What do you think?
Rate this book
My Clarity #1
My Clarity
Still reeling from the death of her father, Alexandria hopes to find both independence and reprieve from her grief by heading off to college. However, life throws her a serious curveball when she discovers that her roommate isn’t quite the person she had imagined.
Smoking, tattoos, and street racing for fast cash are Elijah’s only interests. A harsh life has made him apathetic and indifferent, until Alexandria enters his life. When their paths cross, turmoil abounds.
An inevitable encounter, an undeniable attraction, and an unexpected chance at love—will it be enough?
** This is a New Adult romance novel recommended for ages 18+
due to sexual content and mature subject matter.**
Smoking, tattoos, and street racing for fast cash are Elijah’s only interests. A harsh life has made him apathetic and indifferent, until Alexandria enters his life. When their paths cross, turmoil abounds.
An inevitable encounter, an undeniable attraction, and an unexpected chance at love—will it be enough?
** This is a New Adult romance novel recommended for ages 18+
due to sexual content and mature subject matter.**
267 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2014
415 people are currently reading
3853 people want to read
About the author
M. Clarke
24 books1,540 followersInternational Bestselling, Award Winning, Author M. Clarke resides in Southern California. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NuOfPE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NuOfPE
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews
July 9, 2016
I've had this audiobook sitting on my Audible shelf for a long time, but it's never jumped out at me. This week I told myself that I wouldn't buy any new audiobooks until I finished the ones that are in my library. Luckily, I don't have quite the backlog of audiobooks that I do of Kindle editions. :)
'My Clarity' was a sweet, YA/NA (because honestly I can't tell the difference). Like most college-aged romances, you can plan on plenty of angsty, melodrama. Let's face it, at that age everything seems a bit more "end of the world". I'd expect the emotional highs and lows for that age group.
As far as the story goes, it was nice. Alex is still struggling to accept the death of her father, three months earlier, when she begins college. When she arrives at the house her cousin arranged for her to live in, she discovers that her roommate, "Ellie", is really "Elijah".
After getting over the initial shock of finding out that her rookie is a guy, she settles in. For the most part, Alex and Elijah dance around their attraction to one another. Alex is quickly accepted into Elijah's group of friends and seamlessly integrates herself into his life.
Elijah takes on the role of "protector". He pretends not to want Alex, but he sure doesn't want any other guy to have her either. While he tries to remain aloof and emotionally detached, it is clear that his walls are crumbling.
Things are further complicated by the fact that Alex has a "sort-of" boyfriend. While Elijah sleeps his way through the coeds, Alex tries to pretend that she likes the douchebag she's dating so that she doesn't let on to the fact that she's jealous. Of course, she is.
As expected, these two eventually cross lines. There is a little more drama. Finally, everything works out.
Overall, it was a nice way to pass some time. This is a good story for times when you want something sweet and not too deep. I like books like this when I'm suffering from a book hangover. It was a nice, enjoyable story, but nothing life-altering or all-consuming. It was good and I'm on to the next one.
'My Clarity' was a sweet, YA/NA (because honestly I can't tell the difference). Like most college-aged romances, you can plan on plenty of angsty, melodrama. Let's face it, at that age everything seems a bit more "end of the world". I'd expect the emotional highs and lows for that age group.
As far as the story goes, it was nice. Alex is still struggling to accept the death of her father, three months earlier, when she begins college. When she arrives at the house her cousin arranged for her to live in, she discovers that her roommate, "Ellie", is really "Elijah".
After getting over the initial shock of finding out that her rookie is a guy, she settles in. For the most part, Alex and Elijah dance around their attraction to one another. Alex is quickly accepted into Elijah's group of friends and seamlessly integrates herself into his life.
Elijah takes on the role of "protector". He pretends not to want Alex, but he sure doesn't want any other guy to have her either. While he tries to remain aloof and emotionally detached, it is clear that his walls are crumbling.
Things are further complicated by the fact that Alex has a "sort-of" boyfriend. While Elijah sleeps his way through the coeds, Alex tries to pretend that she likes the douchebag she's dating so that she doesn't let on to the fact that she's jealous. Of course, she is.
As expected, these two eventually cross lines. There is a little more drama. Finally, everything works out.
Overall, it was a nice way to pass some time. This is a good story for times when you want something sweet and not too deep. I like books like this when I'm suffering from a book hangover. It was a nice, enjoyable story, but nothing life-altering or all-consuming. It was good and I'm on to the next one.
May 15, 2014
Oh M-A-N! So Good! So emotional!! New Adult Romance is not normally my go to genre, but I would definitely re-read this story again & again. I have to confess that I have never cried as hard as I did while reading this book. I seriously won't even watch those tear jerker movies, because they affect me so. I didn't expect it to hit me so hard, but it deals with an illness that is very close to my heart. HOWEVER this story refused to be put aside, & for whatever reason I continued reading. I am really glad too, because I really really liked it!! Totally worth the tears!
We start out saying goodbye as Alex prepares to go off to college her world is turned upside down. Little does she know what else is in store for her. New town, friends, routines, choices, rules...a whole new world. Alex is lucky to have her cousin's older friends to help her adjust to everything. Her roomie Ellie quickly becomes one of my favorite characters along with the rest of the four musketeers.
As always M. Clarke does a fabulous job of taking us on this journey. She takes the typical college life & spices it up every chance she gets adding twists & turns I never expected. Be prepared for lots of goodbyes, tears to be shed, tons of laughter, & sweet memories in the making. The Halloween party & karaoke singing for Ellie's Bday happen to be some of my favorite scenes! And...the ending of course! Perfection!!
We start out saying goodbye as Alex prepares to go off to college her world is turned upside down. Little does she know what else is in store for her. New town, friends, routines, choices, rules...a whole new world. Alex is lucky to have her cousin's older friends to help her adjust to everything. Her roomie Ellie quickly becomes one of my favorite characters along with the rest of the four musketeers.
As always M. Clarke does a fabulous job of taking us on this journey. She takes the typical college life & spices it up every chance she gets adding twists & turns I never expected. Be prepared for lots of goodbyes, tears to be shed, tons of laughter, & sweet memories in the making. The Halloween party & karaoke singing for Ellie's Bday happen to be some of my favorite scenes! And...the ending of course! Perfection!!
July 20, 2016
Best new adult novel I have read in a WHILE!
More then just sex, this book deals with relationship, friendships and more. I really loved the characters and progression of the story. I wish there was more in the series!
More then just sex, this book deals with relationship, friendships and more. I really loved the characters and progression of the story. I wish there was more in the series!
July 19, 2015
I got this book via NetGalley a while a go but because all the books that I recently received there where a bust I kept putting this one off. But once I started reading it I really got into it and liked it.
This novel is NA so don't expect any funny business until later in the novel and even then it will be pretty PG-13 :P
Alexandria a.k.a. Alex moves to start college in a new town shortly after the death of her father. She knows she's going to live in her cousins former room with a roommate named Ellie. What she doesn't know is that "Ellie" is actually Elijah...a hot, tattooed and "I want to lick his abs" hot guy that does illegal racing to support himself.
M. Clarke paints a beautiful story that sucks you in and you find yourself not being able o put the book down.
The only downfall is that this book should have ended at about 75% because what came after that felt like only filling so the book could be longer and that kind of spoiled it for me a little bit.
But if you like a good college romance then this book is definitely a must read...especially if you can't resist a hot tattooed racer guy :P
*ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
October 27, 2014
##Starting October 27th, 2014, FOR ONE WEEK ONLY-- "My Clarity" will be 99 cents! Pick up your copy NOW while it lasts:
Amazon**
♪♫If our love, is tragedy,
Why are you my remedy?
If our love's, insanity,
Why are you my clarity?♪♫
4-4.5 "clarification" stars!!
“Life presents you with many roads, but two things remain constant; you’re born, and when it’s your time, you die. The other roads presented in between, and which one to take, is up to you.”
Guys, I’m happy to say that for my first official read by the author, M. Clarke/ Mary Ting, I actually LOVED IT!♡♥
I was lucky to be entrusted with this ARC and boy did it take my breath away! I’ve always had a soft spot for books with morals/life lessons embedded in them and this one hit that right on the dot for me.
What it taught me really is that life is short and the unknown can happen at any time, at any place, and to any person. You should always relish as well as cherish every moment and person that is important in your life for in one moment they could be taken away.
After all, Alexandria “Alex” Weis and Elijah “Ellie” Cooper know this better than anyone. Both know the reality of loss and are kindred spirits in that sense.
When Alex heads off to college and meets Elijah, it’s like both have finally regained some sort of clarity to what they want for themselves and life.
It’s actually pretty hilarious how Alex meets Elijah because she initially thinks that “Ellie,” her roommate is a girl and not a guy. When Elijah explains to her as to how he got nicknamed that I had to laugh because it sounded like a typical frat guffaw.
“One of the things they did at the frat was call us girl’s names. You get the picture?.. Ellie is a guy, not a girl.”
It was quite interesting to see Alex and Elijah rub off of each other and take and push whatever each other hand to bring. It was like how Elijah explained it:
"I'm the opposite of you. You are day and I am night. We complete each other. You are my clarity, Alex."
I had to agree that it was quite true as each was so different in their own ways and yet they were constantly teaching each other lessons.
Only… with a strong camaraderie and friendship ensuing and love in the midst, what will these two lost souls do? Will old hurts and wounds heal? What about old flames and commitment issues? And will they ever truly open themselves to love and giving life a second chance?
A lovely, lovely read!! And wait to you read the parts where Elijah sings to Alex! So romantic! ♡♥
His song can be found And don't forget to buy Elijah's song to Alex, To Love A Woman HERE btw on Amazon!!
“There were no guarantees in life. There was no happily ever after—only reality. ..For everyday was a new day, a new beginning, a new experience, a new experience, with new hopes and dreams—one that should always be lived as if it were your last.”
*An early advanced ARC was given to me by the author for an honest review. Thank you!!*
Amazon**
♪♫If our love, is tragedy,
Why are you my remedy?
If our love's, insanity,
Why are you my clarity?♪♫
4-4.5 "clarification" stars!!
“Life presents you with many roads, but two things remain constant; you’re born, and when it’s your time, you die. The other roads presented in between, and which one to take, is up to you.”
Guys, I’m happy to say that for my first official read by the author, M. Clarke/ Mary Ting, I actually LOVED IT!♡♥
I was lucky to be entrusted with this ARC and boy did it take my breath away! I’ve always had a soft spot for books with morals/life lessons embedded in them and this one hit that right on the dot for me.
What it taught me really is that life is short and the unknown can happen at any time, at any place, and to any person. You should always relish as well as cherish every moment and person that is important in your life for in one moment they could be taken away.
After all, Alexandria “Alex” Weis and Elijah “Ellie” Cooper know this better than anyone. Both know the reality of loss and are kindred spirits in that sense.
When Alex heads off to college and meets Elijah, it’s like both have finally regained some sort of clarity to what they want for themselves and life.
It’s actually pretty hilarious how Alex meets Elijah because she initially thinks that “Ellie,” her roommate is a girl and not a guy. When Elijah explains to her as to how he got nicknamed that I had to laugh because it sounded like a typical frat guffaw.
“One of the things they did at the frat was call us girl’s names. You get the picture?.. Ellie is a guy, not a girl.”
It was quite interesting to see Alex and Elijah rub off of each other and take and push whatever each other hand to bring. It was like how Elijah explained it:
"I'm the opposite of you. You are day and I am night. We complete each other. You are my clarity, Alex."
I had to agree that it was quite true as each was so different in their own ways and yet they were constantly teaching each other lessons.
Only… with a strong camaraderie and friendship ensuing and love in the midst, what will these two lost souls do? Will old hurts and wounds heal? What about old flames and commitment issues? And will they ever truly open themselves to love and giving life a second chance?
A lovely, lovely read!! And wait to you read the parts where Elijah sings to Alex! So romantic! ♡♥
His song can be found And don't forget to buy Elijah's song to Alex, To Love A Woman HERE btw on Amazon!!
“There were no guarantees in life. There was no happily ever after—only reality. ..For everyday was a new day, a new beginning, a new experience, a new experience, with new hopes and dreams—one that should always be lived as if it were your last.”
*An early advanced ARC was given to me by the author for an honest review. Thank you!!*
Currently reading
February 25, 2014I want to thank you for marking My Clarity to read. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I had fun writing it. Some of the things I did in college are written in this book, such as broom hockey and singing in karaoke restaurants.
Just to let everyone know, My Clarity is going to be $.99 for the first 3 days ONLY starting from release date of May 12th. This is how I pictured Elijah :) I don't know how to post a picture so you can go to this link. http://www.google.com/imgres?imgrefur...
Just to let everyone know, My Clarity is going to be $.99 for the first 3 days ONLY starting from release date of May 12th. This is how I pictured Elijah :) I don't know how to post a picture so you can go to this link. http://www.google.com/imgres?imgrefur...
February 24, 2014
I was given a ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I want to start off by saying this book deserves more than 5 stars. It deserves 10 if not more. Mary blew me out of the water with this book, I love ALL her books. But so far this is my favorite book of hers and probably my most favorite book. Elijah Cooper is now my #1 book boyfriend. Kellan Kyle who?
Mary Ting delivers a romantically emotional masterpiece. A tale of love and hope. This was perfect beyond words. The best book I have read of 2014 and possibly ever. Once I started I did not want to put it down. I am in awe and in love with this epic tale.
We start off with Alex heading off to college and trying to move on from her past and heartache. She meets her new roommate and is more than floored with who "Ellie" really is. The two become very close and Alex becomes good friends with the rest of the group. Alex and Ellie start to get very close and they fight their feelings for each other because Alex is still in a relationship and Ellie has commitment issues. Both have been hurt in the past and both are trying to fight their feelings for one another. Both try desperately to make it work but Ellie makes it hard, somethings are harder to give up then others. Can these two make it work? can they help each other move on and heal from all they have been through? these two share more in common then they both know when meeting. Does fate have other plans for their future? you will have to read to find out. But let me tell you this, this is one of the most beautifullest books I have ever read in my life, it hits home to me on such a deep and personal level, this book truly helped me with some things and meant more than anyone will ever know. A beautiful story and you cannot miss this opportunity to read it.
"Sometimes you see the most beauty in the fewest things."
"Alex, you're my clarity. You. Are.My.Home."
"Let me be the one who gets to say you're mine, the one who gets to take care of you, the one who gets to take your sadness away and replace it with happy memories, the one who gets to hold you atnight and tuck you into bed. I want to be with you."
"You were always the one I wanted. My heart was already set on you from the moment we met. I just didn't know it."
"I don't need a Christmas present. You already gave me you."
"I'm the opposite of you. You are day and I am night. We complete each other. You are my clarity, Alex."
"I'm sure this line has been said many times before, but I mean it, I love you to the moon, Freckles,"
"My love for you is bigger than the moon, bigger than the universe, and I can't imagine anything bigger than my love for you."
"You are my sunshine and I'm your moon and for a very short time we were perfect and complete."
"I love you to the moon and back."
I want to start off by saying this book deserves more than 5 stars. It deserves 10 if not more. Mary blew me out of the water with this book, I love ALL her books. But so far this is my favorite book of hers and probably my most favorite book. Elijah Cooper is now my #1 book boyfriend. Kellan Kyle who?
Mary Ting delivers a romantically emotional masterpiece. A tale of love and hope. This was perfect beyond words. The best book I have read of 2014 and possibly ever. Once I started I did not want to put it down. I am in awe and in love with this epic tale.
We start off with Alex heading off to college and trying to move on from her past and heartache. She meets her new roommate and is more than floored with who "Ellie" really is. The two become very close and Alex becomes good friends with the rest of the group. Alex and Ellie start to get very close and they fight their feelings for each other because Alex is still in a relationship and Ellie has commitment issues. Both have been hurt in the past and both are trying to fight their feelings for one another. Both try desperately to make it work but Ellie makes it hard, somethings are harder to give up then others. Can these two make it work? can they help each other move on and heal from all they have been through? these two share more in common then they both know when meeting. Does fate have other plans for their future? you will have to read to find out. But let me tell you this, this is one of the most beautifullest books I have ever read in my life, it hits home to me on such a deep and personal level, this book truly helped me with some things and meant more than anyone will ever know. A beautiful story and you cannot miss this opportunity to read it.
"Sometimes you see the most beauty in the fewest things."
"Alex, you're my clarity. You. Are.My.Home."
"Let me be the one who gets to say you're mine, the one who gets to take care of you, the one who gets to take your sadness away and replace it with happy memories, the one who gets to hold you atnight and tuck you into bed. I want to be with you."
"You were always the one I wanted. My heart was already set on you from the moment we met. I just didn't know it."
"I don't need a Christmas present. You already gave me you."
"I'm the opposite of you. You are day and I am night. We complete each other. You are my clarity, Alex."
"I'm sure this line has been said many times before, but I mean it, I love you to the moon, Freckles,"
"My love for you is bigger than the moon, bigger than the universe, and I can't imagine anything bigger than my love for you."
"You are my sunshine and I'm your moon and for a very short time we were perfect and complete."
"I love you to the moon and back."
May 11, 2014
I received this ARC from the Author.I Love the dynamic between the characters in this book. The friendships that have been formed between these college students and how they easily accept Alex into the fold. Alex has no idea what she's in for moving away to college after having just lost her dad, her anchor in life, and moving in with a total stranger. And although her cousin Jimmy assures her she will be fine, he leaves some very important information from her. How will these two new roommates, one a freshman and one senior, possibly get along. What could they possibly have in common, and what do they end up finding out that could bring them together forever. My Clarity...
February 25, 2014
I want to thank you for marking My Clarity to read. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I had fun writing it. Some of the things I did in college are written in this book, such as broom hockey and singing in karaoke restaurants. I didn't mean to rate myself...lol and I don't know how to take it off. Just to let everyone know, My Clarity is going to be $.99 for the first 3 days ONLY starting from release date of May 12th. This is how I pictured Elijah :) I don't know how to post a picture so you can go to this link. http://www.google.com/imgres?imgrefur...
February 26, 2014
Quite simply, this is one of Mary's best. The characters are well-developed and the storyline has heart and soul. Despite the hardships of their mutual past, the two main characters learn to rise above their pain and find a mutual healing in each other. There is real depth to this book and it pulls you in from the start, keeping you turning the pages until you reach the very end. It also shows a change in Mary's writing; a real progression from storyteller to character writer, which, for me, makes for a lasting and satisfying read. This is a book to savor until you reach the very last line.
July 15, 2015
First book in NA contemporary romance by new-to-me author. College romance, virgin meets campus bad boy storyline, lots of angst that needs a dose of depth. There were some cute lines of dialogue, along with a lot more of the "cheesey" variety. Didn't love it or hate it.
June 18, 2022
The story starts with Alexandria who loses her father to cancer. She moves to college to recollect herself and ends up sharing a room with an unexpected stranger, Elijah. It revolves around how these two, with opposite personalities, manage their lives together in the same room.
This book is written in multiple POVs (point of views) and that really helped in getting inside the minds of the characters to know their thought processes and reactions. It is an emotional read with the lesson to never take anyone for granted because that is what leads to miscommunications and creates misunderstandings. The connection between the two main characters is emotional since they have endured similar things in their lives and so can relate to each other on a more spiritual level. Elijah is like a coconut - hard from the outside and soft from the inside. There is found family (friends who become family) as the friendship is amazing. The story has its moments of both love and heartache, of laughter and tears, and of everything going downhill to ending perfectly where it should. The character development is commendable, even for the secondary characters. This book definitely was an emotional rollercoaster.
This book is written in multiple POVs (point of views) and that really helped in getting inside the minds of the characters to know their thought processes and reactions. It is an emotional read with the lesson to never take anyone for granted because that is what leads to miscommunications and creates misunderstandings. The connection between the two main characters is emotional since they have endured similar things in their lives and so can relate to each other on a more spiritual level. Elijah is like a coconut - hard from the outside and soft from the inside. There is found family (friends who become family) as the friendship is amazing. The story has its moments of both love and heartache, of laughter and tears, and of everything going downhill to ending perfectly where it should. The character development is commendable, even for the secondary characters. This book definitely was an emotional rollercoaster.
June 8, 2014
DNF at 65%
Should have researched it more
Should have researched it more
February 19, 2021
My Clarity was an emotional tale of love, friendship and perseverance. The story unfolded so seamlessly and I loved that we got to hear both of their voices. If you're a fan of new adult romance that is sexy and sweet, then take a look at adding this one to your tbr!
The prologue drew me in right from the start. And before I knew it, I had tears streaming down my face. Alexandria's past was heartbreaking and it gutted me to the core. It was amazing how within a few pages, her pain became mine. Thankfully we then jumped ahead three months, when Alex was heading off to college. She was taking over her cousin Jimmy's room but her roommate was not what she expected. With a play on names, she ended up with a tall, dark, gorgeous, tattooed guy that had a vast sea of secrets.
I absolutely loved Alex. While she could be so innocent, she was also kind and had the hugest heart ever. She was still drowning in her grief and it pained me that even her relationship with her mom was strained. But even when she was emotional, her thoughts still held logic. She had such a good head on her shoulders.....well except when it came to Liam. They were dating and I wasn't the hugest fan of him. I got why she kept him around, and you'll find out too, but I wanted more for her. So when she found out her roommate was a guy, and one who partied and went through women like water, I was just as nervous as she was. But I loved watching her grow and stand up for herself, and a lot of that had to do with Elijah.
I was infatuated with Elijah! He had the highest walls ever, so of course he came across as a total douchebag. It didn't help that he could run hot and cold with Alex. But he had a tragic past and was haunted, jaded and everything in between because of it. Tortured doesn't even begin to describe Elijah. But there was this other side to him too, where he could be seductive or oh so funny when he was playing dirty. He also listened to Alex and understood her grief. So as he become protective of her I couldn't stop smiling! He had this soft side to him that the majority of the world couldn't see. But we got to, and it was everything.
Elijah and Alex were definitely attracted to each other, but they were roommates and didn't want to ruin that. So as they figured out how to live with one another, so many of their moments were beyond adorable. But there were also moments that held pain, heartache and secrets. And they both made mistakes, they each had so much to learn and grow as the story unfolded. But you guys, the moments Alex got Elijah or Elijah was nice to Alex my heart soared. They didn't have an easy path, but I loved watching every minute of it.
My Clarity was an emotional tale that pulled at my heart. There is so much I'm not even touching on.....karaoke, street racing, milk and cookies, school, work and so much in-between. This story was so full of life and the side characters rounded out this story perfectly, I loved their friends Seth and Lexy. And with an epilogue that jumped 5 years into the future, oh my heart was so happy to see where characters ended up. I'm so thankful I picked this book up, it's exactly what I needed.
PS I loved how he called her freckles.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Gasping for air, tears filled my hands and I couldn’t stop them from flowing. My body trembled, and I reached for something to lean on, but there was nothing there. - Alex
Death had punctured a hole that couldn’t be mended. How do you get past this? - Elijah
The prologue drew me in right from the start. And before I knew it, I had tears streaming down my face. Alexandria's past was heartbreaking and it gutted me to the core. It was amazing how within a few pages, her pain became mine. Thankfully we then jumped ahead three months, when Alex was heading off to college. She was taking over her cousin Jimmy's room but her roommate was not what she expected. With a play on names, she ended up with a tall, dark, gorgeous, tattooed guy that had a vast sea of secrets.
I’d known he didn’t like me when we first met, but I thought he would at least have the decency to be nice to me. My heart twisted painfully at his words. What a great start.
I absolutely loved Alex. While she could be so innocent, she was also kind and had the hugest heart ever. She was still drowning in her grief and it pained me that even her relationship with her mom was strained. But even when she was emotional, her thoughts still held logic. She had such a good head on her shoulders.....well except when it came to Liam. They were dating and I wasn't the hugest fan of him. I got why she kept him around, and you'll find out too, but I wanted more for her. So when she found out her roommate was a guy, and one who partied and went through women like water, I was just as nervous as she was. But I loved watching her grow and stand up for herself, and a lot of that had to do with Elijah.
I didn’t understand the hold she had on me. And I didn’t like it one bit.
I was infatuated with Elijah! He had the highest walls ever, so of course he came across as a total douchebag. It didn't help that he could run hot and cold with Alex. But he had a tragic past and was haunted, jaded and everything in between because of it. Tortured doesn't even begin to describe Elijah. But there was this other side to him too, where he could be seductive or oh so funny when he was playing dirty. He also listened to Alex and understood her grief. So as he become protective of her I couldn't stop smiling! He had this soft side to him that the majority of the world couldn't see. But we got to, and it was everything.
Lowering his head and brushing his lips against my ear, accentuating one word at a time, he murmured, “You. Are. Better.”
Elijah and Alex were definitely attracted to each other, but they were roommates and didn't want to ruin that. So as they figured out how to live with one another, so many of their moments were beyond adorable. But there were also moments that held pain, heartache and secrets. And they both made mistakes, they each had so much to learn and grow as the story unfolded. But you guys, the moments Alex got Elijah or Elijah was nice to Alex my heart soared. They didn't have an easy path, but I loved watching every minute of it.
I couldn’t look at her. If her eyes gave me permission to do what I wanted to do, I wouldn’t stop. Walking away was the only way I could maintain control, but she stopped me.
“Elijah, did you ever love anyone like that before?” she asked softly, still looking overcome, still planted against the cabinet as if glued there.
“No. Goodnight, Freckles,” I said and went to my room.
My Clarity was an emotional tale that pulled at my heart. There is so much I'm not even touching on.....karaoke, street racing, milk and cookies, school, work and so much in-between. This story was so full of life and the side characters rounded out this story perfectly, I loved their friends Seth and Lexy. And with an epilogue that jumped 5 years into the future, oh my heart was so happy to see where characters ended up. I'm so thankful I picked this book up, it's exactly what I needed.
“I’m going to give you a hug now since friends hug after they make up.”
He embraced me before I had time to register what he had said. I sucked in air when my body pressed against his. God he felt so good. I needed him off me.
PS I loved how he called her freckles.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
February 21, 2014
I received an ARC copy from the author for an honest review.
5 stars is not enough to give this book! I could not put it down and read it in one day.
My Clarity will have you feeling every emotion possible and might even give you a new perspective on life, love and friendship. I know it did that for me.
I fell in love with the characters in this phenomenal love story. You feel for Elijah and Alexandria as they both cope with losing someone special in their lives. They come together because of her cousin Jimmy who suggests she live with his former roommate while she attends college. She arrives and meets her new roommate and the rest of Jimmy's friends.
I love the the way they all formed a bond of family and friendship with Alex to protect and take care of her. You could feel the growing love and affection that Elijah and Alex had for each other.
Elijah is definitely the epitome of the "bad boy" and wonderfully written. He is most definitely on my swoon worthy book boyfriend list. Alexandria's character is beautifully written and makes you want to take care of her too.
Mary Ting/M. Clarke is an exceptional writer who definitely writes from the heart. I felt that way when I first read Crossroads and if you haven't read the books in the Crossroads Saga then shame on you! I will definitely be a fan for life and would follow her to the moon and back.
Now for some milk and chocolate chip cookies! You'll understand why when you read it!
5 stars is not enough to give this book! I could not put it down and read it in one day.
My Clarity will have you feeling every emotion possible and might even give you a new perspective on life, love and friendship. I know it did that for me.
I fell in love with the characters in this phenomenal love story. You feel for Elijah and Alexandria as they both cope with losing someone special in their lives. They come together because of her cousin Jimmy who suggests she live with his former roommate while she attends college. She arrives and meets her new roommate and the rest of Jimmy's friends.
I love the the way they all formed a bond of family and friendship with Alex to protect and take care of her. You could feel the growing love and affection that Elijah and Alex had for each other.
Elijah is definitely the epitome of the "bad boy" and wonderfully written. He is most definitely on my swoon worthy book boyfriend list. Alexandria's character is beautifully written and makes you want to take care of her too.
Mary Ting/M. Clarke is an exceptional writer who definitely writes from the heart. I felt that way when I first read Crossroads and if you haven't read the books in the Crossroads Saga then shame on you! I will definitely be a fan for life and would follow her to the moon and back.
Now for some milk and chocolate chip cookies! You'll understand why when you read it!
April 14, 2014
I LOVED this book! I was drawn in from the very beginning and it was almost impossible to put down until I finished it!
Alexandria is a good girl who's still suffering from the death of her father. She's sweet and selfless. Elijah is a broken, numb, smoker, who races illegally for money. The day these two meet, the fireworks are going off everywhere around them. Then, add the complications and chaos, you have a great story that you simply can't put down!
Mary Ting's writing was so smooth and easy in this book! The chemistry of Alex and Elijah flew off the pages! There were so many emotions in it for me; I cried, laughed, got frustrated, angry, and yelled loudly! I wish it were a series! Fantastic book Mary Ting! I recommend it to everyone!
Alexandria is a good girl who's still suffering from the death of her father. She's sweet and selfless. Elijah is a broken, numb, smoker, who races illegally for money. The day these two meet, the fireworks are going off everywhere around them. Then, add the complications and chaos, you have a great story that you simply can't put down!
Mary Ting's writing was so smooth and easy in this book! The chemistry of Alex and Elijah flew off the pages! There were so many emotions in it for me; I cried, laughed, got frustrated, angry, and yelled loudly! I wish it were a series! Fantastic book Mary Ting! I recommend it to everyone!
July 18, 2021
Defo not a 5 star read like I previously rated. What a few years and some good book reading will do for your perspective.
Want to read
August 10, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/10/2019)! 🎁
April 17, 2014
From the moment I started this book I was caught up in Alex's story. I was heartbroken from the beginning when she loses her father. I think since I lost my father just 2 short years ago, that pain was still there, which in turn made this story more real to me. Clarke could have taken the easy way out and just started the book off with Alex leaving for college and just telling us readers what happened. Instead she started it at a very crucial time, when Alex is saying goodbye to her father after he loses his battle to cancer. In just a few pages, you hurt with Alex. You feel her pain. And you become that much more connected to her character. If Clarke wouldn't have begun with that scene, well, this story probably wouldn't have clicked with me like it did.
MY CLARITY is full of characters that readers are going to enjoy. From the moment that Alex introduces herself, the others welcome her into their 'family' with open arms. Which makes starting college a little easier for her. They are exactly what each other needs. To me, Alex completed their family and made it whole. I loved seeing that unity of people who are so close, even if they don't know much about one another. And yeah, I definitely wouldn't hate to see the other's stories being told either. Just sayin.
Alex and Elijah's story really is a captivating one. I couldn't bring myself to pull away from it. I stayed up late reading until my eyes couldn't stay open any longer, only to wake up the next morning to finish it. I loved that they fought each other so hard in the beginning but in the end, they gave in. But that is not where the story comes to a close. Oh no. Like it would be that easy. A situation arises and pretty much an ultimatum is given. This is where we see if love really is enough. Choices have to be made and those choices will affect their future greatly.
Tears will be shed, and laughter will be had. All in all, the one thing I can say is this book was definitely worth the read and staying up late for. I absolutely recommend this book to those who love New Adult/College time frame reads. 5 Wonderful Stars!
MY CLARITY is full of characters that readers are going to enjoy. From the moment that Alex introduces herself, the others welcome her into their 'family' with open arms. Which makes starting college a little easier for her. They are exactly what each other needs. To me, Alex completed their family and made it whole. I loved seeing that unity of people who are so close, even if they don't know much about one another. And yeah, I definitely wouldn't hate to see the other's stories being told either. Just sayin.
Alex and Elijah's story really is a captivating one. I couldn't bring myself to pull away from it. I stayed up late reading until my eyes couldn't stay open any longer, only to wake up the next morning to finish it. I loved that they fought each other so hard in the beginning but in the end, they gave in. But that is not where the story comes to a close. Oh no. Like it would be that easy. A situation arises and pretty much an ultimatum is given. This is where we see if love really is enough. Choices have to be made and those choices will affect their future greatly.
Tears will be shed, and laughter will be had. All in all, the one thing I can say is this book was definitely worth the read and staying up late for. I absolutely recommend this book to those who love New Adult/College time frame reads. 5 Wonderful Stars!
August 30, 2015
I don't even know where to begin!
This author is great, first off.
Ok, so this is a cross between YA and NA in my opinion. The main characters are all college students who love to have a good time. Elijah and Alex are new roommates who fight their attraction to each other through practically the whole book. You can just feel the tension, as you read.
You can feel Alex's emotions at the beginning of the book when dealing with her dad. Then throughout the book every time she even talks to her boyfriend, Liam.
Elijah, is definitely your dream "bad boy". When we first meet him, he is quiet, smoking, drinking and partying. Of course, every girl on campus and then some is drooling over him. And the thing that tops it off, he street/drag races at night!!!! But he has a big heart and is protective of his friends.
We truly see Alex settling in at college, making friends and being okay after the death of her father, we see her really growing up.
I say that this is a mix between YA and NA, because of the setting. Its at college, the partying and all that. The trials and tribulations of dealing with a roommate a long-distance relationship and dealing with your friends. Not much mention of sex, but its there. There are a few scenes it gets a tiny bit descriptive much it doesn't go far into it. But those scenes are still very hot.
This book had me almost in tears at the beginning and again near the end. I was so scared at one point wondering "OMG, I am gonna finish this! I don't want to know what is gonna happen!!" but I went on, and I am so glad that I did.
This book was awesome, as are all of this author's books.
I received this copy in exchange for an honest review.
This author is great, first off.
Ok, so this is a cross between YA and NA in my opinion. The main characters are all college students who love to have a good time. Elijah and Alex are new roommates who fight their attraction to each other through practically the whole book. You can just feel the tension, as you read.
You can feel Alex's emotions at the beginning of the book when dealing with her dad. Then throughout the book every time she even talks to her boyfriend, Liam.
Elijah, is definitely your dream "bad boy". When we first meet him, he is quiet, smoking, drinking and partying. Of course, every girl on campus and then some is drooling over him. And the thing that tops it off, he street/drag races at night!!!! But he has a big heart and is protective of his friends.
We truly see Alex settling in at college, making friends and being okay after the death of her father, we see her really growing up.
I say that this is a mix between YA and NA, because of the setting. Its at college, the partying and all that. The trials and tribulations of dealing with a roommate a long-distance relationship and dealing with your friends. Not much mention of sex, but its there. There are a few scenes it gets a tiny bit descriptive much it doesn't go far into it. But those scenes are still very hot.
This book had me almost in tears at the beginning and again near the end. I was so scared at one point wondering "OMG, I am gonna finish this! I don't want to know what is gonna happen!!" but I went on, and I am so glad that I did.
This book was awesome, as are all of this author's books.
I received this copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2014
I received an advance reader copy for an honest review:
If you have read M. Clarke's work before you will have to know that she has grown tremendously from her YA series, The Crossroads Saga and her first New Adult romance, Something Great. I informed M. Clarke my opinion in regards to the writing style and dialogue in Something Great and she took the criticism very well. So let me tell you, when I read Something Wonderful, I was spelled bound by the author's growth in writing style and the ability to tell a great story. However, when I read My Clarity--OVER--I mean it. I was OVER the MOON-- HEAD OVER HEELS-- IN HEART with this book. Let me just say that ELIJAH is drool worthy and seriously will be a lot of gals next Book Boyfriend.
The storyline was great and there were a few cry emotional moments where I cried. Hard. Then of course you were pulled into the main characters POV's and you felt every single part of the romantic emotional roller coaster. A definite must read... I won't spoil it with spoilers because THEY SUCK-- but trust me its worth picking up.
If you have read M. Clarke's work before you will have to know that she has grown tremendously from her YA series, The Crossroads Saga and her first New Adult romance, Something Great. I informed M. Clarke my opinion in regards to the writing style and dialogue in Something Great and she took the criticism very well. So let me tell you, when I read Something Wonderful, I was spelled bound by the author's growth in writing style and the ability to tell a great story. However, when I read My Clarity--OVER--I mean it. I was OVER the MOON-- HEAD OVER HEELS-- IN HEART with this book. Let me just say that ELIJAH is drool worthy and seriously will be a lot of gals next Book Boyfriend.
The storyline was great and there were a few cry emotional moments where I cried. Hard. Then of course you were pulled into the main characters POV's and you felt every single part of the romantic emotional roller coaster. A definite must read... I won't spoil it with spoilers because THEY SUCK-- but trust me its worth picking up.
September 24, 2019
My Clarity
3 Stars
This book ruined milk and cookies for me, forever. If there was a competition of how many cliches and pet names an author could fit into their book, M. Clarke would win. I hated both the hero and heroine in the beginning, I was convinced Elijah had turrets syndrome because of how frequently his brain shot off Shit! Fuck! Holy Fuck! God Damn! Every Time he saw Alex. They spend the first half of the book dancing around their growing infatuation with one another which is annoying, but fine, and then the “problems” that kept them apart suddenly aren’t issues anymore and voila! Togetherness. I have a problem with this, because these issues come solely from a lack of communication. Sometimes the buildup of angst paid off, and other times it was just agonizing to read.
The last half of the book was a mess, but ultimately saved this story for me. All of the actual domestication and cuteness that was missing from the first half was most of the second. I like that we got to see a “five-years later” update on them, because often times we just get a happy ending “for now” but we don’t see the couple long-term. Toward the end of the book, both characters began to grow on me and their relationship was more realistic. Overall this was an “okay” book, I don’t think it's one I will remember down the line, but it was alright and some parts were fun to read.
3 Stars
This book ruined milk and cookies for me, forever. If there was a competition of how many cliches and pet names an author could fit into their book, M. Clarke would win. I hated both the hero and heroine in the beginning, I was convinced Elijah had turrets syndrome because of how frequently his brain shot off Shit! Fuck! Holy Fuck! God Damn! Every Time he saw Alex. They spend the first half of the book dancing around their growing infatuation with one another which is annoying, but fine, and then the “problems” that kept them apart suddenly aren’t issues anymore and voila! Togetherness. I have a problem with this, because these issues come solely from a lack of communication. Sometimes the buildup of angst paid off, and other times it was just agonizing to read.
The last half of the book was a mess, but ultimately saved this story for me. All of the actual domestication and cuteness that was missing from the first half was most of the second. I like that we got to see a “five-years later” update on them, because often times we just get a happy ending “for now” but we don’t see the couple long-term. Toward the end of the book, both characters began to grow on me and their relationship was more realistic. Overall this was an “okay” book, I don’t think it's one I will remember down the line, but it was alright and some parts were fun to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2016
My Clarity is an exquisitely passionate story of the power and impact of true love on a person’s life. You never know when love will take hold of you by complete surprise, and you never which stranger walking alongside of you on the street will fill your heart and complete your soul. This is the heart and soul of the story that lives within the pages of this book. Life should be lived with our eyes open, our minds clear, and our hearts ready to accept a precious treasure when it presents itself.
Alex is desperately trying to deal with the heartache from the loss of her father to lung cancer. He was her world, and he filled her with so much love and hope that she now feels fractured and broken. His last words to her shattered her hear, but at the same time unknowingly planted small seeds of hope and love. She clings to those words as she heads off to college in an attempt to pick herself back up and keep moving. The wonderful friends she finds at college not only turn her world upside, but they begin to slowly heal her wounded heart. Her life is finally starting to turn around. As if on cue, a new complication enters her life, and Alex is not sure how to deal with it. Will she run away in order to keep her life simple and easy, or will she follow her heart and discover something that is only meant for her?
The characters in this book are phenomenal. Each of them brought a unique set of emotions and dynamic that complimented and completed the others. They made the story feel more like real life than merely words written on paper. This is what a masterpiece feels like. It lives and breathes by itself as it makes you a part of its world of surprises and twists. I was completely captivated by Alex’s world. I felt every emotion that was described, and I walked alongside each of them throughout every step of their amazing journey.
My heart is so full and brimming with emotion after coming down from the high that I was pulled into. This story is filled with nuggets of truth and some very thoughtful advice. This is not an easy story. It is one full of inner turmoil, indecision, and confusion. However, once those hurtles are overcome, we experience the best kind of love, hope, and faith that you could ever wish for. The raging storm will end, and when it does, the most brilliant sun will rise filling you with its warmth and joy.
This is by far M. Clarke’s best work. She pulls out all the stops as she pulls your heart in a thousand different directions at once. This story is completely believable in every way, and that’s what makes its impact so powerful. This could be about any girl, and it really is. While we are taught to look for a certain type of guy and define love in certain type of way, the reality of it is that we cannot truly and effectively fathom or define guys and love in a way that gives either of them the justice they deserve. It’s utterly insane to think that we can put love and guys in a nice, neat little box. As humans we thrive on our prowess to define and analyze anything and everything, but when it comes to the heart, our analysis will fail us every time. The heart is not meant to be critiqued and dissected. It was meant to be used to feel and to touch others. The only way that we will ever be able to live and love the way that we were created to is for us to finally realize that love is indescribable, indiscriminant, and incomprehensible. You can’t use your mind to control your heart because you will lose that battle every time, so save yourself the heartache and let love lead the way.
Alex is desperately trying to deal with the heartache from the loss of her father to lung cancer. He was her world, and he filled her with so much love and hope that she now feels fractured and broken. His last words to her shattered her hear, but at the same time unknowingly planted small seeds of hope and love. She clings to those words as she heads off to college in an attempt to pick herself back up and keep moving. The wonderful friends she finds at college not only turn her world upside, but they begin to slowly heal her wounded heart. Her life is finally starting to turn around. As if on cue, a new complication enters her life, and Alex is not sure how to deal with it. Will she run away in order to keep her life simple and easy, or will she follow her heart and discover something that is only meant for her?
The characters in this book are phenomenal. Each of them brought a unique set of emotions and dynamic that complimented and completed the others. They made the story feel more like real life than merely words written on paper. This is what a masterpiece feels like. It lives and breathes by itself as it makes you a part of its world of surprises and twists. I was completely captivated by Alex’s world. I felt every emotion that was described, and I walked alongside each of them throughout every step of their amazing journey.
My heart is so full and brimming with emotion after coming down from the high that I was pulled into. This story is filled with nuggets of truth and some very thoughtful advice. This is not an easy story. It is one full of inner turmoil, indecision, and confusion. However, once those hurtles are overcome, we experience the best kind of love, hope, and faith that you could ever wish for. The raging storm will end, and when it does, the most brilliant sun will rise filling you with its warmth and joy.
This is by far M. Clarke’s best work. She pulls out all the stops as she pulls your heart in a thousand different directions at once. This story is completely believable in every way, and that’s what makes its impact so powerful. This could be about any girl, and it really is. While we are taught to look for a certain type of guy and define love in certain type of way, the reality of it is that we cannot truly and effectively fathom or define guys and love in a way that gives either of them the justice they deserve. It’s utterly insane to think that we can put love and guys in a nice, neat little box. As humans we thrive on our prowess to define and analyze anything and everything, but when it comes to the heart, our analysis will fail us every time. The heart is not meant to be critiqued and dissected. It was meant to be used to feel and to touch others. The only way that we will ever be able to live and love the way that we were created to is for us to finally realize that love is indescribable, indiscriminant, and incomprehensible. You can’t use your mind to control your heart because you will lose that battle every time, so save yourself the heartache and let love lead the way.
June 26, 2014
I rarely ever write reviews simply because i'm lazy. However, one of my good friends recommended this to me and when I read the synopsis I must admit I was intrigued. I gave this book 2 stars because it was a cute idea but honestly I think it deserves one, if that. I'm looking at all the reviews and they have 4-5 stars and I start to wonder: maybe it's just me? Personally, I found the writing to be childish, immature, overly detailed- and then other times too vague- and forced. I like a book that when you read it the dialogue and character P.O.V's just flow seamlessly and there isn't a time when you're just like: that sounds awkward, or, no one would say it like that, or, that isn't even realistic.
For example, the scene with Nolan.
I get that Nolan is this arrogant prick who think the world owes him a favor, but really? Come one. That sounded ridiculous.
Alex was an enigma. At times she was this confusing, whiny, overly sentimental girl and at other times she was this "firecracker" badass with sassy written into her DNA. I didn't get it. I think the author was trying to go for the perfect mix of sweet and sassy but ended up with a character that seemed pretty bipolar.
Elijah was another character that wasn't properly portrayed. When an author writes in a particular character's P.O.V it's to give us an inside look into their minds. Therefore the P.O.V should sound like the character. Elijah at times sounded like a regular frat guy, other times like a scholar, other times like a child, and then a mix of all three. It was confounding and made the book seem all over the place, which, in my opinion, it was.
Also, I think the idea was to show the character's personality through dialogue, duh right? However, I didn't think that was well done either. For instance, Heather. She's this slut who wants Elijah for herself and in portraying this the author made it too unrealistic and forced and awkward: “Come on, Elijah. Sing for us. I’ll do anything you ask.” Seriously? Don't get me started on how the author decided that pointing out the obvious at every turn was a good idea! I mean come one!
Overall, I could barely finish this book.
For example, the scene with Nolan.
“Do you know who I am? Let me start over. My name is Nolan Smith, and these are my friends.” He didn’t ask her to shake his hand; he just shook hers. “It’s nice to meet you and your friends, Nolan, but I need to get back to work.” I liked how she played it off cool, not affected by him at all. “Do you know how many girls want to go out with me? No, let me rephrase that. Do you know how many girls want to sleep with me?
I get that Nolan is this arrogant prick who think the world owes him a favor, but really? Come one. That sounded ridiculous.
Alex was an enigma. At times she was this confusing, whiny, overly sentimental girl and at other times she was this "firecracker" badass with sassy written into her DNA. I didn't get it. I think the author was trying to go for the perfect mix of sweet and sassy but ended up with a character that seemed pretty bipolar.
Elijah was another character that wasn't properly portrayed. When an author writes in a particular character's P.O.V it's to give us an inside look into their minds. Therefore the P.O.V should sound like the character. Elijah at times sounded like a regular frat guy, other times like a scholar, other times like a child, and then a mix of all three. It was confounding and made the book seem all over the place, which, in my opinion, it was.
Also, I think the idea was to show the character's personality through dialogue, duh right? However, I didn't think that was well done either. For instance, Heather. She's this slut who wants Elijah for herself and in portraying this the author made it too unrealistic and forced and awkward: “Come on, Elijah. Sing for us. I’ll do anything you ask.” Seriously? Don't get me started on how the author decided that pointing out the obvious at every turn was a good idea! I mean come one!
Overall, I could barely finish this book.
April 16, 2015
3.5 Stars
Review by Trinette Dungee
Alex is college bound. This should be the best time of her life, but it’s not. Still coping and coming to terms with the death of her father she’s struggling to find her place in the world. She doesn’t have the best relationship with her mom, she’s leaving her best friend since kindergarten behind and she’s “sort of” seeing someone who doesn’t really put her first. Things get worse when she realizes that the roommate her older cousin has set her up with, Ellie is actually Elijah.
When his former roommate graduates and tells him his cousin Alex will be taking his place Elijah is more than shocked to learn that Alex is Alexandria. While she may be hot she’s off limits. Besides a guy with tattoos, who smokes and who’s involved in illegal street racing is definitely not what Alex needs. But Elijah is not what he seems. He is dealing with his own recent loss and trying to find his way in the world too.
I really enjoyed this book. Elijah was not your typical bad-boy. In fact, I didn’t consider him a bad-boy at all. He didn’t have a chip on his shoulder, he wasn’t trying to redeem himself from some ugly past, he wasn’t overcoming an abusive childhood; He was simply a young guy who was dealing with the lose of his mother and younger brother whom he adored. He was working his way through college, (with a real on-campus job…the street racing was something on the side that brought in much needed extra money). He had a group of friends he considered family and wasn’t ashamed to admit how much they meant to him. As for Alex she was a strong young woman, she followed a path of independence, did what she had to do to take care of herself, she while she wasn’t aggressive or confrontational she wasn’t one to be messed with either.
There’s not too much detail to go into about this book. It was just a really nice read following Elijah and Alex on their journey to each other. The only thing was when they two finally did find there way to each other there was a bit of a lull from that point to the end of the book. It dragged a little too much for me. If it weren’t for that I would have given this book 4 stars.
Review by Trinette Dungee
Alex is college bound. This should be the best time of her life, but it’s not. Still coping and coming to terms with the death of her father she’s struggling to find her place in the world. She doesn’t have the best relationship with her mom, she’s leaving her best friend since kindergarten behind and she’s “sort of” seeing someone who doesn’t really put her first. Things get worse when she realizes that the roommate her older cousin has set her up with, Ellie is actually Elijah.
When his former roommate graduates and tells him his cousin Alex will be taking his place Elijah is more than shocked to learn that Alex is Alexandria. While she may be hot she’s off limits. Besides a guy with tattoos, who smokes and who’s involved in illegal street racing is definitely not what Alex needs. But Elijah is not what he seems. He is dealing with his own recent loss and trying to find his way in the world too.
I really enjoyed this book. Elijah was not your typical bad-boy. In fact, I didn’t consider him a bad-boy at all. He didn’t have a chip on his shoulder, he wasn’t trying to redeem himself from some ugly past, he wasn’t overcoming an abusive childhood; He was simply a young guy who was dealing with the lose of his mother and younger brother whom he adored. He was working his way through college, (with a real on-campus job…the street racing was something on the side that brought in much needed extra money). He had a group of friends he considered family and wasn’t ashamed to admit how much they meant to him. As for Alex she was a strong young woman, she followed a path of independence, did what she had to do to take care of herself, she while she wasn’t aggressive or confrontational she wasn’t one to be messed with either.
There’s not too much detail to go into about this book. It was just a really nice read following Elijah and Alex on their journey to each other. The only thing was when they two finally did find there way to each other there was a bit of a lull from that point to the end of the book. It dragged a little too much for me. If it weren’t for that I would have given this book 4 stars.
August 11, 2016
I'm on a fantasy/sci-fi high and haven't read a new adult book in a while, so I thought I'd give this one a go per the recommendation of my friend. Unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of this - the story, the characters, the writing style - none of it really worked for me and I just found it so predictable and boring.
I'm not the biggest fan of the new adult genre, and I just find myself disliking it more and more with every book I read - it's definitely a "it's not you, it's me" sort of situation because I see people raving about these books, but I personally don't see the appeal. With that being said, this was an okay novel. I wouldn't say I hated it, but I didn't love it and I thought it could've been so much better. The plot really lacked any sort of complexity and I think that's one aspect of new adult books that people love, but I dislike. This story was just too plain for me. There wasn't anything exciting that happened, and the drama that did ensue was predictable and cliche.
But anyways, I wish I could find it in myself to at least somewhat enjoy new adult novels, and I wish I wasn't so hard on this one because it really wasn't bad, but this genre really is not my thing, at all.
I'm not the biggest fan of the new adult genre, and I just find myself disliking it more and more with every book I read - it's definitely a "it's not you, it's me" sort of situation because I see people raving about these books, but I personally don't see the appeal. With that being said, this was an okay novel. I wouldn't say I hated it, but I didn't love it and I thought it could've been so much better. The plot really lacked any sort of complexity and I think that's one aspect of new adult books that people love, but I dislike. This story was just too plain for me. There wasn't anything exciting that happened, and the drama that did ensue was predictable and cliche.
But anyways, I wish I could find it in myself to at least somewhat enjoy new adult novels, and I wish I wasn't so hard on this one because it really wasn't bad, but this genre really is not my thing, at all.
July 29, 2016
Alex and Elijah are unlikely roommates for reasons beyond their genders. Jimmy somehow finagles a way to make them just that. While on the outside they appear beyond different, they both have one thing in common that neither would wish upon any one else. They have both had terrible losses in their young lives. I admit it. This book had me bawling numerous times. I know that makes it sound like it was a horrible book, but it is the exact opposite. It felt like Alex and Elijah were real people and my heart broke for their pain. Not that this book was all about pain. It was about moving on, finding someone to connect with and LOVE. Yep, it all comes down to love.
This is one of those books where I hope people message me after they have read it so I could discuss all the things I love about it without giving away spoilers. I will say that I desperately want to know more about Jimmy. We actually never really meet him, but he ... ok I got to close to being spoilery there, but he is someone I need to read more about.
May 15, 2014
This was a very sweet story. Maybe too sweet for me. I don't always need realistic but it does need to be believeable. I just didn't buy certain scenarios. Alex seemed very young and her thought process irritated me. Maybe I've just become too cynical or maybe all the guys in my life act too cool to sing songs from Grease at karaoke (and without being completely drunk and doing it on a dare). Never would they *gasp* enjoy it! Lol!
Elijah really was the best thing about this book and his hotness kept me reading.
I tried. I wanted to believe...but...nope. Sorry. I can see how others would really enjoy it but it wasn't for me.
Elijah really was the best thing about this book and his hotness kept me reading.
I tried. I wanted to believe...but...nope. Sorry. I can see how others would really enjoy it but it wasn't for me.
March 12, 2014
I'm so lucky to be friends with Mary...that I get to read her work before the rest of the world!!
Elijah and Alex story is one that will make you want to go to college again.
Alex is heart broken and innocent.
Elijah is not what he seems.
Ever heard of the saying, "Don't judge a book by it's cover.."?? Well, Don't judge Elijah until you get to know him.
This story just rocks with new friendships, the courage to trust, and the will to start a new.
Not a slow point in this story, and I highly recommend it!!!
It's filled with Unexpected twists, hotness, and all out Bad boy Goodness.
You don't want to miss this one!
Elijah and Alex story is one that will make you want to go to college again.
Alex is heart broken and innocent.
Elijah is not what he seems.
Ever heard of the saying, "Don't judge a book by it's cover.."?? Well, Don't judge Elijah until you get to know him.
This story just rocks with new friendships, the courage to trust, and the will to start a new.
Not a slow point in this story, and I highly recommend it!!!
It's filled with Unexpected twists, hotness, and all out Bad boy Goodness.
You don't want to miss this one!
August 6, 2016
Bello, bello, bello! Probabilmente il mio preferito della Clarke/Ting!
Recensione in anteprima sul mio blog:
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
“My Clarity” è una new adult romance, standalone della straordinaria M. Clarke, meglio conosciuta come Mary Ting. Mi ha conquistata fin dalla prima pagina e sono estremamente felice di aver ricevuto l’inaspettato e graditissimo dono di leggerlo in anteprima, perché si il libro esce a maggio. Era un po’ che questa storia bolliva nella testa della Clarke e devo dire che meritava davvero di essere raccontata . Una storia tenera e romantica che mi è rimasta nel cuore.
Ancora scossa dopo la morte del padre, Alexandria spera di trovare sia indipendenza che sollievo dal suo dolore partendo per il college. Però, la vita la sorprende quando scopre che la sua compagna di stanza non è la persona che immaginava fosse.
Gli unici interessi di Elijah sono fumare, i tatuaggi e correre con la macchina da corsa per avere denaro facile. Una vita dura lo hanno reso apatico e indifferente, finché Alexandria non entra nella sua vita. Quando i loro cammini si incontrano, il terremoto inizia.
Un incontro inevitabile, un’attrazione innegabile e una inaspettata possibilità di amare – saranno abbastanza?
Quando scegli un libro generalmente hai già un’idea in testa di cosa accadrà, ma non è mai come ti immagini. Quando ti sorprende, ti lasci avvolgere dai fatti, ti immergi in una trama che ti lascia in un mare di tenerezza, ma allo stesso tempo non ti culla, anzi ti sconvolge, ti turba, ti dona un insegnamento che non ti immagini. La Clarke ha sempre storie molto dolci in testa e le propone con la delicatezza di chi crede davvero nell’amore. Non giriamoci intorno, ci troviamo di fronte una romance con i fiocchi, una new adult, quel genere che va tanto di moda ultimamente. I protagonisti infatti sono tutti studenti del college, iscritti ad anni differenti, ma accumunati da quel senso di distacco che tanto caratterizza gli studenti americani che partono per il college e la voglia di farcela da soli. Uno degli aspetti che più mi è piaciuto è la narrazione a punti di vista alternati di Alexandria e Elijah che permette al lettore di immergersi visceralmente nella storia e viverla appieno, senza risultare troppo sdolcinato. La scrittrice infatti riesce a compensare mirabilmente gli elementi drammatici a quelli romantici in un mix irresistibile che guida il lettore in una storia appassionata, a tratti frustrante per la tensione sessuale che si crea, a tratti lacrimevole per il terremoto emotivo che Alexandria e Elijah scatenano insieme. Alexandria ha vissuto da pochissimo l’esperienza più traumatica della sua vita, la morte del padre, che la segna inevitabilmente, in un modo che non avrebbe mai creduto possibile. Il dolore è atroce che urla nel suo cuore, e dopo mesi, cerca di sollevarsi dal buco nero in cui è caduta, andando via per il college, trasferendosi nel vecchio appartamento del cugino. Elaborare il lutto, tornare a vivere senza il senso di colpa è la cosa più difficile che la ragazza abbia mai affrontato. Non solo perché comunque inizia delle nuove esperienze, e queste hanno sempre bisogno di un certo tempo per essere assorbite, ma anche perché incontra immediatamente Elijah… che di certo non passa inosservato, anzi, predomina la scena come solo un ragazzo bello e impossibile può fare. In realtà è tutta apparenza, perché Elijah è molto più di un pacco di muscoli capace di sciogliere con un’occhiata. Non c’è solo un aspetto fisico che urla attenzione, ma anche la sua gentilezza, il suo essere adorabilmente premuroso, un uomo fatto, ma che non teme di mostrarsi fragile, che la sofferenza l’ha vissuta e l’ha abbracciata anche se non l’ha totalmente metabolizzata. Perché c’è la facciata che si mostra al mondo… e poi c’è il nocciolo di chi siamo che si nasconde, si protegge, si esalta, in un connubio di sensi che non lascia indifferente, che in un certo senso compenetra gli strati e fugge per non dilaniarsi. È questo che rende la storia intensa e indimenticabile. Questo continuo scambio non solo di sguardi infocati ma di comprensione reciproca. Se Alexandria si lascia subito prendere dall’attrazione che in lei scoppia come un fuoco irrefrenabile, Elijah la nega, la combatte, la sviscera, cerca di non farla emergere ma essere costantemente in contatto non lascia spazio a molte scelte, non puoi far altro che vivere le emozioni che ti si scatenano dentro.
Alexandria è molto più consapevole di ciò che prova e lo abbraccia anche se le costa scelte difficili e privazioni, Elijah deve fare i conti con un passato che lo tormenta e che sembra farlo tornare indietro invece che avanti… in un continuo andirivieni di emozioni.
L’ambientazione non è ben definita, potrebbero ritrovarsi in qualunque città americana, con un college, ciò che conta però è il fulcro intorno cui ruotano tutte le vicende, casa di Elijah e la collocazione delle gare del ragazzo, che segnano sempre in maniera molto precisa le svolte nelle vicende, sottolineando i cambi che avvengono tra i due ragazzi. Non è solo correre per vincere o il pericolo che si corre anche solo stando sugli spalti, è quel guizzo di adrenalina che li percorre entrambi e li lascia con il fiato in gola, perché in fondo vogliono entrambi la stessa cosa.
Il particolare da non dimenticare? Un chitarra…
Magico, emozionante, rapido e tenero, “My Clarity” è un faro acceso nella notte, un libro irresistibile, una storia d’amore di quelle dal vago sapore immortale, che sembra scontata e invece regala sempre una sorpresa e una lacrima, per una storia che resta. Probabilmente questo è il mio libro preferito della Clarke/Ting che continuerò a rileggere all’infinito, senza staccarmene mai.
In uscita il prossimo maggio, vi consiglio di segnarvelo nel vostro calendario, davvero imperdibile. A maggior ragione perché si tratta di uno standalone senza ulteriori seguiti o romanzi compagni.
Buona lettura guys!
Ringrazio immensamente Mary Ting per avermi concesso la fantastica opportunità di leggere “My Clarity” in anteprima in cambio della mia onesta opinione. Ne sono felice e lusingata. Grazie mille!
Recensione in anteprima sul mio blog:
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
“My Clarity” è una new adult romance, standalone della straordinaria M. Clarke, meglio conosciuta come Mary Ting. Mi ha conquistata fin dalla prima pagina e sono estremamente felice di aver ricevuto l’inaspettato e graditissimo dono di leggerlo in anteprima, perché si il libro esce a maggio. Era un po’ che questa storia bolliva nella testa della Clarke e devo dire che meritava davvero di essere raccontata . Una storia tenera e romantica che mi è rimasta nel cuore.
Ancora scossa dopo la morte del padre, Alexandria spera di trovare sia indipendenza che sollievo dal suo dolore partendo per il college. Però, la vita la sorprende quando scopre che la sua compagna di stanza non è la persona che immaginava fosse.
Gli unici interessi di Elijah sono fumare, i tatuaggi e correre con la macchina da corsa per avere denaro facile. Una vita dura lo hanno reso apatico e indifferente, finché Alexandria non entra nella sua vita. Quando i loro cammini si incontrano, il terremoto inizia.
Un incontro inevitabile, un’attrazione innegabile e una inaspettata possibilità di amare – saranno abbastanza?
Quando scegli un libro generalmente hai già un’idea in testa di cosa accadrà, ma non è mai come ti immagini. Quando ti sorprende, ti lasci avvolgere dai fatti, ti immergi in una trama che ti lascia in un mare di tenerezza, ma allo stesso tempo non ti culla, anzi ti sconvolge, ti turba, ti dona un insegnamento che non ti immagini. La Clarke ha sempre storie molto dolci in testa e le propone con la delicatezza di chi crede davvero nell’amore. Non giriamoci intorno, ci troviamo di fronte una romance con i fiocchi, una new adult, quel genere che va tanto di moda ultimamente. I protagonisti infatti sono tutti studenti del college, iscritti ad anni differenti, ma accumunati da quel senso di distacco che tanto caratterizza gli studenti americani che partono per il college e la voglia di farcela da soli. Uno degli aspetti che più mi è piaciuto è la narrazione a punti di vista alternati di Alexandria e Elijah che permette al lettore di immergersi visceralmente nella storia e viverla appieno, senza risultare troppo sdolcinato. La scrittrice infatti riesce a compensare mirabilmente gli elementi drammatici a quelli romantici in un mix irresistibile che guida il lettore in una storia appassionata, a tratti frustrante per la tensione sessuale che si crea, a tratti lacrimevole per il terremoto emotivo che Alexandria e Elijah scatenano insieme. Alexandria ha vissuto da pochissimo l’esperienza più traumatica della sua vita, la morte del padre, che la segna inevitabilmente, in un modo che non avrebbe mai creduto possibile. Il dolore è atroce che urla nel suo cuore, e dopo mesi, cerca di sollevarsi dal buco nero in cui è caduta, andando via per il college, trasferendosi nel vecchio appartamento del cugino. Elaborare il lutto, tornare a vivere senza il senso di colpa è la cosa più difficile che la ragazza abbia mai affrontato. Non solo perché comunque inizia delle nuove esperienze, e queste hanno sempre bisogno di un certo tempo per essere assorbite, ma anche perché incontra immediatamente Elijah… che di certo non passa inosservato, anzi, predomina la scena come solo un ragazzo bello e impossibile può fare. In realtà è tutta apparenza, perché Elijah è molto più di un pacco di muscoli capace di sciogliere con un’occhiata. Non c’è solo un aspetto fisico che urla attenzione, ma anche la sua gentilezza, il suo essere adorabilmente premuroso, un uomo fatto, ma che non teme di mostrarsi fragile, che la sofferenza l’ha vissuta e l’ha abbracciata anche se non l’ha totalmente metabolizzata. Perché c’è la facciata che si mostra al mondo… e poi c’è il nocciolo di chi siamo che si nasconde, si protegge, si esalta, in un connubio di sensi che non lascia indifferente, che in un certo senso compenetra gli strati e fugge per non dilaniarsi. È questo che rende la storia intensa e indimenticabile. Questo continuo scambio non solo di sguardi infocati ma di comprensione reciproca. Se Alexandria si lascia subito prendere dall’attrazione che in lei scoppia come un fuoco irrefrenabile, Elijah la nega, la combatte, la sviscera, cerca di non farla emergere ma essere costantemente in contatto non lascia spazio a molte scelte, non puoi far altro che vivere le emozioni che ti si scatenano dentro.
Alexandria è molto più consapevole di ciò che prova e lo abbraccia anche se le costa scelte difficili e privazioni, Elijah deve fare i conti con un passato che lo tormenta e che sembra farlo tornare indietro invece che avanti… in un continuo andirivieni di emozioni.
L’ambientazione non è ben definita, potrebbero ritrovarsi in qualunque città americana, con un college, ciò che conta però è il fulcro intorno cui ruotano tutte le vicende, casa di Elijah e la collocazione delle gare del ragazzo, che segnano sempre in maniera molto precisa le svolte nelle vicende, sottolineando i cambi che avvengono tra i due ragazzi. Non è solo correre per vincere o il pericolo che si corre anche solo stando sugli spalti, è quel guizzo di adrenalina che li percorre entrambi e li lascia con il fiato in gola, perché in fondo vogliono entrambi la stessa cosa.
Il particolare da non dimenticare? Un chitarra…
Magico, emozionante, rapido e tenero, “My Clarity” è un faro acceso nella notte, un libro irresistibile, una storia d’amore di quelle dal vago sapore immortale, che sembra scontata e invece regala sempre una sorpresa e una lacrima, per una storia che resta. Probabilmente questo è il mio libro preferito della Clarke/Ting che continuerò a rileggere all’infinito, senza staccarmene mai.
In uscita il prossimo maggio, vi consiglio di segnarvelo nel vostro calendario, davvero imperdibile. A maggior ragione perché si tratta di uno standalone senza ulteriori seguiti o romanzi compagni.
Buona lettura guys!
Ringrazio immensamente Mary Ting per avermi concesso la fantastica opportunità di leggere “My Clarity” in anteprima in cambio della mia onesta opinione. Ne sono felice e lusingata. Grazie mille!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews