Where Life Takes You

Life #1

by Claudia Y. Burgoa

Becca Trent lived her childhood next to a cruel woman — her mom —who lived to torment and neglect her. During her high school years, her mother married; bringing home not only a new husband, but a step sister her same age. The latter took over her Mom's role — making Becca's life miserable. Including stealing Ian — Becca's best friend and boyfriend — Lisa treated her worse than her mother had for the previous fifteen years. A couple years later, thing ended up in tragedy.

Becca buried that part of her life in the deep corners of her psyche, caught between sanity and nightmares. Between therapy, work and her constantly looming past she can't seem to find room to breathe. The memories of her late step-sister, Lisa, are her closest company.

Her best friend, Dan gives her that family love she always lacked. Everything was close to perfect, until everything and everyone from her past came back. Now she's trying to figure out how to survive and keep that bond which seems now to be held together by a thread.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Drama, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Love

235 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2013

About the author

Claudia is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author.
She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breath away.
She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband and her youngest two children. She has a sweet Bichon, Macey, who thinks she's the ruler of the house. She's only partially right.
When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family.
At night, she likes to binge watch shows with her equally geeky husband.

Instagram: http://bit.ly/ClaudiasIG
TikTok: https://bit.ly/CBstiktok
Bloggers/Influencers: https://geni.us/CBBloggers
Newsletter: https://geni.us/CBNewsletter

Reviews

[Carla ☺Did I Say That☺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5 Stars!!**
Yaaay!!..I loved it!!

Definitely a Modern Day Cinderella Story. Where Life Takes You was an intense emotional roller-coaster ride!!! Although it started off a little slow for me..It didn't take long before I found myself engrossed in the story....I highly recommend this one..but be warned there are a few parts in this one that might not be for the faint of heart..Looking forward to reading book 2!!..Well Done Mrs Burgoa!!


***We received this ARC in exchange for an honest review***
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Chris Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I imagine Where Life Takes You falls into the category of chick lit, and it’s for that reason I chose to read it; I felt like reading a different genre to what I normally read – well, that and having followed Claudia Burgoa’s progress, somewhat, on twitter. I honestly didn’t know what to expect, other than, perhaps, that whatever the stresses and strains of life the heroine may undergo, the stains would come out white in the wash and we’d all live happily ever after…

That certainly wasn’t the case; there wasn’t a hint at anything formulaic.

I found the book to be thought-provoking, both while reading and having read the whole story. And it, the story, completely threw me at the end.

Burgoa has skilfully created a very convincing 1st person character, damaged by her past and who, for me, gives the allusion of using the reader as her confidant, or maybe her conscience, by the way in which she seemingly shares her panic-attacks with us, in the form of italicized asides – in other cases, these asides can be quite witty. Because of the nature of the heroine (Rebecca)’s abuse, these asides are very convincing, in that we sense her sheer inability to sit down and truly, calmly, question her state, to try and rationalize matters. Indeed, I practically experienced her panic attacks myself at given moments. Hence, the book moves along at an exciting, turbulent pace.
It’s because of the above, I believe, that the book’s subthemes, like greed, deceit etc, involving maybe more minor characters, are not dragged out too long. And in turn, the book is full of surprises, the unexpected, all the way to the end.

Furthermore, due to the heroine’s understandably nervous nature, she filters out the information as to the reasons for her condition as such a character might, someone lost in a maelstrom of angst – what to tell, what not to tell, and just how hard it is to even contemplate/recollect!

That’s what this book’s about – forget the other characters, it’s about Rebecca Trent, and what she is endeavouring to come to terms with, something from her past, in the hope she might one day learn to live with it.

And that’s why I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel.

[Christa · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review***

WARNING CLIFF HANGER

And let me tell you it’s one of the worst I’ve read in a long time. I want to throw my kindle while begging for the next book so I could ease the ache in my heart from that ending.

Where Life Takes You by Claudia Burgoa takes you on an emotional journey. Becca has not had an easy life growing up with a mother who hated her and a step-sister that did everything in her power to destroy you. The only saving grace in her life was her step-brother’s best friend Dan. He was her knight in shining armor, her savor, her best friend, her family.

Years later, though Becca doesn’t speak to the people who hurt her in the past they are never far away. Becca struggles to live a normal life and relies on Dan to pull her out of the darkness.

Though there was a portion of the book I was upset with Dan decision, I couldn’t help but fall in love with him. He would do anything for Becca and you could feel how deep his love for her went. The next book might shatter my heart but I need to know if Becca and Dan get there HEA. God, I hope they do I don’t know if my heart can take the angst.

[Guia · Rating 4 out of 5]

by Claudia Y. Burgoa

Review also on http://between-the-pages.weebly.com/1...

E-book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

This book totally surprised the heck out of me. After reading the blurb, I knew it would pack some heavy drama, I just didn’t expect THAT MUCH.

I’m sort of in between really liking it and loving it so I’m giving it 4.5 out of 5 PINK stars! There are some parts that made my heart clench and then again, some parts made me want to stop reading all together. I’m glad I read it through to the end and let me tell you why.

Rebecca Trent lived a miserable life. And no, I’m not exaggerating. Throughout the course of the book, we get glimpses into how miserable her life really is with several flashbacks and memories leading up to the events of WHERE LIFE TAKES YOU. It seemed as though Becca lost everything and everyone in her life. Her mother practically forgot about her as soon as she was born. Her grandmother, the woman who cared for her, died and left her alone to fend for herself and her neglectful mother at a very young age. To say that her mother made her life a living hell is an understatement.

When her mother remarried, her new stepsister became her own personal torturer. Lissa was a very messed up girl and she used Becca as an emotional, psychological, and sometimes even a physical punching bag. Nobody in their house ever cared for Becca. She was alone in that respect, that much was clear. She was grateful to have Ian as a bestfriend. He would soothe her and calm her when things get particularly rough for Becca. Promises of a better life with Ian made her look forward to the next day.

It didn’t last, though, because everything changed. Ian was not the person she thought he was. It all ended in a tragedy that shook Becca’s world upside down, a tragedy that held her in the past and kept her from moving on with her life.

Years later, and this is how we meet Becca in the book, Becca is somehow coping with the events of her life. We see her trying to deal with the memories of the tragedy that made her lose everything.

At first, I was kind of annoyed with Becca. I did not understand how horrid she can possibly be to mooch off of her best friend, Dan. As I got to know more about Becca and as more of her story is revealed, I slowly understood why she is the way she is. This is one of the things that I did not appreciate about the story, though. It starts out very slow. It left me confused for quite a while. There are all these references to the events that made Becca the way she is but the thing is, I had no idea what those events are. It’s all very cloudy in the beginning. And although I don’t mind a bit of a mystery in a novel, it kind of made me feel lost during the earlier pages.

When more light is shed on Becca’s past, everything made much more sense. Claudia Burgoa was able to portray Becca as a character that a reader can grow very attached to. The fact that she writes the book in Becca’s POV allowed me to see the depth of emotion that went into writing that character. There’s so much pain in the way she narrates her story and it just comes off the page and seizes the heart. I felt every harsh word that Becca endured. We also see her as she deals with the memories she fought to keep from the harsh light of day knowing that her new friends would abandon her once they find out her secrets. It was interesting to see how she sorts her feelings and thoughts in her mind. Her rants and mental ramblings, her notes to self, all made her a very endearing character. I may not have experienced half of what she went through in her life but I understood her.

