Open My Eyes

The Evans Trilogy #2

by Jennifer Collin

Everything happens for a reason, they say. And sometimes the reason is you're stupid and make bad decisions. Sleeping with her sister's best friend is one of the dumbest things soon-to-be divorcee Emily Evans has ever done. But she's determined to put it behind her and move on. She's walked away from her cheating husband, managed to make a new friend, and found herself a real job and somewhere to live so she doesn't have to couch-surf any more. Everything should be falling into place but for one problem – there are some mistakes from which you can't move on.

Meanwhile, Ben Cameron is getting on with his life. After all, it's the only thing to do once your heart has been stomped on by the woman of your dreams. Expanding his business and getting cosy with the girl next door are proving welcome distractions. He's even happy to babysit his nephew, as long as he can to hand him back when he's done! And thankfully, Emily Evans, the woman with the heavy boots, is avoiding him like the plague.

But Emily can't avoid him forever, and when she drops a bombshell that turns Ben's world upside-down, suddenly, getting on with his life takes on a whole new meaning.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary

180 pages, ebook

First published April 7, 2014

About the author

Jennifer Collin writes quirky, and sometimes gritty, love stories about ordinary people dealing with what life throws at them. She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband, two noisy children and a cantankerous cat. She used to party, but now her idea of a good time is an uninterrupted sleep. These days, her characters do her partying for her, and she doesn't necessarily let them sleep.

Reviews

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Open My Eyes, Jennifer Collin
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews.
I hadn't reads the earlier book so at first some things like Emily's dislike of Cassie ( Cassette – who names their child that??) puzzled me, but as the story continued that became clear and I felt for her. I suspect there’s more to Cassie's actions too than we see on the surface. Emily, she's running from her problems, and yet they always follow – its something that she knows won't work. She married her ex in an effort to get normal, wanted what she never had growing up and though Geoff was dull he seemed to provide the normality and support she wanted. Having had a chequered family life as she grew up, then after catching the jerk out, she escaped and stayed with her sisters best friend Ben – and had a one night stand, which has resulted in her being pregnant. She was running from Ben when she found this out, and her new friend Annie comes home with her where they find a flat. Emily tries to tell Ben several times but something always stops her. Its hard as they parted on terms that make her feel he hates her, though she doesn't know just how far from the truth that is. Ben’s been trying to get past her, past his feelings for her and make a new start, but found it difficult when she was away, now she's back its even harder, though the attractive owner of the new shop next to his is proving a good distraction.
Emily keeps on putting off telling him, despite Annie and Charlotte, her sister, Ben's friend, telling her she must do it. As ever secrets have a way of getting out and this one does that right at the wrong moment. There are more than just this secret that comes out too...The story is fun, it has angst and jealousy ( I love that) lots of drama, and the others involved play large parts too making for an easy to read, light hearted, enjoyable romance. There's more to the story that just the romance, and I enjoyed the sub plots, the side diversions that occurred too. I loved the characters, and would happily read more in this series. I want to know more about what happens with them all. Its priced at just £1.85 for 293 pages.
Stars: four and a half, a good fun read.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Evans Trilogy is an entertaining set of stories about the trials and tribulations of the Evans siblings: Charlotte, Emily and Andy. In the first book, Set Me Free, the story focused on Charlotte and Craig's story, now in the second book, Open My Eyes, the reader follows Emily and Ben's story.

In Open My Eyes, Author Jennifer Collin weaves a heartwarming tale of family, friends, and romantic relationships. The reader is easily drawn back into the trilogy as they follow Emily and Ben's story. Their story is full of humor, drama, and romantic trials and tribulations, and there are cameo appearances by the other Evan siblings: Charlotte and Andy and their romantic partners.

After a one-night stand that ends with the dreaded "love" word from her sister Charlotte's best friend Ben Cameron, Emily runs away with her brother Andy's band for their tour in Japan. But there is more than just the "L" word that is the problem, Emily finds out that she is pregnant, and while she has broken his heart, Ben has decided to move on ... that is until Emily drops the bombshell and turns his world upside down.

Open My Eyes is an engaging romantic story that has a little bit of everything that keeps the reader engaged and turning the pages. From family dynamics, to the drama of a friends-to-lovers romantic relationship, to troublesome secrets, to the everyday life trials and tribulations, this is an entertaining story filled with humor and enough plot twists and turns that it feels like an intriguing soap opera. With a quirky cast of fun loving characters, humorous dialogues and dramatic interactions, a rich description of the setting, and a thoroughly entertaining romantic storyline, Open My Eyes is a wonderful example of what fun romantic Chick Lit stories are all about!

Even though Open My Eyes can be a stand alone read, I would recommend reading the books in the trilogy in sequential order as they flow smoothly from one story to the next. I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for the reader in the third book of the trilogy when the focus is on Andy's story.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Carla Cabrera · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Evans Trilogy. i did enjoy the story of Emily and Ben but not as much as the first book. I felt this one dragged on more than it needed to. I got kinda tired of the run around with Emily and her deciding to not confront Ben...over and over again. I just loved Ben and how he handled everything (once he finally found out). He stood by Emily even when she wasn't sure what to do and hadn't admitted how she felt about him. This could have been a 4 or 5 star book for me. This book also made the loose ends more obvious espcially with Andy. I would have liked the ending to have been a little more tidy so that the books could be read as standalones. The first book kinda had some loose ends but i could overlook them if I read the book as a standalone. The second book not so much.

[Aussie Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very light read and recommended for people who are not frequent readers. Whilst it is written well there wasn't enough connection and pace within the story.

[Virna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok story and I kind of seen the secret coming a mile away, and I didn't like the end it wasn't really an end, plus I just didn't feel the passion between them Emily and Ben, she can’t trust him, and she is really frustrating and annoying thru the book. There is cast of secondary and supporting characters there is good and then abruptly finished. It had potential but not enough.

[Dina G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved 'Set me free' and I was very much looking forward to the follow-up story, but unfortunately this book didn't manage to steal my heart. I couldn't lose myself in the Emily-Ben love story as much as I did in Charlotte's and Craig's. In fact, I found myself utterly annoyed with Emily halfway through the book. Her behaviour, attitude and lack of decisiveness wound me up so much...it dragged way too long for my liking. Ben seems like such a nice character and he deserves far better .. I was also annoyed with Emily's attitude towards Charlotte: from this book she comes across as a nagging, annoying older sister, whereas from the first book we know how much Charlotte sacrificed for Emily in the first place. She was always there for her and helped and supported her and didn't even make a big deal out of Emily sleeping with her best friend, which I am sure many people would not have tolerated...but Emily's attitude towards her ignites a strong dislike in me towards Emily. I like how Cassie turns good and the reader grows to like her, and I love the fact Charlotte and Craig gets married, I would love to see them have a child in the third book. But Emily fails to turn into the 'goodie' for me, I don't sympathise with her and I don't want to identify myself with her because she comes across selfish and generally up-in-herself...I would have cut to the chase quicker with Ben and Emily and focus more on the other characters instead. I know this book was set out to be a focus on them two but the hesitation and the 'running away' all the time got on my nerves...
The end of the book is way too open, although we know that the baby is fine and Emily and Ben get together but it could have been a bit more elaborated. I am not sure I am looking forward to the third book after this one.... I guess the focus will be on Andy and Annie this time, but to be quite honest I am only going to read it to find out how Charlotte and Craig are doing.
I like the author's style of writing, it's very easy to read but I am not sure I liked the blunt language. At times especially when it comes from Emily, I feel that it is inappropriate and it doesn't suite her image at all. Overall, I can see myself re-reading the first book at some point in the future because that story is charming, but I am pretty sure I am not going to re-read the sequels.

[JG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Open My Eyes is the second book in Jennifer Collin's Evans Trilogy. Although it can be read as a standalone its best to read the first book to get a better perspective on the main characters, Emily and Ben. Emily is pregnant and she is reluctant to tell the father, who happens to be a wonderful guy and her sister's bestfriend. It didn't really help that after their one and only night together he says the "L" word and she just ups and leaves for Japan. Now she has to tell him about their little bun in the oven but on hindsight she is more scared to find out he has moved on. Ben has always loved Emily, he has stood by her through everything including giving her a place to stay while she deals with her cheating ex-husband. Their one night together has made him realize how he wants to spend his life with Emily but apparently for him she obviously doesn't feel the same. Now these two people have to move on but having a baby together is something they have to deal with, the question is are they willing to open themselves up again to each other? Open My Eyes has everything, the friends to lovers theme, secret baby and family foibles that make you cry in frustration but fascinatingly enough this is one family soap opera thats easy on the eyes and the heart. Both Ben and Emily are characters you are familiar with, they could be your next door neighbors or the people you often see around your neck of the woods, therefore relatable. There are going to be some confusion at the beginning of the book since it starts where the first one ended but as you continuing reading it gets clearer. This is a good contemporary romance where the characters do they take it slow and where the pacing is just right mainly because of the writer's easy going style of writing. Good story, good characters and real life romance, Open My Eyes is worthwhile reading.

*ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review*

[Emma Lincoln · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in a great series. After reading "Set Me Free", the first in this trilogy, I was hooked on the characters and wanted to know more about Emily and Ben. This book did just that, and it ended exactly how you wanted it, which is wonderful :)

Emily is in a bathroom in Japan, standing on the toilet with an almost stranger, looking at a piece of plastic that will tell her about the rest of her life. Two pink lines- Emily is pregnant. Now what? This book spins the tale of Emily and Ben as they work through what will be their new life. Will they be able to work out the logistics of a two family home, or will this bring them close enough to do one better?

Again, Jennifer does a wonderful job of creating characters that you really care about. That you think about when your not reading the book. The situations that she puts her characters in are a bit predictable, but she breathes such life into them with her stories. Add the heart melting love and the outstanding tension and you have yourself another great story.

And the cliff hanger. Man, does this girl know how to end a story. I didn't even really like the characters that she left us with at the end, but somehow I couldn't put down the third book either!! I recommend this series to anyone who loves a good love story and who likes to read a series.

[Silvana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily goes in Japan with her brother and his band on tour. The reason that she goes there is to run from her ex and her problems, but there she discovers something that could be another problem in her life. But that is not all, she sleep with her sister’s best friend Ben.
I enjoy reading this book, its makes me feel better, cause I have flu right now. It’s interesting that the twist is on the beginning of the book, which makes me constantly reading to discover what is next. It’s fun and enjoyable book with lot of things which love brings as jealousy, fear of abandonment, happiness and romance. This is second book from The Evans Trilogy, but it can easily read as a standalone book.
I understand Emily when she runs from her problems, but I can’t understand why she not simply says it to Ben, the things will be simpler and that will be both the beginning and the end of the book. Oh, I understand now. I was curious what will Ben says and I suppose that keeps me reading.
Now I’m more curious to read first and next book from this trilogy.

[Rebekah Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into this book because it was a sequel, and I haven't read the book leading up to this one. There wasn't a whole lot of backstory to who the characters were, in order to catch new readers (and old readers) up. I would've loved to have had a bit of context about the night that Emily and Ben thought was so passionate during their introductions. There were also a lot of characters without many distinguishing features, which made it a bit hard to follow.

That being said, I thought Annie was a hoot and a half, I thought she was just awesome and hilarious, and just the sort of best friend any girl would want to have. Her chemistry with Andy was a lot of fun, and I hope for all the best for them.

I definitely think I would've enjoyed this book a LOT more if I'd known it was a sequel, and taken the opportunity to read the first one. I think I need to, and then read this one again.

3/5 stars (But I plan to go back and re-review after I read the first one)

[Mave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this book, it's an easy read and a total page turner with great dialogue, plenty of humor, lovable and believable characters.
The protagonist of this second episode is Emily, the artist sister of Charlotte. She's a funny and witty woman with a great passion for painting. While she is trying to overcome her marriage ended badly she commits another serious mistake, spends a night of passion with Ben, the best friend of her sister. Rather than confront him, she avoids him and follows her brother Andy in a tour in Japan. But she realizes that she can no longer do so and must reveal him her secret. But it is not so easy.
There was humor, hardship, romance, lots of family, friendships. With a plethora of well defined, complex characters, an engaging and well written plot this is a fantastic story to get lost in.

Very enjoyable for great beach reading or a break from routine.

[G.V.R. Corcillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't love it as much as Set Me Free - but it was still a book I didn't want to put down!! I raced right from the first book to this one, DYING to know what was up with Emily and Ben. And I read maniacally through it! It took me a lot longer to warm up to Emily in this one than it did for me to warm up to Craig in the first one. Whereas Craig had a hidden story and motives yet to be revealed, Emily had to get her "head out of her arse" and see the incredible Ben for how incredible he is. And just as Nathan Fillion has kept me watching Castle for years, the delectable Ben kept me hooked! Once Ben and Emily start spending some time together, the book soars. Now I am VERY curious for the third in the Evans trilogy. It has to be the story of f***ed up Andy, since he is the third sibling. That will be interesting, for sure!!!

[Samantha March · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Collin is on tour now with CLP Blog Tours and Open My Eyes
While I haven’t read the first book in the series, I was still able to jump right in and highly enjoy Open My Eyes. There were times that I could definitely tell I was missing something from the previous book, but it wasn’t enough to hinder my reading experience. Emily is a sweet character that I was rooting for, even though there was a few times the moseying about got to me. The relationship between her and Ben had me grinding my teeth a few times, but all romances can be cut and dry, or else we wouldn’t have such fun books to read, right? The ending was very tense and quite dramatic actually, and I’ll be looking for the third to see how everything comes to a head!

[Laura Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I became interested in Emily and Ben’s story in Set Me Free and was excited not only for this story but the glimpses of Charlotte and Craig and their continued journey. I love reading what comes next and got my fix without it overwhelming the story. As for Emily and Ben, love both these characters! I was pulled along, waiting for Emily to share the secret with Ben, see his reaction, and watch as the two work through their hang-ups and come together. An engaging read, heartwarming and full of laughs and tears. Can’t wait for the next installment!

[Leanne Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the next fantastic instalment in the story of the Evans siblings. Charlotte is happy in love with Craig and they are due to be married. Emily's life has fallen apart after she left her unfaithful husband. A night of passion sees Emily alone and pregnant. Ben Cameron, Charlotte's best friend is the father but can Emily and Ben sort themselves out to realise they are meant for one another and get themselves ready for impending parenthood? Along the way the sisters need to help their errant brother and cope with their difficult mother. Another funny, great read from Jennifer Collin.

[Lyndsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one, but maybe not as much as the first book in the Trilogy (Set Me Free). Some of the main character's struggle seemed a little forced, but having never been in that position I have no idea what I would do.

I do love that it's a trilogy, because then you're just building on the characters and that always makes me happy.

Still a quick read and worth it if it's your thing.

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a rollercoaster ride in a book although the dips are shallow they are still packed with excitement. Entertaining read

My only complaint was it took Emily so long to find her backbone again had she faced her demons sooner there might have been a little more romance between her and Ben

[Tracey Risebrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, this is book 2 and while I really think you need to read book 1 to get the context and background this can be read as a standalone. Romantic and well paced story.

[Crystal Royall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

The stories within this book are awesome. I have to start the next book right away as I can't wait to see what happens next!