boyfriend. But, those flaws were part of what made her likable. It made her seem more real. Beyond that, she was strong and unwilling to let anyone run all over her and determined to protect her loved ones. I thought she was great.
Evan was also good. There was no denying how attractive he was, but he was also sweet and determined to be a better person for Sydney. What we find out at the end, though, had me rethinking my opinion, but, regardless, he was trying to be a better person and that was enough for me. I thought he was amazing.
The romance was good. Sydney and Evan were sweet together. After so long with them crushing on each other but unable to be together, there were a lot of pent of feelings and that made for deep emotions, which I thought was sweet. And that also led to a lot of pent of lust, which made for some steamy moments. These two were wonderful together.
The plot was fast paced. I was kept interested the entire way through, though I couldn't say that I was completely hooked. I enjoyed the story, but the ending left me totally confused. All I can say about that is that I really hope there will be a sequel for the sake of my temper and sanity.
Crashing into You was a wonderful New Adult read. It had drama, romance, secrets, and a surprise ending. I really enjoyed reading it. Lovers of NA romance, this is a book worth checking out.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
October 11, 2013
I got to read this book early thanks to NetGalley. I loved the cover and the over all description of the book but that is all it has going for it.
Crashing into You by B.D. Rowe
This book was really hard to finish. I found myself rolling my eyes every five minutes. The main characters in this book are fake, shallow and uninteresting as well as the secondarily characters. I didn’t care about them or what happen to them which is very disappointing, when I read a book I want to care about the characters but in this book I couldn’t. From page one we meet Sydney a young college girl who had some bad breaks in her short life so far, then we found out that she is in love with (wants to have sex with him, which we found out over and over again) he roommates boyfriend of a year. After that something happens to the roommate; now Sydney and Evan (the roommate’s boyfriend) can be together and somehow over like three chapters they are in love, happy (really after what happens with the roommate). Then something bad happens again. She ends up in the hospital, Evan tells he some bad news. The end, really that’s the end of the book. I hate that kind of ending, and it’s not like I want to read any more about the characters but really have some kind of ending. I found this book unrealistic, shallow and overly based on Alcohol as well as just having bad things happen to one girl over and over. It was to all over the places to really understand the plot or if it had a plot to begin with. This book was a miss and that’s why I am giving it only one stars. I wouldn’t read it again or tell anyone to read this.
Crashing into You by B.D. Rowe
This book was really hard to finish. I found myself rolling my eyes every five minutes. The main characters in this book are fake, shallow and uninteresting as well as the secondarily characters. I didn’t care about them or what happen to them which is very disappointing, when I read a book I want to care about the characters but in this book I couldn’t. From page one we meet Sydney a young college girl who had some bad breaks in her short life so far, then we found out that she is in love with (wants to have sex with him, which we found out over and over again) he roommates boyfriend of a year. After that something happens to the roommate; now Sydney and Evan (the roommate’s boyfriend) can be together and somehow over like three chapters they are in love, happy (really after what happens with the roommate). Then something bad happens again. She ends up in the hospital, Evan tells he some bad news. The end, really that’s the end of the book. I hate that kind of ending, and it’s not like I want to read any more about the characters but really have some kind of ending. I found this book unrealistic, shallow and overly based on Alcohol as well as just having bad things happen to one girl over and over. It was to all over the places to really understand the plot or if it had a plot to begin with. This book was a miss and that’s why I am giving it only one stars. I wouldn’t read it again or tell anyone to read this.
November 26, 2013
And ARC of this novel was obtained through and Net Galley for an honest review, so honest it will be.
What on earth did I just read? This book has me shocked! I don't understand what kind of story I just read.
Was it supposed to be some type of thriller suspense horror book?
No one in this book was likable. I don't think I have ever read a book where none of the main characters had some type of redeeming quality.
Sidney was a jealous, deceiving and self-righteous person. Instead of educating her peers on teen drinking she was the annoying preacher.
