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Roar
Charlie
I’m shadowed by sins; mine and the ones passed on to me. The only light comes in the way of him. He wants to fix me, but he can’t fix something so lost and broken. I'm completely undeserving and secretly unwilling. But how do I turn away the one person my body and soul soars for, the one thing that makes me forget the fear, the loss and the guilt? How do I stop the primal need which we are addicted to?
Nate
She is a stranger amongst the world, a captive behind her smiles and lies which shelters the truth. But I know her, we are caged together with the demons and guilt, yet my love is stronger against all our loss and I want to help her heal, to set her free. Under her cloak still lies my scared kitten, feral to her soul because of what he took from both of us. If it’s the last thing I do, I will help her roar like the tiger I know her to be, even if it means setting her free from me.
Caged by their demons and primal need, will their love be strong enough to set them free?
I’m shadowed by sins; mine and the ones passed on to me. The only light comes in the way of him. He wants to fix me, but he can’t fix something so lost and broken. I'm completely undeserving and secretly unwilling. But how do I turn away the one person my body and soul soars for, the one thing that makes me forget the fear, the loss and the guilt? How do I stop the primal need which we are addicted to?
Nate
She is a stranger amongst the world, a captive behind her smiles and lies which shelters the truth. But I know her, we are caged together with the demons and guilt, yet my love is stronger against all our loss and I want to help her heal, to set her free. Under her cloak still lies my scared kitten, feral to her soul because of what he took from both of us. If it’s the last thing I do, I will help her roar like the tiger I know her to be, even if it means setting her free from me.
Caged by their demons and primal need, will their love be strong enough to set them free?
286 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2014
6 people are currently reading
1029 people want to read
About the author
Aria Cage
1 book229 followersAuthor of Adult Contemporary Romance
My name is Aria and I have three confessions:
#1 No matter how much I try, I can't stop shopping at Typo or the local tattooist. I believe that would be how I would introduce myself at an anonymous club, right?
#2 I write under another name but I'm not going to tell you ... don't beg, she will kill me if I tell. Ha! So I guess you could call me a genre whore.
#3 My phone is my life line. I can't leave the house without it.
If you want to get to know me, follow my social pages on facebook and twitter and my blog.
My name is Aria and I have three confessions:
#1 No matter how much I try, I can't stop shopping at Typo or the local tattooist. I believe that would be how I would introduce myself at an anonymous club, right?
#2 I write under another name but I'm not going to tell you ... don't beg, she will kill me if I tell. Ha! So I guess you could call me a genre whore.
#3 My phone is my life line. I can't leave the house without it.
If you want to get to know me, follow my social pages on facebook and twitter and my blog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 20, 2014
Book – Roar
Author – Aria Cage
Publication Date – March 17, 2014
Type – Stand Alone
Genre – Romance, New Adult
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary copy kindly provided by author (Blog Tour) in exchange for an honest review.
Review
What a dark, depressing and beautiful story. That sums up this book in a nutshell. It left me speechless and at times with a heavy heart, I had to put the book down and re-group myself. The author had an ability to tear at my heart and question the sanity of our world today. She brought to light the sick and twisted world which prey on children and how devastating this can be to those children while growing up.
How does someone survive those traumatic events from childhood? Do they turn into their tormentors and in turn become the tormentor to others? Do they continue the abuse on themselves by gravitating to others who like to abuse? Do they ever stop blaming themselves for the crimes of their elders? Can they ever find true love and live a normal life?
This book touches each of these questions through the story of Charlie and Nate – two best friends who were thrown into years of trauma and pain and then violently torn apart. They are made to suffer for the crimes of others and each deal with their pain in different ways – one healthy and one in a downward spiral.
Years later they meet again and is one of them strong enough to save the other?
You’ll just have to read and find out?
Wrap-Up
Emotions you don’t even know exist will hit you while reading….a very traumatic and thought provoking book which will have you broken and crying out for vengeance. This is a must read!
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Author – Aria Cage
Publication Date – March 17, 2014
Type – Stand Alone
Genre – Romance, New Adult
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary copy kindly provided by author (Blog Tour) in exchange for an honest review.
Review
What a dark, depressing and beautiful story. That sums up this book in a nutshell. It left me speechless and at times with a heavy heart, I had to put the book down and re-group myself. The author had an ability to tear at my heart and question the sanity of our world today. She brought to light the sick and twisted world which prey on children and how devastating this can be to those children while growing up.
How does someone survive those traumatic events from childhood? Do they turn into their tormentors and in turn become the tormentor to others? Do they continue the abuse on themselves by gravitating to others who like to abuse? Do they ever stop blaming themselves for the crimes of their elders? Can they ever find true love and live a normal life?
This book touches each of these questions through the story of Charlie and Nate – two best friends who were thrown into years of trauma and pain and then violently torn apart. They are made to suffer for the crimes of others and each deal with their pain in different ways – one healthy and one in a downward spiral.
Years later they meet again and is one of them strong enough to save the other?
You’ll just have to read and find out?
Wrap-Up
Emotions you don’t even know exist will hit you while reading….a very traumatic and thought provoking book which will have you broken and crying out for vengeance. This is a must read!
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
March 10, 2014
4.5 Hearts ARC provided for Honest Review
"Roar" was a book that completely suffocated me with sadness and heart break and I know it will stay with me for a long time. Nate and Charlie's story was beautiful yet brutal... it sucked me in, chewed me up and spat me out but I couldn't put it down. My heart was in my mouth, my stomach in knots at what I was reading and at times, I could have quite easily have been physically sick. Yes this book touched on some horrific subject matters... subject matters not for the faint hearted but this was balanced out by some of the most beautiful moments I have ever read, cherished moments that just stole my heart and truly helped restore my faith in man kind.
Charlie and Nate were two characters who were so tragically flawed, my heart just ached for them. Their lives seemed to be shrouded in so much darkness, so much guilt and so much pain, I wondered whether they would ever get a break. The more I read, the more I uncovered, the more my heart shattered because they were prisoners of their past, a tragic, horrific past that was like a noose around their necks, getting tighter and tighter as each day past. It was a living hell and I wondered how they ever survived.
Over the years, the love Nate and Charlie shared was the one thing that never faltered ... in fact if anything, time apart had only made their feelings for one another that much stronger... the pull, that chemistry was still there but would it be enough? Charlie's scars ran deep and unfortunately, my gut was telling me that Nate's unconditional love might not be enough to save her but I wanted that... I needed him to be her knight in shining armor... she deserved that much.
As secrets were revealed and the true extent of the damage done laid bare, I sobbed my heart out for this couple. I was consumed with so much anger and so much hatred because it could have been prevented if not for the ignorance of a few. Thank god for Nona and Davey, two beautiful characters who just stole my heart. Nona's words of wisdom, love and support made my heart swell and to be honest, I really needed that because the tone of this book was far from a happy one!
The writing in "Roar" was so emotive, so raw with chapters told from the past and the present and from dual POV intertwining perfectly. This allowed me to see the true horror of Charlie and Nate's past but also, the impact that had had on them as individuals in adult life (and trust me, you'll need a iron clad stomach when reading this).
I loved this book... it was a compelling, thought provoking read which I would whole heartedly recommend. I rated "Roar" 4.5 Hearts
"Roar" was a book that completely suffocated me with sadness and heart break and I know it will stay with me for a long time. Nate and Charlie's story was beautiful yet brutal... it sucked me in, chewed me up and spat me out but I couldn't put it down. My heart was in my mouth, my stomach in knots at what I was reading and at times, I could have quite easily have been physically sick. Yes this book touched on some horrific subject matters... subject matters not for the faint hearted but this was balanced out by some of the most beautiful moments I have ever read, cherished moments that just stole my heart and truly helped restore my faith in man kind.
Charlie and Nate were two characters who were so tragically flawed, my heart just ached for them. Their lives seemed to be shrouded in so much darkness, so much guilt and so much pain, I wondered whether they would ever get a break. The more I read, the more I uncovered, the more my heart shattered because they were prisoners of their past, a tragic, horrific past that was like a noose around their necks, getting tighter and tighter as each day past. It was a living hell and I wondered how they ever survived.
What I want you to see is that there is room to heal, to soar, and live your life beyond the wounds you carry around inside you. I want you to recover and be strong, I want you to be the ruler of the kingdom that is your life and roar like a tiger I know is in you.As inseparable as they were as children, a turn of events in their teenage years had torn Charlie and Nate apart. Being thrown together years later meant old wounds were reopened, the demons that had laid dormant were awakened and they were forced to face a past they had tried so desperately to hide. It was tragic, torturous reading and I was desperate for the characters to find a way out of the hell their lives had become but it didn't matter how quickly I read, it didn't seem peace would find them any time soon.
Nate stayed with me through thick and thin, hell and worse, until we were forced apart, and taught what we shared was wrong.Nate and Charlie's characters were not too dissimilar. Both had made choices that continued to eat away at them, each trying desperately to make amends for the wrongs that weren't there's to right. There was such an overwhelming sense of guilt for what the other had had to endure and there was so much self loathing as a result. Nate's life had taken a positive turn in their years apart and he had become successful in his own right but Charlie had never been far from his thoughts. Unfortunately Charlie's life was far from a bed of roses. She had literally gone out of the frying pan and into the fire but in her own mind, she deserved nothing less.
My building blocks of life are built upon guilt so thick, it's cold in here. My soul, my heart, my body, and love are all so cold. I have nothing warm and good to give anyone.
Over the years, the love Nate and Charlie shared was the one thing that never faltered ... in fact if anything, time apart had only made their feelings for one another that much stronger... the pull, that chemistry was still there but would it be enough? Charlie's scars ran deep and unfortunately, my gut was telling me that Nate's unconditional love might not be enough to save her but I wanted that... I needed him to be her knight in shining armor... she deserved that much.
As secrets were revealed and the true extent of the damage done laid bare, I sobbed my heart out for this couple. I was consumed with so much anger and so much hatred because it could have been prevented if not for the ignorance of a few. Thank god for Nona and Davey, two beautiful characters who just stole my heart. Nona's words of wisdom, love and support made my heart swell and to be honest, I really needed that because the tone of this book was far from a happy one!
She doesn't want me to fix her, to help her, but I can't stop. I want to help her, to fix her problems if I can. Like the selfish asshole I am, I want to be the reason she doesn't give up. I want to be the one she moves forward for, and I want all these things so we can finally together because together we can be anything- fight for everything together. I did it for her, and I know she can do it for us.
The writing in "Roar" was so emotive, so raw with chapters told from the past and the present and from dual POV intertwining perfectly. This allowed me to see the true horror of Charlie and Nate's past but also, the impact that had had on them as individuals in adult life (and trust me, you'll need a iron clad stomach when reading this).
I loved this book... it was a compelling, thought provoking read which I would whole heartedly recommend. I rated "Roar" 4.5 Hearts
March 20, 2014
Find this Review at Taryn Lee's Book Blog
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of those books that you read the blurb and feel like you've got the story figured out, but then you read it and your mind is blown. BLOWN. This book left me a bit speechless at first. Roar was an eye opener for me. There are so many dark parts of the human race that people don't think is there. You don't know your neighbors. You don't know the people you let in your house. And you certainly don't know the things your own kin are capable of doing to you.
Charlie has been dealt a terrible beginning to life. For many years she is sexually abused in a way that isn't so obvious. It's much darker and makes her feel much dirtier. Her best friend and neighbor Nate is pulled into the web of abuse with her. And the two of them ultimately fall in love with each other through the years of abuse. To them, they believe they are dirtied for eternity. This book is a tale of how Nate tries to provide rationale for their love, whereas Charlie sees it as a disgusting result of the years they spent being pushed down a road neither of them chose for themselves.
Overall, I didn't find one flaw with this book. The characters are all put through horrendous circumstances. I think the worst was the fact that even after Charlie and Nate escape the abuse, Charlie finds her way back to an abuser of a different degree. It truly broke my heart. I'm giving this book 5 STARS out of 5 STARS for a tale of two people who deserved some type of normal from the beginning, but never got the chance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Read by Taryn Lee on February 24, 2014
Reviewed by Taryn Lee on March 19, 2014
Taryn Lee's Book Blog on Facebook
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Freedom is not mine. From the moment I took Nate's hand and led him to despair, I lost that God-given right because I took his." -Charlie
This is one of those books that you read the blurb and feel like you've got the story figured out, but then you read it and your mind is blown. BLOWN. This book left me a bit speechless at first. Roar was an eye opener for me. There are so many dark parts of the human race that people don't think is there. You don't know your neighbors. You don't know the people you let in your house. And you certainly don't know the things your own kin are capable of doing to you.
"Dreams are for the innocent and naive. I am definitely neither." -Charlie
Charlie has been dealt a terrible beginning to life. For many years she is sexually abused in a way that isn't so obvious. It's much darker and makes her feel much dirtier. Her best friend and neighbor Nate is pulled into the web of abuse with her. And the two of them ultimately fall in love with each other through the years of abuse. To them, they believe they are dirtied for eternity. This book is a tale of how Nate tries to provide rationale for their love, whereas Charlie sees it as a disgusting result of the years they spent being pushed down a road neither of them chose for themselves.
"This was going to hurt him in the short term and probably kill me forever." -Charlie
Overall, I didn't find one flaw with this book. The characters are all put through horrendous circumstances. I think the worst was the fact that even after Charlie and Nate escape the abuse, Charlie finds her way back to an abuser of a different degree. It truly broke my heart. I'm giving this book 5 STARS out of 5 STARS for a tale of two people who deserved some type of normal from the beginning, but never got the chance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Read by Taryn Lee on February 24, 2014
Reviewed by Taryn Lee on March 19, 2014
Taryn Lee's Book Blog on Facebook
March 24, 2014
Roar was a quick but dark and taboo read.. maybe less taboo and more on the sicko-pervy side of books. Reader be warned, there are some scenes that are hard to handle. Honestly I can't really say that any of this book is bad, but I would've liked more resolve at the ending than an epilogue. Also, since this book focuses so much on physical abuse, I personally didn't feel good during the smexy scenes, I just wanted to take a shower and maybe have an hour of counseling.
I love the duel POVs and how they transitioned from past to present for both characters. I just wanted more. I feel like a lot of life events were touched on, but there wasn't enough there for me to sympathize, except for the terrible "past" scenes.
Overall it was a good read, its a little depraved. Even though there is some heavy angst, there is a lighter side of swoon with Nate. I'd recommend this read to anyone that is in the mood for a darker read.
I love the duel POVs and how they transitioned from past to present for both characters. I just wanted more. I feel like a lot of life events were touched on, but there wasn't enough there for me to sympathize, except for the terrible "past" scenes.
Overall it was a good read, its a little depraved. Even though there is some heavy angst, there is a lighter side of swoon with Nate. I'd recommend this read to anyone that is in the mood for a darker read.
March 16, 2014
i was privileged to read the ARC for this book in all its rawness. This is one angsty, tortured tale you don't want to miss. The writing is completely engaging, the characters deeply flawed . it takes you on a taboo little ride of Erotic reading. I think i may have just screamed at the characters sometimes. reading Roar you will be sucked in by incredibly poetic prose and deeply romantic relationships. I wish I wrote a novel like this - it's five effing stars brilliant.
Want to read
March 21, 2014Love the cover...considering this one ;)
(But scared it could be a little too dark for me...)
(But scared it could be a little too dark for me...)
March 22, 2014
Easily a 5+++ Star read for me!
Gripping and powerful.
Roar is BEAUTIFULLY written. It is a story unlike any other. The relationships are deep and heartbreaking. Aria Cage took something horrible and turned it into something beautiful. This is one story you do NOT want to miss!
Was I supposed to cry??? I sure hope so. Because I cried buckets! These aren’t just broken characters that carry around past hurt. They are deeply tortured and severely damaged. I’m not sure how you were able to write this, Aria Cage, because I was a total and utter mess just reading it. I am crying just thinking about it to write this darn review.
Roar is brutally beautiful, and my emotions definitely took a beating. My heart broke over and over for Nate and Charlie. But you know what? I’d sacrifice them all over again to experience such a passionate and heartfelt story.
Nate and Charlie have been connected since childhood. The nature of their relationship is the heart of the story – it’s deep yet taboo, but through no fault of their own. The most important thing in the world to Nate and Charlie is each other. The pair is inseparable until a tragedy literally tears them apart as teenagers. Unspeakable and unknown sacrifices are made leaving each sentenced to live in their own private hell with their own hurt and regrets until their paths once again cross many years later.
Time may have passed, but Nate’s love for Charlie runs infinitely deep and has endured anything that you can throw at love, least of all time. Charlie believes she’s responsible for them being torn apart all those years ago. She doesn’t deny the pull and tie she has to Nate, but her guilt doesn’t allow her to accept that she deserves to be saved, and she fights it at every turn. Nate’s not about to lose the one thing that matters most to him again even if it means letting her go to save her.
Nate and Charlie are characters that you can’t help but feel connected to. The emotions are raw and the dual POV allows us to see the extent to which Nate and Charlie suffered internally. I literally wanted to jump in the pages and fight for them. But, I also wanted to shake Charlie awake and make her realize she deserves some happiness. I think Nate broke my heart more than anyone. He’s trying desperately to save someone that doesn’t want to be saved.
Aria Cage’s writing is gorgeous, vivid, and real. Her writing style is lyrical which adds to the overall feel and makes the story flow. For such a brutal story and delicate subject matter, Aria Cage manages to make it a page turner with her fabulous style and the sensitivity and compassion with which it’s written. The flashback between the past and present drives this story. It’s purposeful and impactful. The way in which Nate and Charlie’s demons are revealed is brilliantly done by Aria Cage. It is undeniably artistic.
What’s on the inside is stunning, and the cover is no exception. I absolutely love this cover! I think it sets the tone for what’s inside. What lives inside the pages is just as gorgeous as the cover. If you want to read something with emotion and heart that will leave you thinking about it for days after, you found it with Roar.
I cannot wait for whatever Aria Cage brings us next!!!
(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review)
Gripping and powerful.
Roar is BEAUTIFULLY written. It is a story unlike any other. The relationships are deep and heartbreaking. Aria Cage took something horrible and turned it into something beautiful. This is one story you do NOT want to miss!
Was I supposed to cry??? I sure hope so. Because I cried buckets! These aren’t just broken characters that carry around past hurt. They are deeply tortured and severely damaged. I’m not sure how you were able to write this, Aria Cage, because I was a total and utter mess just reading it. I am crying just thinking about it to write this darn review.
Roar is brutally beautiful, and my emotions definitely took a beating. My heart broke over and over for Nate and Charlie. But you know what? I’d sacrifice them all over again to experience such a passionate and heartfelt story.
Nate and Charlie have been connected since childhood. The nature of their relationship is the heart of the story – it’s deep yet taboo, but through no fault of their own. The most important thing in the world to Nate and Charlie is each other. The pair is inseparable until a tragedy literally tears them apart as teenagers. Unspeakable and unknown sacrifices are made leaving each sentenced to live in their own private hell with their own hurt and regrets until their paths once again cross many years later.
Time may have passed, but Nate’s love for Charlie runs infinitely deep and has endured anything that you can throw at love, least of all time. Charlie believes she’s responsible for them being torn apart all those years ago. She doesn’t deny the pull and tie she has to Nate, but her guilt doesn’t allow her to accept that she deserves to be saved, and she fights it at every turn. Nate’s not about to lose the one thing that matters most to him again even if it means letting her go to save her.
Nate and Charlie are characters that you can’t help but feel connected to. The emotions are raw and the dual POV allows us to see the extent to which Nate and Charlie suffered internally. I literally wanted to jump in the pages and fight for them. But, I also wanted to shake Charlie awake and make her realize she deserves some happiness. I think Nate broke my heart more than anyone. He’s trying desperately to save someone that doesn’t want to be saved.
Aria Cage’s writing is gorgeous, vivid, and real. Her writing style is lyrical which adds to the overall feel and makes the story flow. For such a brutal story and delicate subject matter, Aria Cage manages to make it a page turner with her fabulous style and the sensitivity and compassion with which it’s written. The flashback between the past and present drives this story. It’s purposeful and impactful. The way in which Nate and Charlie’s demons are revealed is brilliantly done by Aria Cage. It is undeniably artistic.
What’s on the inside is stunning, and the cover is no exception. I absolutely love this cover! I think it sets the tone for what’s inside. What lives inside the pages is just as gorgeous as the cover. If you want to read something with emotion and heart that will leave you thinking about it for days after, you found it with Roar.
I cannot wait for whatever Aria Cage brings us next!!!
(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review)
March 18, 2014
This was a gut wrenching story and honestly I wasn’t expecting it at all. What I was expecting was an ok story with a little drama mixed in for effort, but wow. Oh how I was wrong. This of course will not suit everyone one, and frankly might be a bit upsetting for some to read. This does deal with child molestation, and while not graphic, you are left with no question as to what is going on and you will find it upsetting.
Beautifully written and highly emotional, This will suck you in with in the first pages, I genuinely could not put this book down. I don’t know this authors history but if she is not a physiologist or something like that this was extremely well researched and just utterly gut-wrenching in places and downright horrifying in others. In one scene I felt physically ill. (Shower scene *shudders*)
My heart just broke for Charlie and Nate, everything they did in life was a direct result of their childhood and it really does show how abuse can really, really mess people up more ways than one, for many years. It did seem like the author sat there and said to herself “hmmm how much crap can I give one person to deal with before they go bat shit crazy?” Poor Charlie had been through a lot in her life, and the poor girl was just so broken, her character growth was a joy to see even if I wanted to shake some sense into her more than once.
Was it perfect? No there were some plot holes at end but for me they didn’t overly matter to much and there were a couple of miss used words but again, I am not great at the whole spelling and grammar thing so I find it very easy to forgive those things.
Anyway to sum it up I love it in a disturbing heartbreaking way. Also WILL Conner be getting a story of his own?? I would be very interested in reading more about him!!
Beautifully written and highly emotional, This will suck you in with in the first pages, I genuinely could not put this book down. I don’t know this authors history but if she is not a physiologist or something like that this was extremely well researched and just utterly gut-wrenching in places and downright horrifying in others. In one scene I felt physically ill. (Shower scene *shudders*)
My heart just broke for Charlie and Nate, everything they did in life was a direct result of their childhood and it really does show how abuse can really, really mess people up more ways than one, for many years. It did seem like the author sat there and said to herself “hmmm how much crap can I give one person to deal with before they go bat shit crazy?” Poor Charlie had been through a lot in her life, and the poor girl was just so broken, her character growth was a joy to see even if I wanted to shake some sense into her more than once.
Was it perfect? No there were some plot holes at end but for me they didn’t overly matter to much and there were a couple of miss used words but again, I am not great at the whole spelling and grammar thing so I find it very easy to forgive those things.
Anyway to sum it up I love it in a disturbing heartbreaking way. Also WILL Conner be getting a story of his own?? I would be very interested in reading more about him!!
March 21, 2014
4 ROARING STARS
NATE & CHARLIE ♥
Going into this book after reading the description I had other theories but this just blew my mind. Aria Cage writes such an emotional story that captivates you until the end.
The story is about Charlotte and Nathan. They've known each other since childhood and thats where their story began. Circumstances caused them to seperate in their late adolescence. However, they reunite and the sparks are still there; they are still both connected but know probably stronger than ever. They've been through quite a lot and those demons all those years ago still have hold on them. Is the feeling they share really love? or is it empathy? Will they overcome these demons yet again?
*keep those kleenex's handy because this one is definetly a tear jerker*
- Sleepless, Readmore .
RoarAria Cage
NATE & CHARLIE ♥
"but then I see her face in my mind and I know I can't give up~ Nathan
I want to roar, Nate"~ Charlotte
Going into this book after reading the description I had other theories but this just blew my mind. Aria Cage writes such an emotional story that captivates you until the end.
The story is about Charlotte and Nathan. They've known each other since childhood and thats where their story began. Circumstances caused them to seperate in their late adolescence. However, they reunite and the sparks are still there; they are still both connected but know probably stronger than ever. They've been through quite a lot and those demons all those years ago still have hold on them. Is the feeling they share really love? or is it empathy? Will they overcome these demons yet again?
*keep those kleenex's handy because this one is definetly a tear jerker*
- Sleepless, Readmore .
RoarAria Cage
March 26, 2014
This is one of those books that you read and it inspires you more and more through each page. Gives you so much hope and joy for the characters that it’s overwhelming. My emotions were on high alert through the whole book. I was bawling through most of it, some of the content was hard to read, but it’s so worth it to get to the ending.
Charlie is such a remarkable character that I adored and loved so much. My heart went out to her throughout the entire book. She went through so much in her lifetime and it still kept haunting her and kept her from spreading her wings and flying. I hated everything she had to endure through her childhood and teenage years and even as a woman when you first meet her in the story. It’s so awful and sad. Then she is brought back to the one person in her life that gave her freedom and made her feel safe.
Nate! Lord I loved that boy. He was strong, beautiful and filled with so much love for Charlie. I loved how protective of her he was and that no matter what he kept fighting to bring her into the light and out of her own personal darkness. You will find that Nate has some darkness too, but as long as he has Charlie he gets past it and pushes forward because he want’s nothing more than to save her and show her she deserves to be loved.
So if you want to read a book that will have you so emotionally invested and never wanted to put the book down because you need to know how it all ends for the two amazing characters the author created this is the book for you. I fell completely in love with the storyline and love a book that gives me hope for the world.
Charlie is such a remarkable character that I adored and loved so much. My heart went out to her throughout the entire book. She went through so much in her lifetime and it still kept haunting her and kept her from spreading her wings and flying. I hated everything she had to endure through her childhood and teenage years and even as a woman when you first meet her in the story. It’s so awful and sad. Then she is brought back to the one person in her life that gave her freedom and made her feel safe.
Nate! Lord I loved that boy. He was strong, beautiful and filled with so much love for Charlie. I loved how protective of her he was and that no matter what he kept fighting to bring her into the light and out of her own personal darkness. You will find that Nate has some darkness too, but as long as he has Charlie he gets past it and pushes forward because he want’s nothing more than to save her and show her she deserves to be loved.
So if you want to read a book that will have you so emotionally invested and never wanted to put the book down because you need to know how it all ends for the two amazing characters the author created this is the book for you. I fell completely in love with the storyline and love a book that gives me hope for the world.
March 16, 2014
What a hell of a story this was, I cannot believe how broken the lead character Charlie was, or the horrors she's endured, and the nightmare she lived because she thought it's all she deserved.
The book tells the story in the present, but every so often there's a flashback chapter that explains how and why.
It's beautifully written, it's bloody tragic, and it had me in tears by the end.
This book deals with abuse in different forms, this is not a fluffy, happy book, it's a book about broken people, broken lives, betrayal and the rest. But it's also a book about surviving and hope. Don't read it if you can't handle dark, because that's what it is deep down. It's an emotional read, but it draws you in, has you empathising and loving the characters and hoping page after page that things will turn out for the best.
I'm not telling you how it ends, but I loved the last third of this book, it kept me guessing, hoping and wondering.
If you can handle a grittier read them I'm sure you'll love it as much as I did.
The book tells the story in the present, but every so often there's a flashback chapter that explains how and why.
It's beautifully written, it's bloody tragic, and it had me in tears by the end.
This book deals with abuse in different forms, this is not a fluffy, happy book, it's a book about broken people, broken lives, betrayal and the rest. But it's also a book about surviving and hope. Don't read it if you can't handle dark, because that's what it is deep down. It's an emotional read, but it draws you in, has you empathising and loving the characters and hoping page after page that things will turn out for the best.
I'm not telling you how it ends, but I loved the last third of this book, it kept me guessing, hoping and wondering.
If you can handle a grittier read them I'm sure you'll love it as much as I did.
December 29, 2014
The first word that comes to mind when trying to describe this story is beautiful; heart breaking, but beautiful none the less. The second I read the synopsis, I knew it was going to be incredible and I was not disappointed. Aria Cage has an impeccable way with words. Creating an emotionally taboo rollercoaster, one at times I wasn’t sure I wanted to be on. The story is told from both Charlie and Nate’s POV, overlapping and intertwining in a beautiful rhythm. Making almost unbearable moments somewhat easier knowing what the other was thinking and feeling. Nate and Charlie’s journey to happily ever after is filled with secrets that have the ability to destroy lives and rectify transgressions if only there were proof. But their beauty isn’t in their past, it’s in their future. And thankfully, that future is bright after all they have endured.
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March 21, 2014
*****5 I Want To Roar Like A Lion Stars*****
This book was a horrific tragedy with a silver lining of love. The story of Nate & Charlie was painful to read but yet offered a ray of hope. They endured torture and pain yet they had each other to help them through it. Years later they find each other again and are still battling their demons and choices they have made. This tragic to HEA book was creatively written and heartbreaking yet heartwarming. Great book and highly recommend.
This book was a horrific tragedy with a silver lining of love. The story of Nate & Charlie was painful to read but yet offered a ray of hope. They endured torture and pain yet they had each other to help them through it. Years later they find each other again and are still battling their demons and choices they have made. This tragic to HEA book was creatively written and heartbreaking yet heartwarming. Great book and highly recommend.
March 20, 2014
I am still a little in shock I guess you could say after reading this book..Review to come
March 23, 2014
Wow!! Awesome read!
March 10, 2019
Kind of took me by surprise, and there was more to this than I initially thought.
Charlie and Nate have been best friends since they were little. They relied on each other as kids, and this dependency got them through the toughest of times. However, it also resulted in some tough times.
From early on, when we’re first introduced to the two kids via a flashback, we can tell this is not going to be a happy story. Victims of abuse, the worst of it is not fully revealed until later but it shows itself in every action.
We meet them as adults, each dealing with the fallout of their childhood. I predicted some of the revelations, but it was a tough read to finally have things confirmed.
Bleak and upsetting in so many ways, but the relationship between the two seemed strong. I’m not sure how healthy it was, but it was a lot better than the raw hand they’d each been dealt.
Charlie and Nate have been best friends since they were little. They relied on each other as kids, and this dependency got them through the toughest of times. However, it also resulted in some tough times.
From early on, when we’re first introduced to the two kids via a flashback, we can tell this is not going to be a happy story. Victims of abuse, the worst of it is not fully revealed until later but it shows itself in every action.
We meet them as adults, each dealing with the fallout of their childhood. I predicted some of the revelations, but it was a tough read to finally have things confirmed.
Bleak and upsetting in so many ways, but the relationship between the two seemed strong. I’m not sure how healthy it was, but it was a lot better than the raw hand they’d each been dealt.
March 29, 2014
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Before I begin, I think it is important to disclose that the subject matter deals with domestic and child sexual abuse. If either of these are triggers for you, you may want to pass on this book because it is certainly not for everyone. If you do however choose to proceed to read it, which I hope you do, you’ll want to keep the tissues handy as this book will take you through the emotional wringer. While a tough read, it is more than worth it in the end.
Charlotte, or Charlie as she prefers to be called, is in her late twenties. She is a nurse and lives with her boyfriend Paul, whom is a doctor. She has recently moved back to her hometown of Beaver Dam where she works alongside Paul in the emergency department. When an important figure from her past is rushed into the ER, she must soon confront ghosts from the past, as well as deal with the demons of the present. It’s no accident that Charlie has chosen to work in the ER; she doesn’t need to build relationships with her patients. They come in, get fixed, they leave; that is until one patient turns her world upside down.
Nate is an ex-con that has managed to get his life on the straight and narrow. A job site accident finds him in the ER where he reconnects with his childhood friend Charlie. It seems that fate is at work when he sees Charlie face to face after years apart and he’s not willing to let years go by until he sees her again. His main concern is her happiness and he will not stop until he makes sure that she truly is happy. When Nate begins to suspect that Paul isn’t caring, loving, boyfriend Charlie represents him as, he makes it his mission to set things right with her. But what can he do to make Charlie realize that she deserves so much better?
I will do my best to refrain from spoilers, but I will say that this book is full of twists and turns that you will not see coming. The story is told from both Charlie and Nate’s points of view and has frequent flashbacks throughout their history together, starting from young elementary age. Ms. Cage uses this narrative to effectively make the reader understand just how deep the connection between the two of them runs. The characters and storyline are incredibly well developed and both the love and pain in their relationships is palpable. Even the secondary characters play an important part in the story and those relationships too are well defined.
Roar brings to light the secrets that many small towns keep. Very little in Charlie & Nate’s situation is what it seems, especially given the nature of the abuse that took place in the past. Appearances need to be kept up and the whispered secrets lead the community to believe the worst of both Charlie & Nate. But it is through their love for each other that they begin to see that their connection to each other is beyond that of shared victimhood. While they may have developed a connection that originally came about due to the abuse, that is simply the tip of the iceberg.
Roar is a five star novel from cover to cover. While it may drain you emotionally, it is an amazing testament to love and perseverance. Nate and Charlie are soul mates and despite the years and the many hurdles thrown at them over the years, their desire to be together is great. Ms. Cage has crafted a beautifully messy tale of how love can conquer all, even in the ugliest of situations. It was well written and once I began, I didn’t want to put it down. I definitely look forward to more of Ms. Cage’s work.
Before I begin, I think it is important to disclose that the subject matter deals with domestic and child sexual abuse. If either of these are triggers for you, you may want to pass on this book because it is certainly not for everyone. If you do however choose to proceed to read it, which I hope you do, you’ll want to keep the tissues handy as this book will take you through the emotional wringer. While a tough read, it is more than worth it in the end.
Charlotte, or Charlie as she prefers to be called, is in her late twenties. She is a nurse and lives with her boyfriend Paul, whom is a doctor. She has recently moved back to her hometown of Beaver Dam where she works alongside Paul in the emergency department. When an important figure from her past is rushed into the ER, she must soon confront ghosts from the past, as well as deal with the demons of the present. It’s no accident that Charlie has chosen to work in the ER; she doesn’t need to build relationships with her patients. They come in, get fixed, they leave; that is until one patient turns her world upside down.
Nate is an ex-con that has managed to get his life on the straight and narrow. A job site accident finds him in the ER where he reconnects with his childhood friend Charlie. It seems that fate is at work when he sees Charlie face to face after years apart and he’s not willing to let years go by until he sees her again. His main concern is her happiness and he will not stop until he makes sure that she truly is happy. When Nate begins to suspect that Paul isn’t caring, loving, boyfriend Charlie represents him as, he makes it his mission to set things right with her. But what can he do to make Charlie realize that she deserves so much better?
I will do my best to refrain from spoilers, but I will say that this book is full of twists and turns that you will not see coming. The story is told from both Charlie and Nate’s points of view and has frequent flashbacks throughout their history together, starting from young elementary age. Ms. Cage uses this narrative to effectively make the reader understand just how deep the connection between the two of them runs. The characters and storyline are incredibly well developed and both the love and pain in their relationships is palpable. Even the secondary characters play an important part in the story and those relationships too are well defined.
Roar brings to light the secrets that many small towns keep. Very little in Charlie & Nate’s situation is what it seems, especially given the nature of the abuse that took place in the past. Appearances need to be kept up and the whispered secrets lead the community to believe the worst of both Charlie & Nate. But it is through their love for each other that they begin to see that their connection to each other is beyond that of shared victimhood. While they may have developed a connection that originally came about due to the abuse, that is simply the tip of the iceberg.
Roar is a five star novel from cover to cover. While it may drain you emotionally, it is an amazing testament to love and perseverance. Nate and Charlie are soul mates and despite the years and the many hurdles thrown at them over the years, their desire to be together is great. Ms. Cage has crafted a beautifully messy tale of how love can conquer all, even in the ugliest of situations. It was well written and once I began, I didn’t want to put it down. I definitely look forward to more of Ms. Cage’s work.
March 20, 2014
This book is poignant and disturbing, uplifting and real. This book deals with the aftermath of childhood sexual abuse, so there may be people that will find this book very hard to read. The abuse is handled in a frank and unapologetic manner, but tastefully done – if there is such a thing.
Nate is two years older than his neighbor, Charlie. Her father is the Sherriff. Nate lives with his grandmother, Nona, and brother, Davey – who has Downs Syndrome. Charlie’s father is a sick, sick, man. At first, he doesn’t directly abuse Charlie or Nate. Starting at age 9 & 11, respectively, he has them interact in an ever increasing sexual manner; once a month, every third Thursday – a day they learn to anticipate and hate. They feel ashamed of the fact that they’ve developed adult feelings for one another, but they are NOT adults. They each feel the other needs to be free, but want to love and protect each other at any cost. Charlie’s father is killed in a violent confrontation when she is 17-years old. She and Nate are separated when he goes to jail for murder (did he, or didn’t he kill the evil bastard? I’ll never tell!) and Charlie is put into foster care.
They are reunited many years later when Nate is injured in a construction accident and winds up in Hospital Emergency room where Charlie, now a nurse, is working. From that reunion, they try to resolve the issues that separated them in the first place - the detritus from the abuse that haunts them still, and the unquestionable love they feel for one another
My favorite quote from this book:
Roar is a powerhouse of a book. I couldn’t put it down – although there were times when I wanted to. This book haunts me. It calls to me to talk about it. I was abused as a child, so it was hard at times to read, but I’m so very glad that I did. It is a call to overcome, a call to speak out, and a glaring look at the fact that monsters look like moms and dads; like people who love God and are held to high esteem in their communities; and that the scared child that lives within us –regardless of our backgrounds - can ROAR!~
Nate is two years older than his neighbor, Charlie. Her father is the Sherriff. Nate lives with his grandmother, Nona, and brother, Davey – who has Downs Syndrome. Charlie’s father is a sick, sick, man. At first, he doesn’t directly abuse Charlie or Nate. Starting at age 9 & 11, respectively, he has them interact in an ever increasing sexual manner; once a month, every third Thursday – a day they learn to anticipate and hate. They feel ashamed of the fact that they’ve developed adult feelings for one another, but they are NOT adults. They each feel the other needs to be free, but want to love and protect each other at any cost. Charlie’s father is killed in a violent confrontation when she is 17-years old. She and Nate are separated when he goes to jail for murder (did he, or didn’t he kill the evil bastard? I’ll never tell!) and Charlie is put into foster care.
They are reunited many years later when Nate is injured in a construction accident and winds up in Hospital Emergency room where Charlie, now a nurse, is working. From that reunion, they try to resolve the issues that separated them in the first place - the detritus from the abuse that haunts them still, and the unquestionable love they feel for one another
My favorite quote from this book:
She sees why I brought her to the rescue sanctuary for injured animals, but she doesn’t quite get the moral I’m trying to teach her.
“You see the sadness, the pain, and that someone like Mrs. Fisher has rescued them and takes care of them, but that isn’t what I want you to see or get from this. What I want you to see is that there is room to heal, and roar, and live your life beyond the wounds you carry around inside of you. I want you to recover and be strong. I want you to be the ruler of the kingdom that is your life, and roar like a tiger I know is in you. I want you to never, ever, back down to anyone again.”
“Roar like a tiger?” “I wanted to take you to the zoo, but your common sense burst that bubble.”
“I want to roar, Nate”, she whispers in a breath. “You will!” If it’s the last thing in this life I will see happen, it is that.
Roar is a powerhouse of a book. I couldn’t put it down – although there were times when I wanted to. This book haunts me. It calls to me to talk about it. I was abused as a child, so it was hard at times to read, but I’m so very glad that I did. It is a call to overcome, a call to speak out, and a glaring look at the fact that monsters look like moms and dads; like people who love God and are held to high esteem in their communities; and that the scared child that lives within us –regardless of our backgrounds - can ROAR!~
March 25, 2014
Let me start by saying that this book is not for everyone. It’s a book about abuse and its devastating effects. It illustrates humanity’s darkness at its most primal level. It’s a tough read because of the subject matter and the devastation and self loathing that the main characters experience due to the abuse, but it’s also a story about redemption and fighting back…allowing one’s self to ROAR, metaphorically and literally.
The story is told in dual point of views with flashbacks that provide insight into the abuse that caused both Charlie and Nate’s present day actions and feelings. The explanations and descriptions of the abuse sufficiently illustrate what happened to them as children, but it’s not explicitly portrayed…that’s not to say that its discussion will not enrage and upset readers, but I think it’s a necessary facet of the text. It needs to be addressed in order to understand the depth of Charlie and Nate’s demons and the damage that has been done to them.
Charlie is such a tortured soul…her flashbacks are so beautifully written using naïve narration that they break my heart. She’s an innocent little girl who has to endure years of abuse, and then when it finally ends, the darkness consumes her, and her self perception is so distorted that she believes no one can love her like she deserves to be loved, so she goes from one monster to another, and its effects are just as damaging.
Nate experiences the abuse right along with Charlie, but while she gets lost in the darkness, he gets help. Rationally, he understands that what happened is not their fault…that they can love each other like they do and it’s not perverse or twisted. Now, he just needs Charlie to feel the same way. Nate wants to break Charlie from the cage that surrounds her…help her to “roar like a lion” and power through the guilt and the shame that keeps backing her into the corner. He feels it’s his job to protect, but the only way he can is if she allows it.
Roar is an amazing read. Aria Cage does a tremendous job of depicting the effects of abuse on its victims. Through the writing, readers feel the characters’ devastation and experience Charlie’s self-deprecation. There were times I had to take a step back because I was torn apart by Charlie and Nate’s suffering, but that only proves how well their story is told. Charlie and Nate’s journey together has been difficult since childhood. For many years, they are separated…both trying to cope as best as they can without their other half. Fortunately, though, their love is strong enough to bring light into the darkness and allow Charlie to escape the cage she has been in for so long. Despite the text being an emotional and heartbreaking read, I’m so glad I read it because it demonstrates what the power of love can do despite all that battles against.
I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
The story is told in dual point of views with flashbacks that provide insight into the abuse that caused both Charlie and Nate’s present day actions and feelings. The explanations and descriptions of the abuse sufficiently illustrate what happened to them as children, but it’s not explicitly portrayed…that’s not to say that its discussion will not enrage and upset readers, but I think it’s a necessary facet of the text. It needs to be addressed in order to understand the depth of Charlie and Nate’s demons and the damage that has been done to them.
Charlie is such a tortured soul…her flashbacks are so beautifully written using naïve narration that they break my heart. She’s an innocent little girl who has to endure years of abuse, and then when it finally ends, the darkness consumes her, and her self perception is so distorted that she believes no one can love her like she deserves to be loved, so she goes from one monster to another, and its effects are just as damaging.
Nate experiences the abuse right along with Charlie, but while she gets lost in the darkness, he gets help. Rationally, he understands that what happened is not their fault…that they can love each other like they do and it’s not perverse or twisted. Now, he just needs Charlie to feel the same way. Nate wants to break Charlie from the cage that surrounds her…help her to “roar like a lion” and power through the guilt and the shame that keeps backing her into the corner. He feels it’s his job to protect, but the only way he can is if she allows it.
Roar is an amazing read. Aria Cage does a tremendous job of depicting the effects of abuse on its victims. Through the writing, readers feel the characters’ devastation and experience Charlie’s self-deprecation. There were times I had to take a step back because I was torn apart by Charlie and Nate’s suffering, but that only proves how well their story is told. Charlie and Nate’s journey together has been difficult since childhood. For many years, they are separated…both trying to cope as best as they can without their other half. Fortunately, though, their love is strong enough to bring light into the darkness and allow Charlie to escape the cage she has been in for so long. Despite the text being an emotional and heartbreaking read, I’m so glad I read it because it demonstrates what the power of love can do despite all that battles against.
I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
September 11, 2016
3.5 Stars
“Daddy loved me; Nate loved me; both completely different to the other, and I them. I miss my father even though he hurt me. I miss Nate, but I refuse to continue hurting him, and now I hurt Paul. My life is like a hurt locker, filled to the brim with the anguish I cause.”
Charlotte (Charlie) has been abused her whole life. She knows nothing different except for when it comes to Nate. Yet, she holds so much guilt over what she has brought him into and what he has given up to protect her. Does she deserve more? Can she allow herself to give in to what her heart and her body want?
"She doesn't want me to fix her, to help her, but I can't stop. I want to help her, to fix her problems if I can. Like the selfish @sshole I am, I want to be the reason she doesn't give up."
Nate loves Charlotte more than his own life. He has given up so much for her, yet he wants to continue to see her grow, even if it means not being the one for her. He has done everything his whole life to see her safe, yet what you see isn't always the truth.
"Pft. Our love What a f*cking joke. I trapped a beautiful bird, tamed it, trained it to love me, and essentially broke its spirit."
I wish I could rate this book for the first half and the second half. The first half would have been a 5* for sure. I literally could not stop reading until about 47%. I stayed up what felt like a half hour, yet was really three. It flew by. The story, past and present, drew me in and made me HAVE to know more. I loved the way we got the past in small pieces and from both Charlie's and Nate's point of views, as well as the present in both POV's. I loved that they were both so tortured and only wanted what was best for each other even if that meant sacrificing their own needs. They were torn apart by the guilt of what they had caused to each other. My heart broke for what they went through in the past and guilt they were still carrying around. Now onto the second half. It would have only been about a 2.5 for me. While the story continued in the past/present dual POV's, I just felt after so much guilt and anguish and drama, enough was enough. I needed them to either get to their happy place or to walk away.
Yet, it.just.kept.going.and.going. It just got to the point where it was a bit bizarre. As if they hadn't been through enough, another scenario was brought in and it just felt like too much at that point. I did enjoy watching Charlie become a stronger person and start standing up for herself but I felt like instead of gradual growth, it sort of happened overnight. I did love how it was tied up at the end and while normally I think I like stand-alones, I would really enjoy another book on this couple as to where they are at later down the road. I would definitely read it. There was one small part that was not cleared up (it wasn't really obvious but it stuck out to me) so here's to hoping!
Reviewed by Mystery for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for honest review*
“Daddy loved me; Nate loved me; both completely different to the other, and I them. I miss my father even though he hurt me. I miss Nate, but I refuse to continue hurting him, and now I hurt Paul. My life is like a hurt locker, filled to the brim with the anguish I cause.”
Charlotte (Charlie) has been abused her whole life. She knows nothing different except for when it comes to Nate. Yet, she holds so much guilt over what she has brought him into and what he has given up to protect her. Does she deserve more? Can she allow herself to give in to what her heart and her body want?
"She doesn't want me to fix her, to help her, but I can't stop. I want to help her, to fix her problems if I can. Like the selfish @sshole I am, I want to be the reason she doesn't give up."
Nate loves Charlotte more than his own life. He has given up so much for her, yet he wants to continue to see her grow, even if it means not being the one for her. He has done everything his whole life to see her safe, yet what you see isn't always the truth.
"Pft. Our love What a f*cking joke. I trapped a beautiful bird, tamed it, trained it to love me, and essentially broke its spirit."
I wish I could rate this book for the first half and the second half. The first half would have been a 5* for sure. I literally could not stop reading until about 47%. I stayed up what felt like a half hour, yet was really three. It flew by. The story, past and present, drew me in and made me HAVE to know more. I loved the way we got the past in small pieces and from both Charlie's and Nate's point of views, as well as the present in both POV's. I loved that they were both so tortured and only wanted what was best for each other even if that meant sacrificing their own needs. They were torn apart by the guilt of what they had caused to each other. My heart broke for what they went through in the past and guilt they were still carrying around. Now onto the second half. It would have only been about a 2.5 for me. While the story continued in the past/present dual POV's, I just felt after so much guilt and anguish and drama, enough was enough. I needed them to either get to their happy place or to walk away.
Yet, it.just.kept.going.and.going. It just got to the point where it was a bit bizarre. As if they hadn't been through enough, another scenario was brought in and it just felt like too much at that point. I did enjoy watching Charlie become a stronger person and start standing up for herself but I felt like instead of gradual growth, it sort of happened overnight. I did love how it was tied up at the end and while normally I think I like stand-alones, I would really enjoy another book on this couple as to where they are at later down the road. I would definitely read it. There was one small part that was not cleared up (it wasn't really obvious but it stuck out to me) so here's to hoping!
Reviewed by Mystery for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for honest review*
March 28, 2014
I received a copy of in exchange for an honest review.
Love is the desire for the sole. Lust is the desire for their body. When both collide, it gives the other the power to destroy you.
Roar by Aria Cage is Charlie and Nate’s story, which deals with a heavy and sensitive subject matter, and so it wasn’t an easy read at times. Charlie and Nate’s are two broken and damages characters and when you know why it’s complete understandable.
“So this is my nightmare – not what we do, but that we have no way out”
Charlie and Nate first meet as children, they were best friends, loved each other, always together, but their childhood is a nightmare, they shared a sad and horrific secret one that comes to ahead in their teenager years and sadly tragic events see them being torn apart. Years later when they meet again they realize they have to face their demons if they want to be set free from their past.
“What I want you to see is that there is room to heal, to soar, and live your life beyond the wounds you carry around inside you. I want you to recover and be strong, I want you to be the ruler of the kingdom that is your life and roar like a tiger I know is in you”.
The story is told from Charlie and Nate’s POV and that gives you an insight into their feelings, their horror and heartache. Told in the present and you get to see how, their secrets, their horrors are still affecting the way were now living their lives. Flashbacks to the past means you slowly start to see exactly how their nightmare began, what happened to them, how they were torn apart from each other
“Nate stayed with me through thick and thin, hell and worse, until we were forced apart, and taught what we shared was wrong”.
I did feel sorry for Charlie as it seen that as one nightmare ended for her another one begin, Nate was slightly fairing better, but the guilt, his protectiveness feelings that he has for Charlie never went away. As did the love they had for each other. They have been scarred, and have so much guilt for what happened to them in their past. My heart went out to Nate and Charlie as their story unfolded their scars were deep, and you hope that they are strong enough make it, and get the happy ending that they rightly deserved.
Love is never The End; it’s the complete opposite
Overall I enjoy Roar it was an emotional well-written read about second chances, hope, strength, and surviving. It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. There were characters that I want to hug as they have been through so much, but some that I wanted to do physical harm to.
If you like your emotional angst filled book, with flawed characters then I recommend you read this one, and remember to have tissues close by.
Love is the desire for the sole. Lust is the desire for their body. When both collide, it gives the other the power to destroy you.
Roar by Aria Cage is Charlie and Nate’s story, which deals with a heavy and sensitive subject matter, and so it wasn’t an easy read at times. Charlie and Nate’s are two broken and damages characters and when you know why it’s complete understandable.
“So this is my nightmare – not what we do, but that we have no way out”
Charlie and Nate first meet as children, they were best friends, loved each other, always together, but their childhood is a nightmare, they shared a sad and horrific secret one that comes to ahead in their teenager years and sadly tragic events see them being torn apart. Years later when they meet again they realize they have to face their demons if they want to be set free from their past.
“What I want you to see is that there is room to heal, to soar, and live your life beyond the wounds you carry around inside you. I want you to recover and be strong, I want you to be the ruler of the kingdom that is your life and roar like a tiger I know is in you”.
The story is told from Charlie and Nate’s POV and that gives you an insight into their feelings, their horror and heartache. Told in the present and you get to see how, their secrets, their horrors are still affecting the way were now living their lives. Flashbacks to the past means you slowly start to see exactly how their nightmare began, what happened to them, how they were torn apart from each other
“Nate stayed with me through thick and thin, hell and worse, until we were forced apart, and taught what we shared was wrong”.
I did feel sorry for Charlie as it seen that as one nightmare ended for her another one begin, Nate was slightly fairing better, but the guilt, his protectiveness feelings that he has for Charlie never went away. As did the love they had for each other. They have been scarred, and have so much guilt for what happened to them in their past. My heart went out to Nate and Charlie as their story unfolded their scars were deep, and you hope that they are strong enough make it, and get the happy ending that they rightly deserved.
Love is never The End; it’s the complete opposite
Overall I enjoy Roar it was an emotional well-written read about second chances, hope, strength, and surviving. It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. There were characters that I want to hug as they have been through so much, but some that I wanted to do physical harm to.
If you like your emotional angst filled book, with flawed characters then I recommend you read this one, and remember to have tissues close by.
March 17, 2014
Roar is a new adult contemporary that deals with two broken characters, Charlie and Nate. The two were best friends since young when Charlie and her dad moved into Beaver Dam. Since then, Nate has always been a best friend and protector to her as well as his brother. However, Charlie and Nate share a horrifying past and the story starts 11 years from the aftermath.
The story is told from their perspective. There's an interesting take as certain chapters are told from when the two were younger. Personally, I tend to not like it when the chapters switch back and forth between the characters’ past and present as it can cut off the flow of the story and make me stop reading it altogether. However, I think this was written cleverly because it had the opposite effect. It made the story more intriguing and I can't help but read it continuously.
I thought the plot was very well done. From the very first page of the book, deep down inside, you know something terrible has happened in the past yet you don't know exactly what has taken place. I think the author has executed the story brilliantly. As I was reading this, it felt like I was working on a jigsaw puzzle if that made any sense. You get bits and pieces of their past here and there. You don't know where it all fits but once you do, it feels like the author had dropped a very huge weight upon you.
The characters in this book are definitely flawed. It's pretty apparent how imperfect they are because these characters know it themselves. I think going into this book, you definitely got to have patience and be very understanding towards these characters. They're not the best characters. They're not perfect, but isn't everybody?
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It does has some mature content and very serious but real problems that I think a younger reader should be wary of. If you're not able to take a dark read, I recommend waiting until you're older. It is also a book filled with a lot of angst so if you're not a huge fan of that, this might not be the book for you. Other than that, I think everyone should try this.
The story is told from their perspective. There's an interesting take as certain chapters are told from when the two were younger. Personally, I tend to not like it when the chapters switch back and forth between the characters’ past and present as it can cut off the flow of the story and make me stop reading it altogether. However, I think this was written cleverly because it had the opposite effect. It made the story more intriguing and I can't help but read it continuously.
I thought the plot was very well done. From the very first page of the book, deep down inside, you know something terrible has happened in the past yet you don't know exactly what has taken place. I think the author has executed the story brilliantly. As I was reading this, it felt like I was working on a jigsaw puzzle if that made any sense. You get bits and pieces of their past here and there. You don't know where it all fits but once you do, it feels like the author had dropped a very huge weight upon you.
The characters in this book are definitely flawed. It's pretty apparent how imperfect they are because these characters know it themselves. I think going into this book, you definitely got to have patience and be very understanding towards these characters. They're not the best characters. They're not perfect, but isn't everybody?
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It does has some mature content and very serious but real problems that I think a younger reader should be wary of. If you're not able to take a dark read, I recommend waiting until you're older. It is also a book filled with a lot of angst so if you're not a huge fan of that, this might not be the book for you. Other than that, I think everyone should try this.
November 23, 2014
FIDAH'S REVIEW -
Roar is a new adult contemporary that deals with two broken characters, Charlie and Nate. The two were best friends since young when Charlie and her dad moved into Beaver Dam. Since then, Nate has always been a best friend and protector to her as well as his brother. However, Charlie and Nate share a horrifying past and the story starts 11 years from the aftermath.
The story is told from their perspective. There's an interesting take as certain chapters are told from when the two were younger. Personally, I tend to not like it when the chapters switch back and forth between the characters’ past and present as it can cut off the flow of the story and make me stop reading it altogether. However, I think this was written cleverly because it had the opposite effect. It made the story more intriguing and I can't help but read it continuously.
I thought the plot was very well done. From the very first page of the book, deep down inside, you know something terrible has happened in the past yet you don't know exactly what has taken place. I think the author has executed the story brilliantly. As I was reading this, it felt like I was working on a jigsaw puzzle if that made any sense. You get bits and pieces of their past here and there. You don't know where it all fits but once you do, it feels like the author had dropped a very huge weight upon you.
The characters in this book are definitely flawed. It's pretty apparent how imperfect they are because these characters know it themselves. I think going into this book, you definitely got to have patience and very understanding towards these characters. They're not the best characters. They're not perfect, but isn't everybody?
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It does has some mature content and very serious but real problems that I think a younger reader should be wary of. If you're not able to take a dark read, I recommend waiting until you're older. It is also a book filled with a lot of angst so if you're not a huge fan of that, this might not be the book for you. Other than that, I think everyone should try this.
Roar is a new adult contemporary that deals with two broken characters, Charlie and Nate. The two were best friends since young when Charlie and her dad moved into Beaver Dam. Since then, Nate has always been a best friend and protector to her as well as his brother. However, Charlie and Nate share a horrifying past and the story starts 11 years from the aftermath.
The story is told from their perspective. There's an interesting take as certain chapters are told from when the two were younger. Personally, I tend to not like it when the chapters switch back and forth between the characters’ past and present as it can cut off the flow of the story and make me stop reading it altogether. However, I think this was written cleverly because it had the opposite effect. It made the story more intriguing and I can't help but read it continuously.
I thought the plot was very well done. From the very first page of the book, deep down inside, you know something terrible has happened in the past yet you don't know exactly what has taken place. I think the author has executed the story brilliantly. As I was reading this, it felt like I was working on a jigsaw puzzle if that made any sense. You get bits and pieces of their past here and there. You don't know where it all fits but once you do, it feels like the author had dropped a very huge weight upon you.
The characters in this book are definitely flawed. It's pretty apparent how imperfect they are because these characters know it themselves. I think going into this book, you definitely got to have patience and very understanding towards these characters. They're not the best characters. They're not perfect, but isn't everybody?
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It does has some mature content and very serious but real problems that I think a younger reader should be wary of. If you're not able to take a dark read, I recommend waiting until you're older. It is also a book filled with a lot of angst so if you're not a huge fan of that, this might not be the book for you. Other than that, I think everyone should try this.
March 24, 2014
**** EROTICA BOOK CLUB REVIEW ****
Roar
by Aria Cage
Charlie moved in next door to Nate when they were young and developed a really strong bond. Their lives then changed forever when Charlie's daddy called them into that garage on that fateful day. This book jumps back and forth from present day and to when they were younger, these flashbacks will pull at your heart strings and mess with your head. I loved this book and it has affected me in so many ways....
Its very emotional and a bit disturbing at times, there is abuse and domestic violence in it and this makes it an very powerful read. My heart goes out to Charlie she cant seem to get over the past and thinks she doesn't deserve anything good in her life and deserves to be treated with little respect. This is how she is living her life until she is reconnected with Nate.
Nate has served his time in jail and has built his business up from scratch, he wants to be with Charlotte more than ever and hasn't stopped loving her.
This is really well written and very tactfully done especially covering delicate subjects of the abuse, which is not in great detail but cleverly done so you have to use your imagination a little.
The sex scenes that are in it are very hot and the chemistry and the close intimacy between Charlie & Nate is so strong. I can't even begin to explain how close they are.
Charlie is so broken I really feel for her and wish I could take away all the hurt from her but as we delve deeper into her story and as the book come to an end I feel she has developed and became a really strong woman. Nate is awesome I love him he knows what he wants and the way he is so protective over Charlie has me falling completely in love with him. Paul on the other hand... I really hate him and honestly can't think of a time I have hated a character this much.
I loved this book from the minute I started reading it
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
5 stars for Amazon & 5 stars for Goodreads
~Jane~
Roar
by Aria Cage
Charlie moved in next door to Nate when they were young and developed a really strong bond. Their lives then changed forever when Charlie's daddy called them into that garage on that fateful day. This book jumps back and forth from present day and to when they were younger, these flashbacks will pull at your heart strings and mess with your head. I loved this book and it has affected me in so many ways....
Its very emotional and a bit disturbing at times, there is abuse and domestic violence in it and this makes it an very powerful read. My heart goes out to Charlie she cant seem to get over the past and thinks she doesn't deserve anything good in her life and deserves to be treated with little respect. This is how she is living her life until she is reconnected with Nate.
Nate has served his time in jail and has built his business up from scratch, he wants to be with Charlotte more than ever and hasn't stopped loving her.
This is really well written and very tactfully done especially covering delicate subjects of the abuse, which is not in great detail but cleverly done so you have to use your imagination a little.
The sex scenes that are in it are very hot and the chemistry and the close intimacy between Charlie & Nate is so strong. I can't even begin to explain how close they are.
Charlie is so broken I really feel for her and wish I could take away all the hurt from her but as we delve deeper into her story and as the book come to an end I feel she has developed and became a really strong woman. Nate is awesome I love him he knows what he wants and the way he is so protective over Charlie has me falling completely in love with him. Paul on the other hand... I really hate him and honestly can't think of a time I have hated a character this much.
I loved this book from the minute I started reading it
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
5 stars for Amazon & 5 stars for Goodreads
~Jane~
March 24, 2014
**** EROTICA BOOK CLUB REVIEW ****
Roar
by Aria Cage
Charlie moved in next door to Nate when they were young and developed a really strong bond. Their lives then changed forever when Charlie's daddy called them into that garage on that fateful day. This book jumps back and forth from present day and to when they were younger, these flashbacks will pull at your heart strings and mess with your head. I loved this book and it has affected me in so many ways....
Its very emotional and a bit disturbing at times, there is abuse and domestic violence in it and this makes it an very powerful read. My heart goes out to Charlie she cant seem to get over the past and thinks she doesn't deserve anything good in her life and deserves to be treated with little respect. This is how she is living her life until she is reconnected with Nate.
Nate has served his time in jail and has built his business up from scratch, he wants to be with Charlotte more than ever and hasn't stopped loving her.
This is really well written and very tactfully done especially covering delicate subjects of the abuse, which is not in great detail but cleverly done so you have to use your imagination a little.
The sex scenes that are in it are very hot and the chemistry and the close intimacy between Charlie & Nate is so strong. I can't even begin to explain how close they are.
Charlie is so broken I really feel for her and wish I could take away all the hurt from her but as we delve deeper into her story and as the book come to an end I feel she has developed and became a really strong woman. Nate is awesome I love him he knows what he wants and the way he is so protective over Charlie has me falling completely in love with him. Paul on the other hand... I really hate him and honestly can't think of a time I have hated a character this much.
I loved this book from the minute I started reading it
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
5 stars for Amazon & 5 stars for Goodreads
~Jane~
Roar
by Aria Cage
Charlie moved in next door to Nate when they were young and developed a really strong bond. Their lives then changed forever when Charlie's daddy called them into that garage on that fateful day. This book jumps back and forth from present day and to when they were younger, these flashbacks will pull at your heart strings and mess with your head. I loved this book and it has affected me in so many ways....
Its very emotional and a bit disturbing at times, there is abuse and domestic violence in it and this makes it an very powerful read. My heart goes out to Charlie she cant seem to get over the past and thinks she doesn't deserve anything good in her life and deserves to be treated with little respect. This is how she is living her life until she is reconnected with Nate.
Nate has served his time in jail and has built his business up from scratch, he wants to be with Charlotte more than ever and hasn't stopped loving her.
This is really well written and very tactfully done especially covering delicate subjects of the abuse, which is not in great detail but cleverly done so you have to use your imagination a little.
The sex scenes that are in it are very hot and the chemistry and the close intimacy between Charlie & Nate is so strong. I can't even begin to explain how close they are.
Charlie is so broken I really feel for her and wish I could take away all the hurt from her but as we delve deeper into her story and as the book come to an end I feel she has developed and became a really strong woman. Nate is awesome I love him he knows what he wants and the way he is so protective over Charlie has me falling completely in love with him. Paul on the other hand... I really hate him and honestly can't think of a time I have hated a character this much.
I loved this book from the minute I started reading it
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
5 stars for Amazon & 5 stars for Goodreads
~Jane~
March 21, 2014
Book Worms was gifted this book from the Author.
We gave this book 5 stars.
This review was left by Carissa a Book Worms Reviewer.
Thank you Carissa
This is Charlie and Nate's story
Book: Roar
Stars: 5
This book was such a devastating read and the characters came from such a broken past. I found myself having to set aside the book for a few second because of the heartbreaking words I was reading. Aria Cage did an amazing job bringing the real world with all it’s heartbreaks and scars and putting it into a book. This book about abuse was utterly heart wrenching and it certainly was a different kind of read. Instead of simple dramatic, cliché moments in a book, these problems were realistic and deep down hurt situations.
Charlie and Nate had been through so much in their life and some of the scenes reduced me to tears. This book has so much love, so much hurt, and sometimes I just wanted to shake Charlie and try to talk some sense into her. But this book was realistic and it took both of these characters on a journey from the past to their present lives and I found myself completely addicted and drawn in to both of their stories. Nate is an amazing character and the way he meshes and blends with Charlie is amazing.
This book is a realistic read and it may be hard for some to get through. I would recommend this book for anyone who is looking for something that is beyond the cliché romance, that is more than just a happy go lucky read with a few problems in-between. If you’re looking for a book that will suck you in and make you cry for these characters and make you realize a little bit more about the real world, this book is for you.
March 23, 2014
Review:
5 Stars
The story that Aria Cage crafted is so depressing yet so beautiful. It is hard to put into words how difficult this book was to read with all the emotional triggers that it touches on. This story was well written despite its disturbing subject matter. The love story greatly contrasted to abuse that was endured. This story is told from 2 points of view and from different points in time.
Their lives are forever linked because of Charlie's horrific childhood and Nate's sacrifice to protect his family. Charlie and Nate meet when they are both very young and their innocence is stripped away over years and years of abuse. When they are teenagers another tragic episode happens that destroys their families and rips them apart. After serving time in prison, Nate crashes back into Charlie's life. As an adult Charlie is just as broken as the child she was at 6. Throughout the book Nate works to convince Charlie that she doesn't deserve the abuse that she has endured and continues to experience. Their love story was damaged from the beginning but it has the strength the overcome and heal.
I want to commend Aria Cage for taking this very serious subject matter and being true to the perpetrators' grooming and power and control techniques and the victims' coping mechanisms. All of these characters were very well written.
Complimentary copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
Favorite Quote: "My life is like a hurt locker, filled to the brim with the anguish I cause." - Charlie
5 Stars
The story that Aria Cage crafted is so depressing yet so beautiful. It is hard to put into words how difficult this book was to read with all the emotional triggers that it touches on. This story was well written despite its disturbing subject matter. The love story greatly contrasted to abuse that was endured. This story is told from 2 points of view and from different points in time.
Their lives are forever linked because of Charlie's horrific childhood and Nate's sacrifice to protect his family. Charlie and Nate meet when they are both very young and their innocence is stripped away over years and years of abuse. When they are teenagers another tragic episode happens that destroys their families and rips them apart. After serving time in prison, Nate crashes back into Charlie's life. As an adult Charlie is just as broken as the child she was at 6. Throughout the book Nate works to convince Charlie that she doesn't deserve the abuse that she has endured and continues to experience. Their love story was damaged from the beginning but it has the strength the overcome and heal.
I want to commend Aria Cage for taking this very serious subject matter and being true to the perpetrators' grooming and power and control techniques and the victims' coping mechanisms. All of these characters were very well written.
Complimentary copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
Favorite Quote: "My life is like a hurt locker, filled to the brim with the anguish I cause." - Charlie
June 11, 2015
** 4.5 stars **
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
First off, I wanted to prepare you; you will need to have a box of Kleenex close by for this story.
This book is so well written that I’m not even sure what to say that will do the book justice. You’re taken on a deeply emotional ride while you learn about Charlie and Nate. The story begins with Charlie seeing Nate for the first time in YEARS after he was seriously injured at work. You can almost feel the emotion she has for him even before you start to learn their story.
I think Aria does a fantastic job with the dual POV, as well as taking you back in time to get more background on Charlie and Nate. You get to see how their relationship was when they were younger, and how it abruptly ended as well. You get to see what has happens in their pasts, and you wonder how someone, anyone, is able to move past all of it and have any resemblance of a normal life. You get to see how Charlie and Nate struggle just to do that.
Nate and Charlie both have pasts that they try so hard to run from, but can never seem to break free. After you start to read their story, you can understand why. Like I said before, it’s hard for me to think of what to say that will do the book justice (or wanting to start to cry again). I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn’t mind an angst story and also having a good cry. This book is so beautifully written it’s not one you want to miss!
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
First off, I wanted to prepare you; you will need to have a box of Kleenex close by for this story.
This book is so well written that I’m not even sure what to say that will do the book justice. You’re taken on a deeply emotional ride while you learn about Charlie and Nate. The story begins with Charlie seeing Nate for the first time in YEARS after he was seriously injured at work. You can almost feel the emotion she has for him even before you start to learn their story.
I think Aria does a fantastic job with the dual POV, as well as taking you back in time to get more background on Charlie and Nate. You get to see how their relationship was when they were younger, and how it abruptly ended as well. You get to see what has happens in their pasts, and you wonder how someone, anyone, is able to move past all of it and have any resemblance of a normal life. You get to see how Charlie and Nate struggle just to do that.
Nate and Charlie both have pasts that they try so hard to run from, but can never seem to break free. After you start to read their story, you can understand why. Like I said before, it’s hard for me to think of what to say that will do the book justice (or wanting to start to cry again). I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn’t mind an angst story and also having a good cry. This book is so beautifully written it’s not one you want to miss!
September 11, 2016
5 Emotionally Scarred Pasts
Charlie is a woman who has been broken down so much emotionally as a child, by the horrific things she had to go through from her dad, that she is falling into the same type of relationship's with men as an adult. She can't seem to move on and realize that everything she was made to do, was not her fault and that her father was a sick man who deserved what he got. Charlie deserves to love someone who will cherish her for her whole life and that one person is Nate, if she will just let him in and let him help her move forward in life.
Nate will do whatever it takes to protect Charlie. Even if it means killing again. He knows he needs to get her away from that man, but she won't leave. She is so broken that she can't see the love that he has for her is real. He will always be there to pick up the pieces of her life. It has always been about her. She just doesn't see it that way.
These two lived through hell as kids, and now as adults, they are living a whole new type of hell together.
This book touched on some touchy subjects with me. I cried more than 70% of the book, as I felt I was reliving some deep things myself. This story happens in everyday lives and most of the people affected by these situations, handle life the same way Charlie does. Aria wrote this book with such accuracy and emotion, that it was hard to let it go when I was done.
Charlie is a woman who has been broken down so much emotionally as a child, by the horrific things she had to go through from her dad, that she is falling into the same type of relationship's with men as an adult. She can't seem to move on and realize that everything she was made to do, was not her fault and that her father was a sick man who deserved what he got. Charlie deserves to love someone who will cherish her for her whole life and that one person is Nate, if she will just let him in and let him help her move forward in life.
Nate will do whatever it takes to protect Charlie. Even if it means killing again. He knows he needs to get her away from that man, but she won't leave. She is so broken that she can't see the love that he has for her is real. He will always be there to pick up the pieces of her life. It has always been about her. She just doesn't see it that way.
These two lived through hell as kids, and now as adults, they are living a whole new type of hell together.
This book touched on some touchy subjects with me. I cried more than 70% of the book, as I felt I was reliving some deep things myself. This story happens in everyday lives and most of the people affected by these situations, handle life the same way Charlie does. Aria wrote this book with such accuracy and emotion, that it was hard to let it go when I was done.
March 17, 2014
4 stars
Arc review
This book was a rollercoaster. It had so much turmoil, secrets, love, and loss it made me keep on reading. I really felt what the characters were feeling and what they were going through. How someone makes it through something like this simply amazes me. I DONT think I would be able to do that. The author told it in Nate's and Charlie's POV which made the story so much better. I liked that it gave background on when they were younger also. What made me not give it five stars is that he felt a little too much like colleen Hoover's hopeless. But even with the similarities I still felt this book was a little rushed in parts.
Charlie has a rough start in life, but finds nate living next door. They have a connection that no one will ever know, but a lot of tragedy strikes and they are pulled apart for years. They are brought together by another event, and start to rekindle what they had. There are other people in the story that DONT want to see this happen, so the struggle begins. Can they find happiness in the shadows of grief, can they face their past to get to their future, can love be what holds them together?
It is a great book, and I hope that you pick this book up. I definetly will read another book from this author.
Arc review
This book was a rollercoaster. It had so much turmoil, secrets, love, and loss it made me keep on reading. I really felt what the characters were feeling and what they were going through. How someone makes it through something like this simply amazes me. I DONT think I would be able to do that. The author told it in Nate's and Charlie's POV which made the story so much better. I liked that it gave background on when they were younger also. What made me not give it five stars is that he felt a little too much like colleen Hoover's hopeless. But even with the similarities I still felt this book was a little rushed in parts.
Charlie has a rough start in life, but finds nate living next door. They have a connection that no one will ever know, but a lot of tragedy strikes and they are pulled apart for years. They are brought together by another event, and start to rekindle what they had. There are other people in the story that DONT want to see this happen, so the struggle begins. Can they find happiness in the shadows of grief, can they face their past to get to their future, can love be what holds them together?
It is a great book, and I hope that you pick this book up. I definetly will read another book from this author.
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