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Saving Ben
A boy, his sister, and her psychopathic roommate.
When Katherine Langley’s roommate, Emma, disappears from a house party on New Year’s Day, the only evidence left is a single set of footprints in the snow leading down to a deserted dock.
Flashback sixteen months to Katherine’s first day at the University of Virginia when life is sweet. She is finally free from the drama of her parents’ dysfunctional marriage and ready to focus on studying to become a nurse. Her brother, Ben, belongs to the hottest fraternity on campus, and her new roommate, Emma, is beautiful and charming, a party girl whose answer for a hangover is happy hour. She is also a psychopath. When Katherine’s obsessive-compulsive overprotective brother succumbs to Emma’s charms and falls dangerously off-track, Katherine must save Ben from himself.
From the University of Virginia campus to a cozy cottage on Carter’s Creek, Saving Ben is a haunting tale of love and loyalty, anger management, substance abuse, and betrayal.
“This beautifully designed book might have come from any of the biggest publishing houses and sit shoulder to shoulder with some of the best LOOKING books to be released this year . . .The writing is exceptional and the story compelling with an emotional resonance that demonstrates a maturity to the writing that makes Ashley Farley an author to watch.”— Judge, Writer’s Digest 21st Annual Self-Published Book Awards
When Katherine Langley’s roommate, Emma, disappears from a house party on New Year’s Day, the only evidence left is a single set of footprints in the snow leading down to a deserted dock.
Flashback sixteen months to Katherine’s first day at the University of Virginia when life is sweet. She is finally free from the drama of her parents’ dysfunctional marriage and ready to focus on studying to become a nurse. Her brother, Ben, belongs to the hottest fraternity on campus, and her new roommate, Emma, is beautiful and charming, a party girl whose answer for a hangover is happy hour. She is also a psychopath. When Katherine’s obsessive-compulsive overprotective brother succumbs to Emma’s charms and falls dangerously off-track, Katherine must save Ben from himself.
From the University of Virginia campus to a cozy cottage on Carter’s Creek, Saving Ben is a haunting tale of love and loyalty, anger management, substance abuse, and betrayal.
“This beautifully designed book might have come from any of the biggest publishing houses and sit shoulder to shoulder with some of the best LOOKING books to be released this year . . .The writing is exceptional and the story compelling with an emotional resonance that demonstrates a maturity to the writing that makes Ashley Farley an author to watch.”— Judge, Writer’s Digest 21st Annual Self-Published Book Awards
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2013
447 people are currently reading
1881 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Farley
56 books2,363 followers⭐️USA Today Bestseller⭐️
Ashley Farley writes heartfelt stories about women navigating life’s challenges. Her characters—mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives—face real-life struggles with resilience and grace. Best known for her Sweeney Sisters series, Ashley’s books have touched the hearts of readers far and wide.
A wife and mother of two young adults, for more than two decades, Ashley has split her time between Richmond and the Northern Neck of Virginia. Yet, a piece of her heart will always belong to the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she draws inspiration from the moss-draped oaks, coastal cuisine, and the warm, welcoming spirit of its people.
Ashley loves to hear from her readers.
Visit her website @ http://www.ashleyfarley.com
Sign up for her newsletter @ https://ashleyfarley.com/newsletter-s...
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleyFarley...
Ashley Farley writes heartfelt stories about women navigating life’s challenges. Her characters—mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives—face real-life struggles with resilience and grace. Best known for her Sweeney Sisters series, Ashley’s books have touched the hearts of readers far and wide.
A wife and mother of two young adults, for more than two decades, Ashley has split her time between Richmond and the Northern Neck of Virginia. Yet, a piece of her heart will always belong to the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she draws inspiration from the moss-draped oaks, coastal cuisine, and the warm, welcoming spirit of its people.
Ashley loves to hear from her readers.
Visit her website @ http://www.ashleyfarley.com
Sign up for her newsletter @ https://ashleyfarley.com/newsletter-s...
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleyFarley...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
January 28, 2019
Well, this was a short, fast read. The premise was interesting and the first chapter caught my attention. However, the wealthy, privileged college student with the money and drinking and parties paired with a poor, beautiful girl who wants to move up in society was just so stereotypical, cliched and predictable that it is hard to rate it any higher. I am giving it 3 stars because I wanted to read to the end to see what happened. And then it ended in a way that really didn't make much sense. I was entertained, but I don't know that I would recommend this read.
February 23, 2013
I was asked by the author to read and review this book. After a lot of thought, this book is between 3.5 and 4 stars, but much closer to 4 stars.
Saving Ben by Ashley Farely is a new adult book, taking place during college years, a time in which I have a special place in my heart. The book stars Katherine, who seems to have it all-- a wealthy lifestyle and a brother who dotes on her. But her parents have their own issues and have been distant, and she is excited to get out of her brother's protective eye. She joins him at UVA as a freshman, and meets her gorgeous and seemingly perfect roommate, Emma, who slowly shows her true colors the longer she is around. To make matters worse, she has Ben under her spell, and things slowly fall apart. Then Emma goes missing.