I really wanted Evan to be everything he wasn't but that he seemed to be. The tall handsome strong jock was about the extent of him. Oh and let's not forget lying deceitful bastard.
This book just had horrible twists and turns that did not make any sense. When things are written into a plot they supposed to make sense. There is no production and just writing something for shock value or just for the heck of it. I don't know why any young adult would want to read this book about depressing, borderline psychotic people.
Save your time save your energy and save your mind from this morbid story.
What on earth did I just read? This book has me shocked! I don't understand what kind of story I just read.
Was it supposed to be some type of thriller suspense horror book?
No one in this book was likable. I don't think I have ever read a book where none of the main characters had some type of redeeming quality.
Sidney was a jealous, deceiving and self-righteous person. Instead of educating her peers on teen drinking she was the annoying preacher.
I really wanted Evan to be everything he wasn't but that he seemed to be. The tall handsome strong jock was about the extent of him. Oh and let's not forget lying deceitful bastard.
This book just had horrible twists and turns that did not make any sense. When things are written into a plot they supposed to make sense. There is no production and just writing something for shock value or just for the heck of it. I don't know why any young adult would want to read this book about depressing, borderline psychotic people.
Save your time save your energy and save your mind from this morbid story.
November 10, 2013
My first thoughts on this book are that I was astounded. When I started this book I liked it, but didn't love it, then the more I read of it I was annoyed by Sydney and her whole, " I have to have him" mentality. I can understand wanting to be with someone who is with a friend, but when said friend is out of the picture due to strange circumstances I won't go into because I don't want to ruin the book, let it go sheesh. When she finally sees him again they begin their relationship and someone unexpected comes between them little by little. I thought it was a tad creepy to be honest, in fact from this point on is where I draw the line and have to say I hated it. The ending was ridiculous and just upset me more than anything else. I liked Evan at first, but by the end I hated him. I had high hopes for him but he turned out to be an idiot. Overall I would rate this book at 2 stars and that is only because there isn't a half to be 1 1/2 stars.
October 27, 2013
Ugh! I hate giving poor reviews but this book was so not for me.
Instead of inner dialogue I felt like I was reading a play by play of words.
The dialogue with others was corny, superficial and forced.
The story line was meh!
I did not feel the connection between Sydney and Evan at all. It felt fake and insincere.
Sydney was trying not to come off as a prude with her personal choices but she came off a bit unhinged and prude like. I'm all for personal choices but she was a bit loco.
With the ending. Argh! first off cliff hanger. Really? Come on!!! Did we need that. NOOO we didn't. Plus the details before the end. WTF!! Who the hell knows where this story is going.
I tried to like this book I really did but I couldn't do it. The writing style was not for me and I felt no connections with the characters and story line.
Sorry.
Instead of inner dialogue I felt like I was reading a play by play of words.
The dialogue with others was corny, superficial and forced.
The story line was meh!
I did not feel the connection between Sydney and Evan at all. It felt fake and insincere.
Sydney was trying not to come off as a prude with her personal choices but she came off a bit unhinged and prude like. I'm all for personal choices but she was a bit loco.
With the ending. Argh! first off cliff hanger. Really? Come on!!! Did we need that. NOOO we didn't. Plus the details before the end. WTF!! Who the hell knows where this story is going.
I tried to like this book I really did but I couldn't do it. The writing style was not for me and I felt no connections with the characters and story line.
Sorry.
December 2, 2013
I believe the author's intent in writing this story was to deliver a message and that was achieved wholeheartedly.
Sydney Baker, a college student, has had her share of tragedy. Being the only survivor of a horrifying car accident, caused by drunk driving, she can't escape the horrific memories of that night. The issue of underage drinking has Sydney living in a state of fear, on a campus, where college kids want to party. As a result, she doesn't have many friends, what Sydney does have is a ardent crush on her roommate's boyfriend.
Crashing Into You is a Young Adult novel that is part thriller and part twisted romance.
Sydney Baker, a college student, has had her share of tragedy. Being the only survivor of a horrifying car accident, caused by drunk driving, she can't escape the horrific memories of that night. The issue of underage drinking has Sydney living in a state of fear, on a campus, where college kids want to party. As a result, she doesn't have many friends, what Sydney does have is a ardent crush on her roommate's boyfriend.
Crashing Into You is a Young Adult novel that is part thriller and part twisted romance.
October 15, 2013
This was definitely a unique one of a kind story. It's hard to fathom that so much heartache can be accumulated by 1 person.
January 8, 2014
I don't even know where to start. Full review to come
November 20, 2014
I didn't really enjoy this book. I wanted to DNF but kept going, hoping for redemption and a happy ending. It was morbid and the characters were unlikable and then there wasn't even a HEA! Bummer!
October 26, 2016
This was a great read. I was constantly wondering what was gonna happen next. It was very unpredictable at times and the roller coaster of emotions was crazy.
Sydney has been through so much that when she gets to college she hopes her life will get better. For the most part it does but her past is always lurking in her head. Having a major crush on her roommates bf actually helps to keep her mind off of her past until she is put in similar situations that bring it all back again.
Melanie and Evan are just two college kids in love and enjoying college life. Finals were coming around the corner so they do a bunch of studying, parties and more parties until one night changes everyone's lives.
Although there were predictable parts, I feel like there was enough drama, emotions and craziness going on that it keeps you wanting more. Great read BUT it ends with a bit of a "Uh what's next" feel to it. There really should be another one but it's not a cliffhanger.
Sydney has been through so much that when she gets to college she hopes her life will get better. For the most part it does but her past is always lurking in her head. Having a major crush on her roommates bf actually helps to keep her mind off of her past until she is put in similar situations that bring it all back again.
Melanie and Evan are just two college kids in love and enjoying college life. Finals were coming around the corner so they do a bunch of studying, parties and more parties until one night changes everyone's lives.
Although there were predictable parts, I feel like there was enough drama, emotions and craziness going on that it keeps you wanting more. Great read BUT it ends with a bit of a "Uh what's next" feel to it. There really should be another one but it's not a cliffhanger.
Read
December 3, 2025DNF
January 11, 2014
1.75 stars
Hmmm, this was such a hard read for me because I really, really wanted to like this book. I thought that the concept would make for an interesting read and although some aspects of the story did, the story as a whole did not meet my expectations.
1. Sydney's rambling thoughts - the girl could go on and on about how much she wanted Evan. And really, do I need a play by play of her taking her final exams? Er, NO!
2. Too many tragedies, but none were dealt with appropriately - In the beginning, I was intrigued by what Sydney went through and felt for her for that tragic accident, but other than to preach about the dangers of drinking and driving, she never did anything about it. Then why make it a part of the story at all? I still can't see what that had to do with Evan and Sydney's story. Did I miss something?
Then there's Melanie's sister. Why introduce her at all? Why make Sydney and Evan's story more complicated? It didn't make sense at all to me before Michelle arrived, so having her there in the middle of it only served to make a mess of a story even messier. Whatever interest I had in the outcome of the relationship diminished as both Sydney and Evan lost what little affection they had gained from me.
2. Too much of the romance not enough of the development of it on the page - so we know that Evan and Sydney were friends and spend some time together before Melanie died. But how do we get from their to declarations of love? I know it was implied that Evan and Sydney spent a lot of time together as 'friends' after he returned to LA, but I never got to see it. How am I supposed to invest myself in their relationship if I can't see their connection grow deeper? I'm sorry, i don't work that way. I need to see them interact, show some emotion other than lust and fight for what they have. Sadly, none of those things happened.
3. Not enough growth of character for either Sydney or Evan - in the first half of the book I didn't judge Sydney or Evan too much. But once Melanie died I truly took notice of them and was expecting them to mature and show some deeper emotion. Neither of that happened though. Sydney continued to be all about Sydney and Evan continued to be his elusive self. I can say with certainty that I know next to nothing about these characters.
The blurb was what initially caught my attention and why I had expected this story to be so good. After reading the story I can safely say that the blurb is misleading.
First of all, they did not turn to each other in their time of need. Evan spent a month in NY after the funeral and Sydney stayed in LA with Lukas. Furthermore, there was no 'intense grief' in sight. Neither of them grieved for Melanie.
Secrets? As in more than one? The 'secret' was anti-climatic and if you paid attention to the story you already knew some of it anyway. And what test? She found out and they had an accident. She's in the hospital. She slaps him and when he starts to leave she calls him back and the story ends.
Pfft!
I feel like the story should've been cut to those events that truly mattered and focused more on showing the depth of the connection between Evan and Sydney, especially since they decided to pursue a relationship after Melanie's death. I like the sex as much as the next gal, but not if I can't feel connected to the characters or see more of a bond between them. I think that is my biggest complain.
This book had great potential and I'm sorry that it didn't hold up to my expectations but the characters and their relationship truly lacked the depth that the story needed for me to invest myself in it.
*I received this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
Hmmm, this was such a hard read for me because I really, really wanted to like this book. I thought that the concept would make for an interesting read and although some aspects of the story did, the story as a whole did not meet my expectations.
What Didn't Work for me
1. Sydney's rambling thoughts - the girl could go on and on about how much she wanted Evan. And really, do I need a play by play of her taking her final exams? Er, NO!
2. Too many tragedies, but none were dealt with appropriately - In the beginning, I was intrigued by what Sydney went through and felt for her for that tragic accident, but other than to preach about the dangers of drinking and driving, she never did anything about it. Then why make it a part of the story at all? I still can't see what that had to do with Evan and Sydney's story. Did I miss something?
Melanie's death - nobody's heard from her, nobody bothers to look for her. It's incomprehensible!!! How can a person be so self-centered that she doesn't notice her best friend is nowhere to be found? But of course, then she feels guilty about it. Am I supposed to feel some sympathy for her? I don't think so.
Then there's Melanie's sister. Why introduce her at all? Why make Sydney and Evan's story more complicated? It didn't make sense at all to me before Michelle arrived, so having her there in the middle of it only served to make a mess of a story even messier. Whatever interest I had in the outcome of the relationship diminished as both Sydney and Evan lost what little affection they had gained from me.
2. Too much of the romance not enough of the development of it on the page - so we know that Evan and Sydney were friends and spend some time together before Melanie died. But how do we get from their to declarations of love? I know it was implied that Evan and Sydney spent a lot of time together as 'friends' after he returned to LA, but I never got to see it. How am I supposed to invest myself in their relationship if I can't see their connection grow deeper? I'm sorry, i don't work that way. I need to see them interact, show some emotion other than lust and fight for what they have. Sadly, none of those things happened.
3. Not enough growth of character for either Sydney or Evan - in the first half of the book I didn't judge Sydney or Evan too much. But once Melanie died I truly took notice of them and was expecting them to mature and show some deeper emotion. Neither of that happened though. Sydney continued to be all about Sydney and Evan continued to be his elusive self. I can say with certainty that I know next to nothing about these characters.
The blurb was what initially caught my attention and why I had expected this story to be so good. After reading the story I can safely say that the blurb is misleading.
But when Melanie tragically dies after a night of wild partying, Sydney and Evan turn to each other in a time of intense grief. And it doesn't take long for their close friendship to blossom into something more.
First of all, they did not turn to each other in their time of need. Evan spent a month in NY after the funeral and Sydney stayed in LA with Lukas. Furthermore, there was no 'intense grief' in sight. Neither of them grieved for Melanie.
Unfortunately for Sydney, secrets from the past soon put her relationship with Evan to the test.
Secrets? As in more than one? The 'secret' was anti-climatic and if you paid attention to the story you already knew some of it anyway. And what test? She found out and they had an accident. She's in the hospital. She slaps him and when he starts to leave she calls him back and the story ends.
Pfft!
I feel like the story should've been cut to those events that truly mattered and focused more on showing the depth of the connection between Evan and Sydney, especially since they decided to pursue a relationship after Melanie's death. I like the sex as much as the next gal, but not if I can't feel connected to the characters or see more of a bond between them. I think that is my biggest complain.
This book had great potential and I'm sorry that it didn't hold up to my expectations but the characters and their relationship truly lacked the depth that the story needed for me to invest myself in it.
*I received this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
December 7, 2013
Review of crashing into you by BD Rowe.
This e-book was provided to me for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I would technically give this 3 1/2 stars, so rounding up to four. I start from five stars and work my way lower, so you understand where I'm coming from. Not very different at all from starting with an A grade in class and taking away points.
I really did not get what was up with Sydney throughout this entire book. Honestly she seemed somewhat spacey. For someone who had gone through what she had two years prior, she seems to break her rules quite easily after finding out some bad news 2/3 of the way through the book.
Sydney also bothered me in that she was so distrusting of Evan. Granted, Evan did not have much room to talk in that field or area, considering he was already emotionally cheating on Melanie at the beginning, but he had never truly given her a reason to distrust him.
Spoiler alert: while I did not think Melanie deserve to die, I did think she was a strange gal. People knew what Sydney had gone through in her previous car accident, so why was Melanie so adamant on getting her to "have a good time "? I actually thought that made Melanie quite selfish, in that all she really seemed to care about was getting drunk, having a "good time " herself, and her overall perceived image in front of a bunch of drunken frat boys.
That all being said, I think it was pretty sick and selfish of Sydney herself to not notice that her freaking roommate was dead for three days before she was discovered. And did she notice by talking to her? Calling her parents? No, she only discovered Melanie because her poor body started to decompose and stink up the room, which it had been doing for at least one day prior! If I had not heard from my roommate for even half a day, I would have been all over everyone she knew. Call that paranoid or not, but people go missing in as little as one hour, and if I know that my roommate has solid plans, a.k.a. planning her anniversary with her boyfriend, I may have made a decision to check up on her earlier than three days and not just after her boyfriend was crying about it. The author makes it out to be that Sydney just didn't want to disturb her when she noticed her feet on the bed, but to me, she just didn't care.
And where in the world harbors all of these distracted drivers? I, for sure, would never get in a car with Sydney. She was and continued to be a bad luck charm when she was within a foot of a an automobile. For someone who had been through what she had, she was the last one I would have thought would have been easily distracted by something so simple as her boyfriend with his arm around someone. Again, self-centered, I offer? I sincerely hope someone like that does not exist in real life.
And Michelle:
Good grief, was she a freak. A grieving freak, yes, but a plot twisting freak all the same. That's really all I can say about her. Did not want.
There was one part about 80% of the way through the book that really just got under my skin. A.k.a. regarding the intimate relations between Sydney and Evan. When Evan did what he did, I thought the same thing Lucas did in his and Sydney's later conversation. That really stayed with me for some reason. And gave me an uneasy feeling. Prude I am not, and I have read similar circumstances, but for some reason that put me off of Evan and made me think something really was going on between him and Michelle, despite my overall trust of Evan. Good job, author... You really tried to pull me in the opposite direction, and you almost won.
And the ending... No, no, no! Broke my heart.
Recommended for all NA fans, college-age, romance as well.
This e-book was provided to me for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I would technically give this 3 1/2 stars, so rounding up to four. I start from five stars and work my way lower, so you understand where I'm coming from. Not very different at all from starting with an A grade in class and taking away points.
I really did not get what was up with Sydney throughout this entire book. Honestly she seemed somewhat spacey. For someone who had gone through what she had two years prior, she seems to break her rules quite easily after finding out some bad news 2/3 of the way through the book.
Sydney also bothered me in that she was so distrusting of Evan. Granted, Evan did not have much room to talk in that field or area, considering he was already emotionally cheating on Melanie at the beginning, but he had never truly given her a reason to distrust him.
