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Insipid
Banal. Lifeless and Colorless. These are the words that describe my life. I’ve made the right choices, done all the right things. I’m strong, intelligent and highly successful. I’ve lived scrupulously, loved greatly, and shared my blessings equitably. But life hasn’t been fair with me. Now I’m drowning in the middle of the ocean, desperately searching for the shore, surrendering to the fact that I will never be happy. Then he came along. Life is unpredictable. You can play it safe and resist change for fear of the unknown. Or you can close your eyes and take the leap with the knowledge that your life will change forever. Which one will I choose? My name is Jade Richmond and this is my story.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2014
15 people are currently reading
832 people want to read
About the author
Christine Brae
7 books946 followersChristine Brae, is a full time career woman who thought she could write a book about her life and then run away as far as possible from it. She never imagined that her words would touch the hearts of so many women with the same story to tell. Christine is the author of six (6) books and the recipient of literary awards.
Christine Brae also publishes under her real name, Anna Gomez. Her latest project, Moments Like This, is the first in a series of five books, co-authored and co-produced for film and tv, with actor, Kristoffer Polaha.
She is represented by Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin Literary Management.
Christine Brae also publishes under her real name, Anna Gomez. Her latest project, Moments Like This, is the first in a series of five books, co-authored and co-produced for film and tv, with actor, Kristoffer Polaha.
She is represented by Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin Literary Management.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
April 28, 2014
MIND. BLOWN. It's INCREDIBLE book. Outstanding and so many FEELS. What a roller coaster ride. Intense and angst-y.
Review to come.
BLURB
Banal. Lifeless and Colorless. These are the words that describe my life. I’ve made the right choices, done all the right things. I’m strong, intelligent and highly successful. I’m at the highest point in my career, envied by many women, admired by many men. I’ve lived scrupulously, loved greatly, and shared my blessings equitably.
But life hasn’t been fair with me.
Now I’m drowning in the middle of the ocean, desperately searching for the shore, surrendering to the fact that I will never be happy.
Then he came along.
Life is unpredictable. You can play it safe and resist change for fear of the unknown. Or you can close your eyes and take the leap with the knowledge that your life will change forever.
Which one will I choose?
My name is Jade Richmond and this is my story.
Review to come.
BLURB
Banal. Lifeless and Colorless. These are the words that describe my life. I’ve made the right choices, done all the right things. I’m strong, intelligent and highly successful. I’m at the highest point in my career, envied by many women, admired by many men. I’ve lived scrupulously, loved greatly, and shared my blessings equitably.
But life hasn’t been fair with me.
Now I’m drowning in the middle of the ocean, desperately searching for the shore, surrendering to the fact that I will never be happy.
Then he came along.
Life is unpredictable. You can play it safe and resist change for fear of the unknown. Or you can close your eyes and take the leap with the knowledge that your life will change forever.
Which one will I choose?
My name is Jade Richmond and this is my story.
May 11, 2015
4.5 EMOTIONAL & MIND BLOWING STARS!!!
Touching, realistic, emotional and so romantic. Oh, and I LOVE Lucas Martinez..just thought I would throw that in there before I get started. There are just not enough HOT LATIN men in books today!!!!
”Living a lie can kill you. It erases the very essence of who you are. Pretending to feel, masking your thoughts, faking your words day in and day out—these actions leave you with an excruciating pain in your chest, a heaviness in your heart, a loathing for the person that you are. It’s a slow and agonizing death."
This is one of the most beautiful stories I've read about facing the ghosts of your past! We’ve all felt lost. At some point or another, we’ve probably all felt like that we were just going through the motions. This is a story about a woman going through this time. She’s given up on pretty much any semblance of a real life and is just existing; not living.
Jade’s journey towards peace and redemption was one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride. At around 53% in, Christine knocked me on my ass, completely blind-siding me! I found myself having to walk away to collect my bearings. My heart ached so badly. I did not see that coming. From this point on these characters completely wrecked me. From that point on, the story became so much more to me. Each and every word left me feeling something.
Christine Brae, in my opinion, has done it again. She immediately pulled me into the story.Her writing was still as beautiful as ever, but even stronger in this book, in my opinion.
