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Drowning in You
Alternate/new cover for ISBN# 9780987456618.
Secretly crushing
Crushed by a tragedy
Charlee May’s been crushing on Dexter Hollingworth since she was fifteen. Five years later, a horrific skiing disaster leaves her millionaire dad critically injured and her mom dead at the hands of Dexter operating the lifts. Charlee is suddenly the sole caretaker for her little brother while their world falls apart.
Dexter couldn’t be more different from Charlee. He’s tattooed avoids exclusive relationships and his Dad has a fair share of illegal dealings. With Dexter’s reputation, almost everyone believes he planned the skiing disaster.
And after all these years he’s still crushing on Charlee May, the girl who’s too good for him.
When this cruel twist of fate ties Charlee’s family and Dexter’s reputation together, Charlee and Dexter wonder if their feelings are reciprocated, while Dexter discovers his dad is trying to steal the May’s millionaire fortune.
But like an addiction, one look, one touch, one taste—they’re hooked no matter the consequences.
Disclaimer: Recommended for mature readers.
Secretly crushing
Crushed by a tragedy
Charlee May’s been crushing on Dexter Hollingworth since she was fifteen. Five years later, a horrific skiing disaster leaves her millionaire dad critically injured and her mom dead at the hands of Dexter operating the lifts. Charlee is suddenly the sole caretaker for her little brother while their world falls apart.
Dexter couldn’t be more different from Charlee. He’s tattooed avoids exclusive relationships and his Dad has a fair share of illegal dealings. With Dexter’s reputation, almost everyone believes he planned the skiing disaster.
And after all these years he’s still crushing on Charlee May, the girl who’s too good for him.
When this cruel twist of fate ties Charlee’s family and Dexter’s reputation together, Charlee and Dexter wonder if their feelings are reciprocated, while Dexter discovers his dad is trying to steal the May’s millionaire fortune.
But like an addiction, one look, one touch, one taste—they’re hooked no matter the consequences.
Disclaimer: Recommended for mature readers.
ebook
First published April 3, 2013
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About the author
Rebecca Berto
13 books1,018 followersgraphic designer, hobby photographer, crazy cat (and dog) lady, tea snob.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
April 26, 2013
I really liked the concept of this book. The storyline seems really interesting and I wanted to finish it but uuugh! I made it 53% and stopped. I kinda want my money back.
The dialogue between these two characters is confusing at best. Very choppy. Things happen so random in the story my head was spinning trying to understand what was going on. The characters have an unreal relationship to each other.
Like, how is his best friend someone she doesn't even recognize if she's been soooo in love with him for all these years like she's wiling to forget he's suspected of killing her parent?
Very unrealistic in the sequencing. Personally I think a good editor could have helped this. I feel like I had a language barrier on this one. I wouldn't recommend.
The dialogue between these two characters is confusing at best. Very choppy. Things happen so random in the story my head was spinning trying to understand what was going on. The characters have an unreal relationship to each other.
Like, how is his best friend someone she doesn't even recognize if she's been soooo in love with him for all these years like she's wiling to forget he's suspected of killing her parent?
Very unrealistic in the sequencing. Personally I think a good editor could have helped this. I feel like I had a language barrier on this one. I wouldn't recommend.
April 6, 2013
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Im sorry to say after the 2 months that I had waited for this book with baited breath, I was sorely disappointed to the point I only read the first 58 pages before I became too bored to continue reading...I know, I shouldnt comment at all if I dont like it but my friends and followers know me too well to even suspect I may keep my mouth shut. The book was dull as dishwater, the synopsis made the story appear promising...However, upon beginning to read, I didnt feel a connection to the characters what so ever, to the point I would assume that it is the writing style at fault. I couldnt understand how she could love someone who was responsible for the death of someone she loved. I would hate them, she still has a teen fantasy crush, she needs to get a life and find a real man.
Im sorry to say after the 2 months that I had waited for this book with baited breath, I was sorely disappointed to the point I only read the first 58 pages before I became too bored to continue reading...I know, I shouldnt comment at all if I dont like it but my friends and followers know me too well to even suspect I may keep my mouth shut. The book was dull as dishwater, the synopsis made the story appear promising...However, upon beginning to read, I didnt feel a connection to the characters what so ever, to the point I would assume that it is the writing style at fault. I couldnt understand how she could love someone who was responsible for the death of someone she loved. I would hate them, she still has a teen fantasy crush, she needs to get a life and find a real man.
March 25, 2013
I had the opportunity to beta read this novel. The aptly titled DROWNING IN YOU opens in a hospital where Charlee's father lies near death. Her mother is already deceased. They were both victims of a ski lift accident, and the lift operator was none other than Charlee's high school crush, Dexter. The two of them have long been attracted to each other, and this tragedy simultaneously brings them together and drives a wedge between them. Everyone in town blames Dexter for the accident, so there will be no sympathy for Charlee if the two get together. And then there's the sweet, mild mannered Eliot, who works in a nearby restaurant and wouldn't mind getting to know Charlee better.
All in all and angsty set up that develops into a story that's by turns steamy, tragic, and suspenseful. Highly recommend!
All in all and angsty set up that develops into a story that's by turns steamy, tragic, and suspenseful. Highly recommend!
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July 11, 2013Buy links:
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***
Buy on Kobo
Buy on Amazon (paperback)
Buy on Amazon (Kindle)
Buy on Barnes & Noble
Buy on iTunes Books
Buy on Smashwords (all eBook formats)
***
April 16, 2013
3.5 stars
"I'm the worst kind of bad for you, Charz."
"Maybe I like bad, Dex."
This is the story of two young people that have been crushing on each other for years. Unfortunately for them, their lives have been touched by tragedy that has ripped their lives and their families apart. Even though they have always had hidden feelings for each other, now they are left in a place where guilt, sadness, and fear place demands on them and interfere with them getting any closer.
Charlee is a scared twenty year old who is going through a horrific experience, dealing with loss, having to care for her younger brother, and is feeling guilty for the fact that she cannot stop her feelings for the guy that could have been involved in her parent's accident. She tries to be strong, but how much can one girl takes before she breaks?
"My Charz is drowning in hurt, and no amount of swimming records or money will save her. And I'll do anything to stop her from hurting. Maybe that's what I'm doing, trying to save her from drowning in her mispalced gguilt and feelings."
But I hate the way I love him.
Dexter is lost and feels unworthy. He is closed off, shunned by friends and the community, scared of intimacy, hiding a personal secret, and trying to come to terms with the tragedy that has so deeply affected him. He has also suffered other traumatic events in his past that have deeply affected him and his relationships. He has had a crush on Charlee for years, but never let her know. Now he fears she will never see him for anything other than the boy who was involved in her parents' accident.
I've been wanting to kiss this girl since before I got my first tattoo, or my eyebrow ring. Before seeing her at the opposite end of the occasional party. All things considered, a rich, beautiful, kind-looking girl like Charlee would never bring home a guy like me. I've never spoken to her the way I want to. Why take the risk of getting rejected by the only girl I've ever really wanted?
"Please me make unlove her because I can't love her with everything going on, and not being with her is hurting us both. And I wouldn't want her to get involved with a guy like me because Charz deserves to be treated like she's the only girl on the planet. "
But despite everything stacked against them, they still feel a strong pull to each other and find it hard to keep their distance. I hated to see them struggle with the guilt and have to hide their feelings. I was not sure what was going to make this situation better for them. It seemed like they would take one step forward and two steps back. There are mysteries surrounding the accident and the past. There are family issues and personal issues. Dexter truly has a good heart and just wants to make Charz happy. But it all comes down to if they are strong enough to stand together or let others dictate what they should feel. I was totally hoping this couple could make it and that Dex would find redemption.
Charz isn't a relationship to work on, though God knows I've tried so hard to prevent it. Charz and I just are, and hard as I try, I'm f***king scared we're too intertwined to begin to separate us."
"Before Dex, I didn't know the feeling of "intense".
The book is built around terrible events with vast repercussions. But this along with the other mysteries added a depth to the story. I really liked Dex and Charz, their good friends Elliot and Rosa, and her little brother Darcy. They were some of the most positive influences. The relationships with the parents were complicated, sad, and difficult at times. But it was all intermingled in the past that needed to be brought to the forefront so they could move on.
And in the end, there are lessons to be learned about the importance of telling those you love how you feel about them before it is too late.
"I had a half-life before you."
I have to admit that some of the Aussie terms were a little different for me and at times some of the story seemed a little disjointed. The conversations and transitions could be a little hard to follow. I would have liked to see Dex and Charlee's relationship have a chance to deepen even more. But I was still satisfied with them and the ending. All in all, I liked the story, the characters, the mystery, and I enjoyed it.
Thanks to Rebecca Berto for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted on Reviews By Tammy and Kim.
"I'm the worst kind of bad for you, Charz."
"Maybe I like bad, Dex."
This is the story of two young people that have been crushing on each other for years. Unfortunately for them, their lives have been touched by tragedy that has ripped their lives and their families apart. Even though they have always had hidden feelings for each other, now they are left in a place where guilt, sadness, and fear place demands on them and interfere with them getting any closer.
Charlee is a scared twenty year old who is going through a horrific experience, dealing with loss, having to care for her younger brother, and is feeling guilty for the fact that she cannot stop her feelings for the guy that could have been involved in her parent's accident. She tries to be strong, but how much can one girl takes before she breaks?
"My Charz is drowning in hurt, and no amount of swimming records or money will save her. And I'll do anything to stop her from hurting. Maybe that's what I'm doing, trying to save her from drowning in her mispalced gguilt and feelings."
But I hate the way I love him.
Dexter is lost and feels unworthy. He is closed off, shunned by friends and the community, scared of intimacy, hiding a personal secret, and trying to come to terms with the tragedy that has so deeply affected him. He has also suffered other traumatic events in his past that have deeply affected him and his relationships. He has had a crush on Charlee for years, but never let her know. Now he fears she will never see him for anything other than the boy who was involved in her parents' accident.
I've been wanting to kiss this girl since before I got my first tattoo, or my eyebrow ring. Before seeing her at the opposite end of the occasional party. All things considered, a rich, beautiful, kind-looking girl like Charlee would never bring home a guy like me. I've never spoken to her the way I want to. Why take the risk of getting rejected by the only girl I've ever really wanted?
"Please me make unlove her because I can't love her with everything going on, and not being with her is hurting us both. And I wouldn't want her to get involved with a guy like me because Charz deserves to be treated like she's the only girl on the planet. "
But despite everything stacked against them, they still feel a strong pull to each other and find it hard to keep their distance. I hated to see them struggle with the guilt and have to hide their feelings. I was not sure what was going to make this situation better for them. It seemed like they would take one step forward and two steps back. There are mysteries surrounding the accident and the past. There are family issues and personal issues. Dexter truly has a good heart and just wants to make Charz happy. But it all comes down to if they are strong enough to stand together or let others dictate what they should feel. I was totally hoping this couple could make it and that Dex would find redemption.
Charz isn't a relationship to work on, though God knows I've tried so hard to prevent it. Charz and I just are, and hard as I try, I'm f***king scared we're too intertwined to begin to separate us."
"Before Dex, I didn't know the feeling of "intense".
The book is built around terrible events with vast repercussions. But this along with the other mysteries added a depth to the story. I really liked Dex and Charz, their good friends Elliot and Rosa, and her little brother Darcy. They were some of the most positive influences. The relationships with the parents were complicated, sad, and difficult at times. But it was all intermingled in the past that needed to be brought to the forefront so they could move on.
And in the end, there are lessons to be learned about the importance of telling those you love how you feel about them before it is too late.
"I had a half-life before you."
I have to admit that some of the Aussie terms were a little different for me and at times some of the story seemed a little disjointed. The conversations and transitions could be a little hard to follow. I would have liked to see Dex and Charlee's relationship have a chance to deepen even more. But I was still satisfied with them and the ending. All in all, I liked the story, the characters, the mystery, and I enjoyed it.
Thanks to Rebecca Berto for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted on Reviews By Tammy and Kim.
April 13, 2013
Braine's Talk Supe review
Death. There's a lot of death in DROWNING IN YOU. Not necessarily people dropping like flies but the idea of someone passing, the idea of LOSS, whether it's permanent or not, tangible and intangible. And I think the theme of loss is what makes DROWNING IN YOU very relatable. There are a lot of heart wrenching moments especially the parts where Charlee is slowly coming into terms with her mother's death and her dad being in the hospital withering away while at the same time comforting her little brother. That is one painful shiznit I tell you, seeing someone you love die slowly with each passing day, seeing them fight the Reaper alone knowing they'll lose eventually. And the impact of rebuilding from the ashes once everything is said and done can be an emotional death of sorts. Ugh! I know the feeling all to well and my heart went out to Charlee through her ordeal. But I have to give the girl props, her parents raised her well, despite living a privileged life, Charlee, is very grounded and remained optimistic and loving til the end.
As for Dexter, he's your bad boy next door. Tattooed, pierced, built like a swimsuit model, smooth and a little haunted. He's got his own familial issues and since his older brother and then girlfriend died from a tragic car accident years ago, he's been carrying a sense of loss that he tries to fill with girls, sex and partying. But we all know how shallow and temporary the relief you get from those things are right? So him and Charlee getting together was cathartic and fulfilling. They're both broken sort of but their missing pieces can be found in each other so they fit perfectly, creating this one entity cocooned in love and everything fuzzy and warm that goes with it.
May 13, 2013
Drowning In You is a MUST READ for 2013! You will get lost in this book so much so that you will drown in it until you are finished and struggle to the top for air. This book made me laugh and cry and scream all at the same time. This is one of those stories that stays with you long after you have read it. It captures your heart right from the first page to the end.
Charlee May has loved Dexter Hollingworth since she was 15 years old. She has secretly and sometimes not so secretly crushed on Dexter but she would never act on her feelings because he is older and a bad boy in every way. So she will crush on him from afar that is until her parents are in a horrible ski accident that takes the life of Charlee's mother and injures her father. This accident has taken so much from Charlee because she has just become the sole provider and parent to her younger brother Darcy. Oh and the accident was at the hands of the ski lift operator Dexter Hollingworth. Yes you read right Dex was at the controls and now Charlee went from loving him and crushing on him to hating him. But as the accident is investigated Charlee finds out some things that just might change her feelings towards Dex and help them come together once and for all.
Dexter is a cocky, tattooed hot mess but he has secretly loved Charlee. But between his reputation and the accident Dex knows that he will never get his girl. He can only hope she will forgive him. See Dex harbors a secret that could change everything but he is not so sure he wants to disclose it. But Dex is not ready to give up on Charlee he is willing to fight for her because he is in love with her and needs her.
What happens when the dust settles and the lies and the secrets come to the front? Will Dex and Charlee be able to be a couple? WIll Dex tell Charlee his secret? Will Charlee forgive Dex? This is a must read that will have your head running wild with what is going to happen next! Man I need book two like ASAP!
Charlee May has loved Dexter Hollingworth since she was 15 years old. She has secretly and sometimes not so secretly crushed on Dexter but she would never act on her feelings because he is older and a bad boy in every way. So she will crush on him from afar that is until her parents are in a horrible ski accident that takes the life of Charlee's mother and injures her father. This accident has taken so much from Charlee because she has just become the sole provider and parent to her younger brother Darcy. Oh and the accident was at the hands of the ski lift operator Dexter Hollingworth. Yes you read right Dex was at the controls and now Charlee went from loving him and crushing on him to hating him. But as the accident is investigated Charlee finds out some things that just might change her feelings towards Dex and help them come together once and for all.
Dexter is a cocky, tattooed hot mess but he has secretly loved Charlee. But between his reputation and the accident Dex knows that he will never get his girl. He can only hope she will forgive him. See Dex harbors a secret that could change everything but he is not so sure he wants to disclose it. But Dex is not ready to give up on Charlee he is willing to fight for her because he is in love with her and needs her.
What happens when the dust settles and the lies and the secrets come to the front? Will Dex and Charlee be able to be a couple? WIll Dex tell Charlee his secret? Will Charlee forgive Dex? This is a must read that will have your head running wild with what is going to happen next! Man I need book two like ASAP!
Want to read
January 6, 2013Ohhh I want so bad!!!!!! The wait is to long April????
April 6, 2013
I love beta reading and my experience with Drowning in You is a prime example of why. Watching this book grow into the page-turning, sexy, suspense-filled romance it is was fantastic; and now, being post-release day, the rest of you can enjoy it, too!
Drowning in You tells the story of Charlee, a young woman whose mother has been taken from her in a terrible accident at a nearby ski resort. Her father lies in hospital, dying, and Charlee is left to pick up the pieces and care for her younger brother while trying to fight her feelings for the guy who could have been responsible for the incident that tore Charlee's life to pieces: Dexter Hollingworth.
The relationship between the two protagonists is exciting. Dexter and Charlee have so much heat that sparks eventually fly, resulting in a case of sexual tension that's Hot with a capital H. Yet, despite their intense attraction to each other, they know wanting each other is wrong - and the plot and drama thickens!
The novel Drowning in You is told in dual POV: Charlee, trying so hard to feel like a grown up, and Dex, battling against his own insecurities and trust issues to become a better man. Their voices are so real and relatable that you want them to win - even if, at times, you're not sure they can.
Rebecca Berto has a great knack for understanding the complexity of human emotion and putting it on paper. Drowning in You is a sexy, romantic ride, perfect for those who love the steamy side of New Adult fiction.
May 2, 2013
Wow, what can I say but that was BAD. Did I say BAD as in REALLY REALLY BAAAADDDDD!
The book was utterly confusing, so much so that you couldn’t figure out who the heck was saying what. It started off bad, got worse and completely crash landed making me pity any other reader that listens to amazon’s recommendation that this book was like another AWESOME book out there because it SOOOOOO was not!!!!!
The book made NO sense. The father of Dexter is an abusive father at the beginning of the book and by the end we are made to believe that he’s a misunderstood father of the year…PUHLEESE! An that's just one example
The on again off again between Dexter and Chaz was “make me pull my hair out and scream” annoying. I can usually find something good about a book but this is the first book that I read all the way to the end trying to find ONE redeeming quality in it and…nothing, I got nothing.
Ah, Where is my refund, oh wait it was free…thank goodness but I still feel cheated.
Two bad books in a row…Please, please, please let the next book be good.
The book was utterly confusing, so much so that you couldn’t figure out who the heck was saying what. It started off bad, got worse and completely crash landed making me pity any other reader that listens to amazon’s recommendation that this book was like another AWESOME book out there because it SOOOOOO was not!!!!!
The book made NO sense. The father of Dexter is an abusive father at the beginning of the book and by the end we are made to believe that he’s a misunderstood father of the year…PUHLEESE! An that's just one example
The on again off again between Dexter and Chaz was “make me pull my hair out and scream” annoying. I can usually find something good about a book but this is the first book that I read all the way to the end trying to find ONE redeeming quality in it and…nothing, I got nothing.
Ah, Where is my refund, oh wait it was free…thank goodness but I still feel cheated.
Two bad books in a row…Please, please, please let the next book be good.
Read
April 15, 2013 DNF
A bit of it may have been me since I am in a book funk, since I know Kim liked it, but while I loved the story line, I just couldn't connect and found that I was often confused and rereading parts of the book. I liked the characters; I just couldn't connect with them. For me, the flow was not there, and I found I got distracted easily. Conversations threw me off and sometimes didn’t feel totally finished. I have started this book a few times, setting it aside to move on to others with the hope that when I came back to it I would be sucked in.
Thank you to Rebecca Berto for the ARC of her book for an honest review.
A bit of it may have been me since I am in a book funk, since I know Kim liked it, but while I loved the story line, I just couldn't connect and found that I was often confused and rereading parts of the book. I liked the characters; I just couldn't connect with them. For me, the flow was not there, and I found I got distracted easily. Conversations threw me off and sometimes didn’t feel totally finished. I have started this book a few times, setting it aside to move on to others with the hope that when I came back to it I would be sucked in.
Thank you to Rebecca Berto for the ARC of her book for an honest review.
April 6, 2013
I didn't quite get the point of this book. The writing was at times very confusing, not much was really happening. I only got to about 55% and then had to stop reading cos I just couldn't bring myself to finish this book.
I started this because it had really good reviews, but obviously was not my cup of tea.
I started this because it had really good reviews, but obviously was not my cup of tea.
May 17, 2013
THIS BOOK NEEDS A GOOD EDITOR.
If I looks at the overall plotline, it has a good potential of being a 4 stars read, but what stops it from achieving that in my book is the story telling (and some character issues). I didn't like the way the author plotted the story and sequenced the events. It was confusing, boring and most importantly, unemotional.
I was sold by the synopsis when I first read it in March. I expected a heard-wrenching yet equally romantic read about two broken people but what I got was some weird crap about two unrealistic people. First lets talk about Charlee. How can you still crush over someone who is so majorly involved in an accident that lead to the death of one of your parents? (And the other being in critical condition :/) I know he didn't pull the trigger, but can you not see that in a way he was involved in that mess. How can you still have feeling for him? I would have believed in Charlee if after the accident she straight-up hated him for being at the wrong place at the wrong time, but over the time got to know the real Dexter and understood that what happened to her parents wasn't his fault and then maybe fall in love with him. I WOULD HAVE BELIEVED THAT! But her still crushing over Dexter and blushing at stupid glances and still thinking how such a beautiful man can never do that to her family was bullshit! And I fucking hated her for that!
Now on to Dexter. I didn't have a lot of problems with him, but I don't find anything special about him either. I mean anyone compared to Charlee is better in this book and Dexter was a joy to read (in a way?). What I didn't like about him was his carelessness towards his health. If I have a problem, say easily-dehydrated, then you bet your ass I'm going to carry a water bottle with me all the time. Dexter has diabetes and he never carries some sort of sugar because he feels like that way he is somehow beating diabetes. Which makes no sense in hell! He got low sugar attacks twice in this book (maybe it was three?) and both times he was on the verge was black out, but somehow at the end moment he was able to get his hands on some sweets. How risky is that? Even he said repeatedly that he could go to coma if those attacks are not taken care of. Then why is he being so irresponsible constantly?!?
I'm not even going to get into the mystery part because that was the only thing stopping me from DNFing this book, but in the end, it turned out to be a big blob of disappointment. It was so stupid and anticlimactic!
Final Words: Look for something else!unless the edited version is out
A Copy was provided by Xpresso Book Tours for an honest review and blog tour purposes. (Thank You)
For more reviews, visit Enticed by Books
If I looks at the overall plotline, it has a good potential of being a 4 stars read, but what stops it from achieving that in my book is the story telling (and some character issues). I didn't like the way the author plotted the story and sequenced the events. It was confusing, boring and most importantly, unemotional.
I was sold by the synopsis when I first read it in March. I expected a heard-wrenching yet equally romantic read about two broken people but what I got was some weird crap about two unrealistic people. First lets talk about Charlee. How can you still crush over someone who is so majorly involved in an accident that lead to the death of one of your parents? (And the other being in critical condition :/) I know he didn't pull the trigger, but can you not see that in a way he was involved in that mess. How can you still have feeling for him? I would have believed in Charlee if after the accident she straight-up hated him for being at the wrong place at the wrong time, but over the time got to know the real Dexter and understood that what happened to her parents wasn't his fault and then maybe fall in love with him. I WOULD HAVE BELIEVED THAT! But her still crushing over Dexter and blushing at stupid glances and still thinking how such a beautiful man can never do that to her family was bullshit! And I fucking hated her for that!
Now on to Dexter. I didn't have a lot of problems with him, but I don't find anything special about him either. I mean anyone compared to Charlee is better in this book and Dexter was a joy to read (in a way?). What I didn't like about him was his carelessness towards his health. If I have a problem, say easily-dehydrated, then you bet your ass I'm going to carry a water bottle with me all the time. Dexter has diabetes and he never carries some sort of sugar because he feels like that way he is somehow beating diabetes. Which makes no sense in hell! He got low sugar attacks twice in this book (maybe it was three?) and both times he was on the verge was black out, but somehow at the end moment he was able to get his hands on some sweets. How risky is that? Even he said repeatedly that he could go to coma if those attacks are not taken care of. Then why is he being so irresponsible constantly?!?
I'm not even going to get into the mystery part because that was the only thing stopping me from DNFing this book, but in the end, it turned out to be a big blob of disappointment. It was so stupid and anticlimactic!
Final Words: Look for something else!
A Copy was provided by Xpresso Book Tours for an honest review and blog tour purposes. (Thank You)
For more reviews, visit Enticed by Books
April 17, 2013
Good Lord this was bad.
There were a couple of tiny glimpses of cute, funny conversations between Dex & Charlee...other than that the entire book made my head hurt.
It just all seemed so disjointed...nothing flowed...to me, anyway.
The text/facebook conversations that happened between various characters were the worst...it just wasn't clear who was talking or when the conversation ended and you were back in a character's head...I've seen lots of text exchanges in books & they can be really well done...funny, the highlights of the book sometimes...but this was just awful.
The story in general *could* have been good...there were some good ideas...but I felt like I had serious ADD reading it because of the way things jumped around and that made it impossible to connect to the characters and really feel for them.
One part that drove me nuts...Charlee is 'hanging' outside a restaurant with a guy that she's hoping will keep her mind off Dex. She's just met this guy...can't remember his name but "obliges" him when he asks if he can buy her a milkshake. She doesn't want the shake but would like to talk to him. They have a conversation but we don't know what it is 'cuz we're only hearing about it and her "two word" answers via her thoughts (ugh)...then this:
I'm sorry I'm such horrible company," he mumbles at one point. "My old man did always tell me I'm terrible at impressing the pretty girls and you've just proved him right."
This is when I burst into tears. ... I sob into this strange guy's T-shirt. I've completely wet the logo on his chest. But he holds me in a hug, enveloping me in his arms. Sometime around this point I start to pull away.
"I really don't..." I look for a tissue and find nothing around us so just settle for sniffling, and continue, "this is really embarrassing. I'm - I'm sorry..."
"Elliot," he says for me this time. Suddenly I'm half-crying, half-spluttering and the air is easier to breathe and my chest and throat feel lighter.
"The first date I go on in longer than I can remember and the girl bursts into tears and doesn't remember my name."
I laugh again, and I can't stop laughing with this guy. Maybe I have lost my mind. "I'll try not to soak your T-shirt with my tears again. And I promise to remember your name...Elliot," I say, teasing. "But I do need to go."
Look...I know she's been through a LOT at this point. So...crying to laughing in the span of a minute...sure, I can buy it. What I can't buy is the "I can't stop laughing with this guy." What do you MEAN you can't stop?? This is the FIRST conversation you've had with him and that was the FIRST laugh and it IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED you bursting into tears.
Maybe it wasn't ADD that I was feeling reading this...maybe it was manic depressive or schizophrenic...either way, it wasn't good.
There were a couple of tiny glimpses of cute, funny conversations between Dex & Charlee...other than that the entire book made my head hurt.
It just all seemed so disjointed...nothing flowed...to me, anyway.
The text/facebook conversations that happened between various characters were the worst...it just wasn't clear who was talking or when the conversation ended and you were back in a character's head...I've seen lots of text exchanges in books & they can be really well done...funny, the highlights of the book sometimes...but this was just awful.
The story in general *could* have been good...there were some good ideas...but I felt like I had serious ADD reading it because of the way things jumped around and that made it impossible to connect to the characters and really feel for them.
One part that drove me nuts...Charlee is 'hanging' outside a restaurant with a guy that she's hoping will keep her mind off Dex. She's just met this guy...can't remember his name but "obliges" him when he asks if he can buy her a milkshake. She doesn't want the shake but would like to talk to him. They have a conversation but we don't know what it is 'cuz we're only hearing about it and her "two word" answers via her thoughts (ugh)...then this:
I'm sorry I'm such horrible company," he mumbles at one point. "My old man did always tell me I'm terrible at impressing the pretty girls and you've just proved him right."
This is when I burst into tears. ... I sob into this strange guy's T-shirt. I've completely wet the logo on his chest. But he holds me in a hug, enveloping me in his arms. Sometime around this point I start to pull away.
"I really don't..." I look for a tissue and find nothing around us so just settle for sniffling, and continue, "this is really embarrassing. I'm - I'm sorry..."
"Elliot," he says for me this time. Suddenly I'm half-crying, half-spluttering and the air is easier to breathe and my chest and throat feel lighter.
"The first date I go on in longer than I can remember and the girl bursts into tears and doesn't remember my name."
I laugh again, and I can't stop laughing with this guy. Maybe I have lost my mind. "I'll try not to soak your T-shirt with my tears again. And I promise to remember your name...Elliot," I say, teasing. "But I do need to go."
Look...I know she's been through a LOT at this point. So...crying to laughing in the span of a minute...sure, I can buy it. What I can't buy is the "I can't stop laughing with this guy." What do you MEAN you can't stop?? This is the FIRST conversation you've had with him and that was the FIRST laugh and it IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED you bursting into tears.
Maybe it wasn't ADD that I was feeling reading this...maybe it was manic depressive or schizophrenic...either way, it wasn't good.
April 13, 2013
4 1/2 stars
Drowning in you will certainly pull you in. Absorb you - and have you tethering on tears many a times. Your heart will be racing, - your blood pumping, but this story will certainly take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Happy and sad ones.
Loosing loved ones in life, I found this book and emotions within, easily to relate to. The loss of a loved one affects each and every person differently. This was portrayed well and we were put inside the characters head many a times.
This story is heartfelt and sad, but also wonderfully written. It will pull at your heart strings have you gooey on the inside and have the tears cascading down your cheeks before you even know.
Being an emotional reader - and loosing loved ones, it is easy to relate to the Pain that Charz and Dex suffer within this story. We see both sides to each character and how they relate . The author has done a wonderful job of creating such vivid scenes and emotions.
This book is about love, and loss and moving on. But also remembering the good times and living without the ones you love.
But I have to say I completely and utterly am swooning over Dex.
Bad boy - Tattooed - Hunky character. What can I say .. ***IM IN LOVE ** lol.
Many a times, I envisaged him throughout this story. I really enjoyed his character - flawed - not perfect yet believable.
I think I found yet another book boyfriend to swoon over.
The romance and love between Dex and Charz was sweet, endearing and smoking hot at times. Being a romantic at heart, I loved the growth of their friendship, relationship and love. It was gradual considering they both have loved each other … like forever... I just couldn’t wait …
A few pages - I was mouth agape - blushing and my heart was racing. ** grins ** Geesh …. Wipes brow…
Charz - I also enjoyed. She is a strong character, despite everything.
All the secondary characters were all wonderful editions to the storyline. Some more likeable then others, but very much a well blended part to the storyline .
Overall, Drowning in You is a must read. It will pull you into the pages, absorb everything you have while reading and have you sheepishly grinning many a times.
I did find myself wanting to know a few more things in this story. Did Charz find out about her father’s other secret with his best friend and other circumstances? I won’t mention as it would be a spoiler. There is a book two so maybe we will find this out ;)
Otherwise a well told story, fluently written and a wonderfully paced storyline and romance that will have your heart a flutter.
Drowning in you will certainly pull you in. Absorb you - and have you tethering on tears many a times. Your heart will be racing, - your blood pumping, but this story will certainly take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Happy and sad ones.
Loosing loved ones in life, I found this book and emotions within, easily to relate to. The loss of a loved one affects each and every person differently. This was portrayed well and we were put inside the characters head many a times.
This story is heartfelt and sad, but also wonderfully written. It will pull at your heart strings have you gooey on the inside and have the tears cascading down your cheeks before you even know.
Being an emotional reader - and loosing loved ones, it is easy to relate to the Pain that Charz and Dex suffer within this story. We see both sides to each character and how they relate . The author has done a wonderful job of creating such vivid scenes and emotions.
This book is about love, and loss and moving on. But also remembering the good times and living without the ones you love.
But I have to say I completely and utterly am swooning over Dex.
Bad boy - Tattooed - Hunky character. What can I say .. ***IM IN LOVE ** lol.
Many a times, I envisaged him throughout this story. I really enjoyed his character - flawed - not perfect yet believable.
I think I found yet another book boyfriend to swoon over.
The romance and love between Dex and Charz was sweet, endearing and smoking hot at times. Being a romantic at heart, I loved the growth of their friendship, relationship and love. It was gradual considering they both have loved each other … like forever... I just couldn’t wait …
A few pages - I was mouth agape - blushing and my heart was racing. ** grins ** Geesh …. Wipes brow…
Charz - I also enjoyed. She is a strong character, despite everything.
All the secondary characters were all wonderful editions to the storyline. Some more likeable then others, but very much a well blended part to the storyline .
Overall, Drowning in You is a must read. It will pull you into the pages, absorb everything you have while reading and have you sheepishly grinning many a times.
I did find myself wanting to know a few more things in this story. Did Charz find out about her father’s other secret with his best friend and other circumstances? I won’t mention as it would be a spoiler. There is a book two so maybe we will find this out ;)
Otherwise a well told story, fluently written and a wonderfully paced storyline and romance that will have your heart a flutter.
April 17, 2013
Charlee May is still grieving the death of her mother, who died in a fatal skiing accident, while her father fights to stay alive in the hospital. She has gone from a young care free woman to having to be the strong one, essentially becoming a mother to her younger brother.
Dexter Hollingsworth has become a social outcast since his friends and members of the community have shunned him, holding him responsible for the accident that took the life of Charlee's mom and critically injured her dad. He feels worthless and lost, blaming himself for what tore Charlees' happy family apart.
But to these two young people, that doesn't seem to be the worst part - to them the worst is the fact that they are so hopelessly in love and have been for almost 5 years. Charlee can't bring her self to get over the boy who "murdered her parents" and Dexter won't allow himself to love Charlee for the same reason. What they don't know is that there is a lot more to the events surrounding the ski accident and together discover the truth.
"I'm the worst kind of bad for you, Charz."
"Maybe I like bad, Dex."
"Please me make unlove her because I can't love her with everything going on, and not being with her is hurting us both. And I wouldn't want her to get involved with a guy like me because Charz deserves to be treated like she's the only girl on the planet. " - Dexter
"But I hate the way I love him." - Charlee
"Before Dex, I didn't know the feeling of "intense". - Charlee
"My Charz is drowning in hurt, and no amount of swimming records or money will save her. And I'll do anything to stop her from hurting. Maybe that's what I'm doing, trying to save her from drowning in her misplaced guilt and feelings." - Dexter
You spend a great deal of the book inside the heads of the characters, which works quite well with alternating points of view. Rebecca created a continuous flow of tension and one moment you're thinking "Oh my God," while the next you're thinking "JUST KISS HER ALREADY!". It was incredibly well written, with a well developed story line. Rebecca spent a great deal of time 'developing' her characters and did a fantastic job of portraying who they are throughout the book. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to see what else Rebecca gives us :)
4 Stars
**Highly Recommended**
(I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 because I was hoping for a little more sexy ;)
Dexter Hollingsworth has become a social outcast since his friends and members of the community have shunned him, holding him responsible for the accident that took the life of Charlee's mom and critically injured her dad. He feels worthless and lost, blaming himself for what tore Charlees' happy family apart.
But to these two young people, that doesn't seem to be the worst part - to them the worst is the fact that they are so hopelessly in love and have been for almost 5 years. Charlee can't bring her self to get over the boy who "murdered her parents" and Dexter won't allow himself to love Charlee for the same reason. What they don't know is that there is a lot more to the events surrounding the ski accident and together discover the truth.
"I'm the worst kind of bad for you, Charz."
"Maybe I like bad, Dex."
"Please me make unlove her because I can't love her with everything going on, and not being with her is hurting us both. And I wouldn't want her to get involved with a guy like me because Charz deserves to be treated like she's the only girl on the planet. " - Dexter
"But I hate the way I love him." - Charlee
"Before Dex, I didn't know the feeling of "intense". - Charlee
"My Charz is drowning in hurt, and no amount of swimming records or money will save her. And I'll do anything to stop her from hurting. Maybe that's what I'm doing, trying to save her from drowning in her misplaced guilt and feelings." - Dexter
You spend a great deal of the book inside the heads of the characters, which works quite well with alternating points of view. Rebecca created a continuous flow of tension and one moment you're thinking "Oh my God," while the next you're thinking "JUST KISS HER ALREADY!". It was incredibly well written, with a well developed story line. Rebecca spent a great deal of time 'developing' her characters and did a fantastic job of portraying who they are throughout the book. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to see what else Rebecca gives us :)
4 Stars
**Highly Recommended**
(I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 because I was hoping for a little more sexy ;)
April 14, 2013
I got this ARC from the author for an onest review.
Like so many books this one will get pros and cons :)
Pro:
I've read "Precise" by Rebecca Berto and I really loved her psychological novella. I've kind of expected this book will be the same way. But, no, this one is about death and the pain brought by it. DiY is a heartwrenching story, about two young shattered souls, Charz and Dex, trying to overcome the loss of the loved ones, to bring peace in their life and find the true love. I felt grief for Charlee and Darcy for their tragedy. I appreciate the way Rebecca Berto develop Dex character and his struggle to push behind the guilt and to accept his love for Charz.
Cons:
DiY has a great story line, but the flow is almost missing. Sometimes I was distracted and detached by so many detailes. There were moments when I felt that I've lost connection with the story...Too many inner thoughts, dragging the story, when the main characters could interact or talk with someone about that problem. There were scenes left hanging and unfinished, awkward moments and so many questions left unanswered. I just wished the angst(so present in this type of emotional stories) be more elaborated.
Conclusion? I loved the promising story and I think this author is a talented one, but THIS book needed a BIG edit, and then it will come alive!
I just know, because Rebecca Berto has a beautiful way with words!
Thank you for trusting me with this ARC!
Like so many books this one will get pros and cons :)
Pro:
I've read "Precise" by Rebecca Berto and I really loved her psychological novella. I've kind of expected this book will be the same way. But, no, this one is about death and the pain brought by it. DiY is a heartwrenching story, about two young shattered souls, Charz and Dex, trying to overcome the loss of the loved ones, to bring peace in their life and find the true love. I felt grief for Charlee and Darcy for their tragedy. I appreciate the way Rebecca Berto develop Dex character and his struggle to push behind the guilt and to accept his love for Charz.
Cons:
DiY has a great story line, but the flow is almost missing. Sometimes I was distracted and detached by so many detailes. There were moments when I felt that I've lost connection with the story...Too many inner thoughts, dragging the story, when the main characters could interact or talk with someone about that problem. There were scenes left hanging and unfinished, awkward moments and so many questions left unanswered. I just wished the angst(so present in this type of emotional stories) be more elaborated.
Conclusion? I loved the promising story and I think this author is a talented one, but THIS book needed a BIG edit, and then it will come alive!
I just know, because Rebecca Berto has a beautiful way with words!
Thank you for trusting me with this ARC!
April 8, 2013
Life, do your worst....
I don't blame these 2 characters for thinking this.
We begin with Charlee and her little brother Darcy, their mum has been killed and their father is in a critical condition in ICU. ( my first sob fest)
Not many books have me sobbing at 13% in but Ms Berto knows how to write a story in which you are living with these characters.
I was literally left breathless reading most of this book.
Our other main character Dexter, well he's a very complicated young man and one with a secret, but he's also responsible for the accident that killed Charlee's mum and hurt her dad... Or is he????
The scary thing is these 2 have had crushes in each other for years... Now at age 20 and 21 how the hell do you stay in love with someone that killed your parents?
My opinion... You can't help who your heart loves.
This book is an amazing story that ties these 2 together, can they get past the worst possible tragedy and have that relationship or are they doomed from the start.
There are books that are written to teach you something about life and for me this book is one of them.
Read
May 9, 2013So I was reading another book when I came across this book and suddenly this book seemed MUCH more important to read ;) I literally couldn't put it down... it was as if an outside force was forcing me to read it. This story is about two broken people who have this forbidden love thing going on (in their own heads) and their struggle with their feelings for one another. This book has a little bit of everything.. the good.. the bad.. and the ugly.. As for the good this book has a dual POV( always a plus for me), a little mystery and drama to add to the plot, and sarcastic/witty inner thoughts of the main characters (mainly Dex). I also liked the descriptive way the author writes. This is definitely a one of a kind read.
April 13, 2013
I found this book on someone's Twitter and remember thinking, oh, nice cover. So I checked it out.
Well...I didn't expect to cry so much and fall in love with this book. Dex is my type of book boyfriend. Loved him and totally adored the chemistry with him and Charlee. So sweet.
I recommend this book for new adult fans. Ahhh, love so much! 5/5 stars!
Well...I didn't expect to cry so much and fall in love with this book. Dex is my type of book boyfriend. Loved him and totally adored the chemistry with him and Charlee. So sweet.
I recommend this book for new adult fans. Ahhh, love so much! 5/5 stars!
April 21, 2013
I really liked this book! I was trying to guess what the story was between the two families, but I was soo wrong. At some points when they were texting I did get alittle confused by who was saying what, but otherwise I liked the writing and the story.
April 11, 2013
OMG! Whatever your age everyones either got one or had one, it just may not have turned out the same way though! DIY is so well written it takes you back to your own Dexter and god would you kill to be Charlee....
Brilliant book, captivating read and I would highly recommend.
Brilliant book, captivating read and I would highly recommend.
Want to read
September 29, 2013Cannot wait to read and review!
- http://www.whirlwindbooksandreviews.com/
- http://www.whirlwindbooksandreviews.com/
April 9, 2013
I was so excited about this book but it was not that great. This is my first DNF. I couldn't connect with the characters at all & the story line was all over the place.
z-2013
January 7, 2016EARLY RELEASE :D
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Lovinggggg the cover.
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Lovinggggg the cover.
May 25, 2013
Just Pre-ordered the book. Can't wait !!!!!
June 15, 2013
Still not sure how the book got to the ending it did...way too choppy and confusing, I felt like the character's were a bit lacking...
April 15, 2013
Great book. Really enjoyed the story. Would recommend.
April 12, 2013
Drowning in You has such a sad premise to it with star-crossed lovers as the hero and heroine. I love these types of stories, because I always feel that I will become emotionally attached to the story and the characters, and the description reeled me in for the bite. I felt grief for Charlee and Darcy in their situation and the tragedy of it all, but at the same time I had a difficult time connecting with the characters. I loved Dexter, the tattooed boy with a bad rep whom Charlee has crushed on for years unknowing that her feelings were reciprocated. Both Charlee and Dexter had kept their feelings for the other a secret to remain locked in their own hearts. After they grow older and might have a chance to be together, a horrific accident at Dexter's hands possibly ruins any chance for these two to act on those feelings.
Charlee is the twenty year old daughter of a billionaire who is suddenly thrust into parenthood as the primary caretaker for Darcy, her younger brother. Dexter is a twenty-one year old bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks; the world had turned against him and his demons are there to haunt him every step of the way. I really liked Dexter's character, and his guilt really tore at me as I wanted him to have what he wanted in life. He had an explosive relationship with his father and lost his brother and girlfriend in one fell swoop in a horrific car crash. Life had dealt him his share of lemons and he didn't know how to make lemonade.
I need her to be my Charz but it's my guilt that I will not forget. I was brought up to struggle in life. I've lost friends from a dozen schools, and I grew up for years with my dad sleeping in a jail cell, leaving me without a father figure.
Dexter was completely unforgiving of himself, so he couldn't expect anything more from anyone else. Charlee was the complete opposite to Dex. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she did not have a snobbish bone in her body; she treated everyone as her equal. Her biggest challenge in life was staring her down as she had to become the immediate caretaker for Darcy. Her second biggest challenge in life was facing her feelings for Dex, the young man who killed her mother and captured her heart. While Charlee had it in her to forgive Dex, he didn't want her forgiveness ... well, a part of him did, but he didn't think he deserved it. He was torn in half over his feelings for Charlee and his guilt over ruining her life. Charlee wasn't going to let him escape so easily.
While I understood both Charlee and Dexter's hesitation and awkwardness toward each other, I also understood their pull to one another as well. No matter how they tried, they couldn't stay away from each other. They had fantasized about each other far too long. However ... and that's a big however, I really had a hard time understanding how Charlee didn't really show any feelings of hatred or disdain toward Dexter from the very onslaught of her parents' accident. There are a few other questions I have with regard to Dexter and Raych, his bed buddy. We meet Raych, she's jealous of Charlee and throws a hissy fit along with a few threats, and she's never heard from again. I originally thought there would be some angst build up for Dexter and Charlee with Raych as the catalyst, but that wasn't the case at all.
While I did like Drowning in You, there were a few things that I had issue with and I have to mention them. I felt like I had to use more of my imagination than usual while reading this book. While that may not make complete sense to some, I will attempt to explain. First I felt confused several times in my reading from the beginning. While I enjoyed the duel point of views and the headings to let me know whose pov I was reading next, the second chapter was in Dexter's pov, yet was headed as Darcy's pov. While this is no biggie to make a fuss about, again this is chapter 2, the characters and events had just been introduced, and it hadn't yet been made completely clear the age of the characters, except that Darcy was a 10-year-old. Then, all of a sudden I am reading the pov of a 21-year-old who has a demanding encounter with his father. I had to do a double take and turn back the pages to check myself.
Second, I felt that the dialogue between Dexter and Charlee was overshadowed and limited. I understand the awkwardness between the two, but it seemed there was more implication that made me feel as though I had skipped passages or worse, that passages had been omitted. I think this could have been avoided and the flow might have been smoother if there were more dialogue between the two.
Lastly, I was confused about Elliott. Elliott had never seen nor met Charlee before their encounter at a diner, and Charlee had never met Elliott, but Elliott was Dexter's best friend. Since Charlee and Dexter went to school together and had crushed on each other since their early high school years, I had to assume that Elliott must have gone to a different school, but this was never really made clear; again, I felt a lot of the story was implied and left to the reader to put for the effort to figure things out using our own imagination. Overall, I did like the story and there is an element of mystery to the accident and the relationship between Dex's father and Charlee's father. Some of my questions were answered with a beautiful ending, but some of my questions still remain open. There is a lot of potential for a good story to become great with a little content editing, and I would love to see this story come alive with a little more depth and intensity.
Thank you to the author for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
A complete review with quotes can be found at Romantic Reading Escapes
Charlee is the twenty year old daughter of a billionaire who is suddenly thrust into parenthood as the primary caretaker for Darcy, her younger brother. Dexter is a twenty-one year old bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks; the world had turned against him and his demons are there to haunt him every step of the way. I really liked Dexter's character, and his guilt really tore at me as I wanted him to have what he wanted in life. He had an explosive relationship with his father and lost his brother and girlfriend in one fell swoop in a horrific car crash. Life had dealt him his share of lemons and he didn't know how to make lemonade.
I need her to be my Charz but it's my guilt that I will not forget. I was brought up to struggle in life. I've lost friends from a dozen schools, and I grew up for years with my dad sleeping in a jail cell, leaving me without a father figure.
Dexter was completely unforgiving of himself, so he couldn't expect anything more from anyone else. Charlee was the complete opposite to Dex. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she did not have a snobbish bone in her body; she treated everyone as her equal. Her biggest challenge in life was staring her down as she had to become the immediate caretaker for Darcy. Her second biggest challenge in life was facing her feelings for Dex, the young man who killed her mother and captured her heart. While Charlee had it in her to forgive Dex, he didn't want her forgiveness ... well, a part of him did, but he didn't think he deserved it. He was torn in half over his feelings for Charlee and his guilt over ruining her life. Charlee wasn't going to let him escape so easily.
While I understood both Charlee and Dexter's hesitation and awkwardness toward each other, I also understood their pull to one another as well. No matter how they tried, they couldn't stay away from each other. They had fantasized about each other far too long. However ... and that's a big however, I really had a hard time understanding how Charlee didn't really show any feelings of hatred or disdain toward Dexter from the very onslaught of her parents' accident. There are a few other questions I have with regard to Dexter and Raych, his bed buddy. We meet Raych, she's jealous of Charlee and throws a hissy fit along with a few threats, and she's never heard from again. I originally thought there would be some angst build up for Dexter and Charlee with Raych as the catalyst, but that wasn't the case at all.
While I did like Drowning in You, there were a few things that I had issue with and I have to mention them. I felt like I had to use more of my imagination than usual while reading this book. While that may not make complete sense to some, I will attempt to explain. First I felt confused several times in my reading from the beginning. While I enjoyed the duel point of views and the headings to let me know whose pov I was reading next, the second chapter was in Dexter's pov, yet was headed as Darcy's pov. While this is no biggie to make a fuss about, again this is chapter 2, the characters and events had just been introduced, and it hadn't yet been made completely clear the age of the characters, except that Darcy was a 10-year-old. Then, all of a sudden I am reading the pov of a 21-year-old who has a demanding encounter with his father. I had to do a double take and turn back the pages to check myself.
Second, I felt that the dialogue between Dexter and Charlee was overshadowed and limited. I understand the awkwardness between the two, but it seemed there was more implication that made me feel as though I had skipped passages or worse, that passages had been omitted. I think this could have been avoided and the flow might have been smoother if there were more dialogue between the two.
Lastly, I was confused about Elliott. Elliott had never seen nor met Charlee before their encounter at a diner, and Charlee had never met Elliott, but Elliott was Dexter's best friend. Since Charlee and Dexter went to school together and had crushed on each other since their early high school years, I had to assume that Elliott must have gone to a different school, but this was never really made clear; again, I felt a lot of the story was implied and left to the reader to put for the effort to figure things out using our own imagination. Overall, I did like the story and there is an element of mystery to the accident and the relationship between Dex's father and Charlee's father. Some of my questions were answered with a beautiful ending, but some of my questions still remain open. There is a lot of potential for a good story to become great with a little content editing, and I would love to see this story come alive with a little more depth and intensity.
Thank you to the author for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
A complete review with quotes can be found at Romantic Reading Escapes
June 6, 2013
This review has some spoilers.
I wish I had something witty to say, but the only thing I can think of at the moment is: "New adult? More like 'poo adult.'" If you know me, you know that I'm not big on new adult novels, but something about the cover and blurb on Drowning in You put together made me get onboard. This is where I start screaming, "Abort! Abort!" Drowning in You was bad, so bad that I raged about 68% of the book. Let me tell you why:
The Plot
What plot? This was the same scene repeated over and over and over again. It was melodramatic and repetitive to the point where I was seconds away from ripping my hair out. It literally went like this: Charlee sees Dexter. Dexter has a diabetic reaction. Dexter almost tells Charlee he loves her. Charlee almost tells Dexter she loves him. One of the changes the subject or leaves and then both of them begin to tell themselves that they can't be with the other. Rinse and repeat.
The Characters
I hated them all. Except Darcy in one scene. The main characters, their friends and even their parents? Hated them. My biggest rages beyond the main characters were Dexter's mom, who is a nurse and tried to clock in after drinking and was pretty adamant that she could work. Dexter was able to convince her not to go in, but still. The lack of care and respect that was shown disgusted me. None of these characters had a single redeeming quality. The main characters acted more like middle schoolers than grown adults.
The Prose
I can't even handle it. I know that the author had editors and betas, but that is not shown in what I read. The phrasing was disjointed, and painfully awkward. I could barely read it without smacking myself in the forehead. This needed a run through by someone who could be brutally honest. There was a lot that could've been done to this book, but it was sorely lacking on structure.
The Accuracy
Fail. I know very little about diabetes, but Dexter, one of the main characters supposedly has it. Yeah… Okay. He has several hypo reactions during the course of the novel and though Charlee was around for one of them (and a major one, so major she had to call in an emergency). Afterwards, beyond this bogus fight she starts, no one brings up the fact that he is being extremely careless with his health. He does not carry insulin. He does not carry some form of sugar on him. I don't remember about him even doing a glucose testing. Shouldn't that be a regular occurrence with someone suffering from this illness? Dexter knows his limits and his illness, but he is not proactive and so ignorant that it made me sick. Also--as you can see in my interview with the author, she only did "minor research for the medical knowledge." That frustrates me because this is not something that should be taken lightly, especially when it's a major part of your plot.
The Consistency
What consistency? This book made absolutely no sense!
The Reality
So I get that this is fiction, but it's supposed to be contemporary, so there should be at least a shred of real life in there. Neither of the main characters appear to have a stable job, nor do they attend university. So how do they afford to live? By mooching off of their parents? I think Charlee is a swim instructor, but it's not really expanded on enough for the reader to know how she's getting by and taking care of her younger brother and her father's hospital bills.
This book was a mess and not even a hot one. I apologize. After writing this, I realize it is more of a rant, but there was a lot of material in this book that was handled incorrectly and the story was not done justice. I'm glad I did not purchase this novel, because I definitely would've asked for a refund. I don't recommend this book.
This review can be seen on my blog as well.
I received an e-copy of this novel for my honest opinion and review from the author and Xpresso Book Tours.
I wish I had something witty to say, but the only thing I can think of at the moment is: "New adult? More like 'poo adult.'" If you know me, you know that I'm not big on new adult novels, but something about the cover and blurb on Drowning in You put together made me get onboard. This is where I start screaming, "Abort! Abort!" Drowning in You was bad, so bad that I raged about 68% of the book. Let me tell you why:
The Plot
What plot? This was the same scene repeated over and over and over again. It was melodramatic and repetitive to the point where I was seconds away from ripping my hair out. It literally went like this: Charlee sees Dexter. Dexter has a diabetic reaction. Dexter almost tells Charlee he loves her. Charlee almost tells Dexter she loves him. One of the changes the subject or leaves and then both of them begin to tell themselves that they can't be with the other. Rinse and repeat.
The Characters
I hated them all. Except Darcy in one scene. The main characters, their friends and even their parents? Hated them. My biggest rages beyond the main characters were Dexter's mom, who is a nurse and tried to clock in after drinking and was pretty adamant that she could work. Dexter was able to convince her not to go in, but still. The lack of care and respect that was shown disgusted me. None of these characters had a single redeeming quality. The main characters acted more like middle schoolers than grown adults.
The Prose
I can't even handle it. I know that the author had editors and betas, but that is not shown in what I read. The phrasing was disjointed, and painfully awkward. I could barely read it without smacking myself in the forehead. This needed a run through by someone who could be brutally honest. There was a lot that could've been done to this book, but it was sorely lacking on structure.
The Accuracy
Fail. I know very little about diabetes, but Dexter, one of the main characters supposedly has it. Yeah… Okay. He has several hypo reactions during the course of the novel and though Charlee was around for one of them (and a major one, so major she had to call in an emergency). Afterwards, beyond this bogus fight she starts, no one brings up the fact that he is being extremely careless with his health. He does not carry insulin. He does not carry some form of sugar on him. I don't remember about him even doing a glucose testing. Shouldn't that be a regular occurrence with someone suffering from this illness? Dexter knows his limits and his illness, but he is not proactive and so ignorant that it made me sick. Also--as you can see in my interview with the author, she only did "minor research for the medical knowledge." That frustrates me because this is not something that should be taken lightly, especially when it's a major part of your plot.
The Consistency
What consistency? This book made absolutely no sense!
The Reality
So I get that this is fiction, but it's supposed to be contemporary, so there should be at least a shred of real life in there. Neither of the main characters appear to have a stable job, nor do they attend university. So how do they afford to live? By mooching off of their parents? I think Charlee is a swim instructor, but it's not really expanded on enough for the reader to know how she's getting by and taking care of her younger brother and her father's hospital bills.
This book was a mess and not even a hot one. I apologize. After writing this, I realize it is more of a rant, but there was a lot of material in this book that was handled incorrectly and the story was not done justice. I'm glad I did not purchase this novel, because I definitely would've asked for a refund. I don't recommend this book.
This review can be seen on my blog as well.
I received an e-copy of this novel for my honest opinion and review from the author and Xpresso Book Tours.
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