Spoiler alert: while I did not think Melanie deserve to die, I did think she was a strange gal. People knew what Sydney had gone through in her previous car accident, so why was Melanie so adamant on getting her to "have a good time "? I actually thought that made Melanie quite selfish, in that all she really seemed to care about was getting drunk, having a "good time " herself, and her overall perceived image in front of a bunch of drunken frat boys.
That all being said, I think it was pretty sick and selfish of Sydney herself to not notice that her freaking roommate was dead for three days before she was discovered. And did she notice by talking to her? Calling her parents? No, she only discovered Melanie because her poor body started to decompose and stink up the room, which it had been doing for at least one day prior! If I had not heard from my roommate for even half a day, I would have been all over everyone she knew. Call that paranoid or not, but people go missing in as little as one hour, and if I know that my roommate has solid plans, a.k.a. planning her anniversary with her boyfriend, I may have made a decision to check up on her earlier than three days and not just after her boyfriend was crying about it. The author makes it out to be that Sydney just didn't want to disturb her when she noticed her feet on the bed, but to me, she just didn't care.
And where in the world harbors all of these distracted drivers? I, for sure, would never get in a car with Sydney. She was and continued to be a bad luck charm when she was within a foot of a an automobile. For someone who had been through what she had, she was the last one I would have thought would have been easily distracted by something so simple as her boyfriend with his arm around someone. Again, self-centered, I offer? I sincerely hope someone like that does not exist in real life.
And Michelle:
Good grief, was she a freak. A grieving freak, yes, but a plot twisting freak all the same. That's really all I can say about her. Did not want.
There was one part about 80% of the way through the book that really just got under my skin. A.k.a. regarding the intimate relations between Sydney and Evan. When Evan did what he did, I thought the same thing Lucas did in his and Sydney's later conversation. That really stayed with me for some reason. And gave me an uneasy feeling. Prude I am not, and I have read similar circumstances, but for some reason that put me off of Evan and made me think something really was going on between him and Michelle, despite my overall trust of Evan. Good job, author... You really tried to pull me in the opposite direction, and you almost won.
And the ending... No, no, no! Broke my heart.
Recommended for all NA fans, college-age, romance as well.
December 15, 2013
This was a surprised read. I received copy via Netgalley and when I read the reviews Im beginning to think if I made a mistake but the truth is it's a good thing I have my own opinion.
I dont think this book deserves a bad review . So, it was the authors' first Adult book but I think he/she made a good job.
The story start with Sydney having had a tragic car accident due to drink and driving, with her boyfriend on the wheel died on the spot and 2 innocent people , a mom and a kid. 4 years later Sydney hasn't forgotten that ordeal and everyday she carries it to her conscience so as a result she strongly opposed drink and driving. Her character is strong and I admire her moral ground but most of all her accepting the consequences of that tragic past and trying to make a change even in a small scale like making a report on her sociology about it or reminding her close friends or school mates. Her bestfriend is Lukas (seriously I need a gay bff like him) theya re really close and her constant companion while Melanie is her roommate, I wouldn't say they are good friends but just friends.
Here comes Evan, always the tall handsome nice guy and Sydney has been in love with him for 2 years unfortunately he was Melanies' boyfriend. He is also a good friend to Sydney and maybe they have that hidden attraction they almost act on it but they have come to their senses in respect to Melanie. However, it seems like Evan and Melanies' relationship is on a shaky ground.
Melanie likes to party but her tragic death came due to alcohol poisoning or too much of it. Sydney and Evan becomes close after her death as they try to forget what happenned to Melanie and decided to give their relationship a chance. All is well until Melanies sister Michelle arrive. Michelle is almost a replica of Melanie and made her way to become friends with Evan and Sydney. At this point , no one knows her real motives while Sydneys ' being eaten by jealousy. I could understand Sydney, jealousy is a bitch I will not condone it but i can relate. Sydney made it clear to Evan how its hurting her and afraid that he is reliving Melanies' through her sister Michelle. Evan proving his love to Sydney told Michelle they can't be friends and that's where shits happened. Apparently . Michelle is blaming Evan for her sister's death.
Jealousy, vengeance, lies, past trauma, concluded in one unfateful night causing another life. Everything Sydney has afraid of and fight for through the years has thrown back at her. I feel for Sydney a lot, my heart aches for her.
This books tackles issues of drink and driving, the bad effect of too much alcohol , peer pressure and most of all social responsibilities. These are real issues that we must not ignore. We are responsible for our own actions and whatever consequences , we deserve it and must live with it.
My issue on this book, cliffhanger . I dont know if there is a book 2 as the writer did not mention anything . I would like to know how Sydney will survive this mental and emotional turmoil with regards to her relationship to Evan and Lukas .(Lukas bf Robert was the one who died on that recent car mishap) and seriously I want Michelle to be accountable for all of it. Melanie died , it was her weakness and own choice.I would like to blame Evan for being weak not admitting the truth about his participation the night Melanie drunk too much but this were peer pressure always comes and at one point I think all of us has been and would had been through that stage . Otherwise, Evan has been a good friend and boyfriend to Melanie and Sydney.
I have tried to search for the authors' website but I couldn't find any and i hope this has a book 2 just to tie the loose ends.
I dont think this book deserves a bad review . So, it was the authors' first Adult book but I think he/she made a good job.
The story start with Sydney having had a tragic car accident due to drink and driving, with her boyfriend on the wheel died on the spot and 2 innocent people , a mom and a kid. 4 years later Sydney hasn't forgotten that ordeal and everyday she carries it to her conscience so as a result she strongly opposed drink and driving. Her character is strong and I admire her moral ground but most of all her accepting the consequences of that tragic past and trying to make a change even in a small scale like making a report on her sociology about it or reminding her close friends or school mates. Her bestfriend is Lukas (seriously I need a gay bff like him) theya re really close and her constant companion while Melanie is her roommate, I wouldn't say they are good friends but just friends.
Here comes Evan, always the tall handsome nice guy and Sydney has been in love with him for 2 years unfortunately he was Melanies' boyfriend. He is also a good friend to Sydney and maybe they have that hidden attraction they almost act on it but they have come to their senses in respect to Melanie. However, it seems like Evan and Melanies' relationship is on a shaky ground.
Melanie likes to party but her tragic death came due to alcohol poisoning or too much of it. Sydney and Evan becomes close after her death as they try to forget what happenned to Melanie and decided to give their relationship a chance. All is well until Melanies sister Michelle arrive. Michelle is almost a replica of Melanie and made her way to become friends with Evan and Sydney. At this point , no one knows her real motives while Sydneys ' being eaten by jealousy. I could understand Sydney, jealousy is a bitch I will not condone it but i can relate. Sydney made it clear to Evan how its hurting her and afraid that he is reliving Melanies' through her sister Michelle. Evan proving his love to Sydney told Michelle they can't be friends and that's where shits happened. Apparently . Michelle is blaming Evan for her sister's death.
Jealousy, vengeance, lies, past trauma, concluded in one unfateful night causing another life. Everything Sydney has afraid of and fight for through the years has thrown back at her. I feel for Sydney a lot, my heart aches for her.
This books tackles issues of drink and driving, the bad effect of too much alcohol , peer pressure and most of all social responsibilities. These are real issues that we must not ignore. We are responsible for our own actions and whatever consequences , we deserve it and must live with it.
My issue on this book, cliffhanger . I dont know if there is a book 2 as the writer did not mention anything . I would like to know how Sydney will survive this mental and emotional turmoil with regards to her relationship to Evan and Lukas .(Lukas bf Robert was the one who died on that recent car mishap) and seriously I want Michelle to be accountable for all of it. Melanie died , it was her weakness and own choice.I would like to blame Evan for being weak not admitting the truth about his participation the night Melanie drunk too much but this were peer pressure always comes and at one point I think all of us has been and would had been through that stage . Otherwise, Evan has been a good friend and boyfriend to Melanie and Sydney.
I have tried to search for the authors' website but I couldn't find any and i hope this has a book 2 just to tie the loose ends.
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