I think this story made me experience every emotion that there is to experienced! There were moments that I felt anger and shock. I was delighted at times, confused, and happy at times. But with the confusion came clarity. Those of you that know me know that the ending of a book is everything to me and Insipid truly has one of the most beautiful endings that I have ever read. I was so impressed with the way that Brae brought closure to Jade Richmond’s story.
Insipid seemed to be a combination of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. It’s not 100% typical romance, so you will want to keep this in mind if you choose to read this novel. Jade will also not be everyone’s cup of tea. Another time, another place and she easily could’ve been a heroine that I would’ve hated. She is very privileged and I think it would be easy for her to be misunderstood. However, my heart broke for her and I was able to relate to her easily. This is a very unique story, full of wisdom and profound meaning. It is also very apparent to me that the author poured her heart into this novel. Because this story is so different, I realize that it may not be for everyone, but, I for one, absolutely enjoyed it!
I'm not here to die. I'm here to live.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Touching, realistic, emotional and so romantic. Oh, and I LOVE Lucas Martinez..just thought I would throw that in there before I get started. There are just not enough HOT LATIN men in books today!!!!
”Living a lie can kill you. It erases the very essence of who you are. Pretending to feel, masking your thoughts, faking your words day in and day out—these actions leave you with an excruciating pain in your chest, a heaviness in your heart, a loathing for the person that you are. It’s a slow and agonizing death."
This is one of the most beautiful stories I've read about facing the ghosts of your past! We’ve all felt lost. At some point or another, we’ve probably all felt like that we were just going through the motions. This is a story about a woman going through this time. She’s given up on pretty much any semblance of a real life and is just existing; not living.
Jade’s journey towards peace and redemption was one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride. At around 53% in, Christine knocked me on my ass, completely blind-siding me! I found myself having to walk away to collect my bearings. My heart ached so badly. I did not see that coming. From this point on these characters completely wrecked me. From that point on, the story became so much more to me. Each and every word left me feeling something.
Christine Brae, in my opinion, has done it again. She immediately pulled me into the story.Her writing was still as beautiful as ever, but even stronger in this book, in my opinion.
I think this story made me experience every emotion that there is to experienced! There were moments that I felt anger and shock. I was delighted at times, confused, and happy at times. But with the confusion came clarity. Those of you that know me know that the ending of a book is everything to me and Insipid truly has one of the most beautiful endings that I have ever read. I was so impressed with the way that Brae brought closure to Jade Richmond’s story.
Insipid seemed to be a combination of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. It’s not 100% typical romance, so you will want to keep this in mind if you choose to read this novel. Jade will also not be everyone’s cup of tea. Another time, another place and she easily could’ve been a heroine that I would’ve hated. She is very privileged and I think it would be easy for her to be misunderstood. However, my heart broke for her and I was able to relate to her easily. This is a very unique story, full of wisdom and profound meaning. It is also very apparent to me that the author poured her heart into this novel. Because this story is so different, I realize that it may not be for everyone, but, I for one, absolutely enjoyed it!
I'm not here to die. I'm here to live.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2014
What would you do if you realized you were living a lie? Imagine that everything is white, bland. Imagine you just exist; you’re barely going through the motions. What would you be willing to do to bring color back to your world? Could you handle the resulting torrent of emotions? Would you be able to accept this new reality? Or would you deny it? Would you be able to make changes to your life? Author Christine Brae explores these questions and more in her new novel titled Insipid.
At forty-two years old, Jade Richmond has been promoted to a member of the executive team for a Fortune 500 company located in Chicago, Illinois. She has worked extremely hard to achieve success in her career, while also striving to remain ethical in her business practices. To those on the outside, Jade seems to have everything she could ever hope for out of life. But if you could look closely into her expressive green eyes, you would realize Jade is hiding the truth of her reality deep inside.
As a reviewer, I have chosen not to reveal much of the plot due to the way the layers of the story unfold. Instead, I choose to share my thoughts and feelings about Insipid. Christine Brae immediately pulled me into the story. In many ways, I was able to make a connection to the protagonist. I am around the same age as Jade Richmond and have had a successful career at the same company for nearly 25 years. I have been married for over 20 years, and my children are now adults. There have been moments during my life where I have felt I was just going through the motions. I think everyone experiences these types of feelings on occasions, so it was easy for me to step into the pages of the novel and place myself into Jade’s situation.
It is hard to explain the overwhelming feelings that came over me while reading Insipid. I experienced so many different emotions, crying tears of sadness and joy on occasions. There were moments that I felt anger and shock. I was delighted at times, confused at times. But with the confusion came clarity. Although the circumstances surrounding my life helped me connect with the story and protagonist, I also believe this author has strength in the ability to tell a story. Insipid truly has one of the most beautiful endings that I have ever read. I was so impressed with the way that Christine Brae brought closure to Jade Richmond’s story.
Insipid seems to be a combination of the contemporary romance and women’s fiction genres. It does not follow what I consider to be the typical pattern for a romance novel, so you will want to keep this in mind if you choose to read this novel. It is a very unique story, full of wisdom and takeaways. It is also very apparent to me that Christine Brae poured her heart into this novel. Because this story is so different, I realize that it may not be for everyone, but I want people to know that I absolutely enjoyed it! I am giving Christine Brae’s Insipid 5 stars!
At forty-two years old, Jade Richmond has been promoted to a member of the executive team for a Fortune 500 company located in Chicago, Illinois. She has worked extremely hard to achieve success in her career, while also striving to remain ethical in her business practices. To those on the outside, Jade seems to have everything she could ever hope for out of life. But if you could look closely into her expressive green eyes, you would realize Jade is hiding the truth of her reality deep inside.
As a reviewer, I have chosen not to reveal much of the plot due to the way the layers of the story unfold. Instead, I choose to share my thoughts and feelings about Insipid. Christine Brae immediately pulled me into the story. In many ways, I was able to make a connection to the protagonist. I am around the same age as Jade Richmond and have had a successful career at the same company for nearly 25 years. I have been married for over 20 years, and my children are now adults. There have been moments during my life where I have felt I was just going through the motions. I think everyone experiences these types of feelings on occasions, so it was easy for me to step into the pages of the novel and place myself into Jade’s situation.
It is hard to explain the overwhelming feelings that came over me while reading Insipid. I experienced so many different emotions, crying tears of sadness and joy on occasions. There were moments that I felt anger and shock. I was delighted at times, confused at times. But with the confusion came clarity. Although the circumstances surrounding my life helped me connect with the story and protagonist, I also believe this author has strength in the ability to tell a story. Insipid truly has one of the most beautiful endings that I have ever read. I was so impressed with the way that Christine Brae brought closure to Jade Richmond’s story.
Insipid seems to be a combination of the contemporary romance and women’s fiction genres. It does not follow what I consider to be the typical pattern for a romance novel, so you will want to keep this in mind if you choose to read this novel. It is a very unique story, full of wisdom and takeaways. It is also very apparent to me that Christine Brae poured her heart into this novel. Because this story is so different, I realize that it may not be for everyone, but I want people to know that I absolutely enjoyed it! I am giving Christine Brae’s Insipid 5 stars!
June 18, 2014
Currently 99 pennies. A steal. Really.
The third book by Brae has the ability to pack so much emotion into her writing. I was captivated by the first chapter, my highlighter was active, and tears in my eyes. The reason why I love her work is that she is able to make you psychically feel what the characters are feeling: anger, hurt, heartbreak, and happiness. The rollercoaster of emotions you experience in her works are powerful. Her words are always beautiful. It was especially great to see Lucas and what had become of him, to meet Jade, to see a snip of Isabel and Alex. I love that nothing is perfect and all is real. Kudos Brae for pulling my heartstrings, for allowing me to meet Jade, for bringing beauty into my life. Much love.
“I love my seasons. With them, no sadness is permanent. There’s always hope.”
The third book by Brae has the ability to pack so much emotion into her writing. I was captivated by the first chapter, my highlighter was active, and tears in my eyes. The reason why I love her work is that she is able to make you psychically feel what the characters are feeling: anger, hurt, heartbreak, and happiness. The rollercoaster of emotions you experience in her works are powerful. Her words are always beautiful. It was especially great to see Lucas and what had become of him, to meet Jade, to see a snip of Isabel and Alex. I love that nothing is perfect and all is real. Kudos Brae for pulling my heartstrings, for allowing me to meet Jade, for bringing beauty into my life. Much love.
“I love my seasons. With them, no sadness is permanent. There’s always hope.”
June 19, 2014
Oh God with tears in my eyes I say ; I am done with insipid . What a beautiful book. Last page tore me up . I think I need rehab now . many of us can relate to Jane , no matter the age or ethnicity or your physic . Every woman at some point in life feels insecure , Indecisive , lost , confuse , heartbroken , scared and the list goes on and on . Definitely a must read . Love it !!!!
August 28, 2014
Christine Brae did it again! I really enjoy this author and her storytelling ability as well as the way she creates flawed characters that you really want to root for. The message in Insipid will resonate with me for a long time to come. I also enjoy the way the story came full circle from the beginning to the end. This author is an automatic one-click for me from now on! 4.5 stars
July 1, 2014
It was Plato, I'm pretty sure, who first described love as a form of "divine madness," and Insipid does an awesome job of putting flesh on the bones of that abstract concept. It's a beautiful story, beautifully told, that unfolds gradually, just as MC Jade's world is crumbling around her. But that process of destruction is also a process of creation, as each seemingly crushing blow contains within it the seeds of the next stage of Jade's journey. What I really loved most about this book was the way it describes that astonishing, reason-overwhelming experience of being consumed by the irrational emotional experience of falling in love, inappropriately, wildly and inexplicably, even to the person undergoing it. That crazy feeling of "I know this is a bad idea, why is it so compelling?"
There are several other elements of this book that really stand out for me as well. First, the portrayal of Jade's world of finance and deal-making. Many writers attempt to depict this world - there's no shortage of sexy CEO's, bad-ass billionaires, and make-believe moguls in the realm of romance and women's fiction. But few, if any, have the verisimilitude and believability of Christine's portrayal of Jade's world. From the boardroom encounters to the painstaking process of document review, her familiarity with the setting, and her ease at recreating it bring the background to life.
Another element I loved is the way Christine uses the seasons and elements of the natural world as metaphors. Okay, that's maybe not the most original thing in the world, but that's a fault more of my description, because her use of it is fresh and always apropos. Allusions to the natural world enhance the emotional impact of the story, as well as move the narrative along.
Finally, I want to just touch briefly on Christine's eloquent style - she has a lovely gift for a memorable insightful phrase that illuminates the story like brief flashes of lightning. You'll find your highlighting finger working overtime as you discover them. Here's an early on example that draws in the seasons, too:
I found love in the summer and then lost it in the spring. I cried myself to sleep in the winter and froze my heart with the soft tumble of the snow.
Lovely, really. And although at this point in the book it's just foreshadowing, it serves a narrative as well as poetic purpose.
Christine's skill as a storyteller and writer has matured with each of her novels, and here in Insipid she has really hit her stride. I urge you to enjoy the sometimes bittersweet, but always artful pleasure that Insipid affords.
There are several other elements of this book that really stand out for me as well. First, the portrayal of Jade's world of finance and deal-making. Many writers attempt to depict this world - there's no shortage of sexy CEO's, bad-ass billionaires, and make-believe moguls in the realm of romance and women's fiction. But few, if any, have the verisimilitude and believability of Christine's portrayal of Jade's world. From the boardroom encounters to the painstaking process of document review, her familiarity with the setting, and her ease at recreating it bring the background to life.
Another element I loved is the way Christine uses the seasons and elements of the natural world as metaphors. Okay, that's maybe not the most original thing in the world, but that's a fault more of my description, because her use of it is fresh and always apropos. Allusions to the natural world enhance the emotional impact of the story, as well as move the narrative along.
Finally, I want to just touch briefly on Christine's eloquent style - she has a lovely gift for a memorable insightful phrase that illuminates the story like brief flashes of lightning. You'll find your highlighting finger working overtime as you discover them. Here's an early on example that draws in the seasons, too:
I found love in the summer and then lost it in the spring. I cried myself to sleep in the winter and froze my heart with the soft tumble of the snow.
Lovely, really. And although at this point in the book it's just foreshadowing, it serves a narrative as well as poetic purpose.
Christine's skill as a storyteller and writer has matured with each of her novels, and here in Insipid she has really hit her stride. I urge you to enjoy the sometimes bittersweet, but always artful pleasure that Insipid affords.
June 29, 2019
This book, this book, it was so so so beautiful.
Again Christine managed to grip me with a prologue that made me dive right in.
When the book begins, Jade is living in a world that has no color for her, only black and white. Something has happened to cause all the color to drain from her life.
'Life happens at every moment'
I was confused, but a good confused. It caused me to keep turning the pages. I was hungry for more of the story. I needed to keep reading, to know what happened.
Jade is a highly successful business woman in a man's world. She meets Lucas during a business encounter and is immediately drawn to him.... but because of the nature of their business relationship, they cannot act on the feelings they have. They connect and become close friends.... there is a tension that neither can ignore, but they have to.
'Life is funny that way-the more you seek, the less you find.'
'We all go through different stages in life, and all handle them in many ways. Some people can handle the bullshit and some emerge from it wounded and scarred. As people change, their feelings change too. Sometimes, love doesn't survive that war. Sometimes it dies.'
Jade has secrets from her past, and in the second part of the book, we are taken into the heartache that she has dealt with over the past twenty years.
We are shown why her life has become colorless, and it hurt to read of her pain and sadness. The journey that she has taken is a daily struggle for her.
'The past. Sometimes, we get so hung up about it that it prevents us from looking ahead. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about. The past can never be duplicated; nothing ever stays the same. But the mind, it tricks us into thinking that we can bring it all back if we try hard enough to do so. Let the past go. Hurl yourself into the future knowing that time waits for no one.'
In the third part of the book, we are brought back to the present, and continue with Jade in her struggle to get through her past. To be able to move on and live for the future.
I won't spoil it, you need to read of the journey that she must take.
I truly loved reading this story and the beauty and tragedy of it. I laughed and I cried.
Christine has an amazing ability.
Again Christine managed to grip me with a prologue that made me dive right in.
When the book begins, Jade is living in a world that has no color for her, only black and white. Something has happened to cause all the color to drain from her life.
'Life happens at every moment'
I was confused, but a good confused. It caused me to keep turning the pages. I was hungry for more of the story. I needed to keep reading, to know what happened.
Jade is a highly successful business woman in a man's world. She meets Lucas during a business encounter and is immediately drawn to him.... but because of the nature of their business relationship, they cannot act on the feelings they have. They connect and become close friends.... there is a tension that neither can ignore, but they have to.
'Life is funny that way-the more you seek, the less you find.'
'We all go through different stages in life, and all handle them in many ways. Some people can handle the bullshit and some emerge from it wounded and scarred. As people change, their feelings change too. Sometimes, love doesn't survive that war. Sometimes it dies.'
Jade has secrets from her past, and in the second part of the book, we are taken into the heartache that she has dealt with over the past twenty years.
We are shown why her life has become colorless, and it hurt to read of her pain and sadness. The journey that she has taken is a daily struggle for her.
'The past. Sometimes, we get so hung up about it that it prevents us from looking ahead. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about. The past can never be duplicated; nothing ever stays the same. But the mind, it tricks us into thinking that we can bring it all back if we try hard enough to do so. Let the past go. Hurl yourself into the future knowing that time waits for no one.'
In the third part of the book, we are brought back to the present, and continue with Jade in her struggle to get through her past. To be able to move on and live for the future.
I won't spoil it, you need to read of the journey that she must take.
I truly loved reading this story and the beauty and tragedy of it. I laughed and I cried.
Christine has an amazing ability.
June 17, 2014
Laura’s review:
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began reading Insipid. Here’s this woman who was SO different from anything I have ever been….I wondered how I would relate to anything she was going through. Little did I know how much I would love this story.
(It’s the)Same story, same words, read at a different time. Interpreted in a way that reflected our respective life situations.
That little quote from Insipid, totally sums up my feelings for this book. Sure. Not everyone is going to feel a “connection” to Jade Richmond, but let’s be honest, do you feel a connection with every person you meet in life? I know I don’t. I guess what I’m trying to say is, even though Jade isn’t someone I would typically connect with, her story IS something that I connected with. Face it. We’ve all felt lost. We’ve all felt like that we were just going through the motions….so, Jade had a little help in figuring out how to bring that color back, but honestly…I feel as if ANY grown woman can relate to that.
Life is a crazy combination of phases. We all go through different stages in life, and all handle them in many ways. Some people can handle the bullshit, and some emerge from it wounded and scarred. But we keep fighting to survive. And we all do, in one way or another.”
I’m not going to go much into what exactly happens in Jade’s story, but I do know that Christine has hit it out of the park with this one. The transformation that Jade goes through, the hurdles that she overcomes, the way she faces her demons, there’s something to be admired there. While I may not be able to “relate” to Jade, I can definitely appreciate what she went through and how she got to the final point she is at.
There’s no longer any need to hide my scars. I wear them with pride, knowing that I survived through the darkest of days.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began reading Insipid. Here’s this woman who was SO different from anything I have ever been….I wondered how I would relate to anything she was going through. Little did I know how much I would love this story.
(It’s the)Same story, same words, read at a different time. Interpreted in a way that reflected our respective life situations.
That little quote from Insipid, totally sums up my feelings for this book. Sure. Not everyone is going to feel a “connection” to Jade Richmond, but let’s be honest, do you feel a connection with every person you meet in life? I know I don’t. I guess what I’m trying to say is, even though Jade isn’t someone I would typically connect with, her story IS something that I connected with. Face it. We’ve all felt lost. We’ve all felt like that we were just going through the motions….so, Jade had a little help in figuring out how to bring that color back, but honestly…I feel as if ANY grown woman can relate to that.
Life is a crazy combination of phases. We all go through different stages in life, and all handle them in many ways. Some people can handle the bullshit, and some emerge from it wounded and scarred. But we keep fighting to survive. And we all do, in one way or another.”
I’m not going to go much into what exactly happens in Jade’s story, but I do know that Christine has hit it out of the park with this one. The transformation that Jade goes through, the hurdles that she overcomes, the way she faces her demons, there’s something to be admired there. While I may not be able to “relate” to Jade, I can definitely appreciate what she went through and how she got to the final point she is at.
There’s no longer any need to hide my scars. I wear them with pride, knowing that I survived through the darkest of days.
June 20, 2014
Finished Insipid yesterday and I still have the "butterfly" etched in my mind. It's a beautiful story, captivating and it warmed my heart. Some snippets of Jade's character and attitude I can totally relate to. I have read Christine's previous books and I noticed this one has a different feel. The words are more lyrical, almost poetic. It is more mellow and I love it. I love Jade's strength and vulnerability, Chris reminds me of someone I used to know and I feel sorry for Josh for all that has happened in his marriage but also angry for what he did. Lucas appeared in Christine's previous book His Wounded Light (one of my top reads in 2013) but in this book it is more his story and Jade's. What can I say, of course I have to add Lucas in my ever growing bbf list. Insipid is a well written story by Christine Brae. It gripped me right from the start, tugged at my heartstrings and twisted my gut. I think the ending is just perfect! A truly brilliant book! I highly recommend it. Another masterpiece by Christine.
July 26, 2016
What can I say?! I am a certified Christine Brae fan! This woman breaks my heart every time I read her books. INSIPID is soooo good, so emotional and very angsty it cuts right to the core. I loved it. If you are looking for something heavy, emotional and inspiring read, this book is for you. <3
http://www.amazon.com/Insipid-Christi...
http://www.amazon.com/Insipid-Christi...
June 23, 2014
"Please remind me, why I need to go to work..... If i can stay in my room and lock myself reading this amazing book!!! I’m reading it slowly, all the emotions are sinking in my heart and mind. Wow! Compelling read." Once again... you're a brave person Christine Brae!
June 19, 2014
I will give Christine Brae credit for writing another well written and beautiful book.
The main heroine in this book is a 42 year old woman, Jade Richmond, who is a top executive at her company, rich, successful and smart. The only thing that is seemingly lacking for her is a real and deep true love. I have to admit here that I didn't connect with Jade at all. I didn't know her, I didn't understand her while I was reading this story and I wanted to SO desperately. I felt so removed from her because she was so cold and aloof and so superficial with all of her shopping expeditions and name brand clothes, shoes and bags.
But as the story continued and I got to part 2 of the book where I learned more of her history and what happened to her, I was able to see why she would protect herself by remaining so impersonal because at that point, I did feel for her and my heart broke for her.
This is not your typical romance story. It is completely different and was out of my comfort zone. But Christine does again what she did in her previous books and writes from her heart and gives us things to think about in our own relationships and lives. This is Jade's journey and while she struggled and eventually triumphed, I experienced every moment with her and that is my takeaway from this story - that Christine is an author I truly love reading - I feel so deeply when reading her books, she moves me with her words and I will definitely read more from her.
So while I was confused for a lot of this book and didn't understand some of the things that Jade did nor did I agree with some of her actions, I wholeheartedly think Christine Brae is an amazing author and encourage everyone to give this book a try. <3
The main heroine in this book is a 42 year old woman, Jade Richmond, who is a top executive at her company, rich, successful and smart. The only thing that is seemingly lacking for her is a real and deep true love. I have to admit here that I didn't connect with Jade at all. I didn't know her, I didn't understand her while I was reading this story and I wanted to SO desperately. I felt so removed from her because she was so cold and aloof and so superficial with all of her shopping expeditions and name brand clothes, shoes and bags.
But as the story continued and I got to part 2 of the book where I learned more of her history and what happened to her, I was able to see why she would protect herself by remaining so impersonal because at that point, I did feel for her and my heart broke for her.
This is not your typical romance story. It is completely different and was out of my comfort zone. But Christine does again what she did in her previous books and writes from her heart and gives us things to think about in our own relationships and lives. This is Jade's journey and while she struggled and eventually triumphed, I experienced every moment with her and that is my takeaway from this story - that Christine is an author I truly love reading - I feel so deeply when reading her books, she moves me with her words and I will definitely read more from her.
So while I was confused for a lot of this book and didn't understand some of the things that Jade did nor did I agree with some of her actions, I wholeheartedly think Christine Brae is an amazing author and encourage everyone to give this book a try. <3
July 10, 2014
I began this book with a wealth of hope given that I'd massively enjoyed Christine Brae's previous two books, and THANK GOD, it didn't disappoint!
Insipid is classed as a romance, yes, but it's so much more than that. It's a story of survival, of growth, of dealing with the crap life throws at you as well as the good. And how do you handle that good when you're still caught up in the crap?
I have to say, I didn't get the main character; I couldn't relate in the slightest, even given the fact that we share a name. She's very contradictory - strong in her career but weak at home. I didn't understand her reactions to certain things, and felt shocked by some of her behaviour. However, a BIG however, this doesn't bother me in a book. I don't need to relate to a character to empathise with them, I don't need to feel a kinship to enjoy the story. Jade's life is the polar opposite of mine. GOOD. I don't want to read about someone who would walk the same path as me. How boring! If you're not afraid to step into someone elses shoes, then this book is great for you!
The writing is on point. Christine has a way of twisting and caressing your heart all at once, and I love her for that. Her style is poetic and poignant, not to mention so highlightable (it's a word, in my head at least). Insipid is on a different level to the BLAH stories we're getting too used to. It's a story of a forty-something woman looking back on her life as well as forward. It's marvelous. Read it.
Insipid is classed as a romance, yes, but it's so much more than that. It's a story of survival, of growth, of dealing with the crap life throws at you as well as the good. And how do you handle that good when you're still caught up in the crap?
I have to say, I didn't get the main character; I couldn't relate in the slightest, even given the fact that we share a name. She's very contradictory - strong in her career but weak at home. I didn't understand her reactions to certain things, and felt shocked by some of her behaviour. However, a BIG however, this doesn't bother me in a book. I don't need to relate to a character to empathise with them, I don't need to feel a kinship to enjoy the story. Jade's life is the polar opposite of mine. GOOD. I don't want to read about someone who would walk the same path as me. How boring! If you're not afraid to step into someone elses shoes, then this book is great for you!
The writing is on point. Christine has a way of twisting and caressing your heart all at once, and I love her for that. Her style is poetic and poignant, not to mention so highlightable (it's a word, in my head at least). Insipid is on a different level to the BLAH stories we're getting too used to. It's a story of a forty-something woman looking back on her life as well as forward. It's marvelous. Read it.
June 19, 2014
I finished reading Insipid in the wee hours of the morning, simply because I could not put it down. I couldn't write a review immediately, instead I've tried to gather my thoughts and come up with the words to give this amazing book the amazing review it so deserves, yet I know there's no way I can do it justice. Christine Brae is such a talented author, her books The Light in the Wound and His Wounded Light are two of my most cherished books and now Insipid has joined them at the top of my list! This book is so full of emotion, a complete roller coaster and you will feel every one of them as strongly as the main character Jade does. Even though my life is nothing like Jade's, through the beautiful writing I was captivated and felt as if the story was my own, feeling the giddiness of new love, the heartbreak of lost love, the turmoil of losing the most cherished part of your life, being overcome with grief and guilt, yet pushing forward and fighting your way back to life. I highly recommend this book and wish I could give it more than 5 stars because it goes beyond that for me!!
June 17, 2014
Once again Christine Brae has floored me with her writing. She is absolutely one of my go to authors....I fell in love with her Wounded Light series......and now she has created another master piece that sucked me in. I loved Jades strength coupled with her insecurity. ..who would have known those two traits would look so beautiful on a character. The love in this story with ALL involved is stunningly beautiful. The path of forgiveness Jade sets off on to reconcile with her past is hauntingly and heartbreakingly written. This is another Home Run for Christine Brae. ...ONE CLICK NOW !!!
June 18, 2014
Touched a nerve.... Wow! Compelling read
July 29, 2016
This was a beautiful, heartbreaking and well written story with great messages. More than a romance, to me this was a story about Jade's journey. She's flawed, lost and empty. She was just going through the motions. My heart went out to her when I found out what happened to her. I didn't like some of her actions but she was human and I couldn't help but to root for her.
"Life is a crazy combination of phases. We all go through different stages in life and all handle them in many ways."
"If you truly stop dwelling on the goodbyes of your life, you will recognize that special "Hello"."
"Life is a crazy combination of phases. We all go through different stages in life and all handle them in many ways."
"If you truly stop dwelling on the goodbyes of your life, you will recognize that special "Hello"."
July 6, 2015
This book took me by quite the surprise! At first, I was not sure I was liking Jade but she intrigued me....drawing me into her story. Soon, I was caught up in her and wanted to know more. I got so involved I read this in one sitting! Fantastic twists and turns. Christine Brae leaves you aching for more and teaching you about love, loss, and redemption. Jade, Lucas and Chris will teach you more about yourself than you will realize. I was left contemplating my own life and brushing tears off my face. Thank you Christine, my pln elf, for introducing me to your world. I might never leave....
June 11, 2015
Oh Christine Brae did it again! This book is going to stick with my heart for a long while just like her first two books. Her storytelling ability never fail to touch my soul. The Prologue almost killed me. I could already feel different emotions and assumptions running through my veins from there. Jade Richmond's past experiences and mixed emotions along with the seasons of life were such an inspiration to me. I will always carry the lessons I've learned from her through my ups and downs.
Give Insipid a try and you will love it like I do ! :)
Give Insipid a try and you will love it like I do ! :)
September 9, 2014
Christine Brae put her heart and soul into the writing, this is her third book and her writing just continues to improve with each book. The story flowed really well and was broken into 3 parts present and past. There was a lot of heart break and pain, but also happy parts. And a few funny parts “the birds” for instance!!! I love Lucas but my heart went out to Chris so much for his pain and suffering too!!
Hmmmm we could have a Chris story??
Hmmmm we could have a Chris story??
June 19, 2014
4.5 it's great to read a story that is about adults who have life experience- a protagonist in her early 40s vs one in her early 20s, about someone who's experienced tragedy and copes with it in a very human and flawed way. Along that way she finds someone coping with his own life's challenges in an equally (but different kind of) flawed way. No loose ends. The story is complete. Different. Really good. Definitely recommended.
July 31, 2014
Insipid
I don't know where to begin.This was one of the most heartfelt books I have ever read.It makes you think of your own decisions and how to refocus on your life.I truly love this book. Christine's books are filled with love,tragedy and forgiveness.Everyone needs to read this.
I don't know where to begin.This was one of the most heartfelt books I have ever read.It makes you think of your own decisions and how to refocus on your life.I truly love this book. Christine's books are filled with love,tragedy and forgiveness.Everyone needs to read this.
June 18, 2014
another excellent book from christine brae. I really enjoyed the journey of jade richmond. I can't predict what she is going to do.
June 21, 2014
slow start,but so worth sticking with it. I was very happy with how it turned out! shed a few tears and laughed out loud :)
July 1, 2014
Delightfully refreshing! A wonderