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Going the Distance #1
Random
New Adult Romance
Life is random…
19-year-old Jess Donovan knows better than most that life is random. Her mom is dead, and she’s on her own, patching together a living as a waitress when a car crashes through the restaurant where she works. In two seconds, she loses her job, watches her best friend hauled away in an ambulance…and meets Tyler Smith, one of the hottest, most fascinating—and mysterious guys she’s ever met.
Both for the good and the bad…
Within days, Jess is swept up into the mesmerizing force that is Tyler. Their every touch sizzles, every kiss dissolves them both, and the sex is…fierce. But there’s more to Tyler than his hypnotic eyes. He’s adrift, too, and his body—and his soul—are covered with scars. How can she find herself with a guy who is lost himself?
Until you take charge….
Jess is determined to find her way, and make a life that is better than the one she was given. But how?
Life is random…
19-year-old Jess Donovan knows better than most that life is random. Her mom is dead, and she’s on her own, patching together a living as a waitress when a car crashes through the restaurant where she works. In two seconds, she loses her job, watches her best friend hauled away in an ambulance…and meets Tyler Smith, one of the hottest, most fascinating—and mysterious guys she’s ever met.
Both for the good and the bad…
Within days, Jess is swept up into the mesmerizing force that is Tyler. Their every touch sizzles, every kiss dissolves them both, and the sex is…fierce. But there’s more to Tyler than his hypnotic eyes. He’s adrift, too, and his body—and his soul—are covered with scars. How can she find herself with a guy who is lost himself?
Until you take charge….
Jess is determined to find her way, and make a life that is better than the one she was given. But how?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2013
84 people are currently reading
1336 people want to read
About the author
Lark O'Neal
20 books63 followersLark O’Neal has waited tables, dispensed drugs to schizophrenics, loaded trucks, answered phones in a call center and tended bar, but the only thing she ever really wanted was to write novels. She writes new adult contemporary romance and paranormal young adult.
As a noted romance and women's fiction writers, she has won many awards for her books, and writes full time from Colorado.
Going the Distance series:
Random, November '13
Stoked, February '14
Epic, August 28, 2014
Brilliant, Winter, 14
The OtherLands Chronicles, a series of novellas
Mirror, April '14
Echo, May '14
#3 , June '14
#4-9 coming in 2014
As a noted romance and women's fiction writers, she has won many awards for her books, and writes full time from Colorado.
Going the Distance series:
Random, November '13
Stoked, February '14
Epic, August 28, 2014
Brilliant, Winter, 14
The OtherLands Chronicles, a series of novellas
Mirror, April '14
Echo, May '14
#3 , June '14
#4-9 coming in 2014
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
February 8, 2014
This was good. I kept my attention but not to the point that I was devouring it.
My biggest complaint was how we found out about Tyler's secret. It was a "oh, by the way..." and it was briefly mentioned after that but nothing was explained.
Oh, and while there is an ending, it could also be called a TBC ending because there's a second book coming out.
I'm hoping there will be more information in the second book. Because not only do I want to know more about Tyler's past, I want to know the secrets that Jess's parents are keeping.
My biggest complaint was how we found out about Tyler's secret. It was a "oh, by the way..." and it was briefly mentioned after that but nothing was explained.
Oh, and while there is an ending, it could also be called a TBC ending because there's a second book coming out.
I'm hoping there will be more information in the second book. Because not only do I want to know more about Tyler's past, I want to know the secrets that Jess's parents are keeping.
December 6, 2013
Barbara O'Neal is unashamedly my favourite author so when I discovered she was writing my new adult novels, I snapped this one up.
Admittedly, I was curious.
Would her lush, evocative prose transfer across to NA?
In a word? WOW. Did it ever!
Random is a beautifully written novel that kept me turning pages to keep up with the developing romance between Jess and Tyler.
And I definitely didn't see the twist at the end coming!
Can't wait for the sequel.
Admittedly, I was curious.
Would her lush, evocative prose transfer across to NA?
In a word? WOW. Did it ever!
Random is a beautifully written novel that kept me turning pages to keep up with the developing romance between Jess and Tyler.
And I definitely didn't see the twist at the end coming!
Can't wait for the sequel.
November 13, 2013
4.5 stars
Jess has had to deal with a lot of random things happening in her life. Her mom leaves her dad when she's six and Jess never sees him again, her mom is killed by a falling icicle and now...a car has crashed through the restaurant she is waiting tables at killing her cash flow.
Tyler has had to deal with a lot himself. A "rich kid", he has abandoned his old life and stared a new one as an artist/painter. When he meets Jess, he instantly knows that she is different, and their meeting isn't random.
Between crazy exes, family problems and heavy rainstorms, Jess and Tyler have a lot of random to deal with. Through it all, they can't help falling for each other fast. With everything that is going on Jess has a lot of doubts and when the truth about Tyler comes out, Jess has to decide if she can handle it and risk her heart.
Random things happen to everybody, but what really counts is how you manage them.
I genuinely liked this story. It is different and there is a lot of drama but the characters are real and very like able. Jess and Tyler both have major issues and it is interesting to see them try to work them out together. They both have challenges with exes, Jess's ex is a real nightmare and both have family issues. The chemistry between these two is off the charts from the start and the sex scenes are well written and hot.
My thoughts:
Character development: 4.5
Level of Romance between characters: 4.5
Passion/Heat level: 5(chemistry between these two is immediate from the first chapter but because of the story elements they don't hook up right away...it doesn't take long though)
Angst/Heartbreak: 4 (these two have all kinds of obstacles in their way)
Cliffhanger?: Big one....and the reason why this isn't a five star for me.
Overall, I loved it and will be anxiously awaiting what is next for Jess and Tyler and to get answers to a few questions that were left hanging. Would have been a 5 star for me if not for the cliffhanger.
I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Jess has had to deal with a lot of random things happening in her life. Her mom leaves her dad when she's six and Jess never sees him again, her mom is killed by a falling icicle and now...a car has crashed through the restaurant she is waiting tables at killing her cash flow.
Tyler has had to deal with a lot himself. A "rich kid", he has abandoned his old life and stared a new one as an artist/painter. When he meets Jess, he instantly knows that she is different, and their meeting isn't random.
Between crazy exes, family problems and heavy rainstorms, Jess and Tyler have a lot of random to deal with. Through it all, they can't help falling for each other fast. With everything that is going on Jess has a lot of doubts and when the truth about Tyler comes out, Jess has to decide if she can handle it and risk her heart.
Random things happen to everybody, but what really counts is how you manage them.
I genuinely liked this story. It is different and there is a lot of drama but the characters are real and very like able. Jess and Tyler both have major issues and it is interesting to see them try to work them out together. They both have challenges with exes, Jess's ex is a real nightmare and both have family issues. The chemistry between these two is off the charts from the start and the sex scenes are well written and hot.
My thoughts:
Character development: 4.5
Level of Romance between characters: 4.5
Passion/Heat level: 5(chemistry between these two is immediate from the first chapter but because of the story elements they don't hook up right away...it doesn't take long though)
Angst/Heartbreak: 4 (these two have all kinds of obstacles in their way)
Cliffhanger?: Big one....and the reason why this isn't a five star for me.
Overall, I loved it and will be anxiously awaiting what is next for Jess and Tyler and to get answers to a few questions that were left hanging. Would have been a 5 star for me if not for the cliffhanger.
I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2017
I wasn't expecting much from Random. Romance novels with synopses about struggling, young heroines; tortured, athletic heroes; and meet-cutes, even of the 'random' and not so cute kind are ten a penny and, I'm sorry to say, I have read a lot of decidedly mediocre ones.
I was pleasantly surprised.
I loved the characters - especially Henry, who is a total sweetheart, but with Electra a close second - and the heroine is kick-ass. And by kick-ass, I mean she is self-reliant, but not to a fault and stands up for herself beautifully. 'He frowns. “You’re not seeing him, are you?”“No.” With some exasperation, I pull his hands from his face. “I wouldn’t do that. When you’re jealous like that, you’re not giving me any credit. When you kick his ass after I tell you I’ve got it under control, you’re not giving me enough respect.” I pause and swallow. “When you humiliate me over sexual stuff that you started, it really hurts me.”' She is also brave.* Oh, and feels embarrassed by her ex's poor spelling.
The hero and heroine both love books and read each other poetry. He has poems and quotes that mean a lot to him tattooed onto his skin and when he shows up at her house with a book he wants to share with her... total swoon moment! Let's be real here - this is Goodreads. We love books here and it doesn't get much better than a book about people who love books.
Random has some lovely phrasing, without becoming saccharine or overtly flowery.
'He’s a little crazy—it just has to be said. I think he was always eccentric, but he loved my mom like she was ice cream and sunshine and music and Fourth of July all wrapped up in one package. When she died, he slipped over the edge. It’s a kind-crazy, an artist-crazy, as beautiful as it is exasperating.'
'"I know you don’t want too much clutter, but I wanted you to have something I made.” He dives his hands into his overall pockets. “Just…well, for love, I guess.”'
'A thousand moments press into me all at once—and I’m hungry and tired and full of too much love, thinking of his mouth and his laugh and the tattoos on his body that I haven’t yet read.'
'because you look like something out of an illustrated book of fairy tales, and because I can’t stop thinking about you in my bed, and because I want to paint you, and—” he looks at me soberly “—because you are an old, old soul and I think I’ve known you in a lot of lives.”'
But you know what I liked most about Random? At the end, the author encourages you to write a review whether or not you liked the book. This is exactly what I like to see. There have been so many cases lately of 'authors behaving badly' that - although, yes, all stories have two sides - it's so nice to see one who encourages honest reviews, not just positive ones.
*See her relationship with her birth father.
I was pleasantly surprised.
I loved the characters - especially Henry, who is a total sweetheart, but with Electra a close second - and the heroine is kick-ass. And by kick-ass, I mean she is self-reliant, but not to a fault and stands up for herself beautifully. 'He frowns. “You’re not seeing him, are you?”“No.” With some exasperation, I pull his hands from his face. “I wouldn’t do that. When you’re jealous like that, you’re not giving me any credit. When you kick his ass after I tell you I’ve got it under control, you’re not giving me enough respect.” I pause and swallow. “When you humiliate me over sexual stuff that you started, it really hurts me.”' She is also brave.* Oh, and feels embarrassed by her ex's poor spelling.
The hero and heroine both love books and read each other poetry. He has poems and quotes that mean a lot to him tattooed onto his skin and when he shows up at her house with a book he wants to share with her... total swoon moment! Let's be real here - this is Goodreads. We love books here and it doesn't get much better than a book about people who love books.
Random has some lovely phrasing, without becoming saccharine or overtly flowery.
'He’s a little crazy—it just has to be said. I think he was always eccentric, but he loved my mom like she was ice cream and sunshine and music and Fourth of July all wrapped up in one package. When she died, he slipped over the edge. It’s a kind-crazy, an artist-crazy, as beautiful as it is exasperating.'
'"I know you don’t want too much clutter, but I wanted you to have something I made.” He dives his hands into his overall pockets. “Just…well, for love, I guess.”'
'A thousand moments press into me all at once—and I’m hungry and tired and full of too much love, thinking of his mouth and his laugh and the tattoos on his body that I haven’t yet read.'
'because you look like something out of an illustrated book of fairy tales, and because I can’t stop thinking about you in my bed, and because I want to paint you, and—” he looks at me soberly “—because you are an old, old soul and I think I’ve known you in a lot of lives.”'
But you know what I liked most about Random? At the end, the author encourages you to write a review whether or not you liked the book. This is exactly what I like to see. There have been so many cases lately of 'authors behaving badly' that - although, yes, all stories have two sides - it's so nice to see one who encourages honest reviews, not just positive ones.
*See her relationship with her birth father.
November 19, 2013
3.5 Stars
I had mixed feelings about Lark O’Neal’s Random. I had a hard time giving this book 3.5, I wanted to give it more because I liked the premise, the story, and the characters, but…well, let’s just dive in.
What I liked and found to be the 5-star aspects?
The writing! The stream-of-consciousness style Lark implements was unique, rarely seen, and added to feeling like a part of the story. Written in first person of Jess, we get a sense of who she is, her personality, and her reactions to life. As a nineteen-year old, living on her own, the stream-of-consciousness writing is realistic to what really goes on in the mind of someone in this place in life.
Tyler won me over instantly; sweet, helpful, gorgeous, yet incredibly troubled. No matter what happened, what he said or how he reacted, I wanted him to win Jess over.
All of the other characters add to the complexity of the story as well as to Jess and Tyler’s relationship.
I may be biased, but my other favorite aspect is the setting in Manitou Springs/ Colorado Springs (yup, Colorado native-ish, right here)
Why I didn’t give it a 5-star review?
It seemed all over the place in several events, jumping from one thing to the next pretty quickly without much closure (if any) from what was happening before.
I didn’t feel some spots got as in-depth as they could have and as I would have liked.
And finally, more grammatical errors than should present.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story of Jess and Tyler and I am excited to see what happens with them individually and together in book 2.
(I received an ARC from the author via NetGalley for my review and this is my honest-to-goodness, straight from the heart review!)
www.caretocommentanne.blogspot.com For more book reviews
I had mixed feelings about Lark O’Neal’s Random. I had a hard time giving this book 3.5, I wanted to give it more because I liked the premise, the story, and the characters, but…well, let’s just dive in.
What I liked and found to be the 5-star aspects?
The writing! The stream-of-consciousness style Lark implements was unique, rarely seen, and added to feeling like a part of the story. Written in first person of Jess, we get a sense of who she is, her personality, and her reactions to life. As a nineteen-year old, living on her own, the stream-of-consciousness writing is realistic to what really goes on in the mind of someone in this place in life.
Tyler won me over instantly; sweet, helpful, gorgeous, yet incredibly troubled. No matter what happened, what he said or how he reacted, I wanted him to win Jess over.
All of the other characters add to the complexity of the story as well as to Jess and Tyler’s relationship.
I may be biased, but my other favorite aspect is the setting in Manitou Springs/ Colorado Springs (yup, Colorado native-ish, right here)
Why I didn’t give it a 5-star review?
It seemed all over the place in several events, jumping from one thing to the next pretty quickly without much closure (if any) from what was happening before.
I didn’t feel some spots got as in-depth as they could have and as I would have liked.
And finally, more grammatical errors than should present.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story of Jess and Tyler and I am excited to see what happens with them individually and together in book 2.
(I received an ARC from the author via NetGalley for my review and this is my honest-to-goodness, straight from the heart review!)
www.caretocommentanne.blogspot.com For more book reviews
November 2, 2013
ARC kindly supplied by the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review
Not actually sure what to say about this book, but I'll try.
It's a very well written Young Adult story about 19 year old Jess. It wasn't until I'd actually finished the book that I realised that it was "Book 1" so I am hoping that Book 2 will tie up all of the ends, cross the "T"s and dot the "I"s because right now, 10 minutes after finishing the book I'm feeling rather confused.
It didn't exactly end on a cliffhanger but neither is it, at least in my opinion, a stand-alone story. Quite honestly the title "Random" not only sums up everything that's happening to, and around, Jess but all the book itself. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it - I think - but there just seemed to be too many things happening and too many questions that do not get answered that at times it felt like the book was a roller-coaster going at an uncontrollable speed from the highs in Jess's life to the crashing lows, over and over again.
Having said all of that, I think I did enjoy it and I liked Jess. I want to find out all of the answers and so, yes, I will be reading Book 2 when it comes out.
Not actually sure what to say about this book, but I'll try.
It's a very well written Young Adult story about 19 year old Jess. It wasn't until I'd actually finished the book that I realised that it was "Book 1" so I am hoping that Book 2 will tie up all of the ends, cross the "T"s and dot the "I"s because right now, 10 minutes after finishing the book I'm feeling rather confused.
It didn't exactly end on a cliffhanger but neither is it, at least in my opinion, a stand-alone story. Quite honestly the title "Random" not only sums up everything that's happening to, and around, Jess but all the book itself. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it - I think - but there just seemed to be too many things happening and too many questions that do not get answered that at times it felt like the book was a roller-coaster going at an uncontrollable speed from the highs in Jess's life to the crashing lows, over and over again.
Having said all of that, I think I did enjoy it and I liked Jess. I want to find out all of the answers and so, yes, I will be reading Book 2 when it comes out.
October 26, 2014
I really enjoyed this book.
I liked Jess as a character, though sometimes I think her naivete was a bit overdone. She seemed truly honest, if a little oblivious. I liked the mystery of her family history and father.
The secondary characters added depth to the story, especially Electra, who quickly became my favorite character.
This book explored some sensitive topics including rape and domestic violence. While everyone handles these issues differently, I think that the repercussions might have been glossed over in favor of the romance.
Overall, I was intrigued enough to finish this book in one sitting and continue with the series. It's a solid, enjoyable NA romance.
**Also, I REALLY like the new cover. Had this old cover shown up in the Book Bub email I probably never would've picked it up. Don't let this old cover fool you!! This book is worth reading!
I liked Jess as a character, though sometimes I think her naivete was a bit overdone. She seemed truly honest, if a little oblivious. I liked the mystery of her family history and father.
The secondary characters added depth to the story, especially Electra, who quickly became my favorite character.
This book explored some sensitive topics including rape and domestic violence. While everyone handles these issues differently, I think that the repercussions might have been glossed over in favor of the romance.
Overall, I was intrigued enough to finish this book in one sitting and continue with the series. It's a solid, enjoyable NA romance.
**Also, I REALLY like the new cover. Had this old cover shown up in the Book Bub email I probably never would've picked it up. Don't let this old cover fool you!! This book is worth reading!
February 28, 2016
Life is random...
19-year-old Jess Donovan knows better than most that life is random. Her mom is dead, and she's on her own, patching together a living as a waitress when a car crashes through the restaurant where she works. In two seconds, she loses her job, watches her best friend hauled away in an ambulance...and meets Tyler Smith, one of the hottest, most fascinating--and mysterious guys she's ever met.
Both for the good and the bad...
Within days, Jess is swept up into the mesmerizing force that is Tyler. Their every touch sizzles, every kiss dissolves them both, and the sex is...fierce. But there's more to Tyler than his hypnotic eyes. He's adrift, too, and his body--and his soul--are covered with scars. How can she find herself with a guy who is lost himself?
Until you take charge....
Jess is determined to find her way, and make a life that is better than the one she was given. But how?
My Review:
19 year old sex and relationships aren't something I'd describe as fierce... I think its because I'm past the age when intimate and sexual relationships between teenagers aren't that appealing to me anymore. The story is written well but I wasn't really satisfied with the "big reveal" since it built up to a fairly flat way of coming out with it.
The characters were great, I liked them both for their personalities which stood out the most to me which was upsetting because this story has so much potential that I don't think the author really gave them enough credit or page time for how good they could be. Which also ties in with how short the story itself is. As a short story its good but it has a lot of potential to be so much more. I don't think it really necessary that the book needed to be cut up into multiple novellas when the author could have written a full novel out of this one. Still I thought Random was a good read. I hope the author does more with it in the near future.
My Rating:
Reviewed By:
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Note: I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from the author
19-year-old Jess Donovan knows better than most that life is random. Her mom is dead, and she's on her own, patching together a living as a waitress when a car crashes through the restaurant where she works. In two seconds, she loses her job, watches her best friend hauled away in an ambulance...and meets Tyler Smith, one of the hottest, most fascinating--and mysterious guys she's ever met.
Both for the good and the bad...
Within days, Jess is swept up into the mesmerizing force that is Tyler. Their every touch sizzles, every kiss dissolves them both, and the sex is...fierce. But there's more to Tyler than his hypnotic eyes. He's adrift, too, and his body--and his soul--are covered with scars. How can she find herself with a guy who is lost himself?
Until you take charge....
Jess is determined to find her way, and make a life that is better than the one she was given. But how?
My Review:
19 year old sex and relationships aren't something I'd describe as fierce... I think its because I'm past the age when intimate and sexual relationships between teenagers aren't that appealing to me anymore. The story is written well but I wasn't really satisfied with the "big reveal" since it built up to a fairly flat way of coming out with it.
The characters were great, I liked them both for their personalities which stood out the most to me which was upsetting because this story has so much potential that I don't think the author really gave them enough credit or page time for how good they could be. Which also ties in with how short the story itself is. As a short story its good but it has a lot of potential to be so much more. I don't think it really necessary that the book needed to be cut up into multiple novellas when the author could have written a full novel out of this one. Still I thought Random was a good read. I hope the author does more with it in the near future.
My Rating:
Reviewed By:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews
Booklikes
Goodreads
Google Plus
Blogger
Note: I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from the author
November 11, 2013
An engaging story that captivates the imagination and resonates with readers of similar experiences.
Oh my goodness, this poor girl Jess really has had one heck of an avalanche of tragedy after tragedies touch her life in this one so the title is very fitting. I was genuinely impressed with the story telling in this book. It flowed well and I enjoyed hanging out in Jess’ head throughout it. I just felt really sorry for her losses and felt like if she took one more hit, she might just fall over and curl into a fetal position from the pressure. I know I would! I really could relate with her money worries and uncertainties of what to do with her life.
Jess is trying to make her way through life on a meager waitress salary after growing up without her mother, but can’t catch a break. One day, a car comes pummeling through the diner she works at and sends one of her best friends to the hospital, makes her lose her job and good pay, but she also meets dreamy Tyler, who has more secrets in his trust fund past than she could even imagine. As she tries to find another job, unravel her feelings on love with an abusive boyfriend and the blossoming feelings with Tyler, can she make it through without someone else dropping dead or something else ‘randomly’ happening to her?
Jess is pretty grounded for having endured so much in her short life and I like how strong and yet naïve she still is. Really enjoyed this one but it does leave off at the end with loose ends so do expect to be reading a series for this isn’t a standalone novel. I can’t wait to read the next one, but I do hope Jess catches a break for once.
I received an ARC of this story via Netgalley for an honest review.
Oh my goodness, this poor girl Jess really has had one heck of an avalanche of tragedy after tragedies touch her life in this one so the title is very fitting. I was genuinely impressed with the story telling in this book. It flowed well and I enjoyed hanging out in Jess’ head throughout it. I just felt really sorry for her losses and felt like if she took one more hit, she might just fall over and curl into a fetal position from the pressure. I know I would! I really could relate with her money worries and uncertainties of what to do with her life.
Jess is trying to make her way through life on a meager waitress salary after growing up without her mother, but can’t catch a break. One day, a car comes pummeling through the diner she works at and sends one of her best friends to the hospital, makes her lose her job and good pay, but she also meets dreamy Tyler, who has more secrets in his trust fund past than she could even imagine. As she tries to find another job, unravel her feelings on love with an abusive boyfriend and the blossoming feelings with Tyler, can she make it through without someone else dropping dead or something else ‘randomly’ happening to her?
Jess is pretty grounded for having endured so much in her short life and I like how strong and yet naïve she still is. Really enjoyed this one but it does leave off at the end with loose ends so do expect to be reading a series for this isn’t a standalone novel. I can’t wait to read the next one, but I do hope Jess catches a break for once.
I received an ARC of this story via Netgalley for an honest review.
February 25, 2014
I have a thing for books that take place in Southern Colorado. (Which is part of why I have fallen in love with Barbara O'Neal and all things connected thereto!) but I picked up the novella that comes directly after Random (Stoked) with no real clue what I was getting into! So, let's just call it fate!
Since I read out of order (which I recommend against!) I have to admit that I was already a little in love with Tyler - having been inside his head and all! But stick with it, I promise you will love him too!!
Jess took me a bit to warm up to, if I am honest. Maybe it was the novella, maybe it was that her life appears to be one bad event after another. Maybe it was that she stayed in a horrible and abusive relationship too long, but it just took me awhile.
That said? This book is well written and fast paced. It mostly takes place in my favorite place in the world - Manitou Springs! (Which if you've never been? You're missing out!) the locale is described perfectly, right down to the heartbreaking burn area in the canyon just beyond town.
The love between Jess and Tyler is fast. He oozes alpha male and she just begs to be protected. But it works. Beautifully. (Or perhaps poetically?)
I am dying to know more about Tyler - his family. And same goes for Jess. There are so many questions unanswered and I am beyond thrilled that this will be a trilogy!
If you are a fan of the new-adult genre? This one is for you! A fan of Barbara O'Neal? Again, for you! Someone who likes the bad boy with a lot of mysterious appeal? Also for you!
Since I read out of order (which I recommend against!) I have to admit that I was already a little in love with Tyler - having been inside his head and all! But stick with it, I promise you will love him too!!
Jess took me a bit to warm up to, if I am honest. Maybe it was the novella, maybe it was that her life appears to be one bad event after another. Maybe it was that she stayed in a horrible and abusive relationship too long, but it just took me awhile.
That said? This book is well written and fast paced. It mostly takes place in my favorite place in the world - Manitou Springs! (Which if you've never been? You're missing out!) the locale is described perfectly, right down to the heartbreaking burn area in the canyon just beyond town.
The love between Jess and Tyler is fast. He oozes alpha male and she just begs to be protected. But it works. Beautifully. (Or perhaps poetically?)
I am dying to know more about Tyler - his family. And same goes for Jess. There are so many questions unanswered and I am beyond thrilled that this will be a trilogy!
If you are a fan of the new-adult genre? This one is for you! A fan of Barbara O'Neal? Again, for you! Someone who likes the bad boy with a lot of mysterious appeal? Also for you!
November 2, 2013
I received an eARC from NetGalley for an honest review. This was a great book to read because you're constantly wondering what the heck is going on and what will happen. Jess Donovan was working as a waitress when a car crashed into the restaurant, leaving her without a job. Her friend Melissa is seriously hurt and she meets this hot guy who seems interested in her. There is a bit of a triangle, since she has a boyfriend, but things were not going good with Rick, so they break up and she picks up with Tyler, the hot guy from the restaurant. Of course Rick is not giving up, so several incidents occur. All the time, the author lets us know what Jess is thinking and feeling. She is wondering about fate, her future, how she ended up, where she is and how she can change her course. She's not very courageous in changing her future and Tyler helps her with that. You notice that there is a secret darkness in Tyler, but the author doesn't let you see into his mind/soul. Hints are dropped throughout the book but not the whole picture. The book ends with a sort of cliffhanger, so you know all will be sorted in the next books. My only problem with this book was with the rhythm. It was very slow and tedious in some parts, then it would pick up speed in others. When it got very wordy and slow, I would take a break, and it was curiosity about what would happen that brought me back to the story. Overall, I found it was a very well written book.
November 12, 2013
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Random is the story of 19 year old Jess and how random events can change the course of your life. She is a waitress struggling to make ends meet when a car crashes into her work. She is out of a job and meets Tyler. The connection between them leads her to a new job and everything in her life changes when event after event changes the course. Her and Tyler start a relationship and she is determined to make it on her own.
I liked the story and the characters ok but I didn't fall in love with them. This was a pretty quick read for me and I felt like the characters could have been fleshed out more or the plot itself so that I felt a stronger connection. I did like them but just didn't feel their feelings or the conncetion between them very strongly.
The story itself moved a little quicker than I would have liked. I am all for instant feelings between H and h and at parts I felt it but other times I would have loved to slow down a bit and watch them fall for each other. The plot was good and I liked that it was a bit different than a lot of books in this genre. The story ends in a way that says there will be other books and I would read them to see what happens with Jess.
Random is the story of 19 year old Jess and how random events can change the course of your life. She is a waitress struggling to make ends meet when a car crashes into her work. She is out of a job and meets Tyler. The connection between them leads her to a new job and everything in her life changes when event after event changes the course. Her and Tyler start a relationship and she is determined to make it on her own.
I liked the story and the characters ok but I didn't fall in love with them. This was a pretty quick read for me and I felt like the characters could have been fleshed out more or the plot itself so that I felt a stronger connection. I did like them but just didn't feel their feelings or the conncetion between them very strongly.
The story itself moved a little quicker than I would have liked. I am all for instant feelings between H and h and at parts I felt it but other times I would have loved to slow down a bit and watch them fall for each other. The plot was good and I liked that it was a bit different than a lot of books in this genre. The story ends in a way that says there will be other books and I would read them to see what happens with Jess.
December 11, 2013
Jess is working at a restaurant when a car crashes into it. This is how she meets Tyler. He helps her to get a new job, but their connection is so much stronger from the beginning. Tyler, of course, is keeping secrets. Jess doesn't think things would work out because they come from different worlds. There is so much tragedy in these pages but the author does a good job of keeping things a little lighter so the material wasn't too heavy to read. I enjoyed the progression between Tyler and Jess's relationship. He tries really hard to get her understand that there is more between them and for the most part he is super respectful about it, which is a nice thing to read about. I wonder if there will be a second book, I would definitely look forward to it if there was! From the very first pages I was captivated with the story and wanted to know what would happen next. It became a little bit more than just a romance, there were a lot of family ties in the book too and the tragedies that both Jess and Tyler have in their lives.
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2013
Random is a touching, passionate and engrossing read that leaves the reader wanting much more. A great read that many fans of the genre will enjoy!
Jess has been on her own for some time. Only nineteen now and has worked since the age of fourteen. She's mostly happy being on her own, having her own place, freedom and some semblance of order in her life...mostly.
Tyler has a past and a family that many warn to steer clear of. He's artistic, mysterious and possessive of...certain things. He is taken by Jess, feeling different things for her that he's unsure of. But can he handle a woman as special as her without scarring her or scaring her off?
Everyone has their secrets, pasts and things they are embarrassed to reveal. These two characters BOTH do and I look forward to the revelations to come :)
Jess has been on her own for some time. Only nineteen now and has worked since the age of fourteen. She's mostly happy being on her own, having her own place, freedom and some semblance of order in her life...mostly.
Tyler has a past and a family that many warn to steer clear of. He's artistic, mysterious and possessive of...certain things. He is taken by Jess, feeling different things for her that he's unsure of. But can he handle a woman as special as her without scarring her or scaring her off?
Everyone has their secrets, pasts and things they are embarrassed to reveal. These two characters BOTH do and I look forward to the revelations to come :)
November 17, 2013
This book is full of Random happenings that bring together a wonderful intriguing gripping story, and i just loved it. Damn it though i will be counting the days until 2014 comes around so i can continue the story!
Both Jess and Tyler have family and ex issues there is a lot of drama for this couple but it just adds to the pull of the story. It is interesting to see how Jess and Tyler work together through the issues they have and work to stay together.
Jess and Tyler have such a breath taking chemistry that keeps you captivated and the sex scenes are steamy hot.
I found the characters to be very likable and well developed.
This is one of those books that keep you guessing and wondering where the story will go next, then the ending comes along and boom your begging for the next book just to see what happens next!
Highly recommended.
Life is random…
Both Jess and Tyler have family and ex issues there is a lot of drama for this couple but it just adds to the pull of the story. It is interesting to see how Jess and Tyler work together through the issues they have and work to stay together.
Jess and Tyler have such a breath taking chemistry that keeps you captivated and the sex scenes are steamy hot.
I found the characters to be very likable and well developed.
This is one of those books that keep you guessing and wondering where the story will go next, then the ending comes along and boom your begging for the next book just to see what happens next!
Highly recommended.
Life is random…
May 6, 2016
Excellent young adult novel about the unexpected events of life. The story will trigger every emotion you have and trigger memories of you own random events that you didn't know was coming and changed your life.
I found Jess an optimistic person who was aware of the small blessings she has, even as her heart is breaking and her life falls apart because of a random accident that leads to many changes in her life. I found it difficult to experience Jess's encounter with the selfish men in her life, who were obsessed with her and yet couldn't be honest with her or treat her with the respect that she deserved. It is kind of a reflection of how women are being treated right now in the U.S. and around the world.
I'm hoping there is a sequel to this story; there are to many questions left unanswered at the end.
I found Jess an optimistic person who was aware of the small blessings she has, even as her heart is breaking and her life falls apart because of a random accident that leads to many changes in her life. I found it difficult to experience Jess's encounter with the selfish men in her life, who were obsessed with her and yet couldn't be honest with her or treat her with the respect that she deserved. It is kind of a reflection of how women are being treated right now in the U.S. and around the world.
I'm hoping there is a sequel to this story; there are to many questions left unanswered at the end.
November 5, 2013
**Copy kindly provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Wow that was an awesome story. I was completely sucked in from the first chapter and pushed my bedtime back a couple hours because I was so enthralled in Jess and Tyler's growing love. This book constantly keeps you guessing and there are quite a few of twist and turns. I so wanted to be Jess' friend and hug her and kick the crap out of Jake. I loved the relationship between Jess and Henry and Jess and her neighbor; they both instilled a sense of hope for her that no matter how bad things got she wasn't alone and things would always get better. This was the first book I've read from Lark O'Neal and I can't wait to see what's next from both Lark and for Jess.
Wow that was an awesome story. I was completely sucked in from the first chapter and pushed my bedtime back a couple hours because I was so enthralled in Jess and Tyler's growing love. This book constantly keeps you guessing and there are quite a few of twist and turns. I so wanted to be Jess' friend and hug her and kick the crap out of Jake. I loved the relationship between Jess and Henry and Jess and her neighbor; they both instilled a sense of hope for her that no matter how bad things got she wasn't alone and things would always get better. This was the first book I've read from Lark O'Neal and I can't wait to see what's next from both Lark and for Jess.
did-not-finish
August 6, 2016DNF. Saw the 1.5 novella for the series up on Netgalley and went back to check what book 1 was about before requesting. When I saw that this was set in my town, I had to pick it up.
There was nothing wrong with the story. It was pretty much basic NA CR, and I wasn't in the mood for basic NA CR, so I bowed out.
There was nothing wrong with the story. It was pretty much basic NA CR, and I wasn't in the mood for basic NA CR, so I bowed out.
November 19, 2013
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Jess works as a waitress and spends her spare time with her boyfriend and already has enough emotional baggage to last a lifetime. When a car crashes into the restaurant where Jess works she loses her job and she breaks up with her boyfriend. Life isn't looking too hopeful. The one bright light is the man she met on the day of the accident, Tyler.
Loved the way Lark O'Neal writes and once I'd starting reading found it hard to put down. Jess works hard and isn't getting anywhere, the two men in her life are using her in different ways but is either of them right for her?
Book two is a must read for me and I hope Jess gets the HEA she deserves.
Jess works as a waitress and spends her spare time with her boyfriend and already has enough emotional baggage to last a lifetime. When a car crashes into the restaurant where Jess works she loses her job and she breaks up with her boyfriend. Life isn't looking too hopeful. The one bright light is the man she met on the day of the accident, Tyler.
Loved the way Lark O'Neal writes and once I'd starting reading found it hard to put down. Jess works hard and isn't getting anywhere, the two men in her life are using her in different ways but is either of them right for her?
Book two is a must read for me and I hope Jess gets the HEA she deserves.
September 11, 2014
I was lucky to get a copy of this book from Barbara Samuel via Net Galley.
This is book 1 of this series, so the ending leaves you waiting for the next book, maybe even panting for the next book!
I can see why the author Lark O'Neal named this RANDOM, there is a lot of random things that happen to her. Take the beginning of the book, quite literally a car crashed through the restaurant where she works, now she's out of a job, but she's met this guy called Tyler from it. Now that was random.
She has a lot to deal with through out this book, a lot of things! I was sat wondering, oh heck, things are running too smoothly, something is about to happen, and it did.
Well written, well rounded, light read for me which I enjoyed.
This is book 1 of this series, so the ending leaves you waiting for the next book, maybe even panting for the next book!
I can see why the author Lark O'Neal named this RANDOM, there is a lot of random things that happen to her. Take the beginning of the book, quite literally a car crashed through the restaurant where she works, now she's out of a job, but she's met this guy called Tyler from it. Now that was random.
She has a lot to deal with through out this book, a lot of things! I was sat wondering, oh heck, things are running too smoothly, something is about to happen, and it did.
Well written, well rounded, light read for me which I enjoyed.
December 5, 2013
I am such a huge fan of Barbara O'Neal and when I heard she was making a foray into New Adult I was right there with her. I loved the characters in her new book, absolutely can't wait to find out what happens to them in the next one. But my favorite thing about this book and any other written by this favorite author is the sense of place she creates. The scene of the car crashing into the diner is locked in my head forever and all the emotions that went along with that event. Such powerful writing is so rare and why I will always be a fan of hers!
November 17, 2013
Random is the first book in a new series by Lark O’Neal. I really liked this one and it has a great title and cover!
This book opens with a random situation that brings the main characters together and sets the pace for the book. This book kept me interested the whole way through.
To see the rest of this review click here
This book opens with a random situation that brings the main characters together and sets the pace for the book. This book kept me interested the whole way through.
To see the rest of this review click here
January 21, 2014
is there going to be another one????!!!!
June 25, 2014
Smokin' hot but equally tasteful and classy. Jess and Tyler are fantastic and real. I love Jess's independence and hunger for education. Can't wait to see what happens in Epic!
November 21, 2014
Great, fast read and I can't wait to read the next two in the series!
November 4, 2013
Well, it lives up to the title all right.
January 28, 2019
In general, I really enjoyed reading "Random" so I'm trying not to take the whole thing too seriously.
While reading, about halfway through, it struck me how honest all of the emotions felt to me. I don't know that this would be the case for everyone, but there was a lot about the protagonist that I could relate to, particularly the struggle between her desires to be both independent and in a healthy romantic relationship.
It was, in essence, a coming-of-age story, somebody who is just starting to take ownership of their choices and their life. Even though it gets far-fetched at times, I could still relate to the emotions behind the drama, and that was special.
The characters in general still seemed a little naive, maybe over-simplified, and the end was very rushed without much resolve, which I assume is for the sake of a sequel.
I would recommend "Random" if you're looking for a romance that's a little...tempestuous and naive.
While reading, about halfway through, it struck me how honest all of the emotions felt to me. I don't know that this would be the case for everyone, but there was a lot about the protagonist that I could relate to, particularly the struggle between her desires to be both independent and in a healthy romantic relationship.
It was, in essence, a coming-of-age story, somebody who is just starting to take ownership of their choices and their life. Even though it gets far-fetched at times, I could still relate to the emotions behind the drama, and that was special.
The characters in general still seemed a little naive, maybe over-simplified, and the end was very rushed without much resolve, which I assume is for the sake of a sequel.
I would recommend "Random" if you're looking for a romance that's a little...tempestuous and naive.
December 18, 2022
I pulled this out of my TBR pile and it actually kept me engaged the whole time. I was very interested in the story but I'm pausing trying to decide if I actually want to read #2 or not! Hence keeping it at 4 stars. The guy was a little too hot and cold and this poor girl just had so many things happening to her!
October 4, 2021
This was a good read ... until the end! I feel like the author ran out of time and just left me too many questions about her parents, about Tyler's "secret" open. I'm guessing book two might answer these questions but a book should never end without half way through. Feel robbed!
November 20, 2016
Good new adult tale about a poor girl trying to find her way through life and the rick boy she meets who is more than meets the eye. The characters were great; they felt real and flawed.
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