I went into the book thinking that this was going to be another case of the male bestfriend trying to save a damaged girl with a past in a show of machismo. It was a pleasant surprise to find that there is more to WHERE LIFE TAKES YOU than that. I like romance novels, I really do, but I barely even felt the romance here and it actually worked for me. WHERE LIFE TAKES YOU is more about how Becca tries to resolve the guilt and insecurities that have taken over her life. It tells the story of how a young woman struggles to find who she is and what she has become in the shadow of the people she clings to. Her history of being abandoned left Becca with an unconscious tendency to hold on to the people in her life. I sort of got the impression that, in the beginning, she tolerated Dan’s overbearing personality because it’s a far cry from the neglect she grew up with. As the story progresses, we find Becca struggling to find her own footing, to find the courage to stand up on her own. WHERE LIFE TAKES YOU is all about Becca and her struggle to pick her pieces back up after the Lissa and Ian. After her mom. And even after Dan.

I so did not expect it to end like that, though. That ending will have me sitting on the edge of my seat until NEXT TO YOU comes out later this year.

Review also on http://between-the-pages.weebly.com/1...

[Dede · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I can not believe how much I enjoy reading this book. It was such an amazing story and I love it.

Like the most books, that I’ve read this year, I didn't read the description of this book. I’ve loved so much the cover so I let myself guided by this. And my instinct didn’t let me down. It was the perfect book to read for this end of the year. I couldn’t finish my year better with this book.

Becca is a woman, that her entire live, has suffered. First when she find that her mother didn’t want her, then when her grandma, the only person that loved her, died, then when her mother married a men who daughter make her life a living heal, and her best friend raped her. Her hole life has a pain. But more pain suffered when her own mother accused her of murder.
Even, without the love of her family, she was surrounded by love of her friends. Danny, he take care of her, and protected her with his own life, if that makes her happy. He was the only human, that saw the good, and the beauty that she gave to the world.
He become her brother, her best-friend ever, her mother, father. Everything.

I love so much of this book because, the action driving me crazy literally. ) From the first pages, I saw the chemistry between Becca and Danny. And the only one who can not see this, apparently was Becca. Shame on you, girl.
I love, how much Danny take care of her, who he didn’t let everyone hurting her. It was the perfect friend and boyfriend. It only makes me crazy and desire to have that kind of boy in my life. He was perfect – handsome, powerful, maniac of control.
Again, the hole book is perfect. Not an imperfection an the story, on the action, on the cover, on anything. This is the PERFECT BOOK WITH A PERFECT STORY.

It’s like Cinderella. You just read and read until you find the perfect book. This is my perfect book of this year.
I’m glad that the author give me this chance to read this book, and also, I’m so mad about the ending. Because know I have to wait, God know how much for the second novel.

So, you have to try this book. It’s a mix between love, friendship, suffer, humor. A little bit of everything. The book of 2013. For me. Hope, for you too. :)

Favorite quotes:

"Really, Friday night? I didn’t have a social life, but I loved my Fridays. Snuggling in front of the television to watch movies, read books, or just hang out with my best friend."

"The eyes are the windows to your soul, I’d read once."

"I can’t stop laughing. Dan, she might dress your sons in pink if you’re not careful. I’d pay to see that. Dude, you’re doomed."

“There’s only one thing I’ve ever been a hundred percent sure about, Becca. I’m in love with you.”

“I love you, Danny.
Dan placed his forehead over mine and closed his eyes tightly. “Say it again, baby, please,” he said.
I love you.”

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost like a dark, contemporary Cinderella story, Where Life Takes You by debut author Claudia Y. Burgoa, tells the story of a young woman full of hideous secrets from her past who know longer believes she is worthy of love and often wonders why she is allowed to breathe the air of “good” people. Becca comes to us the product of an abusive childhood, damaged and broken inside, barely functioning emotionally. Dan, her best friend, is her knight in shining armor, her rock, strong, handsome, powerful and wealthy, alpha all the way and knowing some of her past, is extremely protective of Becca. When Becca learns that her abusive mother is in the end stages of cancer, she shows her compassion by taking her in so she can die in peace at home. Dan goes overboard to make sure Becca has every conceivable source of help at her fingertips in her last ditch effort to gain her mother’s approval and demonstrate what families do for one another. Are there unspoken emotions between Becca and Dan? Do their feelings lay deeper than friendship? Will the past need to be faced and acknowledged before Becca can move forward?

Claudia Y. Bugoa’s writing will plunge you deep into a story of pain and abuse, the damage that lives on long after and the need to learn to move on and live and accept life in its fullest, warts and all. She has tackled an issue from the inside out, sharing Becca’s inner emotional scars and her dependence on Dan. Ms. Burgoa writes in crisp detail, never shying away from the dark side, but leaving a shred of hope for the future. She slowly unfolds each layer of her tale until she finally pierces your heart with her words. The further I read, the higher the stars got!


Part One of Two
Publication Date: December 1, 2013
Publisher: Literally Alpaca Illustrations, LLC
ISBN: 1491260262
Genre: Adult Fiction | Coming of Age | Dark Contemporary Romance
Number of Pages: 244
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

[Michelle ♥ The Romance Vault ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of Where Life Takes You in return for an honest review. My reviews are my own and are 100% honest.

I have to start with a MASSIVE thanks to Claudia for allowing me participate in her review tour and receive a copy of this book because this is only the second book out of the 64 I’ve read so far this year that was absolutely, mind-bendingly, emotionally driven and it blew me away. This was a stunning read as far as I'm concerned.

This was an astonishing heart rendering piece of work that I am honoured to have had the pleasure to read. Claudia got each piece of Becca’s turmoil spot on. The neglect at the hands of her family was so incredibly well written that you are Becca, you feel her turmoil and each piece of the neglect that has chinked away at her soul.

The letters she writes to Lisa - brilliantly devised and written. The relationship with Dan – so very touching. The moments she is with her family – gut wrenching. What she went through – utterly destroying.

All these things leave a mark on Rebecca, a mark that’s so deep and ground in that she feels she deserving of the neglect because at some point everybody leaves. I literally breathed this book and I watched it.

Simply this WASN’T too drawn out, it WASN’T too over the top, it WAS created beautifully. Some might argue why about Rebecca and her mum; why had she not washed her hands of her, why had she not shouted from the rooftops what had happened to her that day. Why had she let Greg show his disdain for her all this time? Quite simply Rebecca had any self-worth completely stripped from her and she’d been subjected to so much that it was no wonder she was a wreck. There are a couple of little sentences that really bring it home exactly why she continued with her Mum. Those lines were so poignant as were the scenes throughout.

How it was left with her and Dan, well for me that was perfect. Hating that I’ve got to wait to finish their story but it was perfectly left. Leaving you panting to know what happens next to them.

Oh boy I am a bit of an emotional wreck myself at the moment, this story will resonate with me for a long time. It’s beautiful, sad, loving, caring, horrifying, tumultuous and a deep emotional read. I absolutely cannot wait to read book 2.

[Anaïs · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 Stars for this wonderful story

*** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review ***

Rebecca Trent has been dealt a shit hand of cards as a life: her mother never wanted her and spent her life blaming Becca and bringing her down, whereas she never met her father. As a teenager, she met Ian, the boy next door who helped take away her pain and eventually became her boyfriend. That is until Becca's mother decided to re-marry, bringing stepsister Lisa into the picture, who made Becca's life even more miserable and who eventually stole Ian from her. A few years later, things end in tragedy.

Since then, Becca does her best to move on, although her past regularly comes back to haunt her through her nightmares. Thankfully, her best friend and big brother at heart Daniel Brightmore gives her the love and family she always lacked, and makes it easier for her to move on. That is until people from her past surface again and her secrets are discovered...

Well well, what can I say other than this is the b.e.s.t. ARC I've read in a long time and I am very thankful to have received a copy from the author for review. Where Life Takes you is the story that sucks you right into it and makes it diificult to actually put down your Kindle.

It is written in Becca's point of view and will detail exactly what she's been through in the past, how that past is eating at her, and her development in that matter. She is keeping dark secrets and part of these secrets are coming to light little by little in a very subtle way. The writing and pace of the book is absolutely perfect and allows for a proper dose of suspense! And the romantic part is not forgetten either, as it revolves around Daniel and Becca's relationship.

Daniel is the perfect book boyfriend, and it's impossible not to get attached to him when reading Where Life Takes You. He has a story of his own (and wasn't blessed by life either) but he has become a self-made man who has totally fallen for Becca and does his best to take care of her. But he feels the timing for telling her about his feelings is just not right. He knows Becca is keeping secrets from him, and feels that only once she overcomes those, she will be able to move on and start over with him.

Becca, on the other hand, sees Dan as her big-brother and even though she has very fond feelings for him, she doesn't let herself believe that those feelings might be mutual and other than brother-sisterly. And then there's Dan's manwh...rish past that's marring the picture:

"Imagine a rich boy with a successful business who was living the playboy dream. Tons of hot, famous women threw themselves at him, hoping to tame him. It never happened, but his face became profitable for the paparazzi. Fast forward six years, and he falls for a girl. He cleans up his act and devotes his time to her, but the journalistic-sharks snap pictures of him whenever possible and fabricate stories. Those lies affect his relationship."

There is just one little drawback to Where Life Takes You, which I believe is the fact that Daniel is that rich, handsome and intelligent person, using money to take care of her. You could always say that Daniel preferred using money to make Rebecca favours and open her eyes to his feelings for her instead of using words to express them... But I keep wondering if the story would have been different if Dan wasn't that rich bachelor. I guess it would, but since Claudia Y. Burgoa's story just felt right, let's not question it any further!

The story was just the right amount of drama - not too much and not too drawn out. It is however tear-threatening and will bring a few gut-wrenching moments. And I guess it is only fair to warn you: this book ends with a helluva cliffhanger. One of the worst - I just wanted to cry and throw my Kindle out of the window begging for Book 2...

I will definitely be on the edge until the sequel come out, and follow other Claudia Y. Burgoa releases with just as much excitement.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Becca has spent a lifetime as the victim of her mother’s cruel emotional abuse, the scapegoat of her stepsister’s untimely death. Becca’s mother blames her, Becca blames herself, and the community is suspicious of her for the incident that took the life of her stepsister and best friend, Ian. Only Becca knows the truth though, she was the only one in the room that escaped to tell the whole story.

Dan is Rebecca’s best friend, her confidante, her boss. He understands she is broken. He may not know exactly how she got that way, but he is there for her, in any way she needs him. He has deep feelings for her that she doesn’t recognize, although she has feelings for him as well. Dan has his own demons he is fighting; can he possibly be strong enough to fight his own battles, much less Becca’s?

Dan & Rebecca’s relationship is incredibly complicated and inter-woven on so many different levels, with a deep, rich, shared history. Their characters are well developed, the fragility of Becca’s psyche in particular is palpable, as well as the love Dan feels for her. Theirs is a story of true love, in an abstract, broken, kind of way. They are the family, to each other, that neither of them has ever known.

There is a lot of going back and forth between the past and present day events, however it is done so in a way that makes it easy to follow and it provides much needed background information as the plot twists become more complicated. Becca regularly writes to her deceased step-sister in a journal, giving the reader a glimpse into the thoughts and feelings that have haunted for years. It feels deeply personal and slightly voyeuristic.

When a person from Becca’s past returns, harboring secrets of his own, she must face the truth once and for all, bringing long buried secrets out into the open. Little did she know, someone was out there all along who could help clear her name of any wrongdoing on her part, perhaps giving her the opportunity to put the past behind her, to move on and put her life back together.

Where Life Takes You is another absolutely stunning work that will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. Ms. Burgoa has a talent of creating plot twists that go straight for the gut and leave you breathless. Where Life Takes You is five stars from cover to cover. It is an intensely emotional read but will engage you from the very start. Be prepared though, because at the end we’re left with the mother of all cliffhangers and a mean case of book hangover. Normally I’m not a fan of cliffhanger endings, however it was a very natural place for the story to pause, I just wish the next volume was available to jump into right away, as I have gotten so emotionally attached to these characters I am eager for resolution.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Jesus the blurb said this is a two book novel. That is the best news I have heard all week.

You don’t even know.

That’s how into it I was.

This book was absolutely amazing!

Becca has been through hell and back. She has a mother who never wanted her, a step-sister who hates her, a best friend who left her, a step-father who blames her…. I can’t even begin to go into what she went through because it isn’t in the blurb and I don’t want to spoil it, but it is so much more than the blurb gives away. It is amazing this girl is standing up and not a puddle blubbering on the floor.

Dan is her best friend now. He is the one who protects her, who is always there for her. He literally is her shield between the world and herself. He is fiercely loyal and protective and there is nothing in this world he wouldn’t do for her.

That’s all I feel like I can give away without spoiling anything.

Where Life Takes You is an absolutely breathtaking book. Claudia takes us so deeply into Bex’s world that you can’t help but have your heart broken for her, you can’t help but hope for her future, and your mouth will drop open at the end of the book.

I got done and I said there had better be another book.

I mean, it could have been a stand alone, but that would just be cruel… to me.

You need to read this book if you like books that aren’t your average romance, it is a book that is just so much more.

Claudia, you are amazing! I *heart* you! I cannot wait to pick up the next book and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sending me this one!

[* Sara Johns* · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It had a good premise, and I found it difficult to put down.

Rebecca had a terrible childhood with some very traumatic happenings. I'll admit I've been a little desensitized by characters and their sad childhoods due to repetition, but I can honestly say that I have never read a romance with a past so horrendous. At times it bordered on unbelievable. My heart went out to Rebecca.

Rebecca's only saving grace in life had been her best friend, Dan. Rebecca was a pretty weak character and relied on Dan for everything. Dan was almost too perfect in his devotion to Rebecca, but I couldn't help but want a Dan for myself. For the most part, I liked their relationship and thought they were great together, but I did want Rebecca to spread her wings, and some of Dan's overprotectiveness needed to be toned down. I forward to seeing some growth in the next book.

There were only a few negatives for me. There were some editing issues, but the story was so intriguing they didn't distract me too much. My biggest problem was the abundance of characters. I found myself lost and confused several times when hoards of insignificant characters were introduced. It was difficult to remember everyone's name and backstory.

This book also ends in a cliffhanger. Many of you may or may not throw your kindle against the wall. I personally didn't mind the ending because I thought it needed to happen. My only problem was I think it could have happened earlier in the book, and been resolved by the end making a really strong story.

Overall, the story had a lot of originality to it, and I'm curious to see what happens next.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Growing up , life was not easy for Becca Trent - in fact it was awful and downright cruel. It ended up getting worse when Becca's mother met a man she loved who had two children already of his own. One included a girl named Lisa who was a year older than Becca. Becca had always wanted a sister , but in fact what she got was the start of someone who would do absolutely everything and anything in her power to ruin Becca's life and take her place as Becca's mother's daughter. The perfect daughter whereas Becca was always viewed as the screw-up. Lisa though was really screwed up and one tragic night where alot of bad stuff went down, which as you read the book you will understand why Becca is the person she is and Lisa was killed. Becca's mother and family have always blamed Becca for her death, so Becca escaped and was exiled from the family. Years later , she met Dan who became her life saviour, best friend and confidant. Dan is always there for Becca and it makes readers wonder whether Becca and Dan will become an item sooner or later as Dan is the playboy rich boy. Where Life Takes You though is not about the romances between Becca and Dan , or the family dynamics between Becca and her family and friends. But more so this book, is the journey of Becca and how she moves past in her life through therapy and journalling etc.

[Machel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Life Takes You by Claudia Burgoa is a multi-layered love story between Becca & Dan. At first glance you think that Dan (a wealthy childhood friend that has always loved Rebecca more than in a sisterly way) is the catch with Becca's panic attacks, therapy & mean letters to her dead step sister Lisa. But what the reader soon finds out as the novel and the relationship with Dan becomes hit and miss, is Rebecca has survived a devestating teenage tragedy that has robbed her soul of allowing herself to be loved. (*Don't want to give it away.)
Where Life Takes You is a page turning drama that shines a light on abuse, neglect, and how to learn how to love yourself again. The love story between Dan and Rebecca is one to root for...but will Rebecca find the healing she needs first to learn to love herself again? Will Donna/mother (who is dying of cancer) realize her ownshortcomings? The ending is a twist but one that fits.
Engaging, sad and disturbingly real, I loved this book mainly because I loved Rebecca, enjoyed Dan & found myself glued to the hidden dark secret that reveals Rebecca's own inner struggle to feel worthy to love herself, to love and to be loved.
~A wonderful novel that felt almost like watching a movie because the character sprang to life from the first page.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

This is an incredibly well-written book that tackles some pretty dark subject matter. While I'm definitely partial to a lighter read, Claudia's writing hooked me from the start, and I raced through the book like a mystery novel, unable to rest until I uncovered everyone's secrets.

Overall I'd give the book a solid 3.5. I think ultimately I wanted more from the main characters. Dan seemed like kind of a nut by the end (like adult contemporary novel crazy, where the rich guy seems to take his wealth and protectiveness and overwhelming need to erase his lonely childhood to a somewhat creepy extreme), and although I was willing to overlook Becca's flaws on account of her past, I just never really felt like I was rooting for the way I normally want to root for a heroine to find love. Surprisingly, Tyler managed to leap off the page with a ton of redeeming qualities as a secondary character.

As others have mentioned, I was a little disappointed with the Epilogue (although not at all surprised). But to be honest, Claudia's ability to keep me addicted throughout the story has me eagerly awaiting her next book!

[Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating story! I just finished reading this and I wanted more. I need to know if these two characters will be able to deal with their demons and learn to show their affection for each other.

Dan is so controlling. His life has been so out of control in the past that once he was on his way to success all he wanted was to be able to control his surroundings. He cannot fall prey to the chaos he has experienced growing up.

Becca is just the same. She never had any control over her life. The abuse and neglect at her mother's hand did not make life any better. All her life she has had to what she can to make her circumstances bearable while not being able to control how people treated her. After all that she has been through, this book deals with her impending melt down. How will she handle it?

I love Claudia Burgoa's writing. She has the gift of expressing her prose a range of emotions that feel true to life. The sequel to this book should be coming out soon and sure don't want to miss how this story will end.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! I have read books where there was a damaged leading character but I don't think I have ever read a character with as many demons as Becca. But Becca is not as weak as you may think. She has had a terrible childhood. Starting with a mother who did not want to even have her in her sight to a step-family who made her feel like the most unlovable person in the world. But in all this darkness she has Daniel. Sweet sexy amazing Daniel. He is her best friend. He is her rock. He is her person. Becca is all grown up now and has a job she is passionate about when her "mother" gets sick and needs Becca's help. And being the strong compassionate person she is of course Becca helps. During the process she discovers just how much Dan means to her and their relationship blossoms into a beautiful love. I do not want to go into any more for fear of spoiling the story but man do I need part two like NOW!! I am so glad I was gifted a copy of this hard to put to sleep book!!!

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a story!! I read this in one sitting. Literally ignored everything around me to read this brilliant story.

My heart went out to Rebecca. She has gone through so much yet still feels she doesn't deserve happiness. Dan I just loved. One thing he did in story I wanted to shout at him. Otherwise he was the perfect alpha billionaire.

The synopsis of this book gives you a teaser of what's in store for you. There is so much more that you won't wanna stop until it's over.

Yes it ends in a cliffhanger. However I'm not going to moan about it this time as I knew it had that ending before I started.

Really hope we get book two soon so I can mend my wounded heart... Hopefully. Really need Rebecca to find some peace and happiness.

[Drue DePompei-Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book and the characters. I could have done without one scene, but I also understand its necessity and it was more a memory then actually taking place which somehow did make a difference.

- See more at: http://druesrandomchatter.blogspot.co...

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read!

I am so glad that sometimes I help out on blog tours, otherwise I would have missed out on this amazing story.

This is the first part of the story, Claudia Y Burgoa has written a brilliant piece of work.

Just read the blurb, it will pull you in. I am not going to say anymore than it was FAB

[Āwhina]

Reviewing for Kitty Kats Crazy About Books
Received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
Thank You Claudia Y. Burgoa ; )

[Lustful Literature · Rating 5 out of 5]

**JOSIE'S REVIEW**

This book was amazing! After I read the synopsis, I said wow this book looks like it’s going to be an emotional and angst packed read. The author delivered just that and I was captivated from the first page. I will warn you that you will cry, scream and feel all the injustice that Rebecca went through from the people who were supposed to love her (get some Kleenex).

This review is hard to write because it has very intense subject matters and I really do not want to spoil it for people who have not read it.

When Becca was young her mother remarried and Becca instantly had a stepfather and a sister. The problem was her mother turned away from Becca and her stepsister Lisa was an evil bi*tch. Becca was blamed for an event that happened as a teenager and everyone turned their back on her. This book goes from the present in the past, so as a reader we get to see what happened those fateful days and it is heart wrenching. This read takes place years later and the only person there for her unconditionally is Dan.

Becca’s mother is sick and because Becca is the most selfless person, instead of holding a grudge she decides to be there for her mother. Although it’s not really for her mother but for herself. The welcome she gets in awful. Even while dying this woman did not show her child any love. Donna’s husband, Greg, is just as cruel as her mother is to her (SLAP A B**TCH)

“This is how the story went, Rebecca. You were jealous of my daughter. She was beautiful. You envied her. Let me tell you one thing, you whore. I’ll make you apologize to her and to me.”

“What truth? That she was an unfit mother? That she abandoned me from day one, and never gave me a second glance? Your theory is wrong. All wrong.”

“Here is the truth, mom. I never did anything wrong for you to hate me. Lisa wasn’t your daughter. You we’re supposed to protect me, not her. And after all that, I still love you.”

Dan is supportive, patient, caring and truly the epitome for loyal. All this for a young woman who having that kind of loyalty is something she never had. He is total alpha male when it comes to Rebecca. Anyone messing with her will deal with him and him alone, including Greg, Donna and anyone who hurts her again. You are going swoon for this man (I SWER TO GOD I NEED A DAN). Dan will leave anything he doing to be there for Rebecca, including another country or in the middle of meeting.

“I’m home, baby. You’re not alone. Go to sleep and rest, crazy persistent little thing.”

“My princess, I’m sorry for leaving you. I missed you more than you can imagine. I’m going to outside with our friends for a while, but I’ll come back to you soon.”

“You touch one hair, or any other part of her body, and one will know where in the universe I buried you. Got it?”

No one believed Rebecca about what happened all those years ago, except for Dan. Slowly as the story develops, the ugly truth comes out and the people that turned their back on Rebecca start to see they made a huge mistake (I mean Tyler, stepbrother).

“I’m sorry. You called after the first time Lisa threatened you. I failed you both. Lisa needed an adult to put her in rehab. She was so young, and I didn’t do anything to help when I was old enough to take charge. Then there’s you bravely asking for help, and in exchange you received nothing.”

“I don’t see the point of revisiting the past.”

Let me in, Becca. Right or wrong, years ago we became family. I should’ve have been trying since then, but getting close to you meant dealing with our parents and my sister. Back then I didn’t see the point or care for family.”

During this time, some things are happening to Becca, as she is trying to let go of the past. Dan confesses his love to Becca and she has a hard time understanding how he could love someone as damaged as she is. As I mentioned before, Dan is total alpha male and dominates their relationship. He knows Becca loves him too, so he does what he has always done, takes control.

“No I’m lying, baby. It has everything to so with the way I feel about you. I love you, Becca. And I don’t mean the brotherly love you swear I have you. No, I have romantic feelings for you. There’s only one thing I’ve ever been a hundred percent sure about Becca. I’m in love with you.”

“Why? You can have anyone, beautiful women with.”

“I love who and what you are.”

“I love you Danny.”

So this is where I get to the end of my review. During the entire book we see Becca become stronger as she learns to deal with her past. The issue is she has always had Dan around and Dan has always been around. And Becca needs to make sure that they are together for the right reasons and not the need they both have. So guess what? It ends with a hell of an ending. Do not worry I saw that book 2, Next to You is in the works, put that baby on your TBR list, because I sure as heck did.

I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

Where Life Takes You is the first book in Claudia Y. Burgoa's Life series, and is the first book that I have ever read by her. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect with this story, but I really ended up liking it. This book was such a journey, and I feel like we have just scratched the surface. I can't wait to see what happens next for these characters and to continue where this book leaves off. This one was definitely an emotional roller coaster, and there were times that things happened that won't be for the faint of heart. There are a few violent and intense things that happen that could be triggers to some, and I would recommend proceeding with caution if that is something that affects you.

Becca Trent had a childhood where the only bright spot was her grandmother. After her grandmother died she was left with the mother that never wanted her and that she was never good enough for. Things got worse when her mother married Greg and she got a new stepbrother and stepsister. Her stepsister Lisa made her life a living hell, and took advantage of Becca's mother's hatred for Becca as well as Becca's best friend Ian. When Lisa stole Ian away from her, Becca was left with nothing. Things continued to get worse and after a few years, things took a tragic turn. Now years later, Becca has tried to move forward but she still hasn't faced her past and sees a therapist on a regular basis. She relies heavily on her best friend Dan, and he provides her with the love and sense of family that she had been missing. But when her past gets brought back to the surface, things quickly spiral out of control and Becca is left more broken than ever before. As Becca continues to struggle, her relationship with Dan seems to barely be hanging on and for the first time in awhile she starts to feel alone again. Can Becca put the past behind her and move forward once and for all? Or will she continue to lose everything she cares about, including Dan?

I will admit that I did struggle a bit with both Dan and Becca. While I liked Dan at times, I thought that he was a controlling jerk a lot of the time. I also didn't completely understand his actions, and he seemed to not really think about Becca's needs all the time. He might have thought that he was doing what was best for her, but he never asked for her input or gave her a chance to tell him what she needed. I kept waiting for him to take a bit of a step back and tone it down a little, but it just never happened. After everything that they went through he continued to take control and pretty much surround her with those that would do his bidding. Becca was vulnerable and had been through a lot, but I also thought that she was weak and a lot of things that happened were her fault. She had been dealt a bad family and childhood, but once she had grown up I felt like she made some bad choices. While I think that her friendship with Dan was a good thing and it helped her, I felt like she let Dan get away with running her life too much. I felt like she had never really stood on her own two feet or really tried. She didn't really seem to take her therapy seriously, and I felt like she should have been able to open up to someone about her past. The longer it drug on, the more respect I lost for her. I felt like she should have been able to talk to Dan and that with their honesty policy that she should have been able to trust him, especially after everything that they had been through and that he had done for her. I thought that Dan and Becca had a great foundation for a relationship and they really seemed to work well together. They were great with one another and had a lot of chemistry. But I still feel like despite what they told themselves that their communication skills needed work.

Overall, I thought that this was a good start to Becca and Dan's story and I am interested to see where this goes next. I think that the characters are interesting even if a bit frustrating, and I kept turning the pages because I had to know what would happen next. I am really curious to see if Dan and Becca can heal themselves and each other, and if they can get past everything. I think that they still have a long road ahead of them, and I hope that they both are able to finally find their happiness. I will admit that this story was a bit confusing at times though, and I found myself getting lost more than once. I think that there were too many random and inconsequential characters and it was hard to keep their names and back stories straight. I thought that most of them weren't needed and honestly it would have been better if they weren't involved at all. But beyond that I thought that this was a great beginning. If you are looking for an emotional journey of healing and love and can handle some intense and serious issues, I would recommend giving this one a try. I am looking forward to getting more from Claudia Y. Burgoa, and I can't wait to see what happens next for Becca and Dan.

**Review Copy Provided by Xpresso Book Tours**

[Ryan Snyder · Rating 3 out of 5]

between a 3.5/5 to a 3.6/5
[Sometimes the characters really dragged on me, but I would recommend to contemporary lovers with a strong heart.I do plan to read the second book. I can't wait to see Becca's progression.]

I am not entirely sure how to start this review. My emotions are all over the place regarding this book. On one hand, I greatly respect the amount of thought that went into the characters. There were deep emotional traumas and side- effects that were addressed as well as very real reactions on part of some of the characters. The ending was very interesting and I really liked the last note she wrote. It gave me hope for Becca as a character. And hope for Dan as well.

On the other hand, both Becca and Dan could be a bit much at time. Dan could be extremely overbearing and moody at times. Steamrolling Becca into things and essentially controlling her life. I equal parts hated and loved him. He was a genuinely good guy who had her best interests at heart, though. But his overreactions coupled with her extreme issues did wear on me at times. Becca has a lot of deep seated self- esteem issues and struggles everyday to get through them. She cannot let go of her traumatic past and it stops her fom coping with some things and seeing what has been right in front of her for years. She always thinks that people hate her and that she is unlovable. She is a very dark and gloomy character, but also sweet, funny, quirky, and love-able at times as well. Both of the characters have these two sides to them. I feel like I know the characters very well. Well, Becca mostly.

I love how the romantic aspect is somewhat strong, but the author takes time to focus on family and friendships as well. Becca comes a pretty good ways towards being able to live a normal life, free of guilt and despair, but she still has such a long way to go. Dan needs to take some time to reexamine the way he pressures and corrals her into doing stuff. I mean, she let him coddle her, spoil her,and run her life for years. She needed him, to. But I love how she is starting to see all the things she needs to fix in her life and making a plan to free herself from her past. I love that she realizes both her own and his shortcomings (although she is way too hard on herself. But she was created as an extremely tragic character. so. yeah.) The end of the book made me very proud of her for finally doing what she had been dancing around the middle of the book. To be honest, I thought she needed to do it a long time ago, but it is better late than never. Atta girl, Becca. Like I said, I'm very proud.

An aspect I loved about this book was the letters, emails, and texts that were sent back and forth between different characters. Their individual personalities really shone through those exchanges. Exchanges along those lines are supposed to be a large part of the next book. I am curious to see how that is handled since such a large bombshell was dropped at the end of this book. Yes, I will be reading the second half of Becca's story. I just hope the doom and gloom can be toned down a little. But I greatly enjoyed this story, so if it is as emotionally draining as this one, I will just have to man up and eat a pint of ice cream after.

I did feel for Becca for a lot of what happened to her, but I did start rolling my eyes at some of the stuff. I can understand a lot of bad crap happening to a person, but jeez, it never let up. Dan and Tyler are bright stars that shine through some of the stuff a little. Their interactions are still tinted with the deep, sad stuff though. I understand that it was written like that, though. Like I said, Becca is a seriously tragic character who has her own personal therapist to deal with her problems.

If you like contemporaries that drag on your soul, but still keep you glued and turning the pages, fearing for the emotional and mental outcome of the lead characters, then I guess this book was made for you. (: Doom and gloom is not normally my thing, but the characters won me over (despite some minor parts where a throat punch was in order.) I look forward to reading the second part and seeing Becca's and Dan's progression.


And I have a little not of my own for Becca's tormentors.

Dear Lisa and company,
You got what you deserved.
Suck it,
Ryan

[Dayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review first appeared on my blog: Book Addict 24-7

I received a copy via the author in exchange for an honest review

Where Life Takes You by Claudia Y. Burgoa is an adult contemporary novel that I was actually kind of excited to read. With a high rating, excellent reviews, and a promising premise, I expected great things from this one. But one of the big no-no's I've learned as a reviewer is to not put too many expectations behind a book. Though I received this book for reviewing purposes (thank you, Claudia), I can't say that I liked it. If you do get the chance to read this, be prepared for the drama, the over-the-top characters, and an ending so ridiculous that you'll wonder why you read the book in the first place.

The reason why I'm not giving this a one star rating is because Rebecca, the protagonist, faces so many dramatic moments that it was entertaining in how much of a disaster it was. I couldn't put it down, just like you sometimes can't look away from something that you know isn't all that good for you. I'm not a fan of writing these kinds of reviews, but bear with me.

Let's discuss the characters. There are so many characters that it's kind of hard to differentiate them. The main issue however, is Dan, Rebecca's best friend. This man is the kind of guy that controls everything you do, say, and think and will still justify it as a way of loving, protecting, and taking care of you. I give props to Rebecca for telling him off regarding his protective stance, but take the props back when she immediately regrets it and misses his controlling nature. There are just so many issues with Dan's character that I just couldn't even deal with him. He listens in on her conversations, makes decisions for her, uses money to control those around her, and even tells her what to do at work. Yeah, no thank you.

Rebecca herself is a pretty weakly written character. She let's everyone walk all over her and when she does grow a spine, it immediately disappears since she can't deal with the consequences of standing up for herself.

The other minor characters that enter into Rebecca's life are also unbelievably cruel. I have honestly never seen such horrendous characters. Openly insulting Rebecca in front of others, undermining her to her face, and being all around ridiculous--these are just a few of the things these characters do. The cruelty is to such a level that it makes me wonder if this book is testing just how dramatic people can be.

The dialogue is also frustrating. Almost everyone calls Rebecca "baby" and Dan calls her "Little One". Um, does anyone else see this as incredibly condescending? Every time he called her this, I wanted to say something incredibly rude to him (you know, if he was real.)

This book, in all honesty, offers no closure. Yes, there's a second book, but I'm not going to be reading it. It could have easily ended after just one book, but that conclusion left me more mad and annoyed than anything else that had to do with this book. I lost sleep over this, hoping that after all of her struggling in such a cruel world, Rebecca would finally be aware that she has people around her who care about her, but nope. Silly me for wanting something undramatic about this book.

The issues raised in this book (abuse, in all its forms, and depression) are important ones that should always be approached with care because there are so many readers that can relate. I actually felt bad for Rebecca when she finally shared her experiences, but I found that this book just made everything way too dramatic.

I think I'm still stuck on the conclusion of this novel and just can't get over this whole thing.

If you like drama, controlling men, and verbal abuse towards the protagonist then you'll like this one. However, I'm hoping that I don't encounter something like this again. I'm not a big fan of female protagonists being treated as toys and seeing other characters act out because the author wants the protagonist to be viewed as the victim. There are other, less dramatic ways of going about this.

[Vanya D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOTE: I received a copy from the author via Xpresso Book Tours. This is my honest review.

WARNING:
I need to say this up front, so whoever's reading the review now, could decide if they want to keep on reading. This book contains mature scenes, and scenes of sexual abuse. Be warned that I wouldn't recommend it for readers younger than 18, or such with soft hearts. If you identify yourself with one of those categories of readers, please move onto something else. Otherwise, continue - you will probably enjoy the book as much as I did. Thanks!


From the moment I read the synopsis ages ago, I was hooked. Too bad I'd forgotten which book the synopsis belonged to. It took me a while to figure it out, but finally - finally I did, and I read Where Life Takes You in almost one sitting. I was extremely pleased with how it clenched my heart and even now won't let go until I get my hands on book two - Next To You.

Burgoa has done an amazing job writing a beautiful story with realistic characters who had to deal with life any way they could.

Writing style:
Intoxicating, to be honest. It grabbed me from the very first page and I couldn't make myself put it down. Such a narrative isn't very easy to find.

Story line:
One thing I want to say as a start - this book is not a cliche that you've read 100 times before. There's no story like this one that I've read in the past, so it's safe to say it's original. Yet, it's got everything to make it a great, fulfilling story. It has love and passion, it has misery, doubt, pain. It's got real life drama that will hook you up.

Themes:
-Parental neglect and hatred and how a child can cope with them
-Bullying, in its worst form
-Rape and how it lives on in the mind of the victim
-Love, that (perhaps) can conquer all
-Friendships that are strong enough to keep you going even in the darkest times

Characters:
In the beginning, Becca appeared to be just a normal girl. Sure, she had some mediocre problems, and we learned a little about her not-so-pink past, but it's no biggie. Then things started to clear out and page after intoxicating page, we're plunged into the life of a young woman who was so broken inside, she had no idea if she could ever be mended and become whole again. Her past has never been butterflies and flowers. She's been neglected and hated by her mother, terrorized by her step-sister and her former best friend. She has been traumatized on so many levels, I honestly couldn't believe that she was still standing and fighting.
Becca was one incredibly brave girl, even though sometimes it appeared like she just allowed others to take charge. She put one foot in front of the other and kept going, because she was a survivor.

Daniel was Becca's best friend, even though it's completely obvious to the reader that he is actually in love with her. Honestly, he was a little overbearing at times. I thought he was ridiculous with how he ordered everyone around, like he owned the world (and yup, he was filthy rich). But then I actually analyzed the situation, and I realized that Daniel was the super glue that held Becca together. He was like a pillar to hold her up. He gave everything he could to keep her fighting her battles, to make her want to survive. He was bossy because it seemed that she needed that kind of person in her life.

Tyler, Becca's step-brother was a guy with a good heart and a conscience. In the past, he'd made mistakes that made Becca's life turn into an even lower level of hell. Not intentionally of course, but he felt guilty that he hadn't acted on his real sister Lisa's threats as he should have. In the present, he protected Becca and was the big brother that she actually needed. I was happy those two stitched their relationship.

The Lisa chick was insane to the tips of her hair. I could not believe everything that she'd put Becca through. She obviously should've gotten some medical/psychological attention after her mom's suicide.

In conclusion
Where Life Takes You sure is a ride with so many ups and downs, it's hard to count them. It made my heart racing and if you give it a chance, I'm sure it will captivate you too.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review here: http://laurainbookland.blogspot.com/2...

I need the second book in my life. Right now. That should tell you how much I enjoyed this book. I don’t really pick up “new adult” books because I feel they are mostly just romance novels but the synopsis of this book really called to me so I went ahead and requested it. I am so glad that I did. I have not wanted to not put a book down in a while. I did not want to put this book down.

The main characters name is Rebecca Trent. She has major relationship problems because of how she was treated when she was younger. She grew up with her mother, a horrible woman who couldn’t have cared any less for her. Then when her mother got remarried to a man with a daughter of his own, Lisa, she was instantly replaced. Her mother continued to not care about her but Lisa decided that she was going to torture her. She took Ian, Rebecca’s boyfriend, and completely changed him. Everything in Rebecca’s life was going downhill. Then one day Ian did something he would completely regret and that started a chain reaction that ended in his and Lisa’s death. Rebecca is still dealing with Lisa’s effect on her life.

Dan is Lisa’s fortress. He is a major business man with connections everywhere and can pretty much start a business whenever he feels like. He has assistants, body guards, and private planes. He owns an entire floor on a building he owned for an apartment for himself and one for Rebecca. He pulled Rebecca out of the life she was in and as far away from the people she hated. They owned a non-for-profit organization and according to Rebecca, they were like brother and sister. Dan’s only downfall is that he is extremely protective. At times it’s almost overbearing. Being the big business man he is, he is often seen in tabloids and has major media attention, so he is insistent on Rebecca’s safety.

I really enjoyed the writing in this book, although I did find a few grammatical errors. Other than that it was good. You only get one point of view with this book, which worked out perfectly. There are flashbacks scattered throughout and also some journal letters that she is supposed to write to Lisa for counseling. You can see Rebecca grow as a person through those letters. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. Without adding spoilers, she is very dependent on Dan. In order to really grow and overcome what has happened in her past and change her outlook mentally, she must become her own person.

There is definitely major growth with Dan and Rebecca’s relationship. I absolutely loved their interactions together. Especially more towards the end of the book. Although he does tend to call her “Little one” which was sort of weird. Especially at a couple scenes in the end. I could see how some people would call him a little possessive, which he definitely was, but that was the type of person Lisa needed in her life. I don’t think he ever stepped over any boundaries, and most of the time it was for things that Lisa needed to do, but wouldn’t.

The ended was a shocker. I really didn’t see that coming at all, and that’s why I need the next book. I highly recommend this book. Especially if this is your first NA book or if you have given up on NA like I know some people have. You should still give this book a go. Already like NA? Then you have no excuse not to read it!

*This book was provided for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Sorcha O'Dowd · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an emotional roller coaster! Such an incredible story and so much to take in that I'm erring between 4 and 5 stars so my rating may change. Full review to follow soon.

Edit: full review

It’s taken me a while to put together my thoughts about this really incredible story. It’s a real emotional rollercoaster which I know many readers will not be able to stop thinking about long after they turn the last page. I love these psychological reads, and am awestruck by how well Claudia Burgoa delivered such a poignant, heartbreaking and truly captivating read.

I loved the characters that we were introduced to, and how each and every one had a huge impact on the person that Becca had become, the person she desperately wanted to leave in the past, and the person she wanted to become in the future. The diary scenes in which we read of Becca’s past and the emotional trauma she suffered through the hands of her step-sister, which has shaped the person she became later in life, made my hairs stand up on end. The blunt writing style in which Becca writes to her step-sister Lisa, not afraid to admit that the pain and anguish she had inflicted on her had made her half the person she could have been. It was psychologically captivating and I applaud the author for her intense writing style which made these parts of the chapters so memorable and praying on my mind as a reader many days after I finished the book.

Dan’s character was a real winner, and his devotion to Becca and his need to give her everything she could wish for broke my heart. Whilst Becca loved and appreciated Dan, I knew that she wouldn’t be able to give her whole heart to him fully until she learned to love herself after the trauma of her past. I felt devastated for her when we hear the full story of what happened to her at the hands of her step-sister, and how even those she loved the most betrayed her when it came down to a choice between her and Lisa. The way this left psychological scars on Becca was portrayed to perfection, and I felt angry at certain characters from Becca’s past, namely ex-boyfriend Ian who left her for Lisa, for making her feel guilt for things that were not her fault.

The ending was bittersweet, and whilst I normally cry when I don’t get my happy ending, with this book I knew that this ending was the best for all the characters. I knew that Becca could only give her heart to Dan when she let her heart be whole, and not cracked and stained from her traumatic past, and I felt content in the knowledge that Dan would not move on to another relationship easily, despite Becca encouraging him to do so. I felt sure that Dan would wait for Becca to find herself and they could finally get their happy ending (I hear that there will be a second book in this series, so I’d like to see if I’m right).

I erred between giving this book 4 and 5 stars, so I’ve decided upon 4.5. The only reason for this is because there were a few inconsistencies in the earlier parts of the book which had me a little confused, such as Becca saying that her step-brother hated her despite them having made up when they saw each other over the holidays. But even with a few minor things like that, I absolutely adored this book and can’t wait to see how Becca and Dan’s story continues in the next book.

4.5 Stars!

[dearrivarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars
Initial Reaction: I knew it, I knew this was going to happen! But why????? I waited so long for Becca and Dan to have their happy ending, they deserve it more than anything! GIMME THE SECOND BOOK NOW!! (please)

Full Review:
Where Life Takes You is a beautiful and moving story that follows Becca Trent. As a child, she lived in a mortal hell, ignored by her mother and horribly tormented by her step sister. Years down the road, she still suffers from nightmares of the past. Becca would have essentially fallen apart if it hadn't been for Daniel. He was her savior in her dark moments, her family when her real family abandoned her, and her best friend. When her life seems to finally be stable, someone from her past walks in and with him, the past comes back to life.

This book had the absolute cutest friendship ever. Becca and Dan have a beautiful and touching relationship with him being her shield from the rest of the world. On Fridays, they curl up together on the sofa to watch movies, eat delicious food and tons of chocolate and ice cream. It's a tradition and it would go on forever. They had just such an amazing relationship, my heart swell up so much I think it might have burst. I loved Becca and Dan and together, they were amazing.

Becca has had an emotional past. Her mother got knocked up by a man who disappeared and spends her waking moments tormenting and downgrading Becca. She remarries a man named Greg who brings two children into the family: Tyler, who isn't around much and Lisa, Becca's personal hell. Years down the road, Becca still gets nightmares and the only thing or person who can take away those nightmares is Dan.

Dan is simply amazing. He's everything that Becca needs, a savior, a knight in shining armor, her best friend, her family. I didn't exactly approve of his separation decision when Becca broke her leg, but he is still the most amazing best friend ever. He understands Becca like no one else does, he was there for her whenever she needed him, and again, while I don't 100% approve of his decision, it taught Becca to not be as reliant on him as she once was. While with Becca we get a full scope of her dark family past, we don't get much about Daniel other then the fact that he jumped from foster family to foster family before rising up and becoming one of the richest men on planet earth.

The ending right about tore my heart out. I expected it, heck I knew it was coming, but in no way was I prepared for it at all. I already went out and bought the second book which came out on July 1 and I can't wait to read it. I'm probably going to pick up right after I finish writing this review, I need to know what happens. The characters in this story are so beautiful and so real that you become so attached to them and you basically feel their every emotion. Essentially, they become a part of you. So you've been warned, the book is full of feels and emotions, and be prepared for the gigantic bomb of an ending! :)

Read my reviews at:
https://extreemeobsessed.blogspot.com

[Rhea · Rating 3 out of 5]

You see, I’m setting you free because I love you. Who knows where life will take you. There’s the sad possibility that when I come back, you’ll be happy with someone else. But I’ll be happy if you are. You deserve better than me. A messed up woman who can’t fend for herself. I need to break the codependency and find myself.

Where Life Takes You is a heartbreaking read about a woman that’s lost too much. Although, sometimes, it feels like Rebecca Trent had nothing to start with. She was born to a mother who hated her. What’s more is that the daily taunts got to her. When everyday of your life you only hear how inadequate you are and how you aren’t loved, it changes the way you think, the perception you have of yourself.

I found myself completely empathizing with Rebecca. I couldn’t even start to comprehend how traumatic her childhood was, especially when her mother remarried and she gained a step-brother and step-sister in the process.

Lisa, her step-sister, hated Rebecca from the very beginning with no apparent reason why. And she slowly took over Rebecca’s life starting with her mother and then her best friend Ian. She introduced him to the world of sex and drugs and took him to a place where Rebecca couldn’t reach him.

Then a horrible tragedy strikes and Rebecca is never the same again.

Daniel is her rock throughout her adulthood. She might have moved away from her parents but she’s damaged and rightfully so. In the beginning of the book, their interactions seemed to me as if they were already dating what with him calling her “baby” and kissing her forehead all the time and just the way he was with her. Dan reminds me a lot of Christian Grey. Not the BDSM of course, but the sense of suffocating and overbearingness that even Rebecca cringes away from. It’s what seems to be the latest fad in NA Fiction. Overbearing, overprotective, highly rich, gorgeous CEO loving the fuck out of his damaged heroine. Sigh.

But this story has a soul and I loved the fact that I get to be a part of Rebecca’s healing process.

There are a few things that did bother me, though. For example, there were too many characters in the book. I don’t know if that’s ever posed a problem for you guys out there, but this a Major issue in this book. Too many characters and very less reason for them to be there. So yeah. There’s that.

Then the problem of too much happening in too little time. They’re here one minute, in Aspen the next and then back here. Too much, too soon. It isn’t like you’ll be confused as to what is happening when, it’s just that many a times, I found myself lost in the flurry of activity and had to turn back a few (virtual) pages to see the context and locations. Other than that, I have no qualms about the book. The ending is a bit sad and Dan is going to be heartbroken but as far as I know there IS a sequel and I can’t wait!

Find this review and more at Rhea's Neon Journal.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book to give an honest review. This book is suitable for ages 18+ some scenes are graphic. Rating 4.5.

I honestly did not know what to think of this book. It was an emotional roller coaster you were up and down with Becca. Becca is a damaged woman now, her childhood was not one that was all rainbows and butterflies. But hell especially once her mom remarries to Greg and his two kids come into the picture. It seems that Lisa who is the daughter of Greg has decided to torture Becca. Even though Becca reaches out to people to help her when Lisa goes into her torturous ways no one seemed to care or want to help her out.
Now Becca has a successful job and works with her best friend Dan. He is caring but very protective of Becca. With Where Life Takes You we see how Becca confronts her demons and maybe find true love.
It was a heartbreaking read when we re-hash with Becca what she went through with her childhood friend Ian and Lisa, it was like my heart dropped multiple times. Thank goodness she had Dan who helps keep the nightmares away.
Now Dan was a character that I liked but then it seemed he became to possessive of Becca, that it was kind of bothersome. I could understand why he was but it just seemed to be too much.
Now towards the end there is talk of a wedding which is great to hear especially with all the tragedy that Becca has had happen in her life, but Becca wasn't even planning anything. Everything seemed to be picked out and she found this to be okay? That was just weird to me.
The ending now that is something I didn't see coming and I actually went back to re-read to make sure I didn't miss anything. I really want to get my hands on book two, because I want to know if Becca and Dan will get the HEA or will the be going their separate ways.

Now the reason I am giving this book a 4.5 rating is first the characters. Even though I knew the characters at first I was a bit confused as to who was who and I don't like that in a book. I like to know who each character is once they are brought up.
Second, there was a part where Becca and Dan are in the airplane and then she falls asleep and Dan carries her to the bedroom. But when when she becomes fully awake they are in the airplane, that didn't quite make sense to me.
Third, it made me a bit upset that Becca didn't get answers as to why her mother hated her so much. I figured at the end there would have been a letter discovered or Greg would finally tell her why even though he doesn't like her either. Even though it doesn't make the story I felt as though I needed that answer what exactly was the hatred for Becca by her mother.