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Crushed
Having it all has never been so hard.
For eighteen-year-old serial womanizer Fletch Colson, life is a game and if he plays by the rules, he’ll win it his dream college, his parents’ money, and a hot (if a little vapid) girl on his arm. Really, it couldn’t be easier. All he has to do is get good grades, live a privileged life, and try not to mess up too much.
However, when he accepts the seemingly impossible bet to change his ways and be “just friends” with smart, beautiful, tempting Ellie Jacobs – a girl who turns his world inside out - Fletch discovers his perfect life isn’t so wonderful.
As family secrets begin tumbling out, what once seemed simple and clear, no longer feels right, and Fletch must decide if winning it all is worth losing a piece of himself.
For eighteen-year-old serial womanizer Fletch Colson, life is a game and if he plays by the rules, he’ll win it his dream college, his parents’ money, and a hot (if a little vapid) girl on his arm. Really, it couldn’t be easier. All he has to do is get good grades, live a privileged life, and try not to mess up too much.
However, when he accepts the seemingly impossible bet to change his ways and be “just friends” with smart, beautiful, tempting Ellie Jacobs – a girl who turns his world inside out - Fletch discovers his perfect life isn’t so wonderful.
As family secrets begin tumbling out, what once seemed simple and clear, no longer feels right, and Fletch must decide if winning it all is worth losing a piece of himself.
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First published December 9, 2012
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About the author
Dawn Rae Miller
16 books174 followersDawn is a Twitter and fashion addict whose favorite things in life are her family, gorgeous dresses, tea leaf salad, and French macarons. She splits her time between San Francisco and Northern Virginia, and is always up for a trip to Paris.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
June 15, 2013
I have to admit, most of the books that I read have female protagonists, so whenever I read a book with a male protagonists, I find it a little refreshing...especially when I enjoy the character, and I absolutely adored Fletch! :D
Fletch is a ladies man and he really has no problem with that, and sometimes that kind of persona can be a bit off-putting with male narrators, but for Fletch--it worked! It worked because Fletch was so forthright and honest, and while he did hook up with a lot of girls, it wasn't all he wanted and it wasn't all he thought about either. I loved that Fletch was so confident, but also vulnerable at the same time. I also loved seeing him become friends with Ellie. It allowed him to become an even better character, and it gave him a way to look introspectively into his own life and decide on what he wanted to be like in his future.
I thought that Crushed was an amazing story. It was funny, and the characters were fantastic. Fletch is easily one of my favourite male narrators of all time; I loved his friends, especially Ellie. I loved seeing Fletch grow up, and I adored seeing his perspective on his budding friendship with Ellie. Overall, I just loved everything! Crushed was a wonderful story, an incredibly enjoyable read, and I fully recommend it! I especially think you'll enjoy this one if you like male narrators, and if you like when your narrators are flawed, but also willing to learn and grow. :)
Fletch is a ladies man and he really has no problem with that, and sometimes that kind of persona can be a bit off-putting with male narrators, but for Fletch--it worked! It worked because Fletch was so forthright and honest, and while he did hook up with a lot of girls, it wasn't all he wanted and it wasn't all he thought about either. I loved that Fletch was so confident, but also vulnerable at the same time. I also loved seeing him become friends with Ellie. It allowed him to become an even better character, and it gave him a way to look introspectively into his own life and decide on what he wanted to be like in his future.
I thought that Crushed was an amazing story. It was funny, and the characters were fantastic. Fletch is easily one of my favourite male narrators of all time; I loved his friends, especially Ellie. I loved seeing Fletch grow up, and I adored seeing his perspective on his budding friendship with Ellie. Overall, I just loved everything! Crushed was a wonderful story, an incredibly enjoyable read, and I fully recommend it! I especially think you'll enjoy this one if you like male narrators, and if you like when your narrators are flawed, but also willing to learn and grow. :)
April 16, 2015
3 That Was Good Stars
Well, I was in for a pleasant surprise. This book is more angst than anything else.
“Fetch” is a total horny, whiny bitch. No insult intended. It’s the truth. He’s a horndog and needs to settle down his buns— no, I take that back— his buns need spanking. His friends are dicks too. He’s your typical kid: under pressure from the school, his parents, etc, etc. And despite all the cliché drama, I deeply felt for him as a person. For a long while, he became more than just a character to me. When he screamed to “purge”— as he puts it— himself, the echoes vibrated through my soul.
The sweet friendship between Ellie and Fletch is the best part about this book. They play tag! I mean how can you not fall for that?!
My favorite quotes:
What really bugs me:
• The slut shaming, of course
• I’m a little confused at one scene. Julia is Fletch’s mom. Catherine is Calista’s mom and yet, it was “Julia” who pulled Calista out of the room when it was supposed to be the mom because it was shortly pointed out later that “she sounds a little too upbeat considering her mom just hauled her ass out of the room and clearly laid into her.” I’m guessing the author got their names mixed.
Well, I was in for a pleasant surprise. This book is more angst than anything else.
“Fetch” is a total horny, whiny bitch. No insult intended. It’s the truth. He’s a horndog and needs to settle down his buns— no, I take that back— his buns need spanking. His friends are dicks too. He’s your typical kid: under pressure from the school, his parents, etc, etc. And despite all the cliché drama, I deeply felt for him as a person. For a long while, he became more than just a character to me. When he screamed to “purge”— as he puts it— himself, the echoes vibrated through my soul.
The sweet friendship between Ellie and Fletch is the best part about this book. They play tag! I mean how can you not fall for that?!
My favorite quotes:
What really bugs me:
• The slut shaming, of course
• I’m a little confused at one scene. Julia is Fletch’s mom. Catherine is Calista’s mom and yet, it was “Julia” who pulled Calista out of the room when it was supposed to be the mom because it was shortly pointed out later that “she sounds a little too upbeat considering her mom just hauled her ass out of the room and clearly laid into her.” I’m guessing the author got their names mixed.
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January 4, 2013I am a huge fan of Dawn’s writing and by the very first paragraph which is definitely OUT THERE, you know that Crushed is going to be a VERY different book from her previous books, Larkstorm and Nightingale. The cover is simple yet effective and I like the fact that she’s gone down the contemporary route with this novel. What I LOVE most though is that the story is told by Fletch, a male protagonist. Dawn NAILED his voice which is something she does so well and like always, the dialogue is spot on.
Crushed tells the story of Fletch, a teenager at a boarding school who is going through the motions, until his real life can begin. It’s a journey of friendship, lust, love and ultimately self discovery. Fletch is not a bad boy per se but is a player. He sleeps around, he drinks and dabbles in occasional drug use but he’s also smart and doesn’t let his extracurricular activities interfere with getting good grades. He’s playing the game while having a little fun on the side and after all, it’s expected at least according to his father. As it turns out, things are a little complicated with his childhood friend Calista who keeps mind fucking Fletch (and not in a good way) and basically no one thinks he can be “just friends” with any girl. Fletch is determined to prove everyone wrong but is he even capable of this? And at what cost?
I normally groan when I see that a story is set at a boarding school but it’s usually a paranormal story and the character is the stereotypical new kid. Not so in this case. I have to be honest and say that sometimes I have a rocky relationship with contemp stories but I did enjoy this one. It’s not just about Fletch and the girls at school, it’s also about his family and his relationships with others, it’s about Fletch growing up and maybe even growing a pair of balls.
Whilst I love Fletch, I have to give a little shout out to Brady, Fletch’s best friend who might be a manwhore but he does have a six pack (and I’m not talking about beer) and a cheeky personality. I loved the bromance between him and Fletch and his graduation speech? PRICELESS. I guess I have a little soft spot for him.
Crushed is a standalone contemporary that is both edgy and real. I really enjoyed sharing Fletch’s journey and by the end, I felt like I knew him inside and out. I would definitely recommend this to contemporary fans.
Crushed tells the story of Fletch, a teenager at a boarding school who is going through the motions, until his real life can begin. It’s a journey of friendship, lust, love and ultimately self discovery. Fletch is not a bad boy per se but is a player. He sleeps around, he drinks and dabbles in occasional drug use but he’s also smart and doesn’t let his extracurricular activities interfere with getting good grades. He’s playing the game while having a little fun on the side and after all, it’s expected at least according to his father. As it turns out, things are a little complicated with his childhood friend Calista who keeps mind fucking Fletch (and not in a good way) and basically no one thinks he can be “just friends” with any girl. Fletch is determined to prove everyone wrong but is he even capable of this? And at what cost?
I normally groan when I see that a story is set at a boarding school but it’s usually a paranormal story and the character is the stereotypical new kid. Not so in this case. I have to be honest and say that sometimes I have a rocky relationship with contemp stories but I did enjoy this one. It’s not just about Fletch and the girls at school, it’s also about his family and his relationships with others, it’s about Fletch growing up and maybe even growing a pair of balls.
Whilst I love Fletch, I have to give a little shout out to Brady, Fletch’s best friend who might be a manwhore but he does have a six pack (and I’m not talking about beer) and a cheeky personality. I loved the bromance between him and Fletch and his graduation speech? PRICELESS. I guess I have a little soft spot for him.
Crushed is a standalone contemporary that is both edgy and real. I really enjoyed sharing Fletch’s journey and by the end, I felt like I knew him inside and out. I would definitely recommend this to contemporary fans.
January 3, 2013
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Fletch is the stereotypical rich boarding school senior whose main interest is sex, drugs, and alcohol.... until he meets Ellie. Ellie is a sweet girl - probably the only girl who actually sees Fletch for who he is.... not just who he pretends to be. I have to admit I was very frustrated with Fletch many times during this book... although thinking back on it his decisions that angered me were probably realistic decisions based on the environment he was raised in. In the end I was proud of Fletch and the progress he made in this book. I do hope we see more of these characters in the future!
The book is written from Fletch's POV... while it was unique to get his POV I do wish that I had been able to see some scenes from Ellie's POV also.
Honestly, it took me a few chapters to really become interested in the book (mostly because I didn't like Fletch's character in the beginning), but I'm glad I stuck with it.... in the end I really liked and understood his character.
I give this book 3.5 stars.
The book is written from Fletch's POV... while it was unique to get his POV I do wish that I had been able to see some scenes from Ellie's POV also.
Honestly, it took me a few chapters to really become interested in the book (mostly because I didn't like Fletch's character in the beginning), but I'm glad I stuck with it.... in the end I really liked and understood his character.
I give this book 3.5 stars.
February 6, 2013
It's difficult not to enjoy Fletch's character even though he is a wealthy, privileged, womanizing teenage boy with an assortment of various arrogant and self centered friends. Wanting to follow his dreams and own path in life but being forced to go along with his parents wishes, Fletch finds himself at a fork in the road to life. His whole life was planned out for him, including his dream girl and yet he found himself as a senior in an elite boarding school watching more. It seemed Fletch had everything he wanted except actual happiness.
Known as a huge womanizer, Fletch takes a bet from his friends to befriend a girl for most of the school year. What he doesn't expect to happen is fall for the girl as she shows him that it's ok to forge your own path and not follow the one that's laid out for him.
As Fletch discovers some dark family secrets and gets a glimpse into what his future and life really looks like, he finds it hard to continue on that path and tries to find a way out.
Crushed is not your typical teen book about wild, unruly, privileged teenagers who have the world at their finger tips. It has a much deeper message that anyone choosing a path in life can relate to. A light, fun read with enjoyable characters, Crushed is sure to capture the attention of the reader while giving hope that happiness will win in the end.
Known as a huge womanizer, Fletch takes a bet from his friends to befriend a girl for most of the school year. What he doesn't expect to happen is fall for the girl as she shows him that it's ok to forge your own path and not follow the one that's laid out for him.
As Fletch discovers some dark family secrets and gets a glimpse into what his future and life really looks like, he finds it hard to continue on that path and tries to find a way out.
Crushed is not your typical teen book about wild, unruly, privileged teenagers who have the world at their finger tips. It has a much deeper message that anyone choosing a path in life can relate to. A light, fun read with enjoyable characters, Crushed is sure to capture the attention of the reader while giving hope that happiness will win in the end.
October 11, 2021
Mini reseña.
Una historia cliché de Friends to lovers? Creo, no estoy muy segura. Pero muy entretenido la verdad, no es un libro que decís wow, pero tiene su encanto.
La protagonista me cayó muy bien, no es la típica densa insoportable que siempre nos presentan en los libros de este tipo. Era totalmente relajada y simpática. Y el protagonista también, aunque tiene bastantes momentos que me hacen acordar que estoy leyendo un libro de 2012 en pleno 2021, y no es lindo la verdad.
Lastimosamente el final no me gustó, tampoco como la autora quiso darle una especie de "cierre" a la historia. Pero al final termino publicando una continuación con una sinopsis que manda a la basura toda esta trama. Pero como no voy a leerlo, no me interesa.
El libro esta bueno para pasar el rato y no querer enredarte con puros dramas. 3/5⭐ Dawn
Una historia cliché de Friends to lovers? Creo, no estoy muy segura. Pero muy entretenido la verdad, no es un libro que decís wow, pero tiene su encanto.
La protagonista me cayó muy bien, no es la típica densa insoportable que siempre nos presentan en los libros de este tipo. Era totalmente relajada y simpática. Y el protagonista también, aunque tiene bastantes momentos que me hacen acordar que estoy leyendo un libro de 2012 en pleno 2021, y no es lindo la verdad.
Lastimosamente el final no me gustó, tampoco como la autora quiso darle una especie de "cierre" a la historia. Pero al final termino publicando una continuación con una sinopsis que manda a la basura toda esta trama. Pero como no voy a leerlo, no me interesa.
El libro esta bueno para pasar el rato y no querer enredarte con puros dramas. 3/5⭐ Dawn
December 29, 2012
This book was a surprise. I normally don't go for books like this. The hero is self-destructive (which I usually love as a character flaw) without any true reason for his behavior besides the fact that he is uber rich. I thought that the author's protrayal of the characters of this book is believable and even if they can be selfish and bratty at times most of the time you end up liking them for it.
Another, the hero is not some self-assured alpha male but a regular teen who is both spoiled and neglected by his wealthy parents. He doubts himself most of the time but keeps reacting in the same destructive man-whorish behavior.
This was a solid young adult novel but not PG-13 by any means due to all the sex and drugs being thrown around the book.
Highly recommend this book.
Another, the hero is not some self-assured alpha male but a regular teen who is both spoiled and neglected by his wealthy parents. He doubts himself most of the time but keeps reacting in the same destructive man-whorish behavior.
This was a solid young adult novel but not PG-13 by any means due to all the sex and drugs being thrown around the book.
Highly recommend this book.
June 19, 2015
I won this book as part of the boxed set Dirty Boys of Summer: Alphas, Billionaires, Bikers, and Jocks. Wee for giveaways!
Honestly, the whole time I was reading this book (and skimming the end because ain't no one got time for that melodramatic shit that happened towards it) I wanted to
the main character.
No to the no thank you.
Honestly, the whole time I was reading this book (and skimming the end because ain't no one got time for that melodramatic shit that happened towards it) I wanted to
the main character.
No to the no thank you.
May 15, 2013
Wow this book was a surprise, and a really good one! It was written in a teenage boy's POV but the author did such an incredible job that I never once felt like I was reading a book written by a woman trying to sound like a man. I highly recommend this book to anyone liking more mature YA books.
December 25, 2012
Also posted in Oops! I Read A Book Again
After reading Gone Girl, I was so not in the mood for anything heavy. I needed a YA or an NA read asap! There came Dawn with her fantastic email, asking me if I can review Crushed. I immediately said yes after I read the synopsis. Sounds right up my alley. Fletch makes a bet with his friends that a player (or as they call him, a man-whore) like him can actually keep his hands to himself and be friends with a hot girl like Ellie Jacobs. We all know how this will end but that almost never stops us from reading, right?
This book is described as a new adult book and it doesn't waste its time establishing that. The first chapter has sex right from the start. Fletch and his pals attend a boarding school, an elite boarding school at that based on the descriptions. Their campus feels like a university with its many buildings and dorms, with a redwood forest at its property and a beach. Yeap. Plus, students here, or at least Fletch and his friends don't run out of money to buy weed. Yes, I can't count how many times they smoked pot or took some pills in this novel. Like I said, new adult or maybe upper YA. Sure, they're in high school but it sure feels like they're college students already.
I don't know how boarding schools are at USA but this novel colors them so wild. It's just very different here in the Philippines so it just might be me that I didn't find the setting that convincing. All the time I was reading, I kept thinking, "Is this real? Are they skateboarding in their campus while taking pills/drugs/weed?". Yes, this novel is about a teenager or teenagers getting wild, being alone and unsupervised in a boarding school where their parents pretty much funds everything. They get in trouble, yes, but their punishments are nothing rich Daddy can't get them out of. Yes, this novel is about privileged kids being rowdy and irresponsible. Yes, the characters seem easy to hate but you know what, I never hated them. I saw their flaws but I could never hate them because Dawn made these characters so real, you want to see them grow. And grow Fletch did.
Fletch is a rich character to explore. He's a player but he's been in love with only one girl ever since. He and his bestfriend, Brady, are both contenders for the spot of valedictorian. Basically, he's intelligent, rich and popular with the girls. He's a complicated character and definitely not your cardboard cut-out male protagonist. His problems are also legitimate (I will not spoil) and his internal conflict is so good. I love inner conflict because it brings out the character's personality more. You see his thought process, what he wants for himself, what he thinks, why he does things. Moreover, I like how Fletch and Ellie did not have an insta-love kind of love. Doesn't that make you happy? It made me really happy. Theirs was a slow dance, with passive-aggressive moves.
So why a three? I liked the novel, I really did, but it lost me at times. The novel was kind of slice-of-life-y in its style and so, each chapter kinda had its own scene, its own time frame. I'm normally okay with that but I guess I just noticed it much more here. The novel is character-driven and I don't have any problems with that but Crushed just felt like events tied together. Fletch and his pals buy weed. Next, they drink vodka and play video games. Ellie comes to the room one day. It's all jumpy in its narrative. So there's not much going on but there's enough in each chapter that drives the story forward. Maybe I just got tired of them being promiscuous and wild and all that because seriously, they've done nothing but that.
I like Ellie but I think she's like the manic pixie dream girl type in movies. She's cool and enigmatic. Maybe because Crushed is written in Fletch's perspective so Ellie seems like a conundrum, a puzzle waiting to be solved. She is actually, a puzzle, until we knew what she was thinking. So maybe Ellie is a stock character. However, a certain secondary character, Reid Yamashita, gets his own storyline and conflict and I really really like that. His conflict was also an internal one and one that I completely understand. I was cheering him on right from the get-go. And I really have to say this but I freakin' hated Calista. What's with the name? Ugh, bitch.
Overall, a nice, easy read written in the perspective of a complicated male protagonist. A plus for me because I love reading guy perspectives. And yeap,. this book is totally teenspeak. Never did I cringe for awkward dialogue and phrasings. I recommend this to anyone looking for a fast NA read (read it in 10 hours, where most of the time was spent not reading) which you'll enjoy. :)
Ooohh and the cover? Love love LOVE it! SO MUCH. It is so pretty I wanna have it displayed in my shelf. And you guys are lucky because Crushed is coming in paperback come January. Woohoo!
Thank you to Dawn for giving me a copy! I really appreciate it. Oh and yes, if you'd like to see Dawn's character board on Pinterest, clickie!
After reading Gone Girl, I was so not in the mood for anything heavy. I needed a YA or an NA read asap! There came Dawn with her fantastic email, asking me if I can review Crushed. I immediately said yes after I read the synopsis. Sounds right up my alley. Fletch makes a bet with his friends that a player (or as they call him, a man-whore) like him can actually keep his hands to himself and be friends with a hot girl like Ellie Jacobs. We all know how this will end but that almost never stops us from reading, right?
This book is described as a new adult book and it doesn't waste its time establishing that. The first chapter has sex right from the start. Fletch and his pals attend a boarding school, an elite boarding school at that based on the descriptions. Their campus feels like a university with its many buildings and dorms, with a redwood forest at its property and a beach. Yeap. Plus, students here, or at least Fletch and his friends don't run out of money to buy weed. Yes, I can't count how many times they smoked pot or took some pills in this novel. Like I said, new adult or maybe upper YA. Sure, they're in high school but it sure feels like they're college students already.
I don't know how boarding schools are at USA but this novel colors them so wild. It's just very different here in the Philippines so it just might be me that I didn't find the setting that convincing. All the time I was reading, I kept thinking, "Is this real? Are they skateboarding in their campus while taking pills/drugs/weed?". Yes, this novel is about a teenager or teenagers getting wild, being alone and unsupervised in a boarding school where their parents pretty much funds everything. They get in trouble, yes, but their punishments are nothing rich Daddy can't get them out of. Yes, this novel is about privileged kids being rowdy and irresponsible. Yes, the characters seem easy to hate but you know what, I never hated them. I saw their flaws but I could never hate them because Dawn made these characters so real, you want to see them grow. And grow Fletch did.
Fletch is a rich character to explore. He's a player but he's been in love with only one girl ever since. He and his bestfriend, Brady, are both contenders for the spot of valedictorian. Basically, he's intelligent, rich and popular with the girls. He's a complicated character and definitely not your cardboard cut-out male protagonist. His problems are also legitimate (I will not spoil) and his internal conflict is so good. I love inner conflict because it brings out the character's personality more. You see his thought process, what he wants for himself, what he thinks, why he does things. Moreover, I like how Fletch and Ellie did not have an insta-love kind of love. Doesn't that make you happy? It made me really happy. Theirs was a slow dance, with passive-aggressive moves.
So why a three? I liked the novel, I really did, but it lost me at times. The novel was kind of slice-of-life-y in its style and so, each chapter kinda had its own scene, its own time frame. I'm normally okay with that but I guess I just noticed it much more here. The novel is character-driven and I don't have any problems with that but Crushed just felt like events tied together. Fletch and his pals buy weed. Next, they drink vodka and play video games. Ellie comes to the room one day. It's all jumpy in its narrative. So there's not much going on but there's enough in each chapter that drives the story forward. Maybe I just got tired of them being promiscuous and wild and all that because seriously, they've done nothing but that.
I like Ellie but I think she's like the manic pixie dream girl type in movies. She's cool and enigmatic. Maybe because Crushed is written in Fletch's perspective so Ellie seems like a conundrum, a puzzle waiting to be solved. She is actually, a puzzle, until we knew what she was thinking. So maybe Ellie is a stock character. However, a certain secondary character, Reid Yamashita, gets his own storyline and conflict and I really really like that. His conflict was also an internal one and one that I completely understand. I was cheering him on right from the get-go. And I really have to say this but I freakin' hated Calista. What's with the name? Ugh, bitch.
Overall, a nice, easy read written in the perspective of a complicated male protagonist. A plus for me because I love reading guy perspectives. And yeap,. this book is totally teenspeak. Never did I cringe for awkward dialogue and phrasings. I recommend this to anyone looking for a fast NA read (read it in 10 hours, where most of the time was spent not reading) which you'll enjoy. :)
Ooohh and the cover? Love love LOVE it! SO MUCH. It is so pretty I wanna have it displayed in my shelf. And you guys are lucky because Crushed is coming in paperback come January. Woohoo!
Thank you to Dawn for giving me a copy! I really appreciate it. Oh and yes, if you'd like to see Dawn's character board on Pinterest, clickie!
December 26, 2012
I was given this book in exchange for a review and I just finished reading it. Wow. Guys it was...real. Not real in the sense of our main character being born with a silver spoon in his mouth, has multiple houses, and could go on dream vacations on the drop of a dime. No. That's strictly for the land of rich and famous. Fletch is real through his struggles. His struggle to define himself, to live up to his parents expectations while trying to break free from their mold, to go after what he wants in life. He is literally coming of age and it's messy and raw and exhilarating and painful. Crushed had a desperate intensity about it that comes when you are truly experiencing life, knowing that this time in your life is coming to an end. I'm not gonna lie. I went into this conflicted about the male POV. There are a couple of reasons.
First, I'm usually only about female POV with a few exceptions; and second, I've seen male POV's done by female authors. It's difficult to pull off. You have to walk the fine line between overly manly man and a fantasy effeminate and sensitive alpha male. Honestly, my respect for Dawn Miller has gone up so much on this alone. Fletch is what any normal, if manwhorish, 18 year old male is like. He's not this fantasy land super sensitive guy that's so in tune with a female he could probably predict their monthly flow. Nor is he this macho muscled manly type with a hero complex and huge sense of responsibility. He's just a regular teenage guy dealing with the shit that's going on in his life. A lot of times he reacts like a punk, running away from his problems and confrontations with girls until he's ready to deal. Which I LOVE because it's a normal human reaction. I do that all the time and I'm 24...I think I just compared my emotional maturity to that of an 18 year old guy. Not my best moment.
Speaking of normal human reactions...there's sex. And drugs. And alcohol. And it's a regular thing. So much YA books have PG sex and drugs in it with the feel of an above the influence ad. Either that or it's gratuitously added in, leaving it painfully obvious to the reader. Not the case with this. It's not there for us to get our rocks off and enjoy. It's something that Fletch does at times recreationally and at other times self-destructively. It's part of his growth. The one thing I will say is that I don't think teenagers these days would make a game out of sex and panty trophies. But hey this is the realm of the rich private school so who am I to say.
Two things I liked most about the book were that the romance was secondary to Fletch’s issues and the set of characters. They made the book as much as Fletcher did. I like how Reid's struggle paralleled Fletch's. Not saying they were identical or anything, but it was a good parallel. And I loved Brady. He was SO the jester of the book. You could always count on his comical antics and surprising insight on Fletch. I also loved how the romance took the back-burner on this one, although the blurb about the book leads you to believe differently, I liked so much better this way.
One of the few things that did bother me was that I don’t think any girl would be willing to passively wait around playing the friend role while the guy decides who to choose. At least not the girl it seemed like Ellie was. Another thing I wished for was more from Ellie. I thought she was wonderful, but I feel like we never got to her depth. It was there, you could tell, but it kept hovering just beyond the reach of the reader. I got to know her a little through Fletcher, but other than that I ended the book only knowing her little better from the beginning. Ironically I feel like I knew Calista better, and she stood out to me more. She's such a complex character. I still don't know whether I like her or not.
I have to give it to Dawn Miller. She wrote an great book. The dialogue was real and true to teenage form. The characters were complex and riddled with faults. And best of all it was messy. I've discovered I like books that are messy and aren't afraid to get down in the mud and roll around. This book's it. I will definitely be buying more of her books in the future. All I have to say is I'm glad you didn't let this sit on your computer Dawn Miller.
First, I'm usually only about female POV with a few exceptions; and second, I've seen male POV's done by female authors. It's difficult to pull off. You have to walk the fine line between overly manly man and a fantasy effeminate and sensitive alpha male. Honestly, my respect for Dawn Miller has gone up so much on this alone. Fletch is what any normal, if manwhorish, 18 year old male is like. He's not this fantasy land super sensitive guy that's so in tune with a female he could probably predict their monthly flow. Nor is he this macho muscled manly type with a hero complex and huge sense of responsibility. He's just a regular teenage guy dealing with the shit that's going on in his life. A lot of times he reacts like a punk, running away from his problems and confrontations with girls until he's ready to deal. Which I LOVE because it's a normal human reaction. I do that all the time and I'm 24...I think I just compared my emotional maturity to that of an 18 year old guy. Not my best moment.
Speaking of normal human reactions...there's sex. And drugs. And alcohol. And it's a regular thing. So much YA books have PG sex and drugs in it with the feel of an above the influence ad. Either that or it's gratuitously added in, leaving it painfully obvious to the reader. Not the case with this. It's not there for us to get our rocks off and enjoy. It's something that Fletch does at times recreationally and at other times self-destructively. It's part of his growth. The one thing I will say is that I don't think teenagers these days would make a game out of sex and panty trophies. But hey this is the realm of the rich private school so who am I to say.
Two things I liked most about the book were that the romance was secondary to Fletch’s issues and the set of characters. They made the book as much as Fletcher did. I like how Reid's struggle paralleled Fletch's. Not saying they were identical or anything, but it was a good parallel. And I loved Brady. He was SO the jester of the book. You could always count on his comical antics and surprising insight on Fletch. I also loved how the romance took the back-burner on this one, although the blurb about the book leads you to believe differently, I liked so much better this way.
One of the few things that did bother me was that I don’t think any girl would be willing to passively wait around playing the friend role while the guy decides who to choose. At least not the girl it seemed like Ellie was. Another thing I wished for was more from Ellie. I thought she was wonderful, but I feel like we never got to her depth. It was there, you could tell, but it kept hovering just beyond the reach of the reader. I got to know her a little through Fletcher, but other than that I ended the book only knowing her little better from the beginning. Ironically I feel like I knew Calista better, and she stood out to me more. She's such a complex character. I still don't know whether I like her or not.
I have to give it to Dawn Miller. She wrote an great book. The dialogue was real and true to teenage form. The characters were complex and riddled with faults. And best of all it was messy. I've discovered I like books that are messy and aren't afraid to get down in the mud and roll around. This book's it. I will definitely be buying more of her books in the future. All I have to say is I'm glad you didn't let this sit on your computer Dawn Miller.
January 19, 2013
Crushed by Dawn Rae Miller is a coming of age story about a boy struggling with decisions about his future while trying to maintain a relationship with a girl without letting it go farther than friendship. This was a difficult book for me to rate because while I did enjoy the story, I just wasn't the biggest fan of the actions of the main character, Fletch.
I don't usually enjoy stories where the only things the characters do are get high, drunk, or have sex. I just don't. Not only do I hate characters that have nothing else going for them in their lives, but I just find stories like that boring to read. I started Crushed thinking I was getting an awesome high school romance, with decent amounts of sexiness, but what I discovered about halfway through the book was that all of the characters were only interested in getting stoned, drunk, or laid. That's not to say the story wasn't interesting or entertaining, it just wasn't what I wanted to read and the characters weren't growing or changing as much as I would have liked. I got bored and it started taking me longer and longer to start reading again once I put the book down.
I hate to admit it, but I'm always a little wary about books with a male narrator. Sometimes they're awesome, but other times it can feel like all the narrator does is whine about the beautiful, wonderful, perfect girl he likes. Crushed sort of falls victim to the curse of the boy narrator. Fletch is a smooth talking, womanizer who never gets emotionally close to any of the girls he's with. But, unfortunately, he's practically obsessed with his childhood friend Calista, the girl he lost his virginity to three years ago. At least Fletch doesn't whine about how in love with her he is, but he does keep thinking that he loves her, even when his actions prove otherwise. Basically, this is only an issue because I hated Calista. She was the standard beautiful girl who was only using Fletch and toying with his feelings for her. This is why I usually hate reading from a guy's point of view. It seems more times than not, a male protagonist is always "in love" with a girl like that and it drives me nuts. You would think, a smart guy like Fletch, would be able to see Cal's actions for what they were and tell her to beat it.
Fletch was a likable narrator, even though he could be whiney and even downright douchey at times. It took most of the book, but eventually he came around and got his act together. One of the good things about Fletch being the narrator is that Miller had his voice down perfectly. I really felt like I was in the head of a spoiled private school boy.
Ellie was an okay love interest. I did like her, but for a supposedly good girl, she flashed her panties more times than most of the supposed "slutty" girls throughout the book. But she did give Fletch something to work toward. Because of his blossoming friendship with her, he realized that he could and should do what makes him happy, instead of blindly following in his father's footsteps. And he learned that he needed to start respecting girls and not just using and losing them.
Crushed is an angsty read, but a good read nonetheless. The characters are flawed (very flawed in some cases) and most don't seem to learn any moral lessons throughout, but they seem real for what they are. Rich, privileged children who have no parental guidance. I didn't grow up in that sort of environment, but I can imagine life at a high-priced boarding school to be similar to the one Miller writes about.
Crushed is definitely a mature YA or New Adult novel. With detailed descriptions of drug use and sexual situations, it's probably not suitable for younger readers. But it was a good read that I know a lot of readers will enjoy.
I don't usually enjoy stories where the only things the characters do are get high, drunk, or have sex. I just don't. Not only do I hate characters that have nothing else going for them in their lives, but I just find stories like that boring to read. I started Crushed thinking I was getting an awesome high school romance, with decent amounts of sexiness, but what I discovered about halfway through the book was that all of the characters were only interested in getting stoned, drunk, or laid. That's not to say the story wasn't interesting or entertaining, it just wasn't what I wanted to read and the characters weren't growing or changing as much as I would have liked. I got bored and it started taking me longer and longer to start reading again once I put the book down.
I hate to admit it, but I'm always a little wary about books with a male narrator. Sometimes they're awesome, but other times it can feel like all the narrator does is whine about the beautiful, wonderful, perfect girl he likes. Crushed sort of falls victim to the curse of the boy narrator. Fletch is a smooth talking, womanizer who never gets emotionally close to any of the girls he's with. But, unfortunately, he's practically obsessed with his childhood friend Calista, the girl he lost his virginity to three years ago. At least Fletch doesn't whine about how in love with her he is, but he does keep thinking that he loves her, even when his actions prove otherwise. Basically, this is only an issue because I hated Calista. She was the standard beautiful girl who was only using Fletch and toying with his feelings for her. This is why I usually hate reading from a guy's point of view. It seems more times than not, a male protagonist is always "in love" with a girl like that and it drives me nuts. You would think, a smart guy like Fletch, would be able to see Cal's actions for what they were and tell her to beat it.
Fletch was a likable narrator, even though he could be whiney and even downright douchey at times. It took most of the book, but eventually he came around and got his act together. One of the good things about Fletch being the narrator is that Miller had his voice down perfectly. I really felt like I was in the head of a spoiled private school boy.
Ellie was an okay love interest. I did like her, but for a supposedly good girl, she flashed her panties more times than most of the supposed "slutty" girls throughout the book. But she did give Fletch something to work toward. Because of his blossoming friendship with her, he realized that he could and should do what makes him happy, instead of blindly following in his father's footsteps. And he learned that he needed to start respecting girls and not just using and losing them.
Crushed is an angsty read, but a good read nonetheless. The characters are flawed (very flawed in some cases) and most don't seem to learn any moral lessons throughout, but they seem real for what they are. Rich, privileged children who have no parental guidance. I didn't grow up in that sort of environment, but I can imagine life at a high-priced boarding school to be similar to the one Miller writes about.
Crushed is definitely a mature YA or New Adult novel. With detailed descriptions of drug use and sexual situations, it's probably not suitable for younger readers. But it was a good read that I know a lot of readers will enjoy.
December 31, 2012
I'm always leery about a book when an author approaches me for a review... I mean, what if I hate it... what if I can't make myself finish it. There's so much pressure. Thankfully that is not what happened here.
Upon reading the summary for Crushed I was immediately excited. I mean first... it's in a male pov, which almost will have me on board. But that's not the only thing that had me intrigued.
For seventeen year old Fletch Colson, life is a game and if he plays by the rules, he'll win it all: his dream college, his parents' money and a hot (if a little vapid) girl on his arm.
Fletch Colson and his friends are the exact reason you should be afraid to send your kids to college... or boarding school in this case. He lives a life of privilege, his parents are loaded and he hasn't had to struggle for anything in his life. He's smart and cute and girls fall at his feel.
Every summer he and his friend Cal 'hook up', but once they are back to school, things go back to normal. He hooks up with anyone and everyone completely ignoring her. Only this summer he admits something to her and she basically throws it in his face. Back at school everyone assumes it's him who's hurt her in some way.
Why is this so hard? Why do I care so much?
I'm not supposed to care. Not about Calista. Not about feelings.
I'm Fletch Colson, star student, man-whore, and occasional pothead.
That's how my friends see me.
A growing friendship with Ellie Jacobs, a girl he's attracted to but has committed to a "just friends" relationship with is a huge part of this story. She's beautiful and sees him for who he really is.
Suddenly, everything that has been planned for him his whole life isn't as clear as it was, and while Fletch definitely lives up to his reputation I did feel bad for him when the expectations of his life became so overwhelming.
I never disliked a girl more than Calista at points in this story. I get what her part in all this was supposed to be, but I never felt an ounce of sympathy for her.
I will say that having never been to boarding school, one hopes that this isn't an accurate portrayal... and at times I felt maybe it would be more appropriate setting something like this in a college atmosphere since a lot of the story revolved around drinking, doing drugs and having sex. It makes me want to home school my child on the off chance that even a tiny bit of this is accurate. Maybe this is how the very rich live, I don't know, but it scares the ever living shit out of me.
All that being said, this was an enjoyable read. I found myself empathizing with Fletch and when the end rolls around I was very happy with the outcome. With excellent pacing and flow, the only thing I'd have liked more of is some better development of the other characters.
If you're looking for a coming of age story that has a narrator that's more complicated than he first seems... this might be the story for you.
This does have some very adult situations (sex, drugs) so keep that in mind when picking it up to read.
A copy of this book was provided for an honest review.
This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:
Upon reading the summary for Crushed I was immediately excited. I mean first... it's in a male pov, which almost will have me on board. But that's not the only thing that had me intrigued.
For seventeen year old Fletch Colson, life is a game and if he plays by the rules, he'll win it all: his dream college, his parents' money and a hot (if a little vapid) girl on his arm.
Fletch Colson and his friends are the exact reason you should be afraid to send your kids to college... or boarding school in this case. He lives a life of privilege, his parents are loaded and he hasn't had to struggle for anything in his life. He's smart and cute and girls fall at his feel.
Every summer he and his friend Cal 'hook up', but once they are back to school, things go back to normal. He hooks up with anyone and everyone completely ignoring her. Only this summer he admits something to her and she basically throws it in his face. Back at school everyone assumes it's him who's hurt her in some way.
Why is this so hard? Why do I care so much?
I'm not supposed to care. Not about Calista. Not about feelings.
I'm Fletch Colson, star student, man-whore, and occasional pothead.
That's how my friends see me.
A growing friendship with Ellie Jacobs, a girl he's attracted to but has committed to a "just friends" relationship with is a huge part of this story. She's beautiful and sees him for who he really is.
Suddenly, everything that has been planned for him his whole life isn't as clear as it was, and while Fletch definitely lives up to his reputation I did feel bad for him when the expectations of his life became so overwhelming.
I never disliked a girl more than Calista at points in this story. I get what her part in all this was supposed to be, but I never felt an ounce of sympathy for her.
I will say that having never been to boarding school, one hopes that this isn't an accurate portrayal... and at times I felt maybe it would be more appropriate setting something like this in a college atmosphere since a lot of the story revolved around drinking, doing drugs and having sex. It makes me want to home school my child on the off chance that even a tiny bit of this is accurate. Maybe this is how the very rich live, I don't know, but it scares the ever living shit out of me.
All that being said, this was an enjoyable read. I found myself empathizing with Fletch and when the end rolls around I was very happy with the outcome. With excellent pacing and flow, the only thing I'd have liked more of is some better development of the other characters.
If you're looking for a coming of age story that has a narrator that's more complicated than he first seems... this might be the story for you.
This does have some very adult situations (sex, drugs) so keep that in mind when picking it up to read.
A copy of this book was provided for an honest review.
This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:
January 4, 2013
3.5 Stars
Goodreads Synopsis:
For seventeen-year-old serial womanizer Fletch Colson, life is a game and if he plays by the rules, he’ll win it all: his dream college, his parents’ money, and a hot (if a little vapid) girl on his arm. Really, it couldn’t be easier. All he has to do is get good grades, live a privileged boarding school life, and try not to mess up too much.
However, when he accepts the seemingly impossible bet to change his ways and be “just friends” with smart, beautiful, tempting Ellie Jacobs – a girl who seems hell bent on confusing him - Fletch’s whole world is turned upside down.
Suddenly, what seemed simple and clear, no longer feels right and Fletch must decide if winning it all is worth losing a piece of himself.
My thoughts:
What I really enjoyed most about this book was that it was written entirely in the Male POV - something fairly rare, by my experience. It was a refreshing change to hear Fletch's voice throughout (even when I didn't particularly like what he was saying).
What I enjoyed least about this book was the frequent (and sometimes detailed) drug use, frequent and excessive alcohol consumption, and the multiple random sexual partners by Fletch and his crew of friends. Though this book is labelled as NA (16+), it seemed rather gratuitous at times, without purpose to the plot.
Overview:
Fletch is a boy who has had no control over his life, and who is expected to follow in the footsteps of his wealthy father...his entire life has been mapped out for him down to the boarding school he goes to, the dorm he stays in, the University he will attend and the girl he will marry. Our main character is kind of a ladies man (read: man whore) during the school year, but during summer breaks has a pseudo-relationship with the girl of his parent't expectations. Over a bout of testosterone infused male bonding, a wager is made against Fletch being able to be 'just friends' with an attractive girl. This is where we meet Ellie Jacobs, who with her smarts and beauty, thoroughly turn-on our poor boy Fletch, making it hard for him to keep his hands to himself. Ellie knows of Fletch's reputation and can see right through it to the real person underneath. She inserts herself into Fletch's life and gains his (and his horny brood of friends) respect and honest friendship.
Fletch, despite his family's wealth, feels trapped and forced into leading the life that is expected of him regardless of his personal dreams and goals. This book focuses on his growing to realize that he can make his own choices, take chances and achieve the life he wants for himself.
Overall, a good and enjoyable read.
*Disclosure: A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange of review.
Goodreads Synopsis:
For seventeen-year-old serial womanizer Fletch Colson, life is a game and if he plays by the rules, he’ll win it all: his dream college, his parents’ money, and a hot (if a little vapid) girl on his arm. Really, it couldn’t be easier. All he has to do is get good grades, live a privileged boarding school life, and try not to mess up too much.
However, when he accepts the seemingly impossible bet to change his ways and be “just friends” with smart, beautiful, tempting Ellie Jacobs – a girl who seems hell bent on confusing him - Fletch’s whole world is turned upside down.
Suddenly, what seemed simple and clear, no longer feels right and Fletch must decide if winning it all is worth losing a piece of himself.
My thoughts:
What I really enjoyed most about this book was that it was written entirely in the Male POV - something fairly rare, by my experience. It was a refreshing change to hear Fletch's voice throughout (even when I didn't particularly like what he was saying).
What I enjoyed least about this book was the frequent (and sometimes detailed) drug use, frequent and excessive alcohol consumption, and the multiple random sexual partners by Fletch and his crew of friends. Though this book is labelled as NA (16+), it seemed rather gratuitous at times, without purpose to the plot.
Overview:
Fletch is a boy who has had no control over his life, and who is expected to follow in the footsteps of his wealthy father...his entire life has been mapped out for him down to the boarding school he goes to, the dorm he stays in, the University he will attend and the girl he will marry. Our main character is kind of a ladies man (read: man whore) during the school year, but during summer breaks has a pseudo-relationship with the girl of his parent't expectations. Over a bout of testosterone infused male bonding, a wager is made against Fletch being able to be 'just friends' with an attractive girl. This is where we meet Ellie Jacobs, who with her smarts and beauty, thoroughly turn-on our poor boy Fletch, making it hard for him to keep his hands to himself. Ellie knows of Fletch's reputation and can see right through it to the real person underneath. She inserts herself into Fletch's life and gains his (and his horny brood of friends) respect and honest friendship.
Fletch, despite his family's wealth, feels trapped and forced into leading the life that is expected of him regardless of his personal dreams and goals. This book focuses on his growing to realize that he can make his own choices, take chances and achieve the life he wants for himself.
Overall, a good and enjoyable read.
*Disclosure: A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange of review.
February 15, 2013
I was interested in Crushed when I found out it was from a male perspective, there is something about an author taking on the opposite sex as a teenage protagonist that completely intrigues me. Probably because even though I like to think I know how teenage boys think, I don't really believe that I can fully get inside of their pea-brains. Maybe Miller has teenage boys around because I think she probably hit the nail on the head here.
A large part of Fletcher's story revolves around sex, drugs, alcohol and did I mention sex? He lives a privileged life with a rich Daddy who takes care of everything. What Daddy expects in return is, well everything. Be the perfect kid, get the perfect grades, get into the perfect college; but have a bad-boy good time doing it. It's okay, Daddy will take care of the trouble you cause.
Fletch is content in the life he's been given, until he's not. Until he realizes that the life he thinks he wants is a lie and it is slowly suffocating him. Fletch needs to find himself before he's lost forever.
Fletch is such a guy on the surface and such a girl on the inside. I really loved this kid. He's an ass and heart breaker at times but so vulnerable and loveable at other times. He's just a kid trying to find his path in life, find someone who loves him for him and not his money and find someone that challenges him.
Ellie does just that. Not intentionally. She isn't looking for a relationship, she isn't even looking for friendship with Fletch. But that's what she gets. She sees him for who he is, not the portrait he hides behind. Getting too close to Fletch could break her heart though and that's not a risk she's willing to take.
What I loved about Crushed was how slowly Fletch and Ellie fostered the relationship. I enjoy when authors give teenagers credit for having grown up feelings and making grown up decisions. Now, this is not to say that there aren't a ton (and I do mean a ton) of really immature decisions being made in this book. There are a countless many and this book will not be for everybody. Not everyone will understand the rawness and realness of how these kids live.
However, if you can handle underage drinking, drug-doing and casual sex then maybe check this one out. It's perhaps a little over the top and could have used a bit more closure but there is some deep emotion and witty humor mixed in to make this an entertaining coming of age story.
A large part of Fletcher's story revolves around sex, drugs, alcohol and did I mention sex? He lives a privileged life with a rich Daddy who takes care of everything. What Daddy expects in return is, well everything. Be the perfect kid, get the perfect grades, get into the perfect college; but have a bad-boy good time doing it. It's okay, Daddy will take care of the trouble you cause.
Fletch is content in the life he's been given, until he's not. Until he realizes that the life he thinks he wants is a lie and it is slowly suffocating him. Fletch needs to find himself before he's lost forever.
Fletch is such a guy on the surface and such a girl on the inside. I really loved this kid. He's an ass and heart breaker at times but so vulnerable and loveable at other times. He's just a kid trying to find his path in life, find someone who loves him for him and not his money and find someone that challenges him.
Ellie does just that. Not intentionally. She isn't looking for a relationship, she isn't even looking for friendship with Fletch. But that's what she gets. She sees him for who he is, not the portrait he hides behind. Getting too close to Fletch could break her heart though and that's not a risk she's willing to take.
What I loved about Crushed was how slowly Fletch and Ellie fostered the relationship. I enjoy when authors give teenagers credit for having grown up feelings and making grown up decisions. Now, this is not to say that there aren't a ton (and I do mean a ton) of really immature decisions being made in this book. There are a countless many and this book will not be for everybody. Not everyone will understand the rawness and realness of how these kids live.
However, if you can handle underage drinking, drug-doing and casual sex then maybe check this one out. It's perhaps a little over the top and could have used a bit more closure but there is some deep emotion and witty humor mixed in to make this an entertaining coming of age story.
June 20, 2015
I received a copy of this book from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to DNF this book so bad. However, because I already promised to never DNF anything, I pushed in and finished the whole thing. I do this because I want to show the authors enough respect to finish their book no matter how much I regret it. That being said, it is with all due respect when I say that I did not like this book at all, not even a little bit.
I'm not a fan of YA. However, there are some YA books in my shelf that I rated 5 red hearts and will actively promote to other readers. Therefore, when I say that I did not like this book, it is not because of the genre. No. It's really because of the whole plot.
There was no end goal. All through the book, there we're repeated parties, hanging out, fucking, drinking, and flirting that went on. The his and his friends were all too busy with booze, drugs, and girls. However, with everything that occupied his time, he still finished as class valedictorian. Wow. How perfect can he get? Not.
I feel like their was a huge indecision on the author's part regarding characters and their development. First, starting with how into Calista the hero was. And then painting her as hurt when they talked about his conquests. And then nothing happened. And then the hero met the heroine. But he still kept on sleeping with Calista. And then Calista was painted as a gold digger. And then back pedaled again and Calista really liked the hero. Seriously, she had more character complexities than the heroine. All the heroine did was be the hero's friend and accept him every time he was with another girl.
There was no love in this book. I'm sorry, but it was just a sad story that went nowhere. I had high hopes for this book. When I read the blurb, I though there was going to be some sort of redemption for the player hero. But no. No one was redeemed here. Even the heroine was sometimes TSTL. I'm sorry, but I didn't like this book.
I wanted to DNF this book so bad. However, because I already promised to never DNF anything, I pushed in and finished the whole thing. I do this because I want to show the authors enough respect to finish their book no matter how much I regret it. That being said, it is with all due respect when I say that I did not like this book at all, not even a little bit.
I'm not a fan of YA. However, there are some YA books in my shelf that I rated 5 red hearts and will actively promote to other readers. Therefore, when I say that I did not like this book, it is not because of the genre. No. It's really because of the whole plot.
There was no end goal. All through the book, there we're repeated parties, hanging out, fucking, drinking, and flirting that went on. The his and his friends were all too busy with booze, drugs, and girls. However, with everything that occupied his time, he still finished as class valedictorian. Wow. How perfect can he get? Not.
I feel like their was a huge indecision on the author's part regarding characters and their development. First, starting with how into Calista the hero was. And then painting her as hurt when they talked about his conquests. And then nothing happened. And then the hero met the heroine. But he still kept on sleeping with Calista. And then Calista was painted as a gold digger. And then back pedaled again and Calista really liked the hero. Seriously, she had more character complexities than the heroine. All the heroine did was be the hero's friend and accept him every time he was with another girl.
There was no love in this book. I'm sorry, but it was just a sad story that went nowhere. I had high hopes for this book. When I read the blurb, I though there was going to be some sort of redemption for the player hero. But no. No one was redeemed here. Even the heroine was sometimes TSTL. I'm sorry, but I didn't like this book.
Read
January 27, 2013I don't know that it's fair for me to give this a star rating, as I really didn't read the whole book. I tried, I really did. It just didn't hook me. I got maybe 20% through the book, and my mind kept drifting away from the story, and even while I was reading it, I didn't connect with it at all. I didn't like the main character, Fletch, and I didn't like his friends. It's hard to read the whole book when you don't like anything that you're reading.
January 14, 2013
In exchange for an honest review, I was given a copy of Crushed by Dawn Rae Miller. I have been looking for new books to read and was excited to give this one a try.
Crushed follows the senior year of high school student, Fletch, and is told from his perspective. I usually do not read books with male narrators; however, I really enjoyed hearing Fletch’s voice throughout the book. Miller does a superb job of realistically writing Fletch. If I did not know better, I would think a male author had written the book simply because Fletch’s voice is so authentic. The dialogue amongst characters is real and is something I could have heard my friends talk about. This kept me hooked on the story.
Now onto more of the plot. I liked how as the book went on I got to see Fletch grow. It was nice to see a male main character who is flawed but learning about himself and making positive changes. I loved his interactions with Ellie as well as his friend Brady. This book kept me excited about what was going to happen next and I was not able to easily predict the outcome, which was a bonus.
Overall, I recommend this book to both guys and girls looking for a fresh coming of age story. It’s funny, exciting, and simply a great read. My only complaint is that I wish the book had gone on just a bit longer because it left me wanting to know more about some of the characters and what would come next. I grew to enjoy Fletch and the other characters so much that I was sad to finish it. I will definitely reread this book and would love to read another book from Fletch’s point of view in the future.
Crushed follows the senior year of high school student, Fletch, and is told from his perspective. I usually do not read books with male narrators; however, I really enjoyed hearing Fletch’s voice throughout the book. Miller does a superb job of realistically writing Fletch. If I did not know better, I would think a male author had written the book simply because Fletch’s voice is so authentic. The dialogue amongst characters is real and is something I could have heard my friends talk about. This kept me hooked on the story.
Now onto more of the plot. I liked how as the book went on I got to see Fletch grow. It was nice to see a male main character who is flawed but learning about himself and making positive changes. I loved his interactions with Ellie as well as his friend Brady. This book kept me excited about what was going to happen next and I was not able to easily predict the outcome, which was a bonus.
Overall, I recommend this book to both guys and girls looking for a fresh coming of age story. It’s funny, exciting, and simply a great read. My only complaint is that I wish the book had gone on just a bit longer because it left me wanting to know more about some of the characters and what would come next. I grew to enjoy Fletch and the other characters so much that I was sad to finish it. I will definitely reread this book and would love to read another book from Fletch’s point of view in the future.
December 14, 2012
An incredibly realistic and fun read. Dawn Rae Miller will take you on a trip down memory lane back when you were still in school. This does contain a lot of scenes of a sexual and drug related nature, but without them the book wouldn't have any of it's magic.
Fletch is primed to be his father, right down to sharing the same name. Attending the same boarding school, staying in the same dorm, having the same kind of unhealthy fun, right down to applying for the same ivy league college. But it's not so bad. His dad's a millionnaire with a loving, beautiful wife and the seemingly perfect life. Fletch could do a lot worse.
But as senior year plays out, Fletch learns more than his essay topics. He learns that even the most wonderful lives come with gaping holes and as Fletch learns who he is, he also learns who his parents really are, which leaves him wondering if he wants to follow in his father's footsteps anymore. There's two paths to take. Standford (his first choice) and Ellie - the beautiful good girl. Or Princton (his Dad's college) and Calista - his parent's choice and friend with benefit.
Watching Fletch choose between these two paths makes for a wonderful read and it's a journey that I'm sure, as readers, you will all enjoy. There are some sexual scenes, so not for a younger audience, and swearing. But this definitely made me miss school and we finally have a great, realistic male MC!!
Fletch is primed to be his father, right down to sharing the same name. Attending the same boarding school, staying in the same dorm, having the same kind of unhealthy fun, right down to applying for the same ivy league college. But it's not so bad. His dad's a millionnaire with a loving, beautiful wife and the seemingly perfect life. Fletch could do a lot worse.
But as senior year plays out, Fletch learns more than his essay topics. He learns that even the most wonderful lives come with gaping holes and as Fletch learns who he is, he also learns who his parents really are, which leaves him wondering if he wants to follow in his father's footsteps anymore. There's two paths to take. Standford (his first choice) and Ellie - the beautiful good girl. Or Princton (his Dad's college) and Calista - his parent's choice and friend with benefit.
Watching Fletch choose between these two paths makes for a wonderful read and it's a journey that I'm sure, as readers, you will all enjoy. There are some sexual scenes, so not for a younger audience, and swearing. But this definitely made me miss school and we finally have a great, realistic male MC!!
January 6, 2013
I do not know how realistic this book is - are American students in boarding schools generally so hung up about drinks, drugs and sex? And yet can still aspire to be valedictorian by the end of school year? Wow….
I’m not saying that “Crushed” is not a good book; I’m just very uncomfortable with the content, especially with a cast consisting of horny teenagers whose aim in life is to enjoy themselves into insensibility and hopefully still make it to good universities after graduation. It was almost impossible for me to relate to them. For that reason alone, I couldn’t enjoy the story as much as others, I guess.
I read the book until the end to find out whether Fletch made any life-changing decisions. While I was not disappointed with the conclusion, I found myself indifferent to Fletch and Ellie’s relationship and instead, greatly sympathizing with Calista’s plight. Which, I’m sure, is not the point of this whole book!!
I chose this book to find out whether it is good enough for my 16-year-old daughter. Hmmm…. don’t think it’s suitable for her at all…
I’m not saying that “Crushed” is not a good book; I’m just very uncomfortable with the content, especially with a cast consisting of horny teenagers whose aim in life is to enjoy themselves into insensibility and hopefully still make it to good universities after graduation. It was almost impossible for me to relate to them. For that reason alone, I couldn’t enjoy the story as much as others, I guess.
I read the book until the end to find out whether Fletch made any life-changing decisions. While I was not disappointed with the conclusion, I found myself indifferent to Fletch and Ellie’s relationship and instead, greatly sympathizing with Calista’s plight. Which, I’m sure, is not the point of this whole book!!
I chose this book to find out whether it is good enough for my 16-year-old daughter. Hmmm…. don’t think it’s suitable for her at all…
February 9, 2015
I really enjoyed this book for it's raw honesty and brave writing and authentic male voice as the narrator. And I'll admit, Fletch is a hard character to swallow in the beginning. He's vain, selfish, a bit spineless on occasion, shallow, and a total asshole but I really believe guys like him exist and there's always more to them then what's on the surface. In this case, that was 100% true. The growth was rewarding. I loved the depression and conflicting emotions that Fletch faced and the constant battle with trying not to retreat to his old ways of dealing with his feelings--sex and partying. Ellie was a fantastic character and until pretty far into the book, I wasn't actually sure who he would end up with and that's really a good thing. The twists in the plot were well set up and not at all predictable but still believable. If you like edgy YA with a big coming-of-age theme then this is a great book for you to read. Also, I loved the boarding school setting. I'm a sucker for that and road trip books.
December 21, 2012
I'm always skeptical when approached by authors asking to read and review their books. Mostly because I've had some really awful books thrust at me, of which I couldn't get past page two. But when Ms. Miller approached me, I felt that her book sounded like something I would enjoy. I was hooked within the first couple paragraphs! This is definitely for a more mature group of readers, but it is a great read with a great voice. The entire book is told from one person's POV. Fletch's. The author pulls off the male voice quite well. I liked Fletch. He's never really stood up for himself, listening to his heart's desires about what he wants. Just doing what is expected of him. This is a stand alone novel but I felt like there was also the potential for a sequel and more Fletch-capades. It's not an extremely fast, action-packed read, but it kept me engrossed enough that I probably could have read it straight through, had it not been for such pesky things as work and sleep.
December 30, 2012
I really enjoyed this book! I find it hard sometimes to read books with a male POV, but Fletch was written with the voice of a regular teenager. It was a refreshing change! Although I am hoping the drug use and sexual activity level isn't representative of what goes on in your everyday public high school (I have a daughter that age!) I feel like it fit with the story here, of a privileged private boarding school.
The story was so much more a coming-of-age journey for a very confused boy, not a teen love story. I did love the way the relationship developed between Elle and Fletch. I was thrown for a loop with Calista, which doesn't happen often. I think all of the characters were well-written, each personality believable. I read this in one day and will recommend this to others. Thanks so much to Dawn for sending me a copy and allowing me to review it! I would be happy to do this for her again anytime. Enjoyable book!
The story was so much more a coming-of-age journey for a very confused boy, not a teen love story. I did love the way the relationship developed between Elle and Fletch. I was thrown for a loop with Calista, which doesn't happen often. I think all of the characters were well-written, each personality believable. I read this in one day and will recommend this to others. Thanks so much to Dawn for sending me a copy and allowing me to review it! I would be happy to do this for her again anytime. Enjoyable book!
January 21, 2013
I really like the fact the book is told in Fletcher's point of view, it's a nice change from all the female perspective books I read. I really laughed at Fletcher and Ellie's first meeting, Mr. Suave-man sure knows how to piss a girl off!
"I could pay you."
"I'm not a prostitute," she snaps.
I loved Ellie the girl has a temper and knows how to speak her mind, "You practically beg me to tutor you," she points to my book on my desk. "And then, when I'm here, you have no interest in studying, but instead tell me about how the fight you got in was over Calista. And you can't keep yours eyes off my boobs." She gives a dry laugh. "Pretty frickin' unbelievable if you ask me."
Fletcher sure knows how to piss me off in some situations and I sat there as I was reading the book and kept asking myself "what the hell is wrong with this boy?" He needs to get his crap together. I did enjoy reading the book though, I thought it ended a little to soon.
"I could pay you."
"I'm not a prostitute," she snaps.
I loved Ellie the girl has a temper and knows how to speak her mind, "You practically beg me to tutor you," she points to my book on my desk. "And then, when I'm here, you have no interest in studying, but instead tell me about how the fight you got in was over Calista. And you can't keep yours eyes off my boobs." She gives a dry laugh. "Pretty frickin' unbelievable if you ask me."
Fletcher sure knows how to piss me off in some situations and I sat there as I was reading the book and kept asking myself "what the hell is wrong with this boy?" He needs to get his crap together. I did enjoy reading the book though, I thought it ended a little to soon.
January 4, 2013
This book was good but i felt it may have needed just something more, now what that more was im not sure, maybe some drama, it was a pretty simple read i guess a coming of age book for Fletch! But i did enjoy this book describing a guy finally growing up and maturing and opening his eyes to everything around and realizing everything isn't as perfect as it seems. With his liein g of a bitch "friend" cal and his cheating father, Fletch realizes that he needs to finally figure out what HE wants and not go with the motions, not just do what his father and everyone else expects from him, but finally do something he wants with no one else's input!
What's i found crazy is all the drinking, drugs, and sex that this private boarding school has going on all over campus!! Crazy how no one ever gets caught!!
3.5 stars
What's i found crazy is all the drinking, drugs, and sex that this private boarding school has going on all over campus!! Crazy how no one ever gets caught!!
3.5 stars
December 28, 2012
I wasn't sure I was going to like this story, especially because it was from the point of view of a teenage boy.. But I honestly loved it. At first I thought Fletch was just your typical hormone ridden teenage boy, who only thought about himself. But once you get to know Fletch, you can't help but feel for him and care about him. The only thing he wants to do in his life is what his heart tells him, and his parents give him all these expectations that he shouldn't have to deal with. This is a totally believable character, as we're all of them. I think the only thing I would change is to maybe be able to get to know Calista's side a bit more. I really liked Ellie too, and I would love to see how things turned out for all of them! Thank you Dawn for the copy in return for review, I hope there's another book about them!
December 19, 2012
CRUSHED is amazing!
Fletch, the book’s narrator, is the character you'll love to hate, but the hate won't last. I read this quickly, often shaking my head at his antics, but all the while hoping for his success and change. And Miller does not disappoint on these aspects. We follow Fletch through his elite boarding school life, his incredibly-well drawn friendships and relationships, and yeah, his often shallow and sometimes meaningless debauchery. But all this changes when he starts to take a look at who he is, where he comes from and the hard truths about family and girls and love and expectations. This is a coming of age tale that will not disappoint. You will shake your head at some of the things Fletch gets up to, but he’ll end up stealing your heart in the end.
Fletch, the book’s narrator, is the character you'll love to hate, but the hate won't last. I read this quickly, often shaking my head at his antics, but all the while hoping for his success and change. And Miller does not disappoint on these aspects. We follow Fletch through his elite boarding school life, his incredibly-well drawn friendships and relationships, and yeah, his often shallow and sometimes meaningless debauchery. But all this changes when he starts to take a look at who he is, where he comes from and the hard truths about family and girls and love and expectations. This is a coming of age tale that will not disappoint. You will shake your head at some of the things Fletch gets up to, but he’ll end up stealing your heart in the end.
January 21, 2013
I was given a copy of the book for my honest opinion. I have to say that I liked the story overall and although I didn't nor know anyone that went to boarding school, I know plenty of high school aged kids who did more than their share of drugs and alcohol.
Yes, the amount of drugs and alcohol is disturbing. However, I think if is probably a pretty accurate depiction of what happens when you have tons of money and no parental supervision. I found Fletch to be likeable and in the end felt for him. His struggles are realistic.
I wish there would have been an epilogue as I would like to know the outcomes of decisions made in the very end. This was a very good story and I would love a sequel.
Yes, the amount of drugs and alcohol is disturbing. However, I think if is probably a pretty accurate depiction of what happens when you have tons of money and no parental supervision. I found Fletch to be likeable and in the end felt for him. His struggles are realistic.
I wish there would have been an epilogue as I would like to know the outcomes of decisions made in the very end. This was a very good story and I would love a sequel.
December 13, 2012
This book was an interesting spin on the life of a group of elite boarding high school kids. The main character, Fletch, is a womanizing, overachieving, rich kid whose entire life is being mapped out for him by his mother and father. Crushed outlines his thoughts as he trys to figure out who he is and what emotions are really his.
With a group of friends who range from pot smoking, womanizing fiends to girls with the self-esteem of snails, it did make me scared to ever let my child leave the house the closer he gets to becoming a teenager.
With a group of friends who range from pot smoking, womanizing fiends to girls with the self-esteem of snails, it did make me scared to ever let my child leave the house the closer he gets to becoming a teenager.
January 2, 2013
This book is bad. Baaaaaad.
But not in a literary way. In this way is is Soooo GOoood! So so so so so good.
But I pray that no school my children ever go to is this bad. Oh my it's scandalous!!
Fletch is the kind of character you don't want to like, yet you love and cheer for. I'm so happy with the way the story went. Toward the end I saw it veering in a way that I would have not been happy with but expected, but the ending was perfect. Thank you author: Dawn Rae Miller for another phenomenal book!
But not in a literary way. In this way is is Soooo GOoood! So so so so so good.
But I pray that no school my children ever go to is this bad. Oh my it's scandalous!!
Fletch is the kind of character you don't want to like, yet you love and cheer for. I'm so happy with the way the story went. Toward the end I saw it veering in a way that I would have not been happy with but expected, but the ending was perfect. Thank you author: Dawn Rae Miller for another phenomenal book!
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