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We Were Us #1
We Were Us
When Jenna returns to the small town she was forced to leave over a year ago after her drug dealing mother was found in bed with the mayor, she wasn’t sure what to expect. She is perfectly content waiting out the summer alone until she can return to college in the fall.
What she doesn’t expect was to rekindle her relationship with Josh.
Josh doesn’t judge her like everyone else does and never did. He gets her. When he shows up at her door every night just to see her, Jenna opens up to him like she’d never been able to before. And the more time she spends with him, the more she realizes she is falling for him.
When someone in town spots the two of them together, rumors fly and her already uncomfortable existence in the town takes a turn for the worse. Jenna realizes she’ll never belong here and decides to leave and never look back. Josh convinces her to stay because there is something that she doesn’t know--something that could change everything.
What she doesn’t expect was to rekindle her relationship with Josh.
Josh doesn’t judge her like everyone else does and never did. He gets her. When he shows up at her door every night just to see her, Jenna opens up to him like she’d never been able to before. And the more time she spends with him, the more she realizes she is falling for him.
When someone in town spots the two of them together, rumors fly and her already uncomfortable existence in the town takes a turn for the worse. Jenna realizes she’ll never belong here and decides to leave and never look back. Josh convinces her to stay because there is something that she doesn’t know--something that could change everything.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
7 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 28, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I’ll start off by saying thank to the author for allowing me to be one of the lucky people who received an ARC copy of this book. In case I somehow fail to make the point in my review the most important thing to know about this book is that it is really good and if you have not read it yet, you should.
One of the things I noticed and liked about the book was the pacing. Normally an author will go slow and set up the story and each character so that you get to know them properly before the conflict of the book starts. While that is a good thing for books that are longer, it also means that for me at least since the good part is hardly in the beginning I am able to put the book down and come back to it later. This one however jumps right into the storyline without feeling rushed.
I loved Jenna’s character. It’s been a while since I read a book with strong heroine who doesn’t lose her mind and opinion just because of a guy. Jenna was an independent and strong woman who did not back down to others despite them trying to intimidate her. I mean to go back to the small town where your mom got caught sleeping with the mayor and led you to being a victim of the vicious rumor mill takes some serious lady balls. Another thing I loved about Jenna was her loyalty. Without revealing spoilers, I will say that Jenna’s attitude towards some people was very admirable despite what was happening. Like I said earlier, she was a strong character who did base her actions on a guy.
The relationship between her and Josh I really liked how he did not judge her despite of the rumors. I loved how protective he was of her and although sometimes his actions were misguided at times, I never doubted his feelings for her. Josh frustrated me with how he reacted to some things but it wasn’t until the end that it all made more sense although I could still not justify what he had done. However his redeeming quality was that he was just caught in a difficult situation and he was trying to do his best to deal with it.
My one complain about the book is the length. Now I’m not sure if it’s because I'm used to reading 250+ page books that anything under that just seems like too little or that it was actually a little short. But yeah while the story was not rushed at all I would have liked for it to be a little longer and see some interaction between Jenna and other people who weren’t Josh.
As far as the ending is concerned I have to say that I have had my fair share of experience with books where I do not like the ending. Then after a couple of days of thinking about it I will sometimes realize that the author had a good point in ending the book the way that they did (except for you John Green, your endings kill me). This book was no exception. So if you want to read why the ending is actually really good, keep reading.
SPOILER ALERT, IN CASE GOODREADS DOES NOT HIDE THIS PART OF THE REVIEW STOP READING BECAUSE I WILL GO INTO DETAIL ABOUT THE ENDING. STOP READING IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE BOOK.
I’ll start off by saying thank to the author for allowing me to be one of the lucky people who received an ARC copy of this book. In case I somehow fail to make the point in my review the most important thing to know about this book is that it is really good and if you have not read it yet, you should.
One of the things I noticed and liked about the book was the pacing. Normally an author will go slow and set up the story and each character so that you get to know them properly before the conflict of the book starts. While that is a good thing for books that are longer, it also means that for me at least since the good part is hardly in the beginning I am able to put the book down and come back to it later. This one however jumps right into the storyline without feeling rushed.
I loved Jenna’s character. It’s been a while since I read a book with strong heroine who doesn’t lose her mind and opinion just because of a guy. Jenna was an independent and strong woman who did not back down to others despite them trying to intimidate her. I mean to go back to the small town where your mom got caught sleeping with the mayor and led you to being a victim of the vicious rumor mill takes some serious lady balls. Another thing I loved about Jenna was her loyalty. Without revealing spoilers, I will say that Jenna’s attitude towards some people was very admirable despite what was happening. Like I said earlier, she was a strong character who did base her actions on a guy.
The relationship between her and Josh I really liked how he did not judge her despite of the rumors. I loved how protective he was of her and although sometimes his actions were misguided at times, I never doubted his feelings for her. Josh frustrated me with how he reacted to some things but it wasn’t until the end that it all made more sense although I could still not justify what he had done. However his redeeming quality was that he was just caught in a difficult situation and he was trying to do his best to deal with it.
My one complain about the book is the length. Now I’m not sure if it’s because I'm used to reading 250+ page books that anything under that just seems like too little or that it was actually a little short. But yeah while the story was not rushed at all I would have liked for it to be a little longer and see some interaction between Jenna and other people who weren’t Josh.
As far as the ending is concerned I have to say that I have had my fair share of experience with books where I do not like the ending. Then after a couple of days of thinking about it I will sometimes realize that the author had a good point in ending the book the way that they did (except for you John Green, your endings kill me). This book was no exception. So if you want to read why the ending is actually really good, keep reading.
SPOILER ALERT, IN CASE GOODREADS DOES NOT HIDE THIS PART OF THE REVIEW STOP READING BECAUSE I WILL GO INTO DETAIL ABOUT THE ENDING. STOP READING IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE BOOK.
May 24, 2014
WE WERE US is Heather Diemer’s debut novel and she did a wonderful job with it!
We start off with the main character, Jenna, who goes back home for the summer after a period of being absent to tie up some loose ends. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong.
Not only is Jenna forced to confront the rumours that are flying around town about her and her mother who isn’t exactly a model citizen—she slept with the mayor, was involved with drugs, and is all round a bad person—she is also confronted with her ex-boyfriend, Josh, who was dating her best friend, Michelle.
There is a lot of drama in this book, but it is so addictive that I couldn’t stop reading! There are some steamy scenes, Josh is totally swoon-worthy, and there is a nice twist at the end that will catch you off guard.
The best thing about WE WERE US is the way it ended--it was realistic and definitely what you would expect someone to do when put in a situation like that in real life. I can totally see this book having a sequel because I would love to know what happens to the characters after the events in WE WERE US.
I definitely recommend picking this up--it's a fun and addicting read with a great ending! Heather Diemer did a great job with her debut novel and I'm excited to read more from her!
We start off with the main character, Jenna, who goes back home for the summer after a period of being absent to tie up some loose ends. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong.
Not only is Jenna forced to confront the rumours that are flying around town about her and her mother who isn’t exactly a model citizen—she slept with the mayor, was involved with drugs, and is all round a bad person—she is also confronted with her ex-boyfriend, Josh, who was dating her best friend, Michelle.
There is a lot of drama in this book, but it is so addictive that I couldn’t stop reading! There are some steamy scenes, Josh is totally swoon-worthy, and there is a nice twist at the end that will catch you off guard.
The best thing about WE WERE US is the way it ended--it was realistic and definitely what you would expect someone to do when put in a situation like that in real life. I can totally see this book having a sequel because I would love to know what happens to the characters after the events in WE WERE US.
I definitely recommend picking this up--it's a fun and addicting read with a great ending! Heather Diemer did a great job with her debut novel and I'm excited to read more from her!
June 9, 2014
In love with Jenna and Josh's a story and can not wait for more!! That being said I first downloaded a sample because I wasn't sure how I would like it. From the first few pages I was hooked, I couldn't help wanting to know Jenna's story and continue reading about how her summer panned out. I'm so glad I ended up buying this book and thought the story was a great quick and easy read. I can not wait to hear what happened next...
April 27, 2014
I received an ARC copy of this book. I loved it. It is a great quick read. The story has a few twists that I did not see coming and an ending that left me smiling. I am so proud of Heather on her first publication. She really did a great job. I highly recommend this book and suggest that you read it and share it with your friends.
April 29, 2014
I liked this book but didn't love it. The plot had such promise to be amazing but I felt like it fell a little short.
March 31, 2015
Over a year ago Jenna left the town she grew up in and was happy for it because of the scandal her drug dealing whoring around mother caused with the married mayor. She returns to clean out her mothers house and sell it and she didn't have anywhere else to go this summer. She thought she would lay low and return to college in the fall.
She didn't expect to rekindle a romance with her first and only love Josh.
They spend the summer together just watching movies and hanging out. Jenna starts to fall hard for Josh all over again. When they are spotted together the rumors start and Jenna realizes she could never get any type of fresh start in this town and decides she wants to leave. She is convinced to stay by Josh.
What does everyone know that she doesn't? What isn't Josh telling her? It will change everything!
I really enjoyed this book. I felt so bad for Jenna and her situation. What a horrible mother and I wouldn't even call her that. She has overcome so much and she is just looking for someone to love her unconditionally and she feels she might have found that with Josh and that scares her because he broken her heart in the past. Josh seems like a great guy but what is he hiding and why? I am worried he is going to hurt my girl Jenna.
Its a quick read and I was hooked from the beginning because I loved Jenna. She deserves to be loved. I am just unsure who is right for her because Andrew seems like a hot stand up guy and I like him a lot! The characters make a lot of mistakes that young people do especially when it comes to the matters of the heart. Gives this one a try. You'll like it! I gave this one 4 out of 5 stars.
She didn't expect to rekindle a romance with her first and only love Josh.
They spend the summer together just watching movies and hanging out. Jenna starts to fall hard for Josh all over again. When they are spotted together the rumors start and Jenna realizes she could never get any type of fresh start in this town and decides she wants to leave. She is convinced to stay by Josh.
What does everyone know that she doesn't? What isn't Josh telling her? It will change everything!
I really enjoyed this book. I felt so bad for Jenna and her situation. What a horrible mother and I wouldn't even call her that. She has overcome so much and she is just looking for someone to love her unconditionally and she feels she might have found that with Josh and that scares her because he broken her heart in the past. Josh seems like a great guy but what is he hiding and why? I am worried he is going to hurt my girl Jenna.
Its a quick read and I was hooked from the beginning because I loved Jenna. She deserves to be loved. I am just unsure who is right for her because Andrew seems like a hot stand up guy and I like him a lot! The characters make a lot of mistakes that young people do especially when it comes to the matters of the heart. Gives this one a try. You'll like it! I gave this one 4 out of 5 stars.
May 18, 2014
I don't know what to think of this book. There were things in it that were good but then other things that just didn't make sense. Josh is supposed to be this great guy - but alot of the things did not make me think he was that great. He wouldn't answer any questions about Michelle and most of the time he didn't seem to want to take her in public. He asks her to go to dinner with him but takes her out of town. Then he always goes to her house or her to his house. She's hiding from her possible boyfriend Andrew too. She had loved Josh for years and he turned his back on her when her mother was arrested. Then she just lets him hang out with her without questioning what a bad friend he was to her in the end. She also didn't try to find out more about Michelle then letting him get away with not telling her or his mother or Laura not telling her either.
March 20, 2015
This was a super quick, fun and easy read. I personally don't like as much detail in sex scenes, and while it wasn't raunchy, it wasn't my cup of tea either. But that's me, and ultimately didn't have a huge impact on what I thought of this book. It's more of a caution for others like me. If I was the main character, I would have pushed for a lot more information about Michelle a lot earlier (I kept thinking, WHEN are we going to get to the Michele plot twist??? I knew it was coming, just didn't know it would chime so late). I liked the ending, but felt it was a bit rushed. Also, it is unlikely Michelle would have been recovered enough to go to college just a few weeks after waking up, but I'll credit artistic license on that one. ;) But, I liked it, it left me wanting more, but I was satisfied with the ending too. I would recommend it!
May 7, 2014
Jenna is a character who has gone through a lot and when she returns home, she does her best to lay low. She has a few scenes where she doesn't, but for the most part, we got to focus on Josh and Jenna. You get to watch the relationship develop - not a lot insta love - which is nice.
But what makes We Were Us stand out is the ending - in a typical contemporary romance novel - life gets a big bow on it - Diemer's take on her characters is more realistic and she goes against the norm. It is both refreshing and frustrating (because I do like the bow sometimes.)
Great read - pick it up.
But what makes We Were Us stand out is the ending - in a typical contemporary romance novel - life gets a big bow on it - Diemer's take on her characters is more realistic and she goes against the norm. It is both refreshing and frustrating (because I do like the bow sometimes.)
Great read - pick it up.
May 12, 2014
I enjoyed the story. The intimate scenes were perfectly sweet and not raunchy. The town folk were realistic in their small world view. Most of all Jenna and Josh`s summer romance was sweet and loving. The end was a bit silly with the girls winding up all together and wonderful but the epilogue for Josh was very good.
May 25, 2014
3.5 I'm-confused-as-hell starts
Okay, I'm having mixed emotions here people. I don't know whether to love or hate the book. It's unconventional that's for sure. So if you're wanting a good, cutesy romance with happily ever afters, then don't bother. But if you don't mind another type of happily ever after without the prince then carry on.
Okay, I'm having mixed emotions here people. I don't know whether to love or hate the book. It's unconventional that's for sure. So if you're wanting a good, cutesy romance with happily ever afters, then don't bother. But if you don't mind another type of happily ever after without the prince then carry on.
August 18, 2014
This was Heather Diemer's first book and it was a very solid read. We Were Us was well written with lots of twits and turns along the way. The characters were great and well thought out. The only thing I didn't like was the ending....I felt like the book just ended without everything being resolved. All in all a pretty good book.
December 5, 2015
Jenna has lived her life without knowing love from a parent or normalcy in life. Her mother's actions always seem to define how people see her. She is now forced to return to the one place she loathes. Jenna's character is frustrating, selfish and confusing but that helps make the story. The story moves along well and wanting to read the next installment.
May 26, 2014
Really good base story... I'm not sure why I wasn't pulled more into the story. It really wasn't one thing. Different books speak to different readers or maybe it's just in the timing for me. This really is one of those books. It may be a higher rating for you.
July 10, 2014
I liked it, but I felt like it had a big piece missing honestly I don't know??!!!!
February 21, 2016
Is a great book to read
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews