What do you think?
Rate this book
RVHS Secrets #2
Secret Life
Rachel Wells is a liar—big time. No one outside her family knows about the panic attacks or meds, the weekly therapy drive-bys or the “safe” outfit. If she could hide it all from her string of ex-boyfriends and her best friend Amy, then why should anything change? But, when the one guy as messed up as she is blackmails her into helping him, life goes from closely restrained to out of control.Sometimes choosing between sanity and love is the craziest thing of all.A YA ROMANCE BY GOLDEN HEART FINALIST, BRIA QUINLAN
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2013
55 people are currently reading
1731 people want to read
About the author
Bria Quinlan
28 books431 followersBria Quinlan is an award-nominated bestselling author of eight Romantic Comedies and YA Issue Books (that she swears are funny...really. They are.) Her books make you snort Diet Coke out your nose or tear up and curse her name.
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/ybgdq33r
Kobo: https://tinyurl.com/krvpqjr
BN: https://tinyurl.com/ydf9det6
iBooks: https://tinyurl.com/jrblzqr
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y9bcw7za
Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/zsxehx8
Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/yd8nv8tj
BookBub: https://tinyurl.com/y8edzs5d
BREW HA HA SERIES
#1 The Last Single Girl
#2 Worth the Fall
#3 The Catching Kind
#4 The Proposing Kind
#5 Things That Shine
#6 *In Progress*!
STARLIGHT HARBOR
#1 The Sweetest Things
#2 Back to You (summer 2022!!!)
RVHS SECRETS
#1 Secret Girlfriend
#2 Secret Life
YA Standalones
Wreckless
It didn’t surprise anyone when Bria Quinlan started writing YA Rom Coms… after all, her life is a walking sitcom (minus the commercials). Plus, secretly she’s still 16 (although her license says something different). Finally putting those English Literature and Creative Writing degrees and Copy Editing cert to work, Bria’s excited to get her quirky stories on the page to share with the world (or at least a segment of it).
She’s represented by the awesomely amazing Lauren Macleod of the Clan…. Oh, wait. Of Strothman Agency.
Bria writes Romantic Comedies for teens that take hard topics and make you laugh through your tears. You can contact her at briaquinlan.com OR twitter @briaquinlan
She also writes sweet & sassy Contemporary Romances as Caitie Quinn.
A proud Golden Heart Finalist, she’s focusing on writing stories that make you laugh, make you cry and remind you that life is an adventure not to be ignored.
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/ybgdq33r
Kobo: https://tinyurl.com/krvpqjr
BN: https://tinyurl.com/ydf9det6
iBooks: https://tinyurl.com/jrblzqr
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y9bcw7za
Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/zsxehx8
Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/yd8nv8tj
BookBub: https://tinyurl.com/y8edzs5d
BREW HA HA SERIES
#1 The Last Single Girl
#2 Worth the Fall
#3 The Catching Kind
#4 The Proposing Kind
#5 Things That Shine
#6 *In Progress*!
STARLIGHT HARBOR
#1 The Sweetest Things
#2 Back to You (summer 2022!!!)
RVHS SECRETS
#1 Secret Girlfriend
#2 Secret Life
YA Standalones
Wreckless
It didn’t surprise anyone when Bria Quinlan started writing YA Rom Coms… after all, her life is a walking sitcom (minus the commercials). Plus, secretly she’s still 16 (although her license says something different). Finally putting those English Literature and Creative Writing degrees and Copy Editing cert to work, Bria’s excited to get her quirky stories on the page to share with the world (or at least a segment of it).
She’s represented by the awesomely amazing Lauren Macleod of the Clan…. Oh, wait. Of Strothman Agency.
Bria writes Romantic Comedies for teens that take hard topics and make you laugh through your tears. You can contact her at briaquinlan.com OR twitter @briaquinlan
She also writes sweet & sassy Contemporary Romances as Caitie Quinn.
A proud Golden Heart Finalist, she’s focusing on writing stories that make you laugh, make you cry and remind you that life is an adventure not to be ignored.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 24, 2014
I don't write reviews for books. I just don't. I can't. I'm mean, I'm picky, I usually hate everything, and so its for the best if I just don't say anything about the book.