The first half of this book was completely riveting. I loved the setup of the book, which while not the most new idea (it reminds me of Poison Ivy and a couple of other movies where the crazy girl wants to take over another girl's life), the setting, atmosphere, and strong characterization of Katherine, her brother, and their friends, made it unique in its own way. The second half was less strong, but had some great twists, and I think it ended plot wise the only way it could.
My main issue with this book is that the second half seemed a lot more telling instead of showing, which was more dramatically seen for me, since the first half did not have this issue. Because of this, a particular relationship that occurs did not have the same impact that it probably should have.
That said, I raced through this book from cover to cover, and it was a very strong first novel. I think that Farley will just get better and better.
Saving Ben by Ashley Farely is a new adult book, taking place during college years, a time in which I have a special place in my heart. The book stars Katherine, who seems to have it all-- a wealthy lifestyle and a brother who dotes on her. But her parents have their own issues and have been distant, and she is excited to get out of her brother's protective eye. She joins him at UVA as a freshman, and meets her gorgeous and seemingly perfect roommate, Emma, who slowly shows her true colors the longer she is around. To make matters worse, she has Ben under her spell, and things slowly fall apart. Then Emma goes missing.
The first half of this book was completely riveting. I loved the setup of the book, which while not the most new idea (it reminds me of Poison Ivy and a couple of other movies where the crazy girl wants to take over another girl's life), the setting, atmosphere, and strong characterization of Katherine, her brother, and their friends, made it unique in its own way. The second half was less strong, but had some great twists, and I think it ended plot wise the only way it could.
My main issue with this book is that the second half seemed a lot more telling instead of showing, which was more dramatically seen for me, since the first half did not have this issue. Because of this, a particular relationship that occurs did not have the same impact that it probably should have.
That said, I raced through this book from cover to cover, and it was a very strong first novel. I think that Farley will just get better and better.
January 5, 2015
This book is unbelievably AWFUL. The relationship between the brother and sister is pure fantasy. It was free and I had run out of real books so I finished it. I kept waiting for it to get better but what happened was it got worse. The sanctimonious tone of "Kitty" and the smarmy attitude of her brother Ben was bordering on ridiculous. Kitty was supposedly an 18-year old with a 35-year old mentality. She knew everything. WOW. This book was so stupid I'm embarrassed now that I read it. And surely it must be YA, right????
January 8, 2018
DNF due to heavy handed mediocre writing (all tell no show), unlikable narrator and brother and I had more sympathy for the sociopath.
August 18, 2014
Disappointing
Disappointing
Not well edited at all, the book spends a lot of time setting up a mystery that is never heartily explored. It was obvious and rode heavily on the Charlottesville setting.
Disappointing
Not well edited at all, the book spends a lot of time setting up a mystery that is never heartily explored. It was obvious and rode heavily on the Charlottesville setting.
April 12, 2013
Saving Ben made me want to beat people up. Most notably Emma, which I think is probably kind of predictable considering she's a psychopath. She's so damn good at it, she doesn't seem to just be a character in a book. I was paranoid that I would run into a girl like this in real life—although I think I'm safe because I'm not rich enough to have designer clothes for her to steal.
Emma was psycho. She was diabolical and evil and a monster and every other word you can come up with. Huge commendation to the author for making all of the characters seem real, including Emma. She was deceitful and manipulating, but of course none of the other characters realized it right away. I have the unfair advantage of being the reader and reading the synopsis.
My favorite character was actually Abby. And everything that happened with her made me want to give the poor girl a big hug and take her away from that place. That probably wouldn't be enough to suffice after all the crap she went through but she seemed so real, so tangible I felt this might have been an actual option at some point. She was sweet and a good person and I ached for her.
The actual plot line was so amazing. There was that brief bit in the beginning to give us a glimpse into where the story would lead. Everything after that was so well done and the writing flowed perfectly. I'm pretty sure this is an indie author, but there's no evidence to support this. Generally a lot of the writing will be a bit clunky and the dialogue won't be natural. In this case that wasn't an issue. Again, the characters seemed so real that it was just amazing. The way Emma slowly upped the ante and sabotaged Katherine's life through Ben was fantastically done. She managed to turn Ben and his mother against Katherine, despite her being the only one with any real rationale.
The tension was strong. The hostility and animosity Katherine felt for Emma was definitely something I shared with her. I wanted her to pay for what she had done. Especially after everything she said to Abby, which I'm pretty sure had a great deal to do with Abby's deterioration. Emma's character was perfect. Her comments were never overt and were just passable enough for the others to let is slide. She was never over the top, which I think is a huge accomplishment. So many authors try to make an “evil” character and then overdo it, making it kind of comical. In this case that wasn't an issue.
I can't properly explain how great this book is. I absolutely loved it and I'm so glad I came across it. It's a worthwhile read that is very well done and worth taking a look at.
Emma was psycho. She was diabolical and evil and a monster and every other word you can come up with. Huge commendation to the author for making all of the characters seem real, including Emma. She was deceitful and manipulating, but of course none of the other characters realized it right away. I have the unfair advantage of being the reader and reading the synopsis.
My favorite character was actually Abby. And everything that happened with her made me want to give the poor girl a big hug and take her away from that place. That probably wouldn't be enough to suffice after all the crap she went through but she seemed so real, so tangible I felt this might have been an actual option at some point. She was sweet and a good person and I ached for her.
The actual plot line was so amazing. There was that brief bit in the beginning to give us a glimpse into where the story would lead. Everything after that was so well done and the writing flowed perfectly. I'm pretty sure this is an indie author, but there's no evidence to support this. Generally a lot of the writing will be a bit clunky and the dialogue won't be natural. In this case that wasn't an issue. Again, the characters seemed so real that it was just amazing. The way Emma slowly upped the ante and sabotaged Katherine's life through Ben was fantastically done. She managed to turn Ben and his mother against Katherine, despite her being the only one with any real rationale.
The tension was strong. The hostility and animosity Katherine felt for Emma was definitely something I shared with her. I wanted her to pay for what she had done. Especially after everything she said to Abby, which I'm pretty sure had a great deal to do with Abby's deterioration. Emma's character was perfect. Her comments were never overt and were just passable enough for the others to let is slide. She was never over the top, which I think is a huge accomplishment. So many authors try to make an “evil” character and then overdo it, making it kind of comical. In this case that wasn't an issue.
I can't properly explain how great this book is. I absolutely loved it and I'm so glad I came across it. It's a worthwhile read that is very well done and worth taking a look at.
March 27, 2015
Had a hard time getting into this book. Ending was not believable and felt like author was in a rush to finish.
March 10, 2017
Rich white kids with rich white kid problems... oh and a psychopathic girlfriend from a poor family attempting to sleep with every man she encounters. You know, normal Tuesday shenanigans. Blah!
December 12, 2015
This is not a love story or romance. This is a story about a brother, a sister and her psychotic roommate.
I really enjoyed Saving Ben. Saving Ben is about Katherine in her first year in college with her older brother who's two years in to college. This story does cover almost two years but not in a way that annoys you.
The problem of the story is Emma and what happened to her. Because in the first chapter it is Ben and Katherine seeing footprints out into a dock with a boathouse, where Emma presumably is.
There are a lot of characters, like family, and friends. The friends and other people are kind of important.
If you like books about sibling love and friendships then this is for you.
I really enjoyed Saving Ben. Saving Ben is about Katherine in her first year in college with her older brother who's two years in to college. This story does cover almost two years but not in a way that annoys you.
The problem of the story is Emma and what happened to her. Because in the first chapter it is Ben and Katherine seeing footprints out into a dock with a boathouse, where Emma presumably is.
There are a lot of characters, like family, and friends. The friends and other people are kind of important.
If you like books about sibling love and friendships then this is for you.
July 22, 2018
This was painful to read. The writing was clunky - I never got lost in the story like I do in well written books. The mystery was derivative and I'm surprised I didn't DNF. But I struggled through right to the very last excruciating word. It was free on Kindle - what did I expect?
I do like the cover.
I do like the cover.
March 11, 2013
One and a half stars. A Kindle free book. It kept me busy on a trip. Grew a lot more boring when I wasn't trapped in an airport.
March 19, 2018
More on HelloYellowRoom.com
Let me begin this review by stating that I read this in a weekend and was thoroughly shocked at how the writing transitioned throughout the book. The dialogue was very uncomfortable at first and seemed forced in writing. I equate it to someone having started writing this in high school and then returned to it several years after college without rereading the beginning and fixing the choppy dialogue.
In Saving Ben we find two unnaturally close pairs of brother-sister siblings who spend their summers together at their lake houses with their clichély distant well off parents. Ben and Kitty’s relationship seems almost inappropriate, and even one of the other characters mentions it. It was very distracting. When Kitty starts school at the University of Virginia with her brother, who is two years her senior, she takes her chances with “the roommate lottery.”
Enter Emma Stone – that’s her full character name, can I get an eye roll please - stage right. Let me interrupt and make a call to the casting directors of Hollywood. If and when this book is made into a B level movie I’ll go ahead and tell you now that Bella Thorne wouldn’t even have to play a character if she was cast as Emma. From her Instagram page and various other movie roles, Thorne would make the perfect Emma. She could simply tap back into her character from You Get Me which holds a similar young adult stalker storyline.
Overall this is a great book for a weekend read. It’s quick, emotional, and suspenseful even if the ending is slightly rushed and disappointing. There are just too many stories in one book that deserve more detail and attention. The book just wraps up in a sloppy way and leaves the reader unsatisfied.
Let me begin this review by stating that I read this in a weekend and was thoroughly shocked at how the writing transitioned throughout the book. The dialogue was very uncomfortable at first and seemed forced in writing. I equate it to someone having started writing this in high school and then returned to it several years after college without rereading the beginning and fixing the choppy dialogue.
In Saving Ben we find two unnaturally close pairs of brother-sister siblings who spend their summers together at their lake houses with their clichély distant well off parents. Ben and Kitty’s relationship seems almost inappropriate, and even one of the other characters mentions it. It was very distracting. When Kitty starts school at the University of Virginia with her brother, who is two years her senior, she takes her chances with “the roommate lottery.”
Enter Emma Stone – that’s her full character name, can I get an eye roll please - stage right. Let me interrupt and make a call to the casting directors of Hollywood. If and when this book is made into a B level movie I’ll go ahead and tell you now that Bella Thorne wouldn’t even have to play a character if she was cast as Emma. From her Instagram page and various other movie roles, Thorne would make the perfect Emma. She could simply tap back into her character from You Get Me which holds a similar young adult stalker storyline.
Overall this is a great book for a weekend read. It’s quick, emotional, and suspenseful even if the ending is slightly rushed and disappointing. There are just too many stories in one book that deserve more detail and attention. The book just wraps up in a sloppy way and leaves the reader unsatisfied.
January 31, 2019
Just bad.
Shallow characters, no depth - predictable and boring storyline. A waste of a read. I’m so sad to have lost those hours in my life reading this book.
Shallow characters, no depth - predictable and boring storyline. A waste of a read. I’m so sad to have lost those hours in my life reading this book.
February 10, 2017
Goodreads Description- A boy, his sister, and her psychopathic roommate.
A New Year’s Eve party, a missing person, and a single set of footprints in the snow.
Life is sweet for Katherine Langley, a first-year student at the University of Virginia. She is finally free from the drama of her parents’ dysfunctional marriage and ready to focus on studying to become a nurse. Her brother, Ben, belongs to the hottest fraternity on campus, and her roommate, Emma, is beautiful and charming, a party girl whose answer for a hangover is happy hour. She is also a psychopath.
When obsessive-compulsive Ben succumbs to Emma’s charms and falls dangerously off-track, Katherine must save her brother from himself.
From the University of Virginia campus to a cozy cottage on Carter’s Creek, Saving Ben is a haunting tale of love and loyalty, anger management, substance abuse, and betrayal. ***
The book starts out with Katherine, "Kitty", starting her freshman year at UVA where her older brother Ben also goes to school. Kitty comes from a fairly wealthy background and she is mostly concerned, at first, that Ben will be overprotective and interfere with her ever finding a guy. We also meet Kitty's eccentric roommate Emma who immediately latches onto Kitty for friendship and support. When Ben and Emma meet, sparks fly and they are thrown into an immediate relationship. Once Emma gets a taste of Ben and Kitty's more affluent life the reader begins to see the psychopathy in Emma's personality and she starts to bring Ben down the wrong road filled with alcohol and drugs. Worried about her brother, Kitty now finds herself as Ben's caretaker as she sees just how manipulative Emma can be.
The story is told from Kitty's point of view and the reader watches as Emma becomes crazier and crazier while Ben seems to be spiraling downward. There are other secondary characters, friends from school and home and I felt the most for Abby because Emma targeted her while she was weak and was ultimately responsible for what happens. The beginning of the story starts out strong and Farley does an excellent job at showing not telling the story. However, the second half of the book seemed rushed and left bare. So much more could have been added to make the ending much more satisfying.
One thing I didn't understand was why after all of the times Emma showed her psychopathic self did Kitty ever just tell her no or to leave? Kitty was a sophomore by the end of the book and when Emma crashed the New Year party, why did they all let her stay? Even after a physical altercation between Emma and Kitty, Emma wasn't told to leave. This seemed very immature and not congruent with what a 20 year old would do in a situation like the one on New Years.
This is the author's debut novel and it was okay. I think there is room for growth. She had a good idea for a plot but didn't execute it very well. I do have another book written by a Farley and will read it with hope that her writing will improve because there were definitely some well written parts. She needs to follow through with that type of writing to the end. 3 stars.
A New Year’s Eve party, a missing person, and a single set of footprints in the snow.
Life is sweet for Katherine Langley, a first-year student at the University of Virginia. She is finally free from the drama of her parents’ dysfunctional marriage and ready to focus on studying to become a nurse. Her brother, Ben, belongs to the hottest fraternity on campus, and her roommate, Emma, is beautiful and charming, a party girl whose answer for a hangover is happy hour. She is also a psychopath.
When obsessive-compulsive Ben succumbs to Emma’s charms and falls dangerously off-track, Katherine must save her brother from himself.
From the University of Virginia campus to a cozy cottage on Carter’s Creek, Saving Ben is a haunting tale of love and loyalty, anger management, substance abuse, and betrayal. ***
The book starts out with Katherine, "Kitty", starting her freshman year at UVA where her older brother Ben also goes to school. Kitty comes from a fairly wealthy background and she is mostly concerned, at first, that Ben will be overprotective and interfere with her ever finding a guy. We also meet Kitty's eccentric roommate Emma who immediately latches onto Kitty for friendship and support. When Ben and Emma meet, sparks fly and they are thrown into an immediate relationship. Once Emma gets a taste of Ben and Kitty's more affluent life the reader begins to see the psychopathy in Emma's personality and she starts to bring Ben down the wrong road filled with alcohol and drugs. Worried about her brother, Kitty now finds herself as Ben's caretaker as she sees just how manipulative Emma can be.
The story is told from Kitty's point of view and the reader watches as Emma becomes crazier and crazier while Ben seems to be spiraling downward. There are other secondary characters, friends from school and home and I felt the most for Abby because Emma targeted her while she was weak and was ultimately responsible for what happens. The beginning of the story starts out strong and Farley does an excellent job at showing not telling the story. However, the second half of the book seemed rushed and left bare. So much more could have been added to make the ending much more satisfying.
One thing I didn't understand was why after all of the times Emma showed her psychopathic self did Kitty ever just tell her no or to leave? Kitty was a sophomore by the end of the book and when Emma crashed the New Year party, why did they all let her stay? Even after a physical altercation between Emma and Kitty, Emma wasn't told to leave. This seemed very immature and not congruent with what a 20 year old would do in a situation like the one on New Years.
This is the author's debut novel and it was okay. I think there is room for growth. She had a good idea for a plot but didn't execute it very well. I do have another book written by a Farley and will read it with hope that her writing will improve because there were definitely some well written parts. She needs to follow through with that type of writing to the end. 3 stars.
April 23, 2015
Five reasons to curl up with Saving Ben
Katherine Langley wakes on New Year’s Day to find her brother’s girlfriend Emma missing and a single set of footprints leading to the dock on the lake. Farley then takes us back to when Katherine “Kitty” and her brother Ben met Emma. We spent most of our time learning about Emma and her impact on them as we move towards the footprints in the snow.
The whole time you are reading you will be pondering the question, “Is Emma missing, dead or kidnapped?” It added suspense and every character becomes a possible suspect. Did they do something to Emma? Farley takes us from campus to the Langley’s summer home giving us a glimpse into their lives with delightful detail.
Farley weaved in siblings, their friends and family. We witness the strains Emma puts on these relationships, the manipulation and the lies. All of it was realistic and kept me connected. From Kitty’s strained relationship with her mother to the protectiveness of her brother, Farley fleshed out each character without over the top drama. Emma is a vivid character who will evoke strong feelings from the reader and none of them pleasant. Motive isn't hard to understand and we quickly assume foul play.
We see relationships in many stages and not just of the romantic variety. We do see the siblings develop romances but these are side stories and weave in and out of the main mystery thread. Little side threads dealing with friends and loss had substance and Farley weaved them into the tale in a clever way. She touches on drug use, teenage alcoholism, bullying, parental issues and suicide adding some depth.
Twists and turns made the tale exciting leading up to the footprints and disappearance. The second half of the book ended up being more telling than showing, which was disappointing. While Farley wraps things up, I would have liked to see things unfold a little more slowly. However, Saving Ben was a refreshing mystery and something we need more of in the new adult genre.
Copy gifted by author. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Katherine Langley wakes on New Year’s Day to find her brother’s girlfriend Emma missing and a single set of footprints leading to the dock on the lake. Farley then takes us back to when Katherine “Kitty” and her brother Ben met Emma. We spent most of our time learning about Emma and her impact on them as we move towards the footprints in the snow.
The whole time you are reading you will be pondering the question, “Is Emma missing, dead or kidnapped?” It added suspense and every character becomes a possible suspect. Did they do something to Emma? Farley takes us from campus to the Langley’s summer home giving us a glimpse into their lives with delightful detail.
Farley weaved in siblings, their friends and family. We witness the strains Emma puts on these relationships, the manipulation and the lies. All of it was realistic and kept me connected. From Kitty’s strained relationship with her mother to the protectiveness of her brother, Farley fleshed out each character without over the top drama. Emma is a vivid character who will evoke strong feelings from the reader and none of them pleasant. Motive isn't hard to understand and we quickly assume foul play.
We see relationships in many stages and not just of the romantic variety. We do see the siblings develop romances but these are side stories and weave in and out of the main mystery thread. Little side threads dealing with friends and loss had substance and Farley weaved them into the tale in a clever way. She touches on drug use, teenage alcoholism, bullying, parental issues and suicide adding some depth.
Twists and turns made the tale exciting leading up to the footprints and disappearance. The second half of the book ended up being more telling than showing, which was disappointing. While Farley wraps things up, I would have liked to see things unfold a little more slowly. However, Saving Ben was a refreshing mystery and something we need more of in the new adult genre.
Copy gifted by author. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
February 15, 2014
Saving Ben started off okay. I had no idea where the story was going at first, and it was a lot of telling not showing. The entire story is narrated by Katherine. It is just her telling what happened so the telling wasn't as annoying at first, though I do like showing better. At first Katherine is drawn in by Emma, and her brother Ben is instantly attracted to her. Emma right from the start is a little off. She gets more manipulative and such the longer the story goes on.
I was going along with the story just fine for most of the book, even if it was a bit boring. I saw how everyone was worried about Ben, but they couldn't really do anything since he will do what he wants to do. He had to reach rock bottom before he could make some changes for himself. Everyone except Ben hated Emma with good reason. I got all of that and went along with it, even though it was told and not shown.
Then we get towards the end and I just got sick of everyone being an idiot in regards to Emma. Yes she is crazy. Yes they all hate her, so why do they still let her crash their party? Why do they still let her spend the night? You get in a physical altercation with her and yet you still let her stay? Ben says she is stalking him and you still think this is a good idea? From then on it was just like what are you thinking?!? Why would you get in the car with crazy guy you think is the killer? Why would you do any of these idiotic things you did? Did you learn nothing? I thought you saw through Emma and her games, so why are you still playing into them? It made no sense. Emma was a horrible person, but Katherine was just stupid. I was hoping that she would have grown and learned from her experiences, but I don't think she did. It was just like poor decision after poor decision and I really started to hate it. It just got to be too much.
Also posted to Jen in Bookland
I was going along with the story just fine for most of the book, even if it was a bit boring. I saw how everyone was worried about Ben, but they couldn't really do anything since he will do what he wants to do. He had to reach rock bottom before he could make some changes for himself. Everyone except Ben hated Emma with good reason. I got all of that and went along with it, even though it was told and not shown.
Then we get towards the end and I just got sick of everyone being an idiot in regards to Emma. Yes she is crazy. Yes they all hate her, so why do they still let her crash their party? Why do they still let her spend the night? You get in a physical altercation with her and yet you still let her stay? Ben says she is stalking him and you still think this is a good idea? From then on it was just like what are you thinking?!? Why would you get in the car with crazy guy you think is the killer? Why would you do any of these idiotic things you did? Did you learn nothing? I thought you saw through Emma and her games, so why are you still playing into them? It made no sense. Emma was a horrible person, but Katherine was just stupid. I was hoping that she would have grown and learned from her experiences, but I don't think she did. It was just like poor decision after poor decision and I really started to hate it. It just got to be too much.
Also posted to Jen in Bookland
February 28, 2015
This contemporary mystery main aim is to highlight the special bond between siblings and to bring focus on the many struggles one can experience during college life. This is a haunting tale of love, loyalty, anger management, substance abuse and betrayal.
Ben and Kitty are the primary players but Emma is the character to watch for. She is Kitty’s bitchy roommate who brought havoc between brother and sister. Without her this story would not have been quite captivating she is portrayed as a complete psychopath. I love mystery but this one is a bit too soft for my taste, the first half is mainly the set-up of college life: the setting, atmosphere and the relationships, etc. The second half is more dramatic and moves along at a better pace but the suspense is kind of lightweight and the development so predictable I became anxious to see the end. Having said this does not mean it is boring, on the contrary it is quite a sentimental journey.
This lively story is told from the perspective of young adults. The portrayal of friendship and the strong characterization is where this story excels. The dialogue is somewhat stilted although I did overcome noticing this after a while. How Ben slowly spiral out of control, starts drinking, does drugs and argues all the time is especially well represented. The serious problems concerning anorexia as well as family issues are also at the forefront. There is something to please everyone even a murder scene for the mystery buffs to enjoy.
This book should appeal mostly to older teens and young adults and to older adults who which to reminisce about their days in college…
Ben and Kitty are the primary players but Emma is the character to watch for. She is Kitty’s bitchy roommate who brought havoc between brother and sister. Without her this story would not have been quite captivating she is portrayed as a complete psychopath. I love mystery but this one is a bit too soft for my taste, the first half is mainly the set-up of college life: the setting, atmosphere and the relationships, etc. The second half is more dramatic and moves along at a better pace but the suspense is kind of lightweight and the development so predictable I became anxious to see the end. Having said this does not mean it is boring, on the contrary it is quite a sentimental journey.
This lively story is told from the perspective of young adults. The portrayal of friendship and the strong characterization is where this story excels. The dialogue is somewhat stilted although I did overcome noticing this after a while. How Ben slowly spiral out of control, starts drinking, does drugs and argues all the time is especially well represented. The serious problems concerning anorexia as well as family issues are also at the forefront. There is something to please everyone even a murder scene for the mystery buffs to enjoy.
This book should appeal mostly to older teens and young adults and to older adults who which to reminisce about their days in college…
February 20, 2017
OK, this book is NOT fantasy and yet I consider it fantastic. The perfection with which Ms. Farley introduces the characters to us, it makes them almost real.
Katherine (Kitty) and Ben were part of the family right away. I was able to feel their emotions, experience everything they went through. They are so...human, so believable it is easy to relate them to oneself or someone we know.
Abigail touched my heart and I could perfectly understand Katherine's love for her. Ben's life with its ups and Emmas. George with all that love and protectiveness for his sister. I shall say everyone should read this and learn all about sibling relationships. I loved reading this boom, it took me to a real place and time I had never been to before.
Katherine (Kitty) and Ben were part of the family right away. I was able to feel their emotions, experience everything they went through. They are so...human, so believable it is easy to relate them to oneself or someone we know.
Abigail touched my heart and I could perfectly understand Katherine's love for her. Ben's life with its ups and Emmas. George with all that love and protectiveness for his sister. I shall say everyone should read this and learn all about sibling relationships. I loved reading this boom, it took me to a real place and time I had never been to before.
January 20, 2014
Katherine enters her first year of college believing that her biggest problem will be trying to keep her older brother Ben from scaring off potential love interests. They grew up in a wealthy family but they've always watched out for one another due to their often-absent and inattentive parents. Rather than rooming with a friend from high school Katherine opts for entering the roommate lottery and it appears that she's done well when she meets Emily. Emily is stunningly beautiful, friendly...literally the life of the party. Unfortunately things are not always what they seem. Emily is a girl with secrets and before the story ends Emily's secrets will bring an explosion of distrust, violence and ultimately death.
January 30, 2018
A quick read but the story was ridiculous. Teenagers acting and speaking/acting like adults. A story line that started off ok and just deteriorated. No good conclusion to anything. And my pet peeve, typos everywhere. It was a free kindle book so I guess you get what you pay for. Do not recommend I’m embarrassed I even spent a night reading it.
February 22, 2014
Intense and heartbreaking. This was a good story. I would have done 5 stars, but it got a little slow in some parts. Overall still a compelling story of love between a brother and sister.
May 18, 2014
Engaging story. It has stuck with me.
May 22, 2016
I really like this book ! It was a quick and easy read. Somewhat predictable with only one twist that was surprising at the end. I'd definitely recommend it and rate it a 3.4.
November 19, 2019
Read Full & Detailed review: https://cynthology.blogspot.com/2019/...
The book is written in the first person past tense point of view of Kitty. It starts in the present on New Year’s Day, then leads us back to a time 16 months ago when Ben and Kitty first met Emma, then slowly leads us back to the present again.
I thought the friendships between the young people were drawn out very well. Even Reed and Spotty, Ben’s fraternity friends, become protective of Kitty. In turn, Kitty has her own close friendship with Archer and with Abigail.
I liked the character of Blessy. She should have been given more space in the book, instead of making her a cleaner of other people’s messes.
There is the sounding of a cautionary note, indirectly informing young adult readers that drugs ruin lives and how the use of drugs adversely affects one’s personality and character, that nothing is worth getting depressed over, that life is beautiful, and that one should seek help if one feels unhappy, how we should seek out our friends and keep in touch always.
I liked the fact that Kitty has a goal; she wants to be a nurse, and that she encourages Ben to pursue a career as a chef, not study business management just because the family business awaits him. I also liked the subplot about the need to forgive and reconcile with one's family members.
Kitty seems to be a poor judge of character, first with Emma and then with another character Maddie Maloney, who Kitty first admires greatly, then sees how malicious she is. Even in Emma’s case, Kitty continues to make allowances for Emma’s behaviour for a long time, even though she has been cheated by her.
There are far too many flashbacks in the book, and I got a little tired of the siblings' childhood stories.
There were some questions that remained unanswered. Why does Emma drug Kitty and Ben? It doesn’t look like she has any nefarious plan up her sleeve?
When Emma goes missing, disappearing from a house full of young people, Ben and Kitty first have the presence of mind to call the police. But very quickly, it appears, that they take leave of their senses as they open her car and search through her things, compromising the evidence, even though the police are still in the house at this point.
There were a few proofing errors too. Thompson, Kitty’s boyfriend, had the ‘p’ in his name dropped unceremoniously on one page.
The ending seems forced. The subplot is eventually made to connect with the main plot, but not in a very convincing manner.
The book is written in the first person past tense point of view of Kitty. It starts in the present on New Year’s Day, then leads us back to a time 16 months ago when Ben and Kitty first met Emma, then slowly leads us back to the present again.
I thought the friendships between the young people were drawn out very well. Even Reed and Spotty, Ben’s fraternity friends, become protective of Kitty. In turn, Kitty has her own close friendship with Archer and with Abigail.
I liked the character of Blessy. She should have been given more space in the book, instead of making her a cleaner of other people’s messes.
There is the sounding of a cautionary note, indirectly informing young adult readers that drugs ruin lives and how the use of drugs adversely affects one’s personality and character, that nothing is worth getting depressed over, that life is beautiful, and that one should seek help if one feels unhappy, how we should seek out our friends and keep in touch always.
I liked the fact that Kitty has a goal; she wants to be a nurse, and that she encourages Ben to pursue a career as a chef, not study business management just because the family business awaits him. I also liked the subplot about the need to forgive and reconcile with one's family members.
Kitty seems to be a poor judge of character, first with Emma and then with another character Maddie Maloney, who Kitty first admires greatly, then sees how malicious she is. Even in Emma’s case, Kitty continues to make allowances for Emma’s behaviour for a long time, even though she has been cheated by her.
There are far too many flashbacks in the book, and I got a little tired of the siblings' childhood stories.
There were some questions that remained unanswered. Why does Emma drug Kitty and Ben? It doesn’t look like she has any nefarious plan up her sleeve?
When Emma goes missing, disappearing from a house full of young people, Ben and Kitty first have the presence of mind to call the police. But very quickly, it appears, that they take leave of their senses as they open her car and search through her things, compromising the evidence, even though the police are still in the house at this point.
There were a few proofing errors too. Thompson, Kitty’s boyfriend, had the ‘p’ in his name dropped unceremoniously on one page.
The ending seems forced. The subplot is eventually made to connect with the main plot, but not in a very convincing manner.
July 12, 2018
Wonderful
Having read many of Ashley Farley's novels previously I wasn't quite sure what to expect reading what is her debut novel. As most readers are aware, an author's writing gets better over time. So, I made a decision to read this novel as if it were any other debut novel. I didn't have to do keep that decision.
While Ms. Farmer's writing has I proved greatly, if I hadn't known this was her first published novel, I would be writing a very similar review.
The author has a way of pulling the reader in from the beginning and keeping them engaged throughout the novel. This was true for this novel. It was engaging and often times enthralling. The characters are mainly college aged students all of which have their own flaws and some even inner demons they have to face and address at some point or another. They come from different backgrounds, very different families, and have very different support systems. Some are ready for this next step in their journey, while others struggle more. There are secrets, lies, truths, manipulation, love, and support between these individuals.
The backstory is catching and provocative. It is interesting and engaging. And the reader learns a great of from it. The storyline is realistic, honest, and truthful.
As a debut novel, it is well written, engaging, and a truly wonderful read. As an Ashley Farley novel, it won't disappoint.
Rating: 4.7
✴✴✴✴✴
Having read many of Ashley Farley's novels previously I wasn't quite sure what to expect reading what is her debut novel. As most readers are aware, an author's writing gets better over time. So, I made a decision to read this novel as if it were any other debut novel. I didn't have to do keep that decision.
While Ms. Farmer's writing has I proved greatly, if I hadn't known this was her first published novel, I would be writing a very similar review.
The author has a way of pulling the reader in from the beginning and keeping them engaged throughout the novel. This was true for this novel. It was engaging and often times enthralling. The characters are mainly college aged students all of which have their own flaws and some even inner demons they have to face and address at some point or another. They come from different backgrounds, very different families, and have very different support systems. Some are ready for this next step in their journey, while others struggle more. There are secrets, lies, truths, manipulation, love, and support between these individuals.
The backstory is catching and provocative. It is interesting and engaging. And the reader learns a great of from it. The storyline is realistic, honest, and truthful.
As a debut novel, it is well written, engaging, and a truly wonderful read. As an Ashley Farley novel, it won't disappoint.
Rating: 4.7
✴✴✴✴✴
December 31, 2017
Worth the Read
The author captures Emma's personality well enough so the reader gets a sense of how bat shit crazy she is, it was hard to put down at times because of the foreshadowing details. The main character, Katherine, is interesting and witty at times. I did end up laughing out loud several times throughout the book. The only reason I knocked a star was because of all the talk of rich people nonsense details. The details do make for a good visual setting, but it seemed like they were going to a party almost every chapter, describing this state of the art, that shiny expensive thing, and this super important person blah blah. All in all, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it for a quick read.
The author captures Emma's personality well enough so the reader gets a sense of how bat shit crazy she is, it was hard to put down at times because of the foreshadowing details. The main character, Katherine, is interesting and witty at times. I did end up laughing out loud several times throughout the book. The only reason I knocked a star was because of all the talk of rich people nonsense details. The details do make for a good visual setting, but it seemed like they were going to a party almost every chapter, describing this state of the art, that shiny expensive thing, and this super important person blah blah. All in all, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it for a quick read.
November 10, 2017
Sad and accurate
So many of us know some one: daughter, son, friend, college roomate, and/or co-worker whose story mirrors the plot in this book. To say it is an epidemic is quite an understatement but it is safe to say we are a Country whose face has turned away from God and focuses on the quick psychotropic quick fixes. This has allowed our culture a "cop out" and removes the blame from our doorstep. We should be ashamed that rather than actively seek a solution we are still systemically seeking to white wash the the true answer. Finding our way back to God and ridding ourselves of a culture more concerned with political correctness than what our Country was founded upon and what our forefathers fought and died for (not to mention what our Savior sacrificed and died for) in order to secure our salvation and a Country of rare priviledges in which we are allowed to worship with out persecution. Yet, we still seek the easy way out
So many of us know some one: daughter, son, friend, college roomate, and/or co-worker whose story mirrors the plot in this book. To say it is an epidemic is quite an understatement but it is safe to say we are a Country whose face has turned away from God and focuses on the quick psychotropic quick fixes. This has allowed our culture a "cop out" and removes the blame from our doorstep. We should be ashamed that rather than actively seek a solution we are still systemically seeking to white wash the the true answer. Finding our way back to God and ridding ourselves of a culture more concerned with political correctness than what our Country was founded upon and what our forefathers fought and died for (not to mention what our Savior sacrificed and died for) in order to secure our salvation and a Country of rare priviledges in which we are allowed to worship with out persecution. Yet, we still seek the easy way out
November 10, 2018
Oh my how we can be so easily manipulated by a strong person who focuses on our vulnerable state. There was so many times this book showed how strong a brother/sister bond can be, but how easily it can be tested and pulled. In the end family is the most valuable connection we have, though often the hardest to keep.
May 14, 2020
I didn't see that coming!
Emma, everyone has met an Emma in their life. Someone who you wish you had never met. She was a twisted psychopath.
Kitty was a loveable character. She was very relatable. As with all Ashley Farley books, these women keep you intrigued throughout the book.
Emma, everyone has met an Emma in their life. Someone who you wish you had never met. She was a twisted psychopath.
Kitty was a loveable character. She was very relatable. As with all Ashley Farley books, these women keep you intrigued throughout the book.
November 10, 2020
What a good book. They were not very many parts that got slow, it really kept you wondering what was happening the entire time. Brother and sister are away at college together, psycho roommate for the sister and everyone involved knew she was crazy but seem to think she’d get over it. Much different ending than I would’ve expected and a very good book.
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