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Put Me Back Together
You’d Better Watch Yourself, Katie Kat
Katie Archer knows how to lie. After six years, no one really knows what happened That Night. Not even her twin sister. Choosing a college 3,000 miles away from the truth, Katie throws herself into art classes and a love affair with ice cream. Katie’s biggest rule? No boys. Ever.
But there is the little problem of Lucas Matthews. Former basketball star and total campus hottie, Lucas is the stuff girls have naughty dreams about—and he has the reputation to prove it! But that doesn’t stop liquid heat from running through Katie’s veins every time she sees him…
You’ll Never Get Away With It
Letting Lucas in is the hardest thing Katie’s ever had to do. And telling him the truth? Impossible. Then Katie starts to get threatening texts and she realizes Lucas is the least of her problems. Her past has caught up with her and it wants to settle the score.
I’m Coming For You
Now Katie must decide whether she wants to fight for her life, or leave everything—including Lucas—behind her forever...
Put Me Back Together is the first novel in the Scars Run Deep series. Book 2, Watch Me Fall Apart, will be available in November 2016!
This New Adult Romance novel is intended for readers 17+.
Katie Archer knows how to lie. After six years, no one really knows what happened That Night. Not even her twin sister. Choosing a college 3,000 miles away from the truth, Katie throws herself into art classes and a love affair with ice cream. Katie’s biggest rule? No boys. Ever.
But there is the little problem of Lucas Matthews. Former basketball star and total campus hottie, Lucas is the stuff girls have naughty dreams about—and he has the reputation to prove it! But that doesn’t stop liquid heat from running through Katie’s veins every time she sees him…
You’ll Never Get Away With It
Letting Lucas in is the hardest thing Katie’s ever had to do. And telling him the truth? Impossible. Then Katie starts to get threatening texts and she realizes Lucas is the least of her problems. Her past has caught up with her and it wants to settle the score.
I’m Coming For You
Now Katie must decide whether she wants to fight for her life, or leave everything—including Lucas—behind her forever...
Put Me Back Together is the first novel in the Scars Run Deep series. Book 2, Watch Me Fall Apart, will be available in November 2016!
This New Adult Romance novel is intended for readers 17+.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2013
21 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
Lola Rooney
3 books39 followersI'm Lola Rooney, romance writer and part-time hula hooper. For a long time I was a lonely girl who didn't believe in love. Now I like to write about lonely girls and the boys who make them believe in love. I enjoy cupcakes, dimples, hula hoops (obviously), writing in my tree house and flirting with sexy men (who have dimples).
When I'm not yachting the Mediterranean I call Montreal home.
Lola Rooney is a pen name of Shayna Krishnasamy.
When I'm not yachting the Mediterranean I call Montreal home.
Lola Rooney is a pen name of Shayna Krishnasamy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 23, 2014
Initial reaction: Yeah, I can't even say anything right now. This story started well and it just devolved into the same typical New Adult melodramatic B.S. that many titles devolve into for the sake of love.
I'm tired of it. I'm seriously tired of it.
Full review:
This is the kind of review I was hoping I wouldn't have to write this year, but even if I'm the only person saying it, I think it needs to be said. Before I do, I kind of want to start this review with a constructive point because I don't want to turn this into a pure rant, but rather bring something constructive to the table on examples of where this kind of story would be done well, versus the one that was presented here. This book made me angry, but I'm trying not to translate all of that anger here, but I will say this is one of the reasons why I tend to think New Adult books do a terrible job of treating very serious and controversial issues. It's like it's almost trivializing the very heavy themes it tends to deal with and milking it for the sake of the emotional rollercoaster.
And I have very deep issues with a book trivializing the murder of a child for the sake of love. More on that later.
I knew from picking up "Put Me Back Together" that I would be in for a ride, and this is actually a book I thought I would really like. The cover's beautiful (I'm always suckered in to books of this genre by pretty covers), and it does a good job of representing both the image of the hero and heroine I had for this book in my head. Katie's actually bi-racial (Indian and Dutch), so that was also a cool inclusion to have, though I don't know how comfortable I was with the narrative in the way that it handled her biracial identity. That's another issue I'll get into later.
I knew Katie was a young woman with a lot of deep seated issues. It's almost textbook New Adult cliches, and up to a certain point of this novel, I would've said that was probably the only problem with it. Katie tries to put the past behind her and tries not to involve herself in any relationships that would get her too close to the past. It also doesn't help that a certain date is coming up to remind her of the events she wants to forget.
But as Katie meets Lucas, the walls she's built up start crumbling down. I even have to admit that I liked their chemistry in the beginning. I somewhat forgave the rather typical opening where Lucas ends up breaking up a scuffle involving Katie, some drunk guys and a cat they were torturing that Katie only wanted to save, I still liked the way the narrative developed their rapport. Lucas treats Katie well - he's touted as a bad boy, but really he comes across as a clumsy oaf in spaces around her, and he genuinely likes and respects her. Their scenes in the art class were among some of the gems the novel had to offer.
The problem came more when some of the familiar NA cliches started to rear their heads. I could forgive the fact that Lucas had a past he wasn't proud of and even the reason behind that because he expressed remorse for it. I could forgive the fact that Katie came across as something of a typical heroine who swears off any romantic ties because of her own past - even if it was loosely drawn.
What I couldn't really forgive, in the beginning, was the rampant slut-shaming. It stuck out like a sore thumb in the narrative and even with the book having a solid premise for conflict already, it felt like just cheap divisions to not only create conflict between the hero and heroine, it just serves as a measure to undermine young women and their relationships in general. I get that slut shaming happens in real life and the jealous sentiments that develop between females who are vying for the same guy (or even people shaming a guy for his sexual expressions) - I really do. If it's done in a way that presents the reality of it for what it is, I can get behind it, but not if it's glorified and made to undermine the expression of female and male sexuality in general and just as a measure for cheap conflict in a narrative. That's not cool with me.
Plus, it felt like this conflict slowed down the pace of the book for what it was building upon, so that was another point against it. It probably would've even been better if the narrative focused more on the overarching issues Katie was having with a contentious stalker associated with the events of her past.
I also had trouble with the presentation of Katie's biracial representation. It seems like she's almost flippant with it, calling it a "conversation killer" everytime she brings it up and that people make a point of asking her about it. And that was an annoying aspect too. I almost feel like I could give Erin McCarthy more credit for her recent book "Believe" in that at least the biracial identity issues were more positive in presentation there than here, because at least it was fleshed out and given weight in the protagonist's life there than it was with Katie's here. I may be the only person who feels that way because I myself am a woman of color, but I don't know. I seriously don't know.
What infuriated me further after a time, as the presentation was quite unrealistic, is that Katie herself chose to ignore all these cues that would compromise her safety in relation to the events of her past. At least until Lucas became involved, she wasn't even going to try to deal with it at all.
And naturally, the only measure of actually dealing with the matter comes with a very vivid threat to Katie's safety, which she has a series of meltdowns over. Lucas is honest about his issues, Katie's less than forthcoming up until a good ways into the book.
I recoiled at the reveal of the actual events, to be honest with you. It was somewhat foreshadowed near the beginning of the narrative, but I took it - at first - as something as a blatant display of shaming in the discussion (which I didn't like), but I figured "Oh Katie probably observed something along those lines, but she probably feels survivor's guilt over it all."
That's not necessarily what happened. I feel like this narrative pushes aside the weight of what Katie's role in her past event, dismisses the morality and responsibility lines of Katie's actions, and makes it okay all in the name of love. I probably would've respected the narrative a lot more if it actually *dealt* with Katie's guilt in a responsible way and didn't tie it up in a pretty little bow that Lucas and her parents were so forgiving of, because even if she didn't direct the event (she really was dealing with someone who was unhinged and murdered for the sake of murder), the fact that she still lied about the events up until that point should've still carried more weight.
And the fact that she lied to her twin sister about it (and pretty much everyone in her life for about six years), but yet told Lucas at the drop of a hat. And that her twin actually ended up getting caught in the crossfire and compromised in a *huge* way.
I...can't.
But no, even as Katie deals with the stalker person's brutal attacks (and the attack against her is described in very gratuitous detail) and is covered in blood, Lucas still sneaks in a passionate kiss and says he loves her despite it all. While she's covered in the blood of the person she defended herself against.
Give me a break. I'm not here for this melodramatic, violent B.S. that trivializes the crime committed and ties up the love story in a pretty little bow that has the heroine healed by the love and forgiveness of the guy she's with. Reality doesn't work that way, and I'm honestly tired of the way that New Adult supposedly claims to represent reality and the emotional gravity of these situations in displays that are anything but, that don't even come with the responsibilities that they imply. It's such an utter disappointment and offense to boot.
And yeah, to close it off, it involves the murder of a child, but I can't say more than that. Just that it's handled very shallow and irresponsibly. I would've respected if Katie's narrative had more self-awareness in the way that Ilsa J. Bick's "The Sin-Eaters Confession" had with respect to its protagonist's guilt. Bick's work is YA, but it does a fine job of showing the grief the protagonist feels in his confusion and responsibility for the death of another. This book, in comparison, makes it seem like the death is secondary and easily resolved.
So, honestly, from that measure of events, I can't recommend this book. I can't recommend it at all. Alongside the NA cliches and derivative measures, along with the offensive portrayal of a serious issue, it's not something I would read again and my thought is...I hope NA in general gets far away from this kind of trivialization for the sake of a love story.
Overall score: 0.5/5 stars
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.
I'm tired of it. I'm seriously tired of it.
Full review:
This is the kind of review I was hoping I wouldn't have to write this year, but even if I'm the only person saying it, I think it needs to be said. Before I do, I kind of want to start this review with a constructive point because I don't want to turn this into a pure rant, but rather bring something constructive to the table on examples of where this kind of story would be done well, versus the one that was presented here. This book made me angry, but I'm trying not to translate all of that anger here, but I will say this is one of the reasons why I tend to think New Adult books do a terrible job of treating very serious and controversial issues. It's like it's almost trivializing the very heavy themes it tends to deal with and milking it for the sake of the emotional rollercoaster.
And I have very deep issues with a book trivializing the murder of a child for the sake of love. More on that later.
I knew from picking up "Put Me Back Together" that I would be in for a ride, and this is actually a book I thought I would really like. The cover's beautiful (I'm always suckered in to books of this genre by pretty covers), and it does a good job of representing both the image of the hero and heroine I had for this book in my head. Katie's actually bi-racial (Indian and Dutch), so that was also a cool inclusion to have, though I don't know how comfortable I was with the narrative in the way that it handled her biracial identity. That's another issue I'll get into later.
I knew Katie was a young woman with a lot of deep seated issues. It's almost textbook New Adult cliches, and up to a certain point of this novel, I would've said that was probably the only problem with it. Katie tries to put the past behind her and tries not to involve herself in any relationships that would get her too close to the past. It also doesn't help that a certain date is coming up to remind her of the events she wants to forget.
But as Katie meets Lucas, the walls she's built up start crumbling down. I even have to admit that I liked their chemistry in the beginning. I somewhat forgave the rather typical opening where Lucas ends up breaking up a scuffle involving Katie, some drunk guys and a cat they were torturing that Katie only wanted to save, I still liked the way the narrative developed their rapport. Lucas treats Katie well - he's touted as a bad boy, but really he comes across as a clumsy oaf in spaces around her, and he genuinely likes and respects her. Their scenes in the art class were among some of the gems the novel had to offer.
The problem came more when some of the familiar NA cliches started to rear their heads. I could forgive the fact that Lucas had a past he wasn't proud of and even the reason behind that because he expressed remorse for it. I could forgive the fact that Katie came across as something of a typical heroine who swears off any romantic ties because of her own past - even if it was loosely drawn.
What I couldn't really forgive, in the beginning, was the rampant slut-shaming. It stuck out like a sore thumb in the narrative and even with the book having a solid premise for conflict already, it felt like just cheap divisions to not only create conflict between the hero and heroine, it just serves as a measure to undermine young women and their relationships in general. I get that slut shaming happens in real life and the jealous sentiments that develop between females who are vying for the same guy (or even people shaming a guy for his sexual expressions) - I really do. If it's done in a way that presents the reality of it for what it is, I can get behind it, but not if it's glorified and made to undermine the expression of female and male sexuality in general and just as a measure for cheap conflict in a narrative. That's not cool with me.
Plus, it felt like this conflict slowed down the pace of the book for what it was building upon, so that was another point against it. It probably would've even been better if the narrative focused more on the overarching issues Katie was having with a contentious stalker associated with the events of her past.
I also had trouble with the presentation of Katie's biracial representation. It seems like she's almost flippant with it, calling it a "conversation killer" everytime she brings it up and that people make a point of asking her about it. And that was an annoying aspect too. I almost feel like I could give Erin McCarthy more credit for her recent book "Believe" in that at least the biracial identity issues were more positive in presentation there than here, because at least it was fleshed out and given weight in the protagonist's life there than it was with Katie's here. I may be the only person who feels that way because I myself am a woman of color, but I don't know. I seriously don't know.
What infuriated me further after a time, as the presentation was quite unrealistic, is that Katie herself chose to ignore all these cues that would compromise her safety in relation to the events of her past. At least until Lucas became involved, she wasn't even going to try to deal with it at all.
And naturally, the only measure of actually dealing with the matter comes with a very vivid threat to Katie's safety, which she has a series of meltdowns over. Lucas is honest about his issues, Katie's less than forthcoming up until a good ways into the book.
I recoiled at the reveal of the actual events, to be honest with you. It was somewhat foreshadowed near the beginning of the narrative, but I took it - at first - as something as a blatant display of shaming in the discussion (which I didn't like), but I figured "Oh Katie probably observed something along those lines, but she probably feels survivor's guilt over it all."
That's not necessarily what happened. I feel like this narrative pushes aside the weight of what Katie's role in her past event, dismisses the morality and responsibility lines of Katie's actions, and makes it okay all in the name of love. I probably would've respected the narrative a lot more if it actually *dealt* with Katie's guilt in a responsible way and didn't tie it up in a pretty little bow that Lucas and her parents were so forgiving of, because even if she didn't direct the event (she really was dealing with someone who was unhinged and murdered for the sake of murder), the fact that she still lied about the events up until that point should've still carried more weight.
And the fact that she lied to her twin sister about it (and pretty much everyone in her life for about six years), but yet told Lucas at the drop of a hat. And that her twin actually ended up getting caught in the crossfire and compromised in a *huge* way.
I...can't.
But no, even as Katie deals with the stalker person's brutal attacks (and the attack against her is described in very gratuitous detail) and is covered in blood, Lucas still sneaks in a passionate kiss and says he loves her despite it all. While she's covered in the blood of the person she defended herself against.
Give me a break. I'm not here for this melodramatic, violent B.S. that trivializes the crime committed and ties up the love story in a pretty little bow that has the heroine healed by the love and forgiveness of the guy she's with. Reality doesn't work that way, and I'm honestly tired of the way that New Adult supposedly claims to represent reality and the emotional gravity of these situations in displays that are anything but, that don't even come with the responsibilities that they imply. It's such an utter disappointment and offense to boot.
And yeah, to close it off, it involves the murder of a child, but I can't say more than that. Just that it's handled very shallow and irresponsibly. I would've respected if Katie's narrative had more self-awareness in the way that Ilsa J. Bick's "The Sin-Eaters Confession" had with respect to its protagonist's guilt. Bick's work is YA, but it does a fine job of showing the grief the protagonist feels in his confusion and responsibility for the death of another. This book, in comparison, makes it seem like the death is secondary and easily resolved.
So, honestly, from that measure of events, I can't recommend this book. I can't recommend it at all. Alongside the NA cliches and derivative measures, along with the offensive portrayal of a serious issue, it's not something I would read again and my thought is...I hope NA in general gets far away from this kind of trivialization for the sake of a love story.
Overall score: 0.5/5 stars
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2013
This is honestly one of the most heartbreaking books I have ever read. Honestly, at the beginning of the book I had many theories of what happened to her running through my head but the story and truth that is revealed was nothing I could ever possibly imagine. What she must have felt, and the immense guilt she must have drowned in over the years would have killed me if i was in her position. Yes, it may not have been her fault but I can understand her guilt-filled mentality behind the incident. I loved how Lucas dragged her out of her shell, and enabled her to face her past and finally reveal the truth after all those years. And finding out what the other brother had to endure that night as well.. if I was him I would have broken down years ago. This is the story about how a lie can define the rest of your life and the ways in which we deal with our demons.
Definitely a book to read!
Definitely a book to read!
January 16, 2014
**Copy provided in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley**
WOW! This story was not what I expected. The past that Katie is trying to hide from and the lies she has told are nothing like I thought they would be. An my heart broke when I found out what had happened. I thought that what had been plaguing Lucas would have been something pretty big too, I mean it is but not like I thought. That being said it is better that it wasn't because it would have been too much.
Katie has been lying for the past six years. Lying to everyone even her sister. No one really knows the truth. No one really knows Katie. Trust me you may think you can guess what happened but you will be wrong. So very wrong. I think even though she lies and tries to keep people away from her she has a very good reason to do so. But Lucas made his way in and refused to leave. He is on the book boyfriend list for sure. He did so many things that were sweet but not overly done. I really enjoyed both of these characters and I like how much Katie had grown by the end of the story. This was a great mix of romance and mystery/thriller!
WOW! This story was not what I expected. The past that Katie is trying to hide from and the lies she has told are nothing like I thought they would be. An my heart broke when I found out what had happened. I thought that what had been plaguing Lucas would have been something pretty big too, I mean it is but not like I thought. That being said it is better that it wasn't because it would have been too much.
Katie has been lying for the past six years. Lying to everyone even her sister. No one really knows the truth. No one really knows Katie. Trust me you may think you can guess what happened but you will be wrong. So very wrong. I think even though she lies and tries to keep people away from her she has a very good reason to do so. But Lucas made his way in and refused to leave. He is on the book boyfriend list for sure. He did so many things that were sweet but not overly done. I really enjoyed both of these characters and I like how much Katie had grown by the end of the story. This was a great mix of romance and mystery/thriller!
February 16, 2014
* I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review *
Honestly, I can't believe I finished this book, but it was like something you just couldn't look away from. I thought it was horribly poor taste, I may be in the minority, but that is how I feel. I thought the events were handled in poor taste. I can't even say much more other than the fact that it was just not a pleasant read for me. If things were handled differently it could have possibly been salvaged for me, but truthfully I think Katie is just as responsible for the death of Tommy as Brandon. I mean what 13 year old girl thinks that someone should be gutted like a fish? I think that is called for a psychiatric intervention, its one thing that someone gets on your nerves, but to wish them dead and graphically describe it, its just unfathomable. Sorry, it was just not for me.
Honestly, I can't believe I finished this book, but it was like something you just couldn't look away from. I thought it was horribly poor taste, I may be in the minority, but that is how I feel. I thought the events were handled in poor taste. I can't even say much more other than the fact that it was just not a pleasant read for me. If things were handled differently it could have possibly been salvaged for me, but truthfully I think Katie is just as responsible for the death of Tommy as Brandon. I mean what 13 year old girl thinks that someone should be gutted like a fish? I think that is called for a psychiatric intervention, its one thing that someone gets on your nerves, but to wish them dead and graphically describe it, its just unfathomable. Sorry, it was just not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2014
ARC provided by NetGalley for Honest Review
4.5 Love Will Put You Back Together Stars
Put Me Back Together was nothing like I expected. Sure it was full of romance but the danger and pain from Katie’s past is nothing I would ever have guessed. At times I was horrified and equally curious, wondering how Katie could shelter herself away from life and lving when all it did was make her more fearful. Thus her and her twin move hours away from home, away from the bad memories, to start college and hopefully move on.
Moving on is easier said than done for Katie. Though her sister lives on campus, Katie doesn’t like to be around people and pretty much barricades herself inside her apartment unless she has school or other obligations.
Lucas has his own share of demons haunting him. Once the campus athlete, now Lucas is just your average student. Well, if average students looked and behaved like him that is.
One could blame the chance meeting of Katie and Lucas on her love for ice cream. The two end up meeting in a dark alley where they inevitably save a stray cat. The first meeting was both comical and sweet, suggesting a gradual and epic romance between the two.
The one thing Katie will not do is confess her past, even her sister doesn’t know the whole story. The way the book is written, readers are given snippets of Katie’s past, but for the most part we are clueless until the pieces start coming together. I liked the gradual suspense element that was a bit frightening at times and in the end a bit anti-climatic, but I enjoyed the story as a whole nonetheless.
There are some rather graphic description scenes from Katie’s past. Rather than give tons of detail just be wary of brutality and pure shocking moments bother you.
Overall I enjoyed Put Me Back Together. There was no insta-love and Katie’s hesitance towards even talking to Lucas was refreshing. When two artists come together like this you know at the end of the day your world will be more vibrant and colorful. Lucas and Katie struggle together to overcome their pasts and put faith in one another to succeed. Neither expects love to be right around the corner, or for their demons to come back to haunt them. However, they never expect the healing power of love to ‘put them back together.’
4.5 Love Will Put You Back Together Stars
Put Me Back Together was nothing like I expected. Sure it was full of romance but the danger and pain from Katie’s past is nothing I would ever have guessed. At times I was horrified and equally curious, wondering how Katie could shelter herself away from life and lving when all it did was make her more fearful. Thus her and her twin move hours away from home, away from the bad memories, to start college and hopefully move on.
Moving on is easier said than done for Katie. Though her sister lives on campus, Katie doesn’t like to be around people and pretty much barricades herself inside her apartment unless she has school or other obligations.
Lucas has his own share of demons haunting him. Once the campus athlete, now Lucas is just your average student. Well, if average students looked and behaved like him that is.
One could blame the chance meeting of Katie and Lucas on her love for ice cream. The two end up meeting in a dark alley where they inevitably save a stray cat. The first meeting was both comical and sweet, suggesting a gradual and epic romance between the two.
The one thing Katie will not do is confess her past, even her sister doesn’t know the whole story. The way the book is written, readers are given snippets of Katie’s past, but for the most part we are clueless until the pieces start coming together. I liked the gradual suspense element that was a bit frightening at times and in the end a bit anti-climatic, but I enjoyed the story as a whole nonetheless.
There are some rather graphic description scenes from Katie’s past. Rather than give tons of detail just be wary of brutality and pure shocking moments bother you.
Overall I enjoyed Put Me Back Together. There was no insta-love and Katie’s hesitance towards even talking to Lucas was refreshing. When two artists come together like this you know at the end of the day your world will be more vibrant and colorful. Lucas and Katie struggle together to overcome their pasts and put faith in one another to succeed. Neither expects love to be right around the corner, or for their demons to come back to haunt them. However, they never expect the healing power of love to ‘put them back together.’
February 10, 2014
A whole lotta romance with a little bit of mystery, made this book an easy read and I fell in love with Lucas. He surprised me I thought he would be an a**, and a total player but he wasn't he was a caring guy, "well, he doesn't have a collar, and he's so skinny. I doubt he's eaten for a while. Seems like he's your cat now." He grinned at me like this was my lucky day." Katie gets herself into some funny situations:
I sighed. "Lucas Matthews is a hottie," I said, and pulled open the front door. "There, are you happy now?"
"I know I am," said a familiar voice fro out in the hall. My stomach dropped as I heard Em let out a high-pitched squeak and I turned slowly to face the doorway. Hottie Lucas Matthews was standing at my front door."
Lucas they way he acts it's so suave, "can you ask your sister to stop threatening to cut off my balls if I don't treat you right?" He's so sweet, and full of surprises, "I knew I should have blindfolded you," he answered. "We're almost there, so don't get your panties in a bunch. Or, actually, whatever you want to do with your panties is fine with me." He grinned widely over his shoulder at me." Katie has a few surprises for Lucas on her own, "then I moved in close, my lips just next to his ear. "Did you really think I was going to let you go after you made me scream in the shower this morning?" I breathed, feeling his body tense. "I plan on spending the summer making you scream, too, over and over and over..." I let my hand trail down the front of his shirt."
I sighed. "Lucas Matthews is a hottie," I said, and pulled open the front door. "There, are you happy now?"
"I know I am," said a familiar voice fro out in the hall. My stomach dropped as I heard Em let out a high-pitched squeak and I turned slowly to face the doorway. Hottie Lucas Matthews was standing at my front door."
Lucas they way he acts it's so suave, "can you ask your sister to stop threatening to cut off my balls if I don't treat you right?" He's so sweet, and full of surprises, "I knew I should have blindfolded you," he answered. "We're almost there, so don't get your panties in a bunch. Or, actually, whatever you want to do with your panties is fine with me." He grinned widely over his shoulder at me." Katie has a few surprises for Lucas on her own, "then I moved in close, my lips just next to his ear. "Did you really think I was going to let you go after you made me scream in the shower this morning?" I breathed, feeling his body tense. "I plan on spending the summer making you scream, too, over and over and over..." I let my hand trail down the front of his shirt."
January 22, 2014
This was fantastic! Heartbreaking and fantastic!
Lately not many books have made me get that emotional, but this one made me cry! And it's not because Katie and Lucas had a roller coaster relationship (because they didn't! Yay!), but because of how horrible Katie's past was, and the huge weight it put onto her shoulders.
The relationship is cute and Lucas was a sweetheart, but it wasn't what made this book so brilliant. The element of suspense and the secrecy is what I really enjoyed. As mentioned before, Katie's past is horrific, and is revealed very slowly and then all at once. I don't know if I am just bad at predicting things, but I did not expect the secret to be what it was. Nor did I guess the other things that were revealed.
I now have so much love for Lola Rooney! Thank you, thank you, thank you! For coming up with such an awful (in a good way) secret, thank you for writing it down for us to read!
Lately not many books have made me get that emotional, but this one made me cry! And it's not because Katie and Lucas had a roller coaster relationship (because they didn't! Yay!), but because of how horrible Katie's past was, and the huge weight it put onto her shoulders.
The relationship is cute and Lucas was a sweetheart, but it wasn't what made this book so brilliant. The element of suspense and the secrecy is what I really enjoyed. As mentioned before, Katie's past is horrific, and is revealed very slowly and then all at once. I don't know if I am just bad at predicting things, but I did not expect the secret to be what it was. Nor did I guess the other things that were revealed.
I now have so much love for Lola Rooney! Thank you, thank you, thank you! For coming up with such an awful (in a good way) secret, thank you for writing it down for us to read!
November 17, 2013
A quick read, sort of a Twilight tone but without the supernatural. It's a sweet romance, but the book's strength lies in the suspense created by the heroine's secret.
January 26, 2014
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Wow! That was my first reaction after reading Put Me Back Together by Lola Rooney. This book was so much more than I had expected it to be. Once I started reading, I could not put the book down. Put Me Back Together took me on an emotional roller coaster ride of highs and lows. I even found myself crying at certain points because Ms. Rooney had created two characters that I truly came to care for and wanted them to reach their happy ending.
Katie is a college student with a big secret. She has been lying to everyone for six years and she has allowed her secret to monopolize her life. Katie continues to put up emotional walls from those she cares about, even her twin sister, because of the secret and the guilt she carries. Then along comes Lucas who just starts to chip away at those walls.
Lucas has his own secrets that haunt him which is why he “got” Katie. I really liked Lucas as a romantic hero. He didn’t step in a slay Katie’s dragons for her, he just provided the love and emotional support that she needed to slay them herself.
I found the growing romance between Katie and Lucas quite believable. Their love grew slowly over the course of time and Ms. Rooney provided details that helped me understand how each was able to fall in love with the other. Nor were either character perfect. They had flaws and several times had to deal with the consequences of those flaws. It helped make Katie and Lucas real.
In addition to the sweet romance, Put Me Back Together offered a suspenseful storyline. Small hints were dropped throughout the book as to what Katie’s secret was. As an avid reader, I can usually figure out where an author is headed with a plot. I was so sure that I knew what the big secret was. But Ms. Rooney surprised me. Put Me Back Together offered me something original and I really appreciated that.
The writing style was terrific. Katie and Lucas were young college students and their actions and even dialogue was appropriate for their age. The story flowed naturally and the book’s ending satisfied me completely.
Put Me Back Together is Ms. Rooney’s debut novel and I was quite impressed. I will definitely be looking for more books by her.
Wow! That was my first reaction after reading Put Me Back Together by Lola Rooney. This book was so much more than I had expected it to be. Once I started reading, I could not put the book down. Put Me Back Together took me on an emotional roller coaster ride of highs and lows. I even found myself crying at certain points because Ms. Rooney had created two characters that I truly came to care for and wanted them to reach their happy ending.
Katie is a college student with a big secret. She has been lying to everyone for six years and she has allowed her secret to monopolize her life. Katie continues to put up emotional walls from those she cares about, even her twin sister, because of the secret and the guilt she carries. Then along comes Lucas who just starts to chip away at those walls.
Lucas has his own secrets that haunt him which is why he “got” Katie. I really liked Lucas as a romantic hero. He didn’t step in a slay Katie’s dragons for her, he just provided the love and emotional support that she needed to slay them herself.
I found the growing romance between Katie and Lucas quite believable. Their love grew slowly over the course of time and Ms. Rooney provided details that helped me understand how each was able to fall in love with the other. Nor were either character perfect. They had flaws and several times had to deal with the consequences of those flaws. It helped make Katie and Lucas real.
In addition to the sweet romance, Put Me Back Together offered a suspenseful storyline. Small hints were dropped throughout the book as to what Katie’s secret was. As an avid reader, I can usually figure out where an author is headed with a plot. I was so sure that I knew what the big secret was. But Ms. Rooney surprised me. Put Me Back Together offered me something original and I really appreciated that.
The writing style was terrific. Katie and Lucas were young college students and their actions and even dialogue was appropriate for their age. The story flowed naturally and the book’s ending satisfied me completely.
Put Me Back Together is Ms. Rooney’s debut novel and I was quite impressed. I will definitely be looking for more books by her.
January 19, 2014
This is how an author does New Adult well.
I read so many books, for professional and personal reasons, that when I come across generic books, they tend to run together in my mind. Thankfully, I didn't have this type of experience at all with Put Me Back together. This book was entirely unlike anything that I'd read before, and I found the story totally engrossing. Katie is such an interesting character! I felt that Ms. Rooney doled out details about Katie's pre-university life at a good pace. She teased that there was more to know, but delivered new bits of information at regular intervals. And Lucas. HOW MUCH DID I LOVE LUCAS? A metric tonne (can you tell that I was thrilled to read a book that takes place in Canada)!
The mystery of what happened back in Kingston and why Katie feels complicit, to the point of not taking steps to protect herself from a determined stalker, is handled well and just adds to the book's overall awesomeness. Lucas's backstory is also complicated and fascinating. A lot of authors seem to think that New Adult books just require random tragedy, but everything that happens in this book felt necessary to the story, and not gratuitous or as if added merely for shock value.
This book is a thing of beauty to read. The grammar is perfect, the dialog sounds like it was written by a person who actually has had conversations before, and the emotion of the story felt incredibly real to me. I came to Amazon to buy whatever else Ms. Rooney had written in the past and was dismayed/overjoyed to see that this is the first thing that she has published. I'm sad that I'll have to wait, but I hope that this book marks the beginning of her long and fruitful publishing career.
I received this book free of charge through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest reviewand my most worn out marbles.
I read so many books, for professional and personal reasons, that when I come across generic books, they tend to run together in my mind. Thankfully, I didn't have this type of experience at all with Put Me Back together. This book was entirely unlike anything that I'd read before, and I found the story totally engrossing. Katie is such an interesting character! I felt that Ms. Rooney doled out details about Katie's pre-university life at a good pace. She teased that there was more to know, but delivered new bits of information at regular intervals. And Lucas. HOW MUCH DID I LOVE LUCAS? A metric tonne (can you tell that I was thrilled to read a book that takes place in Canada)!
The mystery of what happened back in Kingston and why Katie feels complicit, to the point of not taking steps to protect herself from a determined stalker, is handled well and just adds to the book's overall awesomeness. Lucas's backstory is also complicated and fascinating. A lot of authors seem to think that New Adult books just require random tragedy, but everything that happens in this book felt necessary to the story, and not gratuitous or as if added merely for shock value.
This book is a thing of beauty to read. The grammar is perfect, the dialog sounds like it was written by a person who actually has had conversations before, and the emotion of the story felt incredibly real to me. I came to Amazon to buy whatever else Ms. Rooney had written in the past and was dismayed/overjoyed to see that this is the first thing that she has published. I'm sad that I'll have to wait, but I hope that this book marks the beginning of her long and fruitful publishing career.
I received this book free of charge through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review
November 26, 2013
Smart, witty, engaging, and romantic. A great read!
August 10, 2016
I don't know, so much of this book made me angry- but I had to keep reading it. I don't think I'd recommend this book to anyone. I'm sorry!
May 12, 2014
As a fan of the NA genre I love those books that juggle emotional intensity with a sweet and heartwarming romance. This story had that in spades along with a lot more. From start to finish I found myself fully engaged in this story but ultimately this was a book that left me very conflicted as to how to rate it. I enjoyed the start and how the characters were portrayed, but as the story progressed the action started to take a much darker turn and everything I thought I knew about Katie turned out to be a lie. Throughout the story though Lucas remained my one constant with emotions that he expressed truthfully. He was a good guy with pain of his own that he was remorseful over but his care and kindness got Katie to reveal the truth of her past which tarnished my admiration for her slightly.
At the start of the story Katie is running from her past and tries to cut herself off from life. The only people she's let in are her sister and her next door neighbor, until the night saving a stray cat leads to meeting the sexy and charming Lucas a once popular boy who's hiding too. Though she tries to fight her attraction to him he slowly works his way into her heart and soul. As her past comes back to haunt her in a very deadly way the happiness she's found might be over before it starts, especially as she continues to keep the new threats from her past a secret. Not only is her own life in jeopardy but so too is her twin sister as a psychotic villain from her past wants her to hurt as badly as possible. Even with the danger so close Katie still didn't fully disclose to anyone other than Lucas, and even with him I didn't feel her remorse was that deep. In my opinion her part in this cruel deed from the past made her just as guilty. Until this point in the story I felt she was punishing herself too much, but this revelation made me think she deserved more punishment and I became disillusioned in her. Even after the final terrorizing moments with the villain from her past didn't completely redeem her in my eyes.
Katie was clearly a complicated character compared to Lucas. Her personality twisted and turned as opposed to Lucas and his calm and unwavering support tempered with his own quiet dealings with his past. He was everything you'd want in a book boyfriend and added a much needed bit of sweetness to a story that became increasingly difficult to swallow as events from Katie's past came to light. Along with a compelling main couple there was a small group of cohorts surrounding Katie who were colorful and carefree in how they lived their lives which reinforced how closed off Katie had become. Even with its few flaws this was still a compelling read that kept you on the edge of your seat. With its admirable hero and tarnished heroine it sets itself apart from other books in this increasingly popular genre and has me excited for what the author has planned next.
At the start of the story Katie is running from her past and tries to cut herself off from life. The only people she's let in are her sister and her next door neighbor, until the night saving a stray cat leads to meeting the sexy and charming Lucas a once popular boy who's hiding too. Though she tries to fight her attraction to him he slowly works his way into her heart and soul. As her past comes back to haunt her in a very deadly way the happiness she's found might be over before it starts, especially as she continues to keep the new threats from her past a secret. Not only is her own life in jeopardy but so too is her twin sister as a psychotic villain from her past wants her to hurt as badly as possible. Even with the danger so close Katie still didn't fully disclose to anyone other than Lucas, and even with him I didn't feel her remorse was that deep. In my opinion her part in this cruel deed from the past made her just as guilty. Until this point in the story I felt she was punishing herself too much, but this revelation made me think she deserved more punishment and I became disillusioned in her. Even after the final terrorizing moments with the villain from her past didn't completely redeem her in my eyes.
Katie was clearly a complicated character compared to Lucas. Her personality twisted and turned as opposed to Lucas and his calm and unwavering support tempered with his own quiet dealings with his past. He was everything you'd want in a book boyfriend and added a much needed bit of sweetness to a story that became increasingly difficult to swallow as events from Katie's past came to light. Along with a compelling main couple there was a small group of cohorts surrounding Katie who were colorful and carefree in how they lived their lives which reinforced how closed off Katie had become. Even with its few flaws this was still a compelling read that kept you on the edge of your seat. With its admirable hero and tarnished heroine it sets itself apart from other books in this increasingly popular genre and has me excited for what the author has planned next.
April 25, 2016
4.5 Stars - Put Me Back Together is a heartbreaking journey of forgiveness and self-discovery that will keep you captivated from start to finish. Lola Rooney embodies the new adult genre with her fresh, fluid writing style and socially relevant language. I found myself easily transported into Kate and Lucas‘ world. Admittedly, Kate’s journey is unconventional and tainted with a past that leaves her carrying a heavy burden of guilt and regret. It is this unexpected element that made this story so surprisingly haunting and that much more emotionally powerful. Lola Rooney delivers something genuine with Kate and Lucas, staying true to the emotional scars that left them reluctant to love, allowing their chemistry to quietly sizzle until the time is right for it to blaze.
Initially, Kate is the first one to rebuke a social invitation but over the course of Put Me Back Together, Lola Rooney transforms her into a more confident, outgoing, and trusting woman. I adored the way Lucas brought her out of her shell, slowly pushing his way into her life until she had no choice but to open up her world to him. Her insecurities and fears made her feel familiar and genuine and I couldn’t help but connect with her as her story progressed. On the other hand, Lucas reveals himself to Kate as they spend more time together. His patience with her and his eventual emotional revelations left me swooning hard. I loved the dynamic that Lola Rooney created between these two characters. Their conversations were easy, honest, and oftentimes snarky – making me grin as I soaked in their teasing banter and adorable flirtations.
Filling out the cast were a few great secondary characters that I really grew to love. Kate’s sister, for example, provided for some fun, carefree moments that captured the tone of the college experience and delivered levity to this emotional story while also contributing to the overall development of Kate’s character. Put Me Back Together was well written and easy to read. For the most part I enjoyed the pacing although it was a little uneven with a long build up and relatively quick resolution. The storyline was well planned and expertly executed. Even though the author revealed bits and pieces of Kate’s secret along the way, I still felt bowled over when she finally revealed the truth to Lucas in its entirety. I have to applaud Lola Rooney for this daring plot point - she took the risk and she hit her mark beautifully. Put Me Back Together is intense, gut wrenching, and remarkably heartfelt. I would definitely read this author again in the future.
Initially, Kate is the first one to rebuke a social invitation but over the course of Put Me Back Together, Lola Rooney transforms her into a more confident, outgoing, and trusting woman. I adored the way Lucas brought her out of her shell, slowly pushing his way into her life until she had no choice but to open up her world to him. Her insecurities and fears made her feel familiar and genuine and I couldn’t help but connect with her as her story progressed. On the other hand, Lucas reveals himself to Kate as they spend more time together. His patience with her and his eventual emotional revelations left me swooning hard. I loved the dynamic that Lola Rooney created between these two characters. Their conversations were easy, honest, and oftentimes snarky – making me grin as I soaked in their teasing banter and adorable flirtations.
Filling out the cast were a few great secondary characters that I really grew to love. Kate’s sister, for example, provided for some fun, carefree moments that captured the tone of the college experience and delivered levity to this emotional story while also contributing to the overall development of Kate’s character. Put Me Back Together was well written and easy to read. For the most part I enjoyed the pacing although it was a little uneven with a long build up and relatively quick resolution. The storyline was well planned and expertly executed. Even though the author revealed bits and pieces of Kate’s secret along the way, I still felt bowled over when she finally revealed the truth to Lucas in its entirety. I have to applaud Lola Rooney for this daring plot point - she took the risk and she hit her mark beautifully. Put Me Back Together is intense, gut wrenching, and remarkably heartfelt. I would definitely read this author again in the future.
February 1, 2014
7/10
Seriously loving this New Adult genre, I cannot get enough of these books at the moment.
When I first started reading that I found myself really interested in Katie and her story, why she was the way she was and obviously her big secret.
I did mainly guess her secret, not quite all of it but 3/4s of it.
The author did a really good job of making you feel empathy for her as a character and sick to the stomach at what she had to endure etc.
In some aspects I can understand why she didn't tell the truth about certain things but I do think she should have done so. She was an extremely difficult character and at times I wanted to shout at her, but I suppose with everything she did or didn't do, it was easy to understand the why behind it all.
Lucas seemed a bit of an enigma in the beginning...and to be honest I thought he was going to end up being a bit more tortured than he actually was. I kind of found him boring to be honest.
There wasn't anything special about the bad guy Brendan, he was a pretty typical psychopath (spelt right?) with weird twisted logic and reasoning for his actions when in reality he likes to kill.
As a couple these characters were brilliantly suited to each other.
This story was a lot of different things but my first description would be a sweet romance.
My only real complaint is where were the steamy love scenes? It was actually very tame on the sex side of things.
This isn't the best book I have read in this genre but it was very good.
I think the author did a really good job with the storyline, the angst and guilt involved with all the characters etc. For me, the whole story just flowed really well and I had trouble putting my Kindle down today.
Read and reviewed courtesy of Netgalley
Seriously loving this New Adult genre, I cannot get enough of these books at the moment.
When I first started reading that I found myself really interested in Katie and her story, why she was the way she was and obviously her big secret.
I did mainly guess her secret, not quite all of it but 3/4s of it.
The author did a really good job of making you feel empathy for her as a character and sick to the stomach at what she had to endure etc.
In some aspects I can understand why she didn't tell the truth about certain things but I do think she should have done so. She was an extremely difficult character and at times I wanted to shout at her, but I suppose with everything she did or didn't do, it was easy to understand the why behind it all.
Lucas seemed a bit of an enigma in the beginning...and to be honest I thought he was going to end up being a bit more tortured than he actually was. I kind of found him boring to be honest.
There wasn't anything special about the bad guy Brendan, he was a pretty typical psychopath (spelt right?) with weird twisted logic and reasoning for his actions when in reality he likes to kill.
As a couple these characters were brilliantly suited to each other.
This story was a lot of different things but my first description would be a sweet romance.
My only real complaint is where were the steamy love scenes? It was actually very tame on the sex side of things.
This isn't the best book I have read in this genre but it was very good.
I think the author did a really good job with the storyline, the angst and guilt involved with all the characters etc. For me, the whole story just flowed really well and I had trouble putting my Kindle down today.
Read and reviewed courtesy of Netgalley
June 4, 2014
**This copy was graciously given to me through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
You know those books that start off and you just know in your gut you are about to read an amazing book? That was how I felt about Put Me Back Together. So saying I loved this book would be an understatement; this was a book that once I started I could not put down. I became obsessed and when I finished there was an ache of longing, why must amazing books end? And why aren’t there more books with this type of plot quality and character development?
Katie Archer has a dark secret that has been locking her in a self appointed prison. Moving through life, but keeping to the fringe, she has mastered how to be a non-entity. There but not remembered. She is a captivating character and through out the whole book I wanted to know her story! I won’t go into her past but I loved that Rooney did not lay it all out for us.
There were a few predictable moments (when it comes to romance there generally is) but the mystery about Katie’s past was extremely griping. Getting small snippets throughout the book really allowed your imagination to run wild. There were a few times during this that I got a bit spooked, enough so that I had to double check the locks.
With a strong character like Katie you needed the male to match her and Lucas was perfect. Strong and independent and refreshing from all these playboys turned straight laced with one look at the lead female. In fact I think due to where Lucas was at the story and how unexpected he was, he stole my heart and quite possibly became one of my favorite male leads.
This debut novel leaves me begging for more books from Lola Rooney and if you have yet to read this one I strongly encourage you to go purchase and then immediately read.
You know those books that start off and you just know in your gut you are about to read an amazing book? That was how I felt about Put Me Back Together. So saying I loved this book would be an understatement; this was a book that once I started I could not put down. I became obsessed and when I finished there was an ache of longing, why must amazing books end? And why aren’t there more books with this type of plot quality and character development?
Katie Archer has a dark secret that has been locking her in a self appointed prison. Moving through life, but keeping to the fringe, she has mastered how to be a non-entity. There but not remembered. She is a captivating character and through out the whole book I wanted to know her story! I won’t go into her past but I loved that Rooney did not lay it all out for us.
There were a few predictable moments (when it comes to romance there generally is) but the mystery about Katie’s past was extremely griping. Getting small snippets throughout the book really allowed your imagination to run wild. There were a few times during this that I got a bit spooked, enough so that I had to double check the locks.
With a strong character like Katie you needed the male to match her and Lucas was perfect. Strong and independent and refreshing from all these playboys turned straight laced with one look at the lead female. In fact I think due to where Lucas was at the story and how unexpected he was, he stole my heart and quite possibly became one of my favorite male leads.
This debut novel leaves me begging for more books from Lola Rooney and if you have yet to read this one I strongly encourage you to go purchase and then immediately read.
January 22, 2014
***ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review***
I really liked the storyline, sometimes it's too predictable what's gonna happen or what's the whole is all about. Well for me it was something else, I loved the concept it was new-fresh- and heart wrenching as well.
Katie Archer knows how to lie. After six years, no one really knows what happened That Night. Not even her twin sister.
And actually it makes you insane, because somewhere at 60% of the book, I hardly gets together the pieces....Whoa!!!
Katie’s biggest rule? No boys. Ever.
But there is the little problem of Lucas Matthews. Former basketball star and total campus hottie, Lucas is the stuff girls have naughty dreams about—and he has the reputation to prove it...
I liked Lucas, he has nothing to do with his reputation because he also has a secret what's changed him. Well not as insane as Katie's but enough to make you mature enough.
Because of her past Katie was insecure, and really closed, so Lucas had to fought for her to open up....
Letting Lucas in is the hardest thing Katie’s ever had to do. And telling him the truth? Impossible...
Maybe together, with the power of love, to be cared...
Really good heat wrenching story, sometimes in really a slow motion, that's sometimes disturbed me, but that's the only reason why is it just 4 stars for me.
September 6, 2016
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review ...
Lucas Matthews has given up playing basketball and doesn't know how to fit into his newly created lifestyle. He has not shared his changed attitude with anyone - because they just won't understand why he isn't the same old Lucas ... campus hottie, man-whore, and best basketball player on campus. Katie Archer has stayed hidden from the world going on around her since she was 13. Now, 19 and a freshman in college, she can't escape the nightmares that have been following her for a very long time. She has buried her old self for so long that she isn't even sure who she used to be let alone try to figure out who she wants to be now. She meets Lucas as she is rescuing a cat and he begins to call her Hero. This "nickname" digs into her deepest feelings as she thinks she is anything but a hero - for it was her idea that sent Brandon to his breaking point - or at least thats how it has played out in her head for the last 6 years. The truth is she is his hero and he is hers. Once the secrets are let out - will those that Katie loves be able to stand by her side or will they turn against her? This was an incredible book and kept me glued to each page tying to gauge what her secret was all about.
Lucas Matthews has given up playing basketball and doesn't know how to fit into his newly created lifestyle. He has not shared his changed attitude with anyone - because they just won't understand why he isn't the same old Lucas ... campus hottie, man-whore, and best basketball player on campus. Katie Archer has stayed hidden from the world going on around her since she was 13. Now, 19 and a freshman in college, she can't escape the nightmares that have been following her for a very long time. She has buried her old self for so long that she isn't even sure who she used to be let alone try to figure out who she wants to be now. She meets Lucas as she is rescuing a cat and he begins to call her Hero. This "nickname" digs into her deepest feelings as she thinks she is anything but a hero - for it was her idea that sent Brandon to his breaking point - or at least thats how it has played out in her head for the last 6 years. The truth is she is his hero and he is hers. Once the secrets are let out - will those that Katie loves be able to stand by her side or will they turn against her? This was an incredible book and kept me glued to each page tying to gauge what her secret was all about.
January 23, 2014
Katie is stuck with a guilt that lead her to keep secrets, lie and move over 3,000 miles from those she loves. She's settled for a life that keeps her at a distance from those around her. That was until she meets Lucas. She wants to keep her distance but the closer he gets to her the more her secrets start to come out. Now someone fro her past is sending her threatening messages, that's making her want to be closed off from everyone again. Lucas wants to do everything he can to protect her.
I really loved this book. There was a perfect mix of love, drama, mystery and suspense to keep the readers wanting more. This was the type of books that give you clues little by little where you can make your own assumptions and turn out that your guesses are wrong. (Or at least that's what happened to me) I loved that this book was original and unpredictable. I loved the characters. The story was beautifully written. I loved everything about this book and highly recommend you lovely readers to check out this book.
I really loved this book. There was a perfect mix of love, drama, mystery and suspense to keep the readers wanting more. This was the type of books that give you clues little by little where you can make your own assumptions and turn out that your guesses are wrong. (Or at least that's what happened to me) I loved that this book was original and unpredictable. I loved the characters. The story was beautifully written. I loved everything about this book and highly recommend you lovely readers to check out this book.
January 14, 2016
I liked the fact that Katie is a shy art student and how her character develops through the book. Lucas is the handsome next-door-guy, a past basketball player who is the throb of the girls in the university. This book is a romance coupled with a thriller that connects Katie to her past, Brandon and Tommy. This might be one of the two books set in Canada; the other being Anne of Green Gables.
I thought that the relationship between Lucas and Katie held too much description and detail which could have easily been shortened.
Overall, I think the book is a good read for a weekend.
I thought that the relationship between Lucas and Katie held too much description and detail which could have easily been shortened.
Overall, I think the book is a good read for a weekend.
dnf
January 29, 2014dnf. I need a book to grab me, but this just felt like words on the page, nothing was making a connection with me. It felt contrived, like a cliche. Maybe I should have kept going, but it was just easy for me to put down.
December 19, 2013
If you haven't read it yet, don't wait. It's a great love story about how we sometimes miss what's right in front of us and an encouraging tale about overcoming a haunting past. So worth the read!
December 18, 2018
With finishing the book ive come to 2 conclusions i love Lucas Mathews and Katie Archer killed Tommy. i continued the book thinking to myself maybe she will try to redeem herself but she doesnt, further more the responses she gets after embedding murderous thoughts into a 12 year old boy of sympathy and forgiveness is plain aggravating . im so pissed its not even funny. no jail time no come clean? she may not have been the one to gut tommy like a fish but she sure as hell is the cause of it and it makes me sick to stomach she deserved all that guilt plus more. yes the truth wouldnt change anything but it needed to be told. He was 5 years old and she was 13 and surely not stupid. No matter how angry a person is a sane person doesnt imagine gutting a 9 year old boy like a fish..... And then the end with Rickey confessing to her that he was there that night and did nothing i feel bad for rickey..... All im saying is you cant put Brandon in jail and then up and say Katie is a good person she didnt do anything wrong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2021
Your typical angsty New Adult novel with a twist. That's how I would describe this story. Lucas and Katie were both struggling with events in their past and their story was interesting to learn. I wouldn't say that I connected to either character, but I could understand why they would connect on some level. I did enjoy their romance and that it was paired with some suspenseful elements that added a different angle to the story. I do think that the writing was good, but there were some moments when I would have preferred the author would have pulled back a little bit. I say this because once I knew those details, I detached myself from the story because my opinion of Katie completely changed. IDK, it just happened. As a result of this, my enjoyment of the story decreased and I was no longer invested in it.
March 10, 2017
Actual rating: 4.25-4.5/5 stars
I really enjoyed this story. I didn't know what to expect from it going in. Katie has such a haunting past and story and you're wondering throughout the whole thing what happened to her to make her the way she is. I get that she was insecure about things in her life because of everything that happened but it's hard to see someone treat themselves like that. I love seeing that Katie grows through everything. I loved Lucas. He was such a good male lead in this! It was just really really good.
I really enjoyed this story. I didn't know what to expect from it going in. Katie has such a haunting past and story and you're wondering throughout the whole thing what happened to her to make her the way she is. I get that she was insecure about things in her life because of everything that happened but it's hard to see someone treat themselves like that. I love seeing that Katie grows through everything. I loved Lucas. He was such a good male lead in this! It was just really really good.
October 6, 2019
Great read
Really good read with a good story line. Not a story I had come across before so was refreshing not to know the general twists and turns of the story. Loved all the characters and thought their personalities were described well. Couldn't put the book down so a bit gutted I now have to find something else to read!
Really good read with a good story line. Not a story I had come across before so was refreshing not to know the general twists and turns of the story. Loved all the characters and thought their personalities were described well. Couldn't put the book down so a bit gutted I now have to find something else to read!
January 24, 2018
Lucas is so adorable
January 2, 2018
I adored this book. The hero was sweet, earnest and sexy. The heroine had something terrible happen to her but she wasn't annoying. I really loved the romance in this book and the characterization the author put into the characters. This was a book that I couldn't put down, and it enveloped me in its story.
May 12, 2014
** JOSIE'S 4.5 STAR REVIEW **
I have read so many books lately that have not HIT THAT MARK FOR ME, well this is not the case with this book. Put Me Back Together was exactly what I have been looking for. It was engrossing, gripping and enticing. Lola Rooney gave us two wonderful, loving characters, Katie and Lucas, and as a reader you will fall in love with the both of them. This book was entirely unlike anything that I’ve read before, and I found the story totally engrossing. Katie is such an interesting character, and Lucas wow…can I just say perfect BOOK BOYFRIEND?!
For the past 6 years Katie has been living a lie. She is trying to start over in college and remain unseen. No one AND I MEAN NO ONE, knows what really happened that horrific day. Katie hasn’t told a soul not her even her twin sister or her parents. Katie has never recovered or forgiven herself for that event and no one knows her or that day except for her stalker. The stalking, break-ins, notes and messages will leave you terrified and when you think you’ve guessed who it is, you will be wrong. I was not prepared for what happened. When it finally came out, shock is too little of a word for what I felt.
“Enjoying that hot chocolate? Hope so, because it might be your last. Ditch your handsome friend if you know what’s good for you.”
“I know you don’t need a protector. You don’t need me to take care of you. But I need you to promise never to do that to me again. If you’re hurting, I need to be with you. I need to hold you. Last…night almost drove me mad.”
While trying to keep a low profile Katie crosses paths with Lucas and he is not one to walk away from something that is different. Lucas has a secret of his own but he wanted to know Katie and the more she pushed him away the more Lucas pushed his way into her life. When things started to get dangerous, he wanted to protect her and love her forever. So I was thinking that Lucas’ secret would change the entire realm of their relationship but once again Katie amazed me with her strength and loyalty to Lucas.
“I don’t want to be your friend, Hero. I want to be with you. Only you. The girl wearing glasses and sweatpants with wild hair flying everywhere and a cat inside her jacket. The girls I can’t stop myself from wanting to kiss and hold in my arms and do everything else with. The girl who makes me feel like I might get through this if she’s there next to me. That’s the girl I want.”
When Katie’s secret comes crashing down around them, the love and strength of this couple is put to the test.
This is a short read but it is so intense. It has the thrill of suspense and just the right amount of love. I am glad that I was able to read this amazing story. Lucas and Katie will help each other move forward and forgive the past.
“I am not in love with Brandon Tomko. I’m in love with you. And because I love you, Im going to tell the whole story. I’m going to tell you the truth. I’m afraid of losing, that’s always been my biggest fear. Of telling the truth and losing the people I love. Losing you. Losing my parents. Losing Emily. When they know the truth about me, I’m afraid I’ll lose their love.”
“I love you Katie. You told me everything and I still love you. There’s nothing awful about you at all. You aren’t going to lose anyone. Nothing you say about yourself will ever convince me that you aren’t the incredible girl I’ve known the past two months. I’m not going to change my mind about this. You’re stuck with me, so you’d better get used to it.”
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I have read so many books lately that have not HIT THAT MARK FOR ME, well this is not the case with this book. Put Me Back Together was exactly what I have been looking for. It was engrossing, gripping and enticing. Lola Rooney gave us two wonderful, loving characters, Katie and Lucas, and as a reader you will fall in love with the both of them. This book was entirely unlike anything that I’ve read before, and I found the story totally engrossing. Katie is such an interesting character, and Lucas wow…can I just say perfect BOOK BOYFRIEND?!
For the past 6 years Katie has been living a lie. She is trying to start over in college and remain unseen. No one AND I MEAN NO ONE, knows what really happened that horrific day. Katie hasn’t told a soul not her even her twin sister or her parents. Katie has never recovered or forgiven herself for that event and no one knows her or that day except for her stalker. The stalking, break-ins, notes and messages will leave you terrified and when you think you’ve guessed who it is, you will be wrong. I was not prepared for what happened. When it finally came out, shock is too little of a word for what I felt.
“Enjoying that hot chocolate? Hope so, because it might be your last. Ditch your handsome friend if you know what’s good for you.”
“I know you don’t need a protector. You don’t need me to take care of you. But I need you to promise never to do that to me again. If you’re hurting, I need to be with you. I need to hold you. Last…night almost drove me mad.”
While trying to keep a low profile Katie crosses paths with Lucas and he is not one to walk away from something that is different. Lucas has a secret of his own but he wanted to know Katie and the more she pushed him away the more Lucas pushed his way into her life. When things started to get dangerous, he wanted to protect her and love her forever. So I was thinking that Lucas’ secret would change the entire realm of their relationship but once again Katie amazed me with her strength and loyalty to Lucas.
“I don’t want to be your friend, Hero. I want to be with you. Only you. The girl wearing glasses and sweatpants with wild hair flying everywhere and a cat inside her jacket. The girls I can’t stop myself from wanting to kiss and hold in my arms and do everything else with. The girl who makes me feel like I might get through this if she’s there next to me. That’s the girl I want.”
When Katie’s secret comes crashing down around them, the love and strength of this couple is put to the test.
This is a short read but it is so intense. It has the thrill of suspense and just the right amount of love. I am glad that I was able to read this amazing story. Lucas and Katie will help each other move forward and forgive the past.
“I am not in love with Brandon Tomko. I’m in love with you. And because I love you, Im going to tell the whole story. I’m going to tell you the truth. I’m afraid of losing, that’s always been my biggest fear. Of telling the truth and losing the people I love. Losing you. Losing my parents. Losing Emily. When they know the truth about me, I’m afraid I’ll lose their love.”
“I love you Katie. You told me everything and I still love you. There’s nothing awful about you at all. You aren’t going to lose anyone. Nothing you say about yourself will ever convince me that you aren’t the incredible girl I’ve known the past two months. I’m not going to change my mind about this. You’re stuck with me, so you’d better get used to it.”
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2014
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Katie Archer knows how to lie fluently. She does it like a pro. She has been doing it for six years already. It started THAT night. No one really knew what happened that awful night, except for her. After that, she became a different person. Silent, opted to be alone, and stays under the radar. Instead of staying at home, she chose to go 3,000 miles away university and throws herself into art classes and ice cream. No boys, no real friends, all she has were herself and her twin sister Emily. And strictly no BOYS!
Then here comes Lucas Matthews in all his glory. Former basketball star-slash-manwhore-slash-hottie who came into her rescue. I did love their first meeting. She was pretty much adorable trying to recall what sport Lucas played into. Despite being attracted to him, she tries her best in ignoring him – although he is giving her a hard time already. He seemed to be present wherever she goes, not to mention that he is in her art class!
The walls that she built starts to crumble around her as Lucas walks into her life. It wasn’t easy, Lucas did all the hard work, but it was worth it. One problem though – both of them are keeping secrets. Katie had been lying for six years, can she tell him the truth? Now, her past was back, threatening her, leaving her messages and taunting her. Her past wants to get even.
Amidst all these, I was glad she had Lucas, he never judged, he proved how much she meant to him by staying and keeping her safe.
It caused the hair on my arms to rise. The suspense was creeping me out, and I was wondering who was after her, and what did she do to deserve the torture. When the secrets unveiled itself, it was mortifying, and I understood why Katie was punishing herself even though she didn’t deserve it. Then series of events begun to happen that had me on my seat, gripping my kindle, my heart was beating so fast, I wanted to go to the last page just to get all the suspense over with – but of course, I didn’t. I had to read through all those pages that ripped my heart out and the past begun to unfold, my heart goes out to her and the person she lost.
I loved how Katie’s character developed and how the story ended. She gained the strength and almost conquered the fear that she has. The ending was quite realistic as she still is trying to piece herself back together. What she had been through, what happened to her not just six years ago, but most especially in the present would take time before it would fully heal. But with Lucas on her side, as well as newfound friends and supportive family, the future looks brighter than it was.
It’s more than just the love story that surpass all the trials that is thrown at them, or the thrill of the chase – it’s the journey of the character towards forgiveness and moving on that made this story worth my while.
✪Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.✪
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
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