But I couldn't not say anything about this book.
Lets just start with I fell in love with Bria Quinlan as a writer when I read 'Secret Girlfriend.' I bawled through the whole book. Straight up, tears running down my face, wiping the snot away bawled. My husband laughed at most of the time.
I eagerly started the next book because I had to have more. More Amy, more Luke, more Rachel, and more Chris. I needed more warm Parker family fuzzies, more Amy find family. Just more.
I got a whole lot of that in Secret Life.
Secret Life is not about Amy anymore, which is great. Because Amy was super sweet, but kind of dumb. I loved her for who she was, but she was a silly girl.
Secret Life is about Rachel and what she's hiding from everyone, which is a whole mess of problems. Problems she doesn't want to talk about, problems she doesn't want anyone else to know about.
I've never felt more understood than the moment I read the scene in Rachel's bedroom when she's having her latest and greatest meltdown. Bria took all of my emotions as a teenager and made them into a person. A person I could look at and watch and see.
I was diagnosed with two things when I was very young. Chronic Depression and Social Anxiety Disorder.
In Junior High it was bad. Speaking wasn't an option outside certain social circles. High school was worse. Those Emmy worthy performances Rachel was talking about- yeah, I have a few of those I'm more than kind of proud of. And the safe clothes. Dear lord, I still have safe clothes. Along with Rachel's obsession with lipgloss. For me it wasn't lip gloss, I just wore as many necklaces as my mother would let me out of the house with.
But nothing hit closer to home than the meltdown.
Everything in Secret Life puts into perspective what its like living with something like this day to day. It encourages getting help and treatment. It does not glorify the issues Rachel deals with, but it doesn't villainize her either. Its a perfect balance of what actually happens in situations such as these.
Secret Life is a beautiful work of art created by Bria Quinlan and really, everyone should read it.
But I couldn't not say anything about this book.
Lets just start with I fell in love with Bria Quinlan as a writer when I read 'Secret Girlfriend.' I bawled through the whole book. Straight up, tears running down my face, wiping the snot away bawled. My husband laughed at most of the time.
I eagerly started the next book because I had to have more. More Amy, more Luke, more Rachel, and more Chris. I needed more warm Parker family fuzzies, more Amy find family. Just more.
I got a whole lot of that in Secret Life.
Secret Life is not about Amy anymore, which is great. Because Amy was super sweet, but kind of dumb. I loved her for who she was, but she was a silly girl.
Secret Life is about Rachel and what she's hiding from everyone, which is a whole mess of problems. Problems she doesn't want to talk about, problems she doesn't want anyone else to know about.
I've never felt more understood than the moment I read the scene in Rachel's bedroom when she's having her latest and greatest meltdown. Bria took all of my emotions as a teenager and made them into a person. A person I could look at and watch and see.
I was diagnosed with two things when I was very young. Chronic Depression and Social Anxiety Disorder.
In Junior High it was bad. Speaking wasn't an option outside certain social circles. High school was worse. Those Emmy worthy performances Rachel was talking about- yeah, I have a few of those I'm more than kind of proud of. And the safe clothes. Dear lord, I still have safe clothes. Along with Rachel's obsession with lipgloss. For me it wasn't lip gloss, I just wore as many necklaces as my mother would let me out of the house with.
But nothing hit closer to home than the meltdown.
Everything in Secret Life puts into perspective what its like living with something like this day to day. It encourages getting help and treatment. It does not glorify the issues Rachel deals with, but it doesn't villainize her either. Its a perfect balance of what actually happens in situations such as these.
Secret Life is a beautiful work of art created by Bria Quinlan and really, everyone should read it.
March 1, 2014
4.5 stars -- LOVED this one. It was so NOT what I was expecting. I mean, I'm not sure what I was expecting... I knew it would be Rachel's story, but holy hell did I not know anything about her. And I totally thought Jared was going to be the counterpart. WRONG. Rachel surprised me right from the start of this book. I have never had any experience with Body Dysmorphic Disorder, other than having vaguely heard about it and made aware that it exists. So I really loved getting to know Rachel and seeing what she went through on a daily basis in her life while struggling with BDD. And not just her, but her family (and eventually her friends too). So many people deal with so much stuff, and I thought this was a well-executed look at a teen struggling with a unique problem while trying to survive her teens. So much of what she was going through could be somewhat relatable for anyone who's dealt with an anxiety issue or depression -- from not wanting to be on medication, to balancing a therapist and all that that entails.
So on the general book goodness front, the characters were divine. I did not expect Chris. I didn't outright hate him from book 1, but I was skeptical and more than a little bit leery of letting him in. He ended up being his own great big surprise. There was just so much there, and I thought all the issues that he was involved with were dealt with really well too -- with respect and realism. Who knew that 2 such broken people would be so perfect for each other? Who knew that my heart could break for the man whore? ;)
And then there's Ben. I seriously LOVED the friendship that developed there. It was *almost* my favourite part of the whole book. Seriously. What a surprise side plot. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me the next RVHS book will be Ben's....and from Ben's perspective. PLEASE.
Oh, and while I'm begging, this book really needs a followup happiness novella for Rach and Chris. Seriously. NEEDS. Just point me to the thing I need to do to get that in my greedy hands and I am there.
(ps - the loss of half a star was that either I was not all there while I was reading or the occasional sentence didn't make sense to me. Don't know which it was, but I had the very rare moment where I had to reread something and I still couldn't figure out what it was saying. It was rare, but there. I just rhymed.)
So on the general book goodness front, the characters were divine. I did not expect Chris. I didn't outright hate him from book 1, but I was skeptical and more than a little bit leery of letting him in. He ended up being his own great big surprise. There was just so much there, and I thought all the issues that he was involved with were dealt with really well too -- with respect and realism. Who knew that 2 such broken people would be so perfect for each other? Who knew that my heart could break for the man whore? ;)
And then there's Ben. I seriously LOVED the friendship that developed there. It was *almost* my favourite part of the whole book. Seriously. What a surprise side plot. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me the next RVHS book will be Ben's....and from Ben's perspective. PLEASE.
Oh, and while I'm begging, this book really needs a followup happiness novella for Rach and Chris. Seriously. NEEDS. Just point me to the thing I need to do to get that in my greedy hands and I am there.
(ps - the loss of half a star was that either I was not all there while I was reading or the occasional sentence didn't make sense to me. Don't know which it was, but I had the very rare moment where I had to reread something and I still couldn't figure out what it was saying. It was rare, but there. I just rhymed.)
August 30, 2017
This was so different form the first book about Amy, there was a lack of depth to that one, this one you felt like you were in deep water with no way out before the 3rd chapter was over. This YA book dealt with very heavy deep issues. Disorders of the mind that ranged from seeing yourself incorrectly to using people and abuse. I liked the way the author handled these tough issues and bought the book to a good place. The only thing I had an issue with was some of the writing, it was a little choppy and inconsistent. This is a book that talks about sex and has a couple make out scenes they were relevant to the story. This is more older teen PG 13 feel.
November 30, 2018
I can't lie .. I was really skeptical about Chris being the main guy in the story since I really didn't like him in the first book, but I changed my mind when I saw how much he was trying to fix himself, and Rachelle is dealing with her own problems too, I admit I did like her with Jared more and their relationship was a lot smoother but Chris wasn't that bad either ..
The ending wasn't satisfactory for me, I needed more closure with those characters .. I hope we get another book about Ben and his mysterious girl .. I would love to see that :)
The ending wasn't satisfactory for me, I needed more closure with those characters .. I hope we get another book about Ben and his mysterious girl .. I would love to see that :)
July 16, 2014
Review posted on http://cleanreadsplease.blogspot.com
Can we just take a moment. Just one moment to bask in the freaking awesomeness that was this book. The unexpected depth, the smarts, the everything that this was. Wow. I'm in shock. Not the same shock that I wrote about a couple of days ago when things were happening in a book that I didn't understand. I'm in shock because this was so good. Not only was this so good but it was freaking quality. I want to cry with how happy I am. FINALLY. Finally an author doesn't treat me like I'm dumb. Finally an authour freaking lets you into the character's mind so you can feel their emotions and think their thoughts along with them. And actually understand why they feel the way they feel instead of just being told to understand them. FINALLY somebody has stopped manufacturing drama to carry a book along. Finally we don't get the hot girl miraculously fixing a man whore. Finally I don't get told how broken somebody is but actually shown. We get to live broken with them. But in an oh so real, and not at all patronising, manipulative way. Yes we get this. We get depth and layers and realness. We get characters that I cannot deal with how happy I am that I read this. At first I thought it was going to be good but typical you know? But this book started and then just got better and better and better until at the end my cheeks hurt because I was smiling so much. I could say so much more. SO much more. But I wont.
In short: I loved it.
Notes: Clean. Was gonna be 4 stars but the last third of the book kicked it up to 4.5. Also can we take a second to appreciate the awesomeness that was Rachel's mother and Ben!
Can we just take a moment. Just one moment to bask in the freaking awesomeness that was this book. The unexpected depth, the smarts, the everything that this was. Wow. I'm in shock. Not the same shock that I wrote about a couple of days ago when things were happening in a book that I didn't understand. I'm in shock because this was so good. Not only was this so good but it was freaking quality. I want to cry with how happy I am. FINALLY. Finally an author doesn't treat me like I'm dumb. Finally an authour freaking lets you into the character's mind so you can feel their emotions and think their thoughts along with them. And actually understand why they feel the way they feel instead of just being told to understand them. FINALLY somebody has stopped manufacturing drama to carry a book along. Finally we don't get the hot girl miraculously fixing a man whore. Finally I don't get told how broken somebody is but actually shown. We get to live broken with them. But in an oh so real, and not at all patronising, manipulative way. Yes we get this. We get depth and layers and realness. We get characters that I cannot deal with how happy I am that I read this. At first I thought it was going to be good but typical you know? But this book started and then just got better and better and better until at the end my cheeks hurt because I was smiling so much. I could say so much more. SO much more. But I wont.
In short: I loved it.
Notes: Clean. Was gonna be 4 stars but the last third of the book kicked it up to 4.5. Also can we take a second to appreciate the awesomeness that was Rachel's mother and Ben!
April 21, 2015
I CANNOT EVEN BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVEEEEEEEE THIS BOOK. I JUST CAN'T. I'LL JUST GET ALL SMILEY AND MY HEART WOULD LIKE BURST BECAUSE OF THE JUMBLED EMOTIONS I FEEL FOR THIS BOOK. But really though. This book is just... phenomenal, flawless. It's so beautifully written. No over-the-top happenings and such. I just loved the characters' vulnerability. I loved how their relationship wasn't abrupt. I loved how they grew throughout the book. I loved how they conquered their fears and such. I just loved how Rachel and Chris turned out. That there was no pressure and whatsoever. I loved Rachel's wit and oh Chris, swoon-worthy since book 1 but less asshole-y. I JUST LOVE THIS BOOK SERIOUSLY. I FINISHED THIS FOR LIKE 3 HOURS. THIS BOOK IS JUST SO AMAZING I CAN'T COMPREHEND. I STILL CAN'T SORT OUT MY THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS FOR THIS BOOK SO THIS IS IT.
November 14, 2013
I never saw this story coming after reading the first book in the series, Secret Girlfriend. We barely got to know Rachel in book 1 and we didn't always see the best sides of Chris. But I loved how the author paired these two together. I loved that they were both broken but trying to change. I love that after reaching rock bottom, they did what was necessary to heal before moving forward.
I'l be honest that it took me a little bit to get into this story because it wasn't what I was expecting, but I ended up loving it as much as I did the first one. As the narrator, Rachel really grew on me and I absolutely loved Chris in this story.
Can't wait for the next one!
I'l be honest that it took me a little bit to get into this story because it wasn't what I was expecting, but I ended up loving it as much as I did the first one. As the narrator, Rachel really grew on me and I absolutely loved Chris in this story.
Can't wait for the next one!
July 12, 2014
Loved this book. Self-perception never seems to line up with how other people see you, especially in High School. Sometimes you have to learn to trust what others see in you and other times reject it because you know you can be a better person. I ended up laughing through my tears at this RVHS #2 and can't wait until #3 is out. If you haven't read this or RVHS #1 SECRET GIRLFRIEND, run grab 'em! Bria Quinlan's WRECKLESS deals with different characters, but the same hard-hitting topics that manage to lift your spirits and give you hope at the same time.
March 31, 2014
Better than the first one.
I loved Rachel. Rachel is I didn't really know the subject but it seemed to me that the subject matter was well treated and helped me to get a better understanding of it.
I warmed up to Chris. You could understand why the guy was so f***ed up.
Their relationship was very interesting and their feelings seemed deeper.
Hope there is other books in this series with Ben and Justin. And why not Jared, even though I disliked him very much in this one.
I loved Rachel. Rachel is I didn't really know the subject but it seemed to me that the subject matter was well treated and helped me to get a better understanding of it.
I warmed up to Chris. You could understand why the guy was so f***ed up.
Their relationship was very interesting and their feelings seemed deeper.
Hope there is other books in this series with Ben and Justin. And why not Jared, even though I disliked him very much in this one.
November 26, 2013
4.4
I'm really really hoping that the next book in this series is about Ben. I already love him ^_^ I'm guessing his secret love is
I'm really really hoping that the next book in this series is about Ben. I already love him ^_^ I'm guessing his secret love is
November 1, 2024
Re-read November 2024
re-read January 2024
This was a rather different subject topic and when written as POV of a character with this disease - Well it was interesting.
While I was not so into Chris, Rachel was pretty cool and when she had her big melt down my heart really bled for her.
re-read January 2024
This was a rather different subject topic and when written as POV of a character with this disease - Well it was interesting.
While I was not so into Chris, Rachel was pretty cool and when she had her big melt down my heart really bled for her.
July 9, 2018
Secret Life is an absolutely amazing high school story, with the romance not being the main theme.
Rachel is amazing well written, with so much depth and realism. She has Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and the ways in which it affects every single part of her life is overwhelming. She has been hiding her problems from her friends and is trying to discontinue taking any meds for her condition. As with any meds, she doesn't like how they make her feel, as well making her feel like a failure for needing them.
This book was so much more than I could have ever anticipated. And I loved every single second of it!
Chris, a former boyfriend of Rachel's best friend, asks Rachel for tutoring help. Chris had a bad reputation, which Rachel is well aware of. As she gets to know Chris though, she starts to see parts of the real Chris, as opposed to the fake role he assumes most of the time.
Both Rachel and Chris are dealing with issues that are completely tear-jerking. It's a classic example of there being so much more about a person that they show the world. As well, it shows realistic examples of the behavior that people start exuding to avoid their real problems.
I am in awe of how well this book is written. At the end of the day, it remains a romance, but it actually more of a wonderful coming of age story that parallels a romance. It is fantastic and is a definite recommendation by me!
Rachel is amazing well written, with so much depth and realism. She has Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and the ways in which it affects every single part of her life is overwhelming. She has been hiding her problems from her friends and is trying to discontinue taking any meds for her condition. As with any meds, she doesn't like how they make her feel, as well making her feel like a failure for needing them.
This book was so much more than I could have ever anticipated. And I loved every single second of it!
Chris, a former boyfriend of Rachel's best friend, asks Rachel for tutoring help. Chris had a bad reputation, which Rachel is well aware of. As she gets to know Chris though, she starts to see parts of the real Chris, as opposed to the fake role he assumes most of the time.
Both Rachel and Chris are dealing with issues that are completely tear-jerking. It's a classic example of there being so much more about a person that they show the world. As well, it shows realistic examples of the behavior that people start exuding to avoid their real problems.
I am in awe of how well this book is written. At the end of the day, it remains a romance, but it actually more of a wonderful coming of age story that parallels a romance. It is fantastic and is a definite recommendation by me!
June 12, 2017
Definitely a good read to take you out of a reading slump. I really enjoyed Chris and Rachel's story, and the growth they made within themselves from being with each other. I hope to read more books within this series, especially Ben's.
January 14, 2019
A good book. I loved Rachel' s mother. She rocks!
June 28, 2014
Consider me blown away. I was seriously expecting fluff when I decided to read this. One look at the cover would give anyone that impression but I also read the first book, Secret Girlfriend, and it was pretty fluffy. In fact, I really only read it because I was curious how the author could possibly turn Chris Kent into a guy I would root for after his behavior in Secret Girlfriend. Secret Life wasn't fluff though. It was an incredible story about a girl struggling to be med free with BDD and a boy struggling with the stress of an unhappy home life and demanding expectations. After Rachel grudgingly agreed to tutor Chris in a couple subjects in exchange for him tutoring her in Calculus, they slowly developed an unlikely and uncertain friendship. I loved the characters in this book. Rachel was so well written (they all were but Rachel was the best). She was funny and confident outwardly but struggling to hang on underneath. And throughout the book, her experiences were reflected in how her character changed. Chris was well-done too. One of the things I loved best about this book was that the author didn't just turn Chris into a good guy who was just misunderstood all along. He was really kind of jerk sometimes. He struggled with it, tried to change his ways, and failed a lot of the time. But even with his jerk ways, it was impossible not to care about him as he opened up to Rachel. I was so glued to my Kindle during this book that I read it straight through until 4 in the morning. (Thank goodness for vacation.) I whole-heartedly recommend this book as a must read. However, it is necessary to read Secret Girlfriend first to really understand the characters and their backgrounds. Secret Girlfriend wasn't as good as Secret Life but it was okay and well worth reading in order to read this book.
April 21, 2014
I read this immediately (like, we're talking minutes after) I read Secret Girlfriend. Rachel's story was complex and heartbreaking. I loved the whole thing.
Bria tells Rachel's story in a way that is both traumatic to the reader and encouraging. Sometimes it's hard to look beyond ourselves to what someone else may be going through because we're going through something ourselves. Rachel's difficult balance with who she chose to let in was relatable in so many different ways. And I loved the layers to Chris that were uncovered. What a testament to the author to take someone you didn't trust in the beginning and end up rooting for them by the end. Gorgeous story-telling as always from Bria. This series is the kind that every parent of a teenager should read and then make their kids read to put high school into perspective.
Bria tells Rachel's story in a way that is both traumatic to the reader and encouraging. Sometimes it's hard to look beyond ourselves to what someone else may be going through because we're going through something ourselves. Rachel's difficult balance with who she chose to let in was relatable in so many different ways. And I loved the layers to Chris that were uncovered. What a testament to the author to take someone you didn't trust in the beginning and end up rooting for them by the end. Gorgeous story-telling as always from Bria. This series is the kind that every parent of a teenager should read and then make their kids read to put high school into perspective.
February 9, 2014
Okay. Wait. What? This is Chris' story?
Chris who was such a jerk and a man whore at book one??
WHOA. Wait a minute.
*laughs* Okay. That was quite unexpected. And with Rachel, nonetheless. The lip gloss obsessed best friend of Amy. Ahh, really.
So, when I got this book, I hadn't even checked it out in goodreads first. Or even read its synopsis. I was desperate to read something. So imagine my surprise when I read this book--Chris' book nonetheless, and with Rachel.
What an odd pair.
BUT IT WAS GREAT. The story was simply amazing. Chris was not I thought he was. Lesson learned: don't judge a character from its attitude in the first book.
June 18, 2017
Okay, so I've given this author a second go, and it still doesn't fit the bill for me. The author tries to address some heavy issues in this book and as with book 1 in this series I don't think they are well executed. The flatness of plot and lack of characterisation I complained of in book 1 are just as present here.
Never say never but I can't see myself reading further books from this author.
Never say never but I can't see myself reading further books from this author.
December 16, 2015
Rating: 3.5
October 17, 2017
Since this is the first book in the series I have read (though #2 in the series), the world and characters were new to me, but enough backstory was explained that Secret Life works as a standalone. Even if I didn't get all hints and references to book #1, I never felt like I was missing something.
Story-wise, this was not quite what I expected; Secret Life tackles some tough subjects, but in a relatable manner.
While I like both Rachel and Chris, my favourite character is definitely Rachel's Mom - that is one awesome lady, and the world could really use more people like her.
I will definitely read book #1 in the series.
Story-wise, this was not quite what I expected; Secret Life tackles some tough subjects, but in a relatable manner.
While I like both Rachel and Chris, my favourite character is definitely Rachel's Mom - that is one awesome lady, and the world could really use more people like her.
I will definitely read book #1 in the series.
April 12, 2018
I have not read book 1 in this series, but it stood alone very well. Rachel is a young woman suffering from BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder) and she is keeping it a secret. She has been trying to stay off the meds through the summer but returning to school and being dumped by her boyfriend triggers a panic attack.
Most of the book is about Rachel trying to get through life with the disabling disease. She is asked to tutor Chris (Amy's ex) and they form a friendship that turns into more. Both Chris and Rachel have their own demons and must find a way to handle them.
I thought the whole BDD issue was handled with care. Very well done.
Most of the book is about Rachel trying to get through life with the disabling disease. She is asked to tutor Chris (Amy's ex) and they form a friendship that turns into more. Both Chris and Rachel have their own demons and must find a way to handle them.
I thought the whole BDD issue was handled with care. Very well done.
September 18, 2019
Tough Subject Handled Brilliantly
Quinlan is a master storyteller. She has a knack for nailing the female voice, and this story addresses some hard and unfamiliar topics with finesse and transparency. I couldn’t stop reading because I was rooting for Rachel to get a happy ending.
And, yes, I thought Chris was a royal jerk in the first book, but another truth is that no person is just one thing. And we never know what is behind the closed doors in another person’s life.
Best romance I’ve read in awhile. Thanks, Bria, for sharing it.
Quinlan is a master storyteller. She has a knack for nailing the female voice, and this story addresses some hard and unfamiliar topics with finesse and transparency. I couldn’t stop reading because I was rooting for Rachel to get a happy ending.
And, yes, I thought Chris was a royal jerk in the first book, but another truth is that no person is just one thing. And we never know what is behind the closed doors in another person’s life.
Best romance I’ve read in awhile. Thanks, Bria, for sharing it.
April 14, 2018
The book is the second story in the series. I have not read book one in the series but this book stood alone very well. The story has some romance but it also is a heavy read about teen anxiety Rachel one of the main characters she is a young woman that is suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder and she is keeping it a secret.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2024
I enjoyed it towards the end. Don't get me wrong, I loved how the author describes the BBD of the MFC and the traumas and attacks, but I don't like how it got solved in the end, the start was really slow and I found it hard to concentrate and I HATED the "three months" thing, because I don't think that's enough to work out your trauma and they're going to college but it wasn't mention so... yeah
But overall, good 👍 .
But overall, good 👍 .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2018
Really interesting character. I don't want to give anything away but while I couldn't relate to Rachel, reading her story was a fascinating insight. Some of her decisions made me angry and some made me sad, but I could understand her motivations which to me is the sign of a well-written character.
December 24, 2022
I thought I would really like this book, from the high reviews on Amazon. I found myself skimming because of her constant inner thoughts. Someone would say 3 words and then there is 2 paragraphs of her thoughts. I didn't enjoy the plot. It was sad and depressing. Also too much talk about sex. No romance or love. I didn't like a single person in the book either.
April 23, 2018
What is interesting in this book is how it showcase some teenagers psycologic problem. What I don’t like it how the teenager act like they are adult.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2019
I think what I liked most was the sexual tension without actually having sex. Also, the friends chemistry between Rachel and Ben. He got her.
I learned more about Body Dysphoria Disorder than I expected.
I learned more about Body Dysphoria Disorder than I expected.
July 17, 2019
Powerful book on an issue I'd never heard of. I didn't think she could turn around how I felt about one of the characters but she did. As always Bria does an outstanding job. I haven't read a book by her that I didn't like.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2019
SO much better than the first one!
Still some awkward writing where I had to reread sentences in attempt to understand certain scenes. BUT there were lots of other very funny, very touching well-written scenes too.
Still some awkward writing where I had to reread sentences in attempt to understand certain scenes. BUT there were lots of other very funny, very touching well-written scenes too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews