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Defying All Odds
The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.
Fortunately, there are people in her life who make it worth living. Though the past will never be completely forgotten, she has moved on and beat the hell out of the statistics. But just when it seems things are about as good as they’re going to get, disaster strikes—again.
Can what’s broken be fixed this time, or was she ever fully mended in the first place? And will the past catch up to her, or is the present what Celeste should fear most?
-Ernest HemingwaySince day one, Celeste Logan has had a string of bad luck—no, scratch that. Her past is so tragic, anyone would think she’s been irrevocably cursed. But this is no paranormal story…it’s her real f*cking life.
Fortunately, there are people in her life who make it worth living. Though the past will never be completely forgotten, she has moved on and beat the hell out of the statistics. But just when it seems things are about as good as they’re going to get, disaster strikes—again.
Can what’s broken be fixed this time, or was she ever fully mended in the first place? And will the past catch up to her, or is the present what Celeste should fear most?
ebook
First published January 1, 2015
39 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Nevaeh Lee
6 books362 followersNevaeh’s first exposure to writing began in a middle school creative writing class. She was reprimanded for composing a politically incorrect story and forced to re-write about a “safer” topic. Being the writing rebel that she is, Nevaeh always likes to push the envelope a bit and never re-writes, unless her editor insists on it.
When she’s not writing, Nevaeh is a freelance book editor ;). And when she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she can be found spending time with her family, exploring the area around wherever she happens to be living at the time. Since that changes every couple of years, she always finds something new to see and do (and write about).
When she’s not writing, Nevaeh is a freelance book editor ;). And when she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she can be found spending time with her family, exploring the area around wherever she happens to be living at the time. Since that changes every couple of years, she always finds something new to see and do (and write about).
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 6, 2016
Defying All Odds is LIVE!!!! :)))) http://amzn.to/1Xw1DFw
Want to read
October 30, 2014 I need it.
June 1, 2016
This is Nevaeh Lee's solo debut. I loved Collaboration that she co-wrote with Michelle Lynn, and I was excited to get to read an ARC of this!
This is a great story of going through something so terrible, and making it through to the other side.
Celeste is a strong woman, and even stronger mother. Austin is there for her from the get go. And he falls for the amazing single mom that is the victim in a case he's working on.
I saw a picture yesterday that read "One day someone is going to hug you so tight that all of your broken pieces will stick back together." This automatically made me think of Celeste and Austin.
5 heartbreaking-put my heart back together-stars
This is a great story of going through something so terrible, and making it through to the other side.
Celeste is a strong woman, and even stronger mother. Austin is there for her from the get go. And he falls for the amazing single mom that is the victim in a case he's working on.
I saw a picture yesterday that read "One day someone is going to hug you so tight that all of your broken pieces will stick back together." This automatically made me think of Celeste and Austin.
5 heartbreaking-put my heart back together-stars
June 4, 2016
What an amazing solo debut by Nevaeh Lee. I was completely blown away by how well written this book was. Nevaeh does an absolutely amazing job of making you feel like you right there with Celeste and Austin and you feel like you know these characters and that they could be your friends. The characters in Defying All Odds are extremely likeable and realistic. I felt absolutely sick as I was reading as Celeste has gone through way more than any one person should ever have to endure in one life. Nevaeh has really set the bar high for her next book!
Celeste is what I would call the main character and Austin is also a very important part of the story, as he is the detective who is working on Celeste's case. Then you add in Celeste's best friend, Ana, who gives the book a bit of humor and you have 3 characters who will stay with you for a long time. Then you add in Starla who just is well...Starla.
Celeste is what I would call the main character and Austin is also a very important part of the story, as he is the detective who is working on Celeste's case. Then you add in Celeste's best friend, Ana, who gives the book a bit of humor and you have 3 characters who will stay with you for a long time. Then you add in Starla who just is well...Starla.
June 10, 2016
What a great surprise. This book packs a punch... I didn't read the blurb beforehand, so I had no idea what to expect. I was hooked from the first line. Amazing story, it went by fast but it didn't feel rushed. I really enjoyed it.
June 1, 2016
WOW!!! This is an AMAZING EMOTIONAL book! Nevaeh has a way with her writing to capture your mind! Loved the characters and the journey the book takes them through!
June 6, 2016
Celeste Logan knows how to do this. She's survived this before, she can do it again. If anything, this time around she's got even more reason to survive than she did last time. Last time around she wasn't a mother. She didn't have six year old twins depending on her to be around and provide for them, and mothers, good mothers, will do just about anything for their kids.
So survive she does, but surviving and living aren't exactly the same thing.
Detective Austin Westlake hates his job. He's good at it, but it's not the job he would have chosen for himself, and today, he hates it a little more than usual. Interviewing victims is never easy, but for some reason he can't seem to get this most recent one out of his head. Her strength, the way she kept her calm under unimaginable pressure, and the brokenness he could see hidden in her eyes that she tried desperately to keep from showing all keep replaying in his mind's eye as he goes about doing the job he hates.
For her debut solo novel, Defying All Odds by Nevaeh Lee is such a good book. Two characters meeting in a way they'd rather not, both in roles they'd rather not fill (though one obviously much more so than the other) each trying to find some kind of peace and happiness only to find their paths crossing again and again.
The growing tension, sexual and otherwise between these two is complicated by their professional relationship, which regularly leads to things being left unsaid and assumptions being made. Throw into that mix Celeste's best friend, Ana, attempting to play matchmaker and you've got a sure fire recipe for confusion and misunderstandings.
Meanwhile the struggle between surviving, which entails barely existing, and actually living a full life, which would require some kind of healing is one she feels ill equipped to deal with, because while surviving is something she's done before, healing? Not so much.
Alongside all of this, Austin has his own family dramas, most notably a domineering, though often absent father, and a younger brother for whom he's determined to be the role model their father never has. Coupled with an overly amorous ex patrol partner and coaching his little brother's soccer team, his plate is pretty full already.
I'm not at all ashamed to admit that this story evoked more than a few tears, but beyond that, more than a few smiles as well. The three kids, Austin's much younger brother and Celeste's twins Parker and Paisley were delightful, and the relationships they shared with the main characters were powerful and compelling.One quiet conversation between Parker and Austin in particular was just heartbreaking.
Told first person from alternating perspectives, I struggled to put it down, doing only the barest minimum of adulting before picking it up once more.
It's just that good.
So survive she does, but surviving and living aren't exactly the same thing.
Detective Austin Westlake hates his job. He's good at it, but it's not the job he would have chosen for himself, and today, he hates it a little more than usual. Interviewing victims is never easy, but for some reason he can't seem to get this most recent one out of his head. Her strength, the way she kept her calm under unimaginable pressure, and the brokenness he could see hidden in her eyes that she tried desperately to keep from showing all keep replaying in his mind's eye as he goes about doing the job he hates.
For her debut solo novel, Defying All Odds by Nevaeh Lee is such a good book. Two characters meeting in a way they'd rather not, both in roles they'd rather not fill (though one obviously much more so than the other) each trying to find some kind of peace and happiness only to find their paths crossing again and again.
The growing tension, sexual and otherwise between these two is complicated by their professional relationship, which regularly leads to things being left unsaid and assumptions being made. Throw into that mix Celeste's best friend, Ana, attempting to play matchmaker and you've got a sure fire recipe for confusion and misunderstandings.
Meanwhile the struggle between surviving, which entails barely existing, and actually living a full life, which would require some kind of healing is one she feels ill equipped to deal with, because while surviving is something she's done before, healing? Not so much.
Alongside all of this, Austin has his own family dramas, most notably a domineering, though often absent father, and a younger brother for whom he's determined to be the role model their father never has. Coupled with an overly amorous ex patrol partner and coaching his little brother's soccer team, his plate is pretty full already.
I'm not at all ashamed to admit that this story evoked more than a few tears, but beyond that, more than a few smiles as well. The three kids, Austin's much younger brother and Celeste's twins Parker and Paisley were delightful, and the relationships they shared with the main characters were powerful and compelling.One quiet conversation between Parker and Austin in particular was just heartbreaking.
Told first person from alternating perspectives, I struggled to put it down, doing only the barest minimum of adulting before picking it up once more.
It's just that good.
June 19, 2016
4,5 stars
I was one of the people waiting for the book for about 2 years, so you can imagine I might have some expactations.
I admired Celeste. She was a survivor, a woman, who went through so much, that you actualy think: "Oh c'mon! Can't she have a break for once in her life?!" She is strong, but broken. She is tough, yet fragile. She doesn't take any shit (which I like in a heroine). She has so much baggage and personal demons on her shoulders you wonder how come she didn't went completely crazy. And I appreciated that the author at the end didn't suggest that "love is cure to all", that sometimes people need professional help.
Austin is a good guy. Sure, he has his own hang ups, but who doesn't. Celeste intrigues him from the very moment he sees her, which is a problem, because it's not a situation where you can hit on someone. So he abides his time getting to know her...
I liked the side characters (hopefully we get Ana and Rico's story), they brought a little comedy into the quite sorrowful story.
Even though I described what I liked about the book, there were things I didn't appreciate. Some parts of the book felt like they were rushed. It felt like a launch of some plot, but was then blurred into nothingness (is that a word in english language?) - I don't know if it was Lee's intention, but these could have been some serious subplots, but weren't utilized. It felt rushed, like maybe it might have been somehow expanded, but there was a pressure from the fans and/or the publisher to finish it, so she cut it shorter than intended.
Either way I am sure I will read other books by Neaveh Lee (hopefully I won't have to wait another two years ;)
I was one of the people waiting for the book for about 2 years, so you can imagine I might have some expactations.
I admired Celeste. She was a survivor, a woman, who went through so much, that you actualy think: "Oh c'mon! Can't she have a break for once in her life?!" She is strong, but broken. She is tough, yet fragile. She doesn't take any shit (which I like in a heroine). She has so much baggage and personal demons on her shoulders you wonder how come she didn't went completely crazy. And I appreciated that the author at the end didn't suggest that "love is cure to all", that sometimes people need professional help.
Austin is a good guy. Sure, he has his own hang ups, but who doesn't. Celeste intrigues him from the very moment he sees her, which is a problem, because it's not a situation where you can hit on someone. So he abides his time getting to know her...
I liked the side characters (hopefully we get Ana and Rico's story), they brought a little comedy into the quite sorrowful story.
Even though I described what I liked about the book, there were things I didn't appreciate. Some parts of the book felt like they were rushed. It felt like a launch of some plot, but was then blurred into nothingness (is that a word in english language?) - I don't know if it was Lee's intention, but these could have been some serious subplots, but weren't utilized. It felt rushed, like maybe it might have been somehow expanded, but there was a pressure from the fans and/or the publisher to finish it, so she cut it shorter than intended.
Either way I am sure I will read other books by Neaveh Lee (hopefully I won't have to wait another two years ;)
June 23, 2016
Finally! I've been waiting on this book almost two years and the author did not disappoint!
Celeste is a woman that has inner strength unlike any heroine that has ever been written. The first chapter of this book will leave your jaw dragging the ground and your heart torn to shreds. Rape....is a dirty word and an action that is committed in many different ways, in many different settings, and normally leaves the victim in a "proving" position.
Celeste is a strong character that is written with a great deal of strength and although something horrible has happened to her she finds a way to push on and to continue to be an amazing mother to her two children.
Austin is a man that has more compassion than most of the leading male characters you know. He is not the hard ass dominate but a loving man that understands the value of family and women. How can a man be this good and understanding to a woman like Celeste? An absolute crazy home life, no mom, drunken and abusing dad, a rape, two kids and the list of fucked up could go on and on!
Does every story have a happily ever after? Read the book to get the rest of the story❤️
Celeste is a woman that has inner strength unlike any heroine that has ever been written. The first chapter of this book will leave your jaw dragging the ground and your heart torn to shreds. Rape....is a dirty word and an action that is committed in many different ways, in many different settings, and normally leaves the victim in a "proving" position.
Celeste is a strong character that is written with a great deal of strength and although something horrible has happened to her she finds a way to push on and to continue to be an amazing mother to her two children.
Austin is a man that has more compassion than most of the leading male characters you know. He is not the hard ass dominate but a loving man that understands the value of family and women. How can a man be this good and understanding to a woman like Celeste? An absolute crazy home life, no mom, drunken and abusing dad, a rape, two kids and the list of fucked up could go on and on!
Does every story have a happily ever after? Read the book to get the rest of the story❤️
October 4, 2017
HOLY MOTHER OF BOOK LOVERS!!!
I FREAKIN LOVED THIS BOOK! I could not put this book down. I was completely enthralled from the first page. Celeste is a beautiful strong woman who has lived through a life with an abusive alcoholic father and if that wasn't enough she lives through a horrible rape. The product of the rape is her beautiful twins Parker and Paisley. And then just when you think her life couldn't get any worse. Guess what? It does. That's how she meets Austin who happens to be absolutely gorgeous and a cop. This story gets so intense I can't tell you more without giving something away. At times I was crying so hard I had trouble seeing to read. I can't for the life of me ever imagine what it would be like to go through everything Celeste has been through. I do have to say the end of this book was Abso-freakin-lutely perfect. I was sitting there with a smile on my face the entire time I was reading it. I felt such a plethora of emotions while reading this book. This storyline was unlike any I've read before. I could practically feel the characters emotions coming off the pages. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
I FREAKIN LOVED THIS BOOK! I could not put this book down. I was completely enthralled from the first page. Celeste is a beautiful strong woman who has lived through a life with an abusive alcoholic father and if that wasn't enough she lives through a horrible rape. The product of the rape is her beautiful twins Parker and Paisley. And then just when you think her life couldn't get any worse. Guess what? It does. That's how she meets Austin who happens to be absolutely gorgeous and a cop. This story gets so intense I can't tell you more without giving something away. At times I was crying so hard I had trouble seeing to read. I can't for the life of me ever imagine what it would be like to go through everything Celeste has been through. I do have to say the end of this book was Abso-freakin-lutely perfect. I was sitting there with a smile on my face the entire time I was reading it. I felt such a plethora of emotions while reading this book. This storyline was unlike any I've read before. I could practically feel the characters emotions coming off the pages. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
June 17, 2016
3.5 Stars
I thought that this was a great debut by Nevaeh Lee. I really loved the characters... especially Austin, his little brother, and P&P. They were all so sweet and I instantly wanted to hug them all. I also completely respected Celeste. She has gone through so much and is still fighting to get through life. The writing was also quite good.
My issue with this book was that I think there was a little too much happening in regards to back stories... Celeste had a lot of things happen to her... and I mean everything bad you could probably imagine she has gone through. Plus, Austin had an interesting story that was never really given enough time.
And I loved the first half of the book. I thought the pacing was great and it really drew me in. But I felt the ending wasn't developed enough. Some of the storyline resolutions didn't feel realistic and happened a bit too quick.
But besides that, I enjoyed this book. I thought that it was a good debut and I can't wait to see what this author does next!
I thought that this was a great debut by Nevaeh Lee. I really loved the characters... especially Austin, his little brother, and P&P. They were all so sweet and I instantly wanted to hug them all. I also completely respected Celeste. She has gone through so much and is still fighting to get through life. The writing was also quite good.
My issue with this book was that I think there was a little too much happening in regards to back stories... Celeste had a lot of things happen to her... and I mean everything bad you could probably imagine she has gone through. Plus, Austin had an interesting story that was never really given enough time.
And I loved the first half of the book. I thought the pacing was great and it really drew me in. But I felt the ending wasn't developed enough. Some of the storyline resolutions didn't feel realistic and happened a bit too quick.
But besides that, I enjoyed this book. I thought that it was a good debut and I can't wait to see what this author does next!
June 10, 2016
Holy freaking wow!!! This book!! It completely blew me away! I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down through out! This book had all of my favorite things in it! An amazing guy, and awesome best friend, 3 adorable little kids, and one kick ass strong female lead!!! We are introduced right away to Celeste and the world she has lived in. She's had it hard and she's had it tough but she is still one hell of a woman! You'd never know she had a past if you saw her walking down the street! Enter Austin who is a detective and I was in love from the beginning!! He was fierce and strong and so protective. And a very wonderful guy! Then the kiddos! Paisley, Parker, and Jayden! He three musketeers and so adorable! And then Ana, the best friend who I loved to death! Through these characters an amazing book full of love, heartbreak, but most of all perseverance was born! I can't wait for more by Neveah!!! This was hands down amazing!!!
September 2, 2019
One of the best books I have ever read! Nevaeh Lee is such a masterful storyteller, I was completely and effortlessly lost in the tale of Celeste Logan, by the second page of the book. Can't wait for more books from her!
June 9, 2016
good debut book from the author ;) I'm hoping Rico and Ana get a story too ;)
Read
April 29, 2017Is this book ever going to come out?
October 8, 2016
Worth the wait
I couldn't put it down, one of the best books I've read in awhile. It was definitely worth the wait.
I couldn't put it down, one of the best books I've read in awhile. It was definitely worth the wait.
August 25, 2017
Wow
## WOW. This book packed a punch. It was heavy but good. I wish the review would've mentioned (or should I say warned me) that this book centers around rape. I would have liked to be prepared for something that deep. I liked the heroine for the most part. The only thing I didn't like was how she threw herself at the hero (more than once), begging him for sex. He said NO but she didn't want to take NO for an answer. Being a rape victim herself, that didn't ring true for me. She, of all people, should know "NO means NO". The hero was OK. He asked a ton a questions forcing her to reveal a lot of personal information (he's the cop working her case). He didn't open up to her much in return and he said some pretty harsh things I'm not sure I would've gotten over. But he turned out OK. This book was definitely well written and had a very full ending which was a nice reward for the reader. If you don't mind a heavy subject and needing a few tissues, then I definitely recommend this.
## WOW. This book packed a punch. It was heavy but good. I wish the review would've mentioned (or should I say warned me) that this book centers around rape. I would have liked to be prepared for something that deep. I liked the heroine for the most part. The only thing I didn't like was how she threw herself at the hero (more than once), begging him for sex. He said NO but she didn't want to take NO for an answer. Being a rape victim herself, that didn't ring true for me. She, of all people, should know "NO means NO". The hero was OK. He asked a ton a questions forcing her to reveal a lot of personal information (he's the cop working her case). He didn't open up to her much in return and he said some pretty harsh things I'm not sure I would've gotten over. But he turned out OK. This book was definitely well written and had a very full ending which was a nice reward for the reader. If you don't mind a heavy subject and needing a few tissues, then I definitely recommend this.
June 25, 2018
Not good
I was pretty disappointed by this book. There were some parts I had a problem with. I think the story severely lacked any kind of passion. I didn't connect to the characters at all. I felt like they were both disconnected from each other and the story. There just wasn't a whole lot of feelings. It just felt very bland. That was one of the biggest parts I had a problem with; after what happened to Celeste, I felt the the story was just going through the motions. Not describing any kind of feelings at all. Like as if the book was talking about tan tapestry that was sitting in a tan room with a tan couch and no windows. I liked the story line and felt like it could have been a really good story, had there been more emotion and better descriptions. I didn't feel like Celeste and Austin were attracted to each other at all until more than half way through the book. I just felt like this could have been an incredible story that was ruined by lack of everything.
I was pretty disappointed by this book. There were some parts I had a problem with. I think the story severely lacked any kind of passion. I didn't connect to the characters at all. I felt like they were both disconnected from each other and the story. There just wasn't a whole lot of feelings. It just felt very bland. That was one of the biggest parts I had a problem with; after what happened to Celeste, I felt the the story was just going through the motions. Not describing any kind of feelings at all. Like as if the book was talking about tan tapestry that was sitting in a tan room with a tan couch and no windows. I liked the story line and felt like it could have been a really good story, had there been more emotion and better descriptions. I didn't feel like Celeste and Austin were attracted to each other at all until more than half way through the book. I just felt like this could have been an incredible story that was ruined by lack of everything.
May 15, 2017
Defying All Odds has been on my tbr list since it was published last year. I thought the cover was absolutely beautiful. I finally read this book last month and I can you tell the words inside the cover are equally beautiful.
I was a little apprehensive to continue this book when I finally decided to start reading as I see the author hasn't published since. If I enjoy a book I always need more from the author.
This may only be one book but what a book it is. Celeste has been dealt some heavy blows in her relatively young life but my gosh she handles them like a champ. Austin is one hell of a book boyfriend. I was totally invested in these characters lives and absolutely enamoured with this authors writing. While I saw what I thought could be an opening for another book this one is complete and wrapped up so very beautifully.
Neaveh Lee is an incredibly talented author and clearly passionate about her craft. I hope one day in the future we'll see more books from her.
I was a little apprehensive to continue this book when I finally decided to start reading as I see the author hasn't published since. If I enjoy a book I always need more from the author.
This may only be one book but what a book it is. Celeste has been dealt some heavy blows in her relatively young life but my gosh she handles them like a champ. Austin is one hell of a book boyfriend. I was totally invested in these characters lives and absolutely enamoured with this authors writing. While I saw what I thought could be an opening for another book this one is complete and wrapped up so very beautifully.
Neaveh Lee is an incredibly talented author and clearly passionate about her craft. I hope one day in the future we'll see more books from her.
July 6, 2016
I've been waiting on this book for a long time, after having been giving a small snippet of it so when it finally released, I couldn't wait to get to it. Nevaeh Lee has written an emotional story in Defying All odds. One that takes us on a unique journey for two people.
Celeste hasn't led an easy life, suffering a trauma in the past, one that led her to where she is now, one that has affected her life in numerous ways is only the start of her bad luck. Celeste is focused on keeping the life she's made for her and her children, not wanting to stir anything else up. Until another traumatic event happens that lands Celeste in the sight of Detective Austin, something that's about to turn her world even more upside down.
Austin isn't exactly happy with where his life is, forced into his current career as a cop, he's sort of just moving along with it, adrift in the life he's fallen into after being forced to make certain choices. He's not close with his father, and he isn't looking to find the one either. But all that changes when he arrives on scene of a new case and meets the resilient Celeste. Something about her tugs at his heart and has him trying to get to know her as he tries to solve her case.
When Celeste and Austin find themselves growing closer, both have reservations. And there's someone from the past, bound and determined to re-enter Celeste's life by causing problems. The addition of Celeste's twins make the story a little lighter given all the serious bits, and they add some cute moments.
Defying all Odds has a bit of suspense, there's some darkness, but overall its a story about overcoming things and finding your way, creating your own path and seeing where it lands you. Celeste is strong, she's had knocks, but never let them define her, though they affect her daily. Austin takes another look at his life, and the things he's taken forgranted while focusing on other parts of his life he dislikes. I loved the way these two came together and found something that defied the odds. From pain and fear, came strength and love.
I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future.
Celeste hasn't led an easy life, suffering a trauma in the past, one that led her to where she is now, one that has affected her life in numerous ways is only the start of her bad luck. Celeste is focused on keeping the life she's made for her and her children, not wanting to stir anything else up. Until another traumatic event happens that lands Celeste in the sight of Detective Austin, something that's about to turn her world even more upside down.
Austin isn't exactly happy with where his life is, forced into his current career as a cop, he's sort of just moving along with it, adrift in the life he's fallen into after being forced to make certain choices. He's not close with his father, and he isn't looking to find the one either. But all that changes when he arrives on scene of a new case and meets the resilient Celeste. Something about her tugs at his heart and has him trying to get to know her as he tries to solve her case.
When Celeste and Austin find themselves growing closer, both have reservations. And there's someone from the past, bound and determined to re-enter Celeste's life by causing problems. The addition of Celeste's twins make the story a little lighter given all the serious bits, and they add some cute moments.
Defying all Odds has a bit of suspense, there's some darkness, but overall its a story about overcoming things and finding your way, creating your own path and seeing where it lands you. Celeste is strong, she's had knocks, but never let them define her, though they affect her daily. Austin takes another look at his life, and the things he's taken forgranted while focusing on other parts of his life he dislikes. I loved the way these two came together and found something that defied the odds. From pain and fear, came strength and love.
I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future.
Want to read
November 9, 2015when is this coming out? ?
December 12, 2016
A great solo debut novel!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews