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Dark Love #1
Dark Love
2 sisters. 2 brothers. Love. Fantasy. Destiny. Danger. Secrets.
Nina Mckay is trying to cope with the loss of her father and depression. She feels as if she's at war with herself and the enemy side of her has complete control.
Nina, her mother Ali, and her sister Caroline, live in a small town called Scarlett Hills. Nina soon meets Andrew Madsen. Caroline meets his brother William Madsen. 2 sisters fall in love with 2 brothers that have secrets that will change their perspectives of the world and of themselves.
Nina soon finds herself standing in the rain, watching her life fall apart. Her outlook on the world will change drastically and soon she will be opened up to a whole different fantasy world that has always seemed impossible, that will change herself forever.
Nina Mckay is trying to cope with the loss of her father and depression. She feels as if she's at war with herself and the enemy side of her has complete control.
Nina, her mother Ali, and her sister Caroline, live in a small town called Scarlett Hills. Nina soon meets Andrew Madsen. Caroline meets his brother William Madsen. 2 sisters fall in love with 2 brothers that have secrets that will change their perspectives of the world and of themselves.
Nina soon finds herself standing in the rain, watching her life fall apart. Her outlook on the world will change drastically and soon she will be opened up to a whole different fantasy world that has always seemed impossible, that will change herself forever.
258 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 2014
14 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Howe
16 books132 followersOlivia Howe resides in a small town located in Maine. Born in 1994, makes her a very young bestselling author. She was originally born in Florida, but she considers herself a Mainer. In her spare time, she loves to write, listen to music, binge watch TV shows and spend time with her family. She's big on supporting authors and their books. She owns a book blog called Beautifully Broken Book Blog.
She's known for the Amazon Bestselling Series called The Dark Love Series and The Killer Novella Series.
She has many more books in the works and some being published soon; including: Ophelia, Locked Up Love, Fugitive (Episode 3 in The Killer Novella Series) and Trying to Remember (book 3 in The Dark Love Series).
She's known for the Amazon Bestselling Series called The Dark Love Series and The Killer Novella Series.
She has many more books in the works and some being published soon; including: Ophelia, Locked Up Love, Fugitive (Episode 3 in The Killer Novella Series) and Trying to Remember (book 3 in The Dark Love Series).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 24, 2014
This is not a review. This is a Thank You!!!!!
How can you give a bad review to a book that deals with the range of emotions that we've all been through at some point in our own lives. As I started reading, the book didn't grip me from page one but I continued reading because I was Nina. I remember not feeling good enough. I remember only wanting to protect my mother and little sister. Depression is horrible, but with help and support it is treatable.
The way Olivia weaved the story showed her newbieness lol but she did such a fantabulous job keeping me on my toes with the suspense of the book. She took an ordinary teenager and made her magnificent. She looked into the face of depression and said "You will not defeat me." I loved this book. When my children are old enough to understand depression and anxiety, they will definitely be reading this book.
This book brought tears to my eyes, made me smile at the goofiness of teenagers and feel like a kid again.
This isn't a review. This is a thank you to Olivia for having the strength and courage to talk about a disease that often gets swept under the rug or misdiagnosed.
How can you give a bad review to a book that deals with the range of emotions that we've all been through at some point in our own lives. As I started reading, the book didn't grip me from page one but I continued reading because I was Nina. I remember not feeling good enough. I remember only wanting to protect my mother and little sister. Depression is horrible, but with help and support it is treatable.
The way Olivia weaved the story showed her newbieness lol but she did such a fantabulous job keeping me on my toes with the suspense of the book. She took an ordinary teenager and made her magnificent. She looked into the face of depression and said "You will not defeat me." I loved this book. When my children are old enough to understand depression and anxiety, they will definitely be reading this book.
This book brought tears to my eyes, made me smile at the goofiness of teenagers and feel like a kid again.
This isn't a review. This is a thank you to Olivia for having the strength and courage to talk about a disease that often gets swept under the rug or misdiagnosed.
March 16, 2014
I am very privileged to have come across this book, Dark Love is the perfect paranormal romance read, it contains all the essential ingredients to make this indeed a very entertaining story, however what amazes me the most is the writer; Olivia Howe is an independent author, she is only 19 years old and has managed to captivate me with her style of writing, there is definitely a lot of talent; For Olivia is paramount to let the readers know that before writing this book she had been struggling with severe depression and anxiety, and writing Dark Love was a healing ingredient to overcome this illness, she is not afraid to expose that about herself, on the contrary she embraces that fact and has included this very delicate topic as part of her story, the lead character Nina is recovering from the same illness after the death of her father.
From the very first page we are drawn into the plot, 2 sisters who share a powerful bond and are desperately trying to rebuild their lives after their terrible loss are attempting to go back to their every day routines so they go back to school where destiny awaits them in the form of the Madsen brothers Andrew and William, the attraction between both couples is instantaneous and irresistible, but unfortunately just when things seem to be looking up reality couldn't be further from the truth as the brothers are hiding a dark secret, a secret that will have an impact in all their lives.
The book has great fluidity, there is plenty of romance, and drama and the dialogue is engaging, there were unexpected twists and turns within the plot. One particular thing I liked was that Olivia wasn't afraid to take a gamble writing some parts of the book in a monologue style as our lead keeps entries in a diary, but this actually payed off as those parts in the book were extremely heartfelt and I cant help but think there might be some of her essence written between those lines, and for that she has my complete admiration, she has set the foundation for what will be an incredible series and I can't wait to read the next instalment.
5 STARS!!
From the very first page we are drawn into the plot, 2 sisters who share a powerful bond and are desperately trying to rebuild their lives after their terrible loss are attempting to go back to their every day routines so they go back to school where destiny awaits them in the form of the Madsen brothers Andrew and William, the attraction between both couples is instantaneous and irresistible, but unfortunately just when things seem to be looking up reality couldn't be further from the truth as the brothers are hiding a dark secret, a secret that will have an impact in all their lives.
The book has great fluidity, there is plenty of romance, and drama and the dialogue is engaging, there were unexpected twists and turns within the plot. One particular thing I liked was that Olivia wasn't afraid to take a gamble writing some parts of the book in a monologue style as our lead keeps entries in a diary, but this actually payed off as those parts in the book were extremely heartfelt and I cant help but think there might be some of her essence written between those lines, and for that she has my complete admiration, she has set the foundation for what will be an incredible series and I can't wait to read the next instalment.
5 STARS!!
April 3, 2014
4.5 Stars
I would first like to say a big thank you to author Olivia Howe for giving me a copy of her book to read. The story is a great little paranormal story with a mix of romance.
The story is about Nina and Caroline who are sisters. The story is told from Nina’s POV. Nina is trying to get her life back on track after her father’s death. The story open’s with Nina in hospital after receiving support and treatment for depression following her father’s death. Nina is now leaving hospital in order to start re-start her school year. On their first day back at school Nina and Caroline meet brothers Andrew and William. There is an instant attraction between both Nina and Andrew and also Caroline and William. However Andrew and William are not quite what they seem and once Nina learns of their secret her life and Caroline’s will never be the same again.
The story hooked me right from the beginning. There is lots drama in the books and lots of twists and turns as things are revealed. There is also plenty of romance. You could really feel Nina and Andrew’s connection and chemistry.
The author lets the reader know that she also struggled with depression and that writing this book was a means of helping her recovery. The way the author expresses how Nina handles and deal’s with her depression is handled very well and it’s very easy to connect with why and how Nina is feeling.
I really liked the way the book was written. Each chapter starts with a diary entry which allows you learn a little more about how Nina is feeling and how she plans to deal with everything she is learning. I haven’t seen this in other books and I really liked it. The story flows really well and the dialogue is very engaging.
Overall a great first novel from Olivia Howe and I look forward to other books in the series.
I would first like to say a big thank you to author Olivia Howe for giving me a copy of her book to read. The story is a great little paranormal story with a mix of romance.
The story is about Nina and Caroline who are sisters. The story is told from Nina’s POV. Nina is trying to get her life back on track after her father’s death. The story open’s with Nina in hospital after receiving support and treatment for depression following her father’s death. Nina is now leaving hospital in order to start re-start her school year. On their first day back at school Nina and Caroline meet brothers Andrew and William. There is an instant attraction between both Nina and Andrew and also Caroline and William. However Andrew and William are not quite what they seem and once Nina learns of their secret her life and Caroline’s will never be the same again.
The story hooked me right from the beginning. There is lots drama in the books and lots of twists and turns as things are revealed. There is also plenty of romance. You could really feel Nina and Andrew’s connection and chemistry.
The author lets the reader know that she also struggled with depression and that writing this book was a means of helping her recovery. The way the author expresses how Nina handles and deal’s with her depression is handled very well and it’s very easy to connect with why and how Nina is feeling.
I really liked the way the book was written. Each chapter starts with a diary entry which allows you learn a little more about how Nina is feeling and how she plans to deal with everything she is learning. I haven’t seen this in other books and I really liked it. The story flows really well and the dialogue is very engaging.
Overall a great first novel from Olivia Howe and I look forward to other books in the series.
March 20, 2014
Dark love... WOW!! where to start? ok first off Olivia is 19 yrs old and is a self published indie author, you go girl that's amazing! I also loved how olivia wrote nina the main character from her own real life experience's. Ive only read a few paranormal romance books before, but this one had me glued to it from start to finish.
The story line was amazing and it was smooth an never jumped around.
Ok a little bit about the characters... Mina just lost her dad, shes dealing with depression and having a hard time like any teenage girl would. she starts her Jr yr of high school. she meets Andrew and takes one look at his dark dreamy eyes and is hooked!
Andrew has a secret that he has kept from Nina. when she finds out will she run, or make her like him that much more? I can't tell you, you will have to read the book an find out :).
Nina also finds a secret out about her dad that will make everything make sense. then she has to decide to protect herself or her family.
The story line was amazing and it was smooth an never jumped around.
Ok a little bit about the characters... Mina just lost her dad, shes dealing with depression and having a hard time like any teenage girl would. she starts her Jr yr of high school. she meets Andrew and takes one look at his dark dreamy eyes and is hooked!
Andrew has a secret that he has kept from Nina. when she finds out will she run, or make her like him that much more? I can't tell you, you will have to read the book an find out :).
Nina also finds a secret out about her dad that will make everything make sense. then she has to decide to protect herself or her family.
March 22, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I think that Olivia has a lot of promise in her future as an author, and I am looking forward to see what else she brings us!
Dark Love deals with some issues of depression and anxiety, and was written in a way that shows you what people go through on a daily basis with those problems. It also shows you how one person can change your entire world and help you out of that dark place. The love story is very sweet and you will adore Andrew. His back story is very interesting and it's cool to see into Olivia's world of vampires and how they all began. If you love vampires and romance, this book is for you. I am looking forward to reading more of Andrew and Nina's world!
Dark Love deals with some issues of depression and anxiety, and was written in a way that shows you what people go through on a daily basis with those problems. It also shows you how one person can change your entire world and help you out of that dark place. The love story is very sweet and you will adore Andrew. His back story is very interesting and it's cool to see into Olivia's world of vampires and how they all began. If you love vampires and romance, this book is for you. I am looking forward to reading more of Andrew and Nina's world!
April 5, 2014
A friend turned me on to this book and I'm glad I read it because I absolutely loved this book it has a beautiful story line with great characters very adventurous!
Dark Love is a heart warming love story of Nina and Andrew and deals with depression and anxiety issues as well as how to overcome it with help from those closest to you if you enjoy vampires as well as romance I strongly recommend this book.I believe Olivia has a gift and cant wait to read more of her work.
Dark Love is a heart warming love story of Nina and Andrew and deals with depression and anxiety issues as well as how to overcome it with help from those closest to you if you enjoy vampires as well as romance I strongly recommend this book.I believe Olivia has a gift and cant wait to read more of her work.
April 3, 2014
My 4 1/2 star Review!
I would like to start off by saying that this book is one of the best paranormal romance books that I have read in a long time. This story centers around two sisters Nina and Caroline. They have suffered a great deal in their short lives and for Nina she has fallen into a deep pit of despair that she may never learn to get out of. That is until she meets Andrew. He is the light to her dark and he becomes her happiness. What makes the deal even sweeter? He has a brother! William is just as amazing as his brother and Caroline is just his type. What more could you want for your sister? When you’re in love you want everyone else to be in love around you. After all the tears and sadness they have faced, the Sister’s are finally happy and falling in love with the men that they deserve and everything is right in their lives; that is until the unthinkable happens….
**Spoiler Alert** The Brother’s have a deep dark secret that will not only change everything but it brings up skeletons from the past that threaten to pull Nina back under and back into the darkness that followed the death of her father. The secret is that Andrew and William are not only their world and their light but they are filled with a darkness that is consuming…. They are vampires.
I personally loved the raw emotions and the truth that falling in love brings, reading this book it was easy to imagine myself as Nina and I couldn’t help but fall in love with the characters myself. I think that a lot should be said for the author Olivia Howe. She did an amazing job telling the story of Nina and her family over coming struggles and finding love even if there are secrets; when its right love will outweigh the darkness.
I would like to start off by saying that this book is one of the best paranormal romance books that I have read in a long time. This story centers around two sisters Nina and Caroline. They have suffered a great deal in their short lives and for Nina she has fallen into a deep pit of despair that she may never learn to get out of. That is until she meets Andrew. He is the light to her dark and he becomes her happiness. What makes the deal even sweeter? He has a brother! William is just as amazing as his brother and Caroline is just his type. What more could you want for your sister? When you’re in love you want everyone else to be in love around you. After all the tears and sadness they have faced, the Sister’s are finally happy and falling in love with the men that they deserve and everything is right in their lives; that is until the unthinkable happens….
**Spoiler Alert** The Brother’s have a deep dark secret that will not only change everything but it brings up skeletons from the past that threaten to pull Nina back under and back into the darkness that followed the death of her father. The secret is that Andrew and William are not only their world and their light but they are filled with a darkness that is consuming…. They are vampires.
I personally loved the raw emotions and the truth that falling in love brings, reading this book it was easy to imagine myself as Nina and I couldn’t help but fall in love with the characters myself. I think that a lot should be said for the author Olivia Howe. She did an amazing job telling the story of Nina and her family over coming struggles and finding love even if there are secrets; when its right love will outweigh the darkness.
April 6, 2014
I was gifted this book from the Author for an honest review.
I gave this book 4 stars.
This is Nina and Andrew's story.
Nina is depressed she was diagnosed it from her doctors and has spent some time in the hospital getting it treated. She is not happy thing have happened in her life and she doesn't think things can ever be the same. That is until she meets Andrew. He makes her happy, he makes her want to stay happy. But Andrew has a secret and once that secret is out it changes everything. Will they be able to stay together through all of this?
I really liked this story and gave it four stars. The reason I didn't give 5 is because I think the story was great but I can see potential for growth from this Author. She is amazing, but is going to get better. The story reminded me of a series that I will not name so I don't give it away. And that bothered me a little bit too.
But I loved Andrew and Nina's love it was perfect. He brought so much out of her that she had hidden. I do believe that their love can conquer all things, even with the things going on in her life.
Also loved the side characters her sister and his brother. Lynns and William. This story has so many twists and turns and just when you have it figured out something else will happen that will have you going wow!
Thank you Olivia for a beautiful book.. I can't wait to read the next one!!!
March 26, 2014
please check out my full review here
http://trinastantilisingtidbits.blogs...
I was asked by Olivia to read/review Dark Love for her.
Nina has had a hard few years and for her it is only going to become unbearable.
She finds out information regarding herself which is hard not only for her to believe but also to comprehend, everything about her life she thought was solid, turns out not to be that way.
She does not react to tragedy or shock extremely well and has had previous bought of depression and is a victim of self harm.
She meets Andrew who becomes her rock, he is her sounding board, her forever man, and their love just continues to blossom throughout the story, you could not ask for a nicer couple or wish to share the moments with any other character.
But then the truth about Andrew surfaces and she is once again stunned and falls back into a depressed state, it takes a lot of will power to re-establish a down to earth manner.
But then circumstances change and someone Nina truly loves is put into danger, how will Nina and Andrew cope with this new found information.
It is hard to write a true informative review with out giving the plot of the story away, but I thoroughly enjoyed and loved this story from the plot to the characters, and would recommend it to all vampire lovers everywhere.
4 stars from me.
http://trinastantilisingtidbits.blogs...
I was asked by Olivia to read/review Dark Love for her.
Nina has had a hard few years and for her it is only going to become unbearable.
She finds out information regarding herself which is hard not only for her to believe but also to comprehend, everything about her life she thought was solid, turns out not to be that way.
She does not react to tragedy or shock extremely well and has had previous bought of depression and is a victim of self harm.
She meets Andrew who becomes her rock, he is her sounding board, her forever man, and their love just continues to blossom throughout the story, you could not ask for a nicer couple or wish to share the moments with any other character.
But then the truth about Andrew surfaces and she is once again stunned and falls back into a depressed state, it takes a lot of will power to re-establish a down to earth manner.
But then circumstances change and someone Nina truly loves is put into danger, how will Nina and Andrew cope with this new found information.
It is hard to write a true informative review with out giving the plot of the story away, but I thoroughly enjoyed and loved this story from the plot to the characters, and would recommend it to all vampire lovers everywhere.
4 stars from me.
April 5, 2014
I was gifted a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow this is an awesome debut from Olivia Howe, Dark Love is about Nina McKay and her family mainly her sister Caroline. The last year of Nina's life has being especially hard for her due to a tragic accident ripping apart her family, she develops depression and just life in general. School starts after the summer and she meets Andrew who seems to be smitten with her, he is tall, pale, but has the darkest eyes she has ever seen and she loves looking at them.
We also meet Andrew's brother William who seems to be smitten with Nina's sister Caroline so as in the blurb 2 sister's fall in love with 2 brothers. Now these brothers have secrets and it's only a matter of time when Nina and Caroline find out what it is.
I loved the writing style Olivia is a very talented writer you fall in love with the story, the characters, the feelings she provokes in you is just beautiful, you feel everything they do. The sadness, love, happiness, friendships everything you feel it all so thank you Olivia for writing such a beautiful book you have a fan here who will read anything you write. I can't wait for more.
5 Stars
Wow this is an awesome debut from Olivia Howe, Dark Love is about Nina McKay and her family mainly her sister Caroline. The last year of Nina's life has being especially hard for her due to a tragic accident ripping apart her family, she develops depression and just life in general. School starts after the summer and she meets Andrew who seems to be smitten with her, he is tall, pale, but has the darkest eyes she has ever seen and she loves looking at them.
We also meet Andrew's brother William who seems to be smitten with Nina's sister Caroline so as in the blurb 2 sister's fall in love with 2 brothers. Now these brothers have secrets and it's only a matter of time when Nina and Caroline find out what it is.
I loved the writing style Olivia is a very talented writer you fall in love with the story, the characters, the feelings she provokes in you is just beautiful, you feel everything they do. The sadness, love, happiness, friendships everything you feel it all so thank you Olivia for writing such a beautiful book you have a fan here who will read anything you write. I can't wait for more.
5 Stars
April 7, 2014
I give this story 4 stars. This story started out with Nina (17yr old) that is locked away in a hospital due her Major Depression disorder. Nina would cut her legs to to push the pain she was feeling inside. I know we all have felt so sad depressed .. some of us wished there was a easy way to get rid of the pain. Finally finding that balance and knowing in order to be happy, you have to focus on the happiness, instead.
Nina meets a lovely boy named Andrew, after fainting in class because she failed to eat breakfast one morning. Talk about love at first sight, both seem very smitten by each other. You can feel the chemistry between Nina & Andrew. Andrew is hiding a secret about himself, Nina doesn't realize how truly special she is. This book offers you bone chilling suspense, drama, and romance.
This gave you a twist on a lot of different stories that you have seen in the movies and that’s why I am giving it a 4. It;s well written. There was no big cliff hanger, just ended like wait for the next part of their story!.
Nina meets a lovely boy named Andrew, after fainting in class because she failed to eat breakfast one morning. Talk about love at first sight, both seem very smitten by each other. You can feel the chemistry between Nina & Andrew. Andrew is hiding a secret about himself, Nina doesn't realize how truly special she is. This book offers you bone chilling suspense, drama, and romance.
This gave you a twist on a lot of different stories that you have seen in the movies and that’s why I am giving it a 4. It;s well written. There was no big cliff hanger, just ended like wait for the next part of their story!.
June 13, 2014
wow - I couldn't put this book down. From bringing to end the story had me hooked.
Having suffered from depression on and off for a number of years, the writer Olivia Howe accurately portrayed the feelings and reactions of someone with depression it wasn't until I finished book that read that she was suffering from depression at the time of writing the book. It lead an a authentication to the story that wouldn't have been there otherwise i feel.
The story starts with Nina being released from hospital after dealing with major depression following the death of her father. After forgetting to eat breakfast one morning she end up fainting and being caught be the new boy in school Andrew and they soon become friends. Andrew has a secret that threatens the budding romance. I won't give it away - only today I loved that I didn't see the twist coming. It takes a skilled writer to able to do that.
I now early await the seconded book in this series due out June 23rd.
Having suffered from depression on and off for a number of years, the writer Olivia Howe accurately portrayed the feelings and reactions of someone with depression it wasn't until I finished book that read that she was suffering from depression at the time of writing the book. It lead an a authentication to the story that wouldn't have been there otherwise i feel.
The story starts with Nina being released from hospital after dealing with major depression following the death of her father. After forgetting to eat breakfast one morning she end up fainting and being caught be the new boy in school Andrew and they soon become friends. Andrew has a secret that threatens the budding romance. I won't give it away - only today I loved that I didn't see the twist coming. It takes a skilled writer to able to do that.
I now early await the seconded book in this series due out June 23rd.
September 1, 2016
This book was gifted to me.
This is the remarkable story of Caroline & Nina, two teenage sisters who meet and fall in love with Andrew & William, two brothers who they later learn are vampire!......This is just the start of what quickly becomes a world full of secrets and discoveries that will threaten to spiral Nina back into the depression she has fought so hard to overcome when she finds out these secrets were hidden within and about her own family history and could force her to make life altering choices and perhaps even the ultimate sacrifice!
his story really had me right to the last page. The cast of characters are all well developed and Nina is totally 3D, I felt like I could some how "wish" her to stay strong and hang on.
I was amazed to learn that the Author is herself a young adult and I hope there is another installment on the horizon! Well Done Olivia Howe!
This is the remarkable story of Caroline & Nina, two teenage sisters who meet and fall in love with Andrew & William, two brothers who they later learn are vampire!......This is just the start of what quickly becomes a world full of secrets and discoveries that will threaten to spiral Nina back into the depression she has fought so hard to overcome when she finds out these secrets were hidden within and about her own family history and could force her to make life altering choices and perhaps even the ultimate sacrifice!
his story really had me right to the last page. The cast of characters are all well developed and Nina is totally 3D, I felt like I could some how "wish" her to stay strong and hang on.
I was amazed to learn that the Author is herself a young adult and I hope there is another installment on the horizon! Well Done Olivia Howe!
March 23, 2014
Dark Love is a must read for any Paranormal fan and for new fans alike. Olivia Howe an independent author, at only 19 years of age, has managed to draw me in with her amazing talent, from the first page to the last. Olivia states that she had been struggling with severe depression and anxiety, and writing Dark Love was a way of overcoming the depression.
From the very first page I was drawn into the plot, Nina and Caroline are not only sisters, their best friends and they are desperately trying to rebuild their lives after losing their father in a terrible accident. From the moment they meet the Madsen brothers, Andrew and William, they are immediate attracted to them and feel that maybe things are starting to look up for them, but reality couldn't be further from the truth as the brothers are hiding behind secrets that wont only effect their lives, but everyone around them.
April 1, 2014
This book really stuck a chord in me because I can empathize with Nina. I, too, suffer from anxiety and depression. I understand her sudden mood swings and fainting attacks. While I don’t faint when overwhelmed, I will have panic attacks. Andrew is every girl’s dream boyfriend. He is very attentive and loves Nina very much. He does carry a dark and dangerous secret. This book has just the right amount of danger and romance to keep the reader engaged in the story. The main characters are well thought out and draw feelings out of you as you read their story.
This is a 5 star book in my opinion. If you have the ability to make my eyes water from reading your words, you have done an excellent job. I am anxiously waiting for the next book to be written/released. I want to hear more about these characters and hope that we get to meet new friends along the way.
This is a 5 star book in my opinion. If you have the ability to make my eyes water from reading your words, you have done an excellent job. I am anxiously waiting for the next book to be written/released. I want to hear more about these characters and hope that we get to meet new friends along the way.
April 8, 2014
Major depression? Anxiety disorders? They are all very real..
The pain in your heart is just too much to bare so you cut yourself to not feel at least something....
This book is a good relatable story to understand and have better outlook on life with an interesting story to go along with it.
Nina lost her dad and struggles day to day living with the sadness and emptiness.. Until she meets Andrew.
But Andrew has a secret of his own...hes a vampire.
We didnt expect the paranormal side of this book but it was a pleasant surprise with a nice young adult love story with a good lesson on depression as well.
Fantastic way to tackle a very real and heartbreaking illness as a majority of the time is goes unseen.
Olivia this story is capturing in a such a sad way but we're glad you bring light to the readers.
The pain in your heart is just too much to bare so you cut yourself to not feel at least something....
This book is a good relatable story to understand and have better outlook on life with an interesting story to go along with it.
Nina lost her dad and struggles day to day living with the sadness and emptiness.. Until she meets Andrew.
But Andrew has a secret of his own...hes a vampire.
We didnt expect the paranormal side of this book but it was a pleasant surprise with a nice young adult love story with a good lesson on depression as well.
Fantastic way to tackle a very real and heartbreaking illness as a majority of the time is goes unseen.
Olivia this story is capturing in a such a sad way but we're glad you bring light to the readers.
March 22, 2014
I received a copy directly from the author for review. 4.5 Stars
Wow! I can't believe the author is only 19. It is very well-written! The story was engaging and I found myself thinking about what's going to happen next when I wasn't reading. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA Paranormal Romances.
I normally don't read YA Paranormal Romance (exceptions being Twilight, of course, and The Vampire Diaries) but this was a great story. I did notice similarities of this story line to that of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries (book and tv show-yes I watch the show only because I read the books and now I'm sucked into it). I know, being as those have recently dominated mainstream media, it is bound to have influence on other's writing.
Wow! I can't believe the author is only 19. It is very well-written! The story was engaging and I found myself thinking about what's going to happen next when I wasn't reading. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA Paranormal Romances.
I normally don't read YA Paranormal Romance (exceptions being Twilight, of course, and The Vampire Diaries) but this was a great story. I did notice similarities of this story line to that of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries (book and tv show-yes I watch the show only because I read the books and now I'm sucked into it). I know, being as those have recently dominated mainstream media, it is bound to have influence on other's writing.
March 19, 2014
**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Dark Love was an amazing read. I have to say I was astounded to find out that the author, Olivia Howe, was 19...and a self published indie author! Kudos to you for that alone! I love the fact that this books main character, Nina Mckay, was written from Howe's own personal experiences. For this to be Howe's debut book I must say I love her writing style and the story line itself was fantastic. I was engrossed in this story from beginning to end and am looking forward to the rest of the series. I am fairly new to paranormal reads but stories like this make me understand why people love this genre! Highly recommend this! Great book!!
Dark Love was an amazing read. I have to say I was astounded to find out that the author, Olivia Howe, was 19...and a self published indie author! Kudos to you for that alone! I love the fact that this books main character, Nina Mckay, was written from Howe's own personal experiences. For this to be Howe's debut book I must say I love her writing style and the story line itself was fantastic. I was engrossed in this story from beginning to end and am looking forward to the rest of the series. I am fairly new to paranormal reads but stories like this make me understand why people love this genre! Highly recommend this! Great book!!
March 23, 2014
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
Dark Love was remarkably well written . The story of two sisters and their mother sticking together throughout the good times and the bad was amazing.
This story is about two sisters, Nina and Caroline, falling in love with two brothers, Andrew and William, and the conflicts they will have to overcome. Through the story, you will meet some remarkable characters who have secrets of their own. In the end, someone will have to make some life altering personal sacrifices.
This was a great deputy novel by Olivia Howe. I can't wait to see what happens next for Nina,Andrew, Caroline, William, and the rest of the characters. This is definitely a must read..
Dark Love was remarkably well written . The story of two sisters and their mother sticking together throughout the good times and the bad was amazing.
This story is about two sisters, Nina and Caroline, falling in love with two brothers, Andrew and William, and the conflicts they will have to overcome. Through the story, you will meet some remarkable characters who have secrets of their own. In the end, someone will have to make some life altering personal sacrifices.
This was a great deputy novel by Olivia Howe. I can't wait to see what happens next for Nina,Andrew, Caroline, William, and the rest of the characters. This is definitely a must read..
April 7, 2014
Major depression? Anxiety disorders? They are all very real. The pain in your heart is just too much to bare so you cut yourself to not feel. This book is a good relatable book to understand and have better outlook on life with an interesting story to go along with it. Nina lost her dad and struggles day to day living from sadless. Until she meets Andrew. He has a secret of his own...hes a vampire. I didnt expect the paranormal side of this book but it was a pleasant surprise with a nice young adult love story with a good lesson on depression as well.
March 31, 2014
wow!!! I am not sure if I am more blown away by this incredible story line or the fact that the author is so talented at the age of 19. I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for a review, I did not read the synopsis or any reviews so I was completely blind when I started reading it. I knew from the beginning of the book that it was going to be an emotional book, but I never saw all the different turns that the story line took. Olivia is an incredibly talented author and I can not wait to read more of her work.
June 20, 2014
Two sisters have a very strong bond and are trying to build up their life back up again after a tragedy struck. Nina deals with severe depression and copes the only way she can think of. After a couple of months they get back to their normal routine and go back to high school. Meeting new friends and a chance encounters with the Madsen brothers, Andrew and William. Both sisters and brothers click instantly but things can't go as well as they want to and things get between them. A dark secret that will have an impact on all of them.Wow where to start! This was such a good read and so wasn't expecting it to be a paranormal one but it didn't bother me was just a surprise. It deals with a lot of emotions that anyone can relate to such as grief and depression. Be aware that it talks about self harm. I really loved the way it was written starting off as a diary and explaining what happened before the book starts and why the character is where she's at. It took me a few chapters to get into the story but once I was into it I couldn't put the book down it was that good! You become one with the character and feel her distress and anxiety. The author did such a great job about that! She kept me on my toes through out the book with the suspense. This book made me smile and cry. Talking about such heavy topics and turn it into such a beautiful story was really amazing! Plenty of romance, drama and twists and turns withing the story. I really enjoyed the diary parts of the books it was a unique way to go on about the story and the start of each chapter. Can't wait to read more! Amazing first novel from Olivia!
August 10, 2014
At long last!
Review - Dark Love by Olivia Howe
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for this honest review.
This was a difficult book for me to read and review for a few reasons. First, the main character and I share a name and fair amount of personality traits.
Second, partly because of the first reason, the book hit really close to home.
Third, it's not the type of book I usually read. At all.
With all that said, Dark Love is an amazing story. Ms. Howe captures the anguish and pain of dealing with depression and pours it into her main character, Nina Mckay. She voices the character so eloquently, it's easy forget she's not real. Anyone who knows me, knows I'm not a huge fan of first-person present narration but Ms. Howe makes it work nicely. There's the perfect balance of showing and telling to make the story flow without feeling forced.
While the storyline will remind you of a few other things, Dark Love is a unique spin on its genre. It handles sensitive mental health issues with dignity and grace without glamorizing them like seems to be the current trend. And there's a great love story brewing under the surface. If teen angst and paranormal creepiness are your thing, please do give this book a read. Even if it isn't, give this book a read - Ms. Howe is a tremendous writer with great potential and you'll want to be able to say you were reading her from the beginning.
Review - Dark Love by Olivia Howe
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for this honest review.
This was a difficult book for me to read and review for a few reasons. First, the main character and I share a name and fair amount of personality traits.
Second, partly because of the first reason, the book hit really close to home.
Third, it's not the type of book I usually read. At all.
With all that said, Dark Love is an amazing story. Ms. Howe captures the anguish and pain of dealing with depression and pours it into her main character, Nina Mckay. She voices the character so eloquently, it's easy forget she's not real. Anyone who knows me, knows I'm not a huge fan of first-person present narration but Ms. Howe makes it work nicely. There's the perfect balance of showing and telling to make the story flow without feeling forced.
While the storyline will remind you of a few other things, Dark Love is a unique spin on its genre. It handles sensitive mental health issues with dignity and grace without glamorizing them like seems to be the current trend. And there's a great love story brewing under the surface. If teen angst and paranormal creepiness are your thing, please do give this book a read. Even if it isn't, give this book a read - Ms. Howe is a tremendous writer with great potential and you'll want to be able to say you were reading her from the beginning.
June 27, 2014
Nina Mckay is trying to cope with the loss of her father and depression. She feels as if she's at war with herself and the enemy side of her has complete control.
Nina, her mother Ali, and her sister Caroline, live in a small town called Scarlett Hills. Nina soon meets Andrew Madsen. Caroline meets his brother William Madsen. 2 sisters fall in love with 2 brothers that have secrets that will change their perspectives of the world and of themselves.
Nina soon finds herself standing in the rain, watching her life fall apart. Her outlook on the world will change drastically and soon she will be opened up to a whole different fantasy world that has always seemed impossible, that will change herself forever.
Coming from an author that was a young 19 years of age I didn’t know what to expect. Olivia Howe does a beautiful job of intertwining first love with a great vampire story. No! it’s not another version of Twilight! In the beginning, I wasn’t quite sure where Ms. Howe was going…But reading on, I found that I was surprised at the depth that she wrote the characters. Through pain, troubled minds and hearts, this story unfolds to so much more than what I expected. Olivia Howe is definitely an author to watch!
Nina, her mother Ali, and her sister Caroline, live in a small town called Scarlett Hills. Nina soon meets Andrew Madsen. Caroline meets his brother William Madsen. 2 sisters fall in love with 2 brothers that have secrets that will change their perspectives of the world and of themselves.
Nina soon finds herself standing in the rain, watching her life fall apart. Her outlook on the world will change drastically and soon she will be opened up to a whole different fantasy world that has always seemed impossible, that will change herself forever.
Coming from an author that was a young 19 years of age I didn’t know what to expect. Olivia Howe does a beautiful job of intertwining first love with a great vampire story. No! it’s not another version of Twilight! In the beginning, I wasn’t quite sure where Ms. Howe was going…But reading on, I found that I was surprised at the depth that she wrote the characters. Through pain, troubled minds and hearts, this story unfolds to so much more than what I expected. Olivia Howe is definitely an author to watch!
May 4, 2015
I give this story a certain amount of leeway when I consider how young the author is.
For that reason I didn't dislike the story on the mere basis that I found it derivative.. It is a solid story fixed on a workable premise.
However, I found this story beleaguered, redundant to a great degree and predictable.Which left me greatly dissatisfied.
As it is, I believe someone dropped the ball and dropped it big time when it came to editing, if in fact this work went through the correct channels to publication. I find it irritating that author, editor, and possibly proofreaders somehow managed to miss the mass of redundancies and the fact that on least two occasions SIGHT was referred to as SITE. This is of course completely discounting the fact that irked me most, people being referred to throughout this book as 'THAT' instead of 'WHO'.
Also speaking as someone who has suffered through depression for many years I can honestly say that I've never pitied anyone who suffers with depression in any form. I have a sense of how they feel but to pity someone you have to be in a better position than they are so I found that whole first chapter to be rather insulting to those of us who struggle and don that mask every day.
For that reason I didn't dislike the story on the mere basis that I found it derivative.. It is a solid story fixed on a workable premise.
However, I found this story beleaguered, redundant to a great degree and predictable.Which left me greatly dissatisfied.
As it is, I believe someone dropped the ball and dropped it big time when it came to editing, if in fact this work went through the correct channels to publication. I find it irritating that author, editor, and possibly proofreaders somehow managed to miss the mass of redundancies and the fact that on least two occasions SIGHT was referred to as SITE. This is of course completely discounting the fact that irked me most, people being referred to throughout this book as 'THAT' instead of 'WHO'.
Also speaking as someone who has suffered through depression for many years I can honestly say that I've never pitied anyone who suffers with depression in any form. I have a sense of how they feel but to pity someone you have to be in a better position than they are so I found that whole first chapter to be rather insulting to those of us who struggle and don that mask every day.
May 22, 2014
Nina is broken. She just lost her father and her mom has her admitted into a ward for cutting and depression. Her mom thinks it's time for her to come home and get back to normal. It's time for school to start she and Caroline her sister are nervous. She forgets to eat one morning and low and behold she passed out thankfully a handsome Andrew catches her. They start talking and hit it off automatically. Caroline is talking to his brother William and are hitting it off also. She gets attacked at a football game and Alex comes to her rescue. Alex is Andrews sister and is becoming Nina's best friend. She takes her to a self defense class which is awesome because every girl needs to know how to defend themselves. Andrew tries to keep a secret from her but that doesn't go over very well and when she finds out what it is she finds herself still wanting to be with him. There is also another loop thrown in here and Nina still can't believe that situation. Caroline gets kidnapped and Nina goes crazy. All she has is her family and she will get her back or die trying. This is a great book can't wait for the next!
May 3, 2014
**We received a copy for an honest review**
Nina is a 17 year old girl who has suffered from depression and cutting after her father died. Its been very hard for her. After getting released from the hospital she finally gets to go home to her mother and younger sister Caroline and get her life back on track.
When Nina and her sister start school they meet the gorgeous brothers Andrew and William. There is an instant attraction between Nina and Andrew and the other two Caroline and William. But everything isn't always what it seems! Nina finds out that Andrew and William are keeping a secret and it could change everything. The life she knew isn't what it is.
This story is full of emotions depression, grief, loss, happiness, betrayal, and sacrifice. I was hooked from the very first page!!! This story hits home for me so while reading I could definitely connect with Nina. It amazed me how the author managed to capture me with the style of her writing. I really look forward for reading more from her in the very near future!!
5 Stars
Nina is a 17 year old girl who has suffered from depression and cutting after her father died. Its been very hard for her. After getting released from the hospital she finally gets to go home to her mother and younger sister Caroline and get her life back on track.
When Nina and her sister start school they meet the gorgeous brothers Andrew and William. There is an instant attraction between Nina and Andrew and the other two Caroline and William. But everything isn't always what it seems! Nina finds out that Andrew and William are keeping a secret and it could change everything. The life she knew isn't what it is.
This story is full of emotions depression, grief, loss, happiness, betrayal, and sacrifice. I was hooked from the very first page!!! This story hits home for me so while reading I could definitely connect with Nina. It amazed me how the author managed to capture me with the style of her writing. I really look forward for reading more from her in the very near future!!
5 Stars
October 31, 2014
A very emotional yet exciting book to read! I had the most fortunate opportunity to read this book and I was glad I did. With being a teenager and losing her father at an early I completely understand where Nina (the main character in the book) is coming from with all her emotions. Luckily she has the love and support of family and new friends, including 2 handsome brothers! Many twist and turns were put in this book very cleverly and at the right times. A slight cliffhanger is at the end but I personally love a good one. I will be getting the 2nd book right after I finish this review. I need to know what happens to everyone in the story, does it lead to a happily ever after or will there be tragedy at the end? I would have personally never guessed this was written by a 19 year old. The writing in this book is so enticing and puts you straight into the story. Make sure you get a copy of this and join in on the fantasy of 2 sisters falling in love with 2 brothers who carry their own secrets. Let’s hope that those secrets do not pull the love they carry apart!
July 6, 2015
Nina lives with her mother and sister,shes suffering from depression and also loss and grief over death of her father.Two brothers meet two sisters,they fall in love but the brothers are hiding something that will impact on the two sisters lives forever,finding out this secret brings things up from the past for Nina once again and threatens to plunge her back into her depression,what this secret is and how they all cope with the world it opens up for them you will have to read the book for yourself as it gives away to much!!
I really enjoyed reading this book and liked how the chapters started with a diary entry written by Nina,the subject of depression is handled sensitively and thanks to the authors writing style you can connect with Nina and the feelings she has.Theres twists and turns and drama in a well paced interesting story that has Nina questioning her own family history,theres alot of romance too Andrew and Nina have a strong chemistry and he becomes her rock.This is the authors first book and i look forward to reading her work in the future.
I really enjoyed reading this book and liked how the chapters started with a diary entry written by Nina,the subject of depression is handled sensitively and thanks to the authors writing style you can connect with Nina and the feelings she has.Theres twists and turns and drama in a well paced interesting story that has Nina questioning her own family history,theres alot of romance too Andrew and Nina have a strong chemistry and he becomes her rock.This is the authors first book and i look forward to reading her work in the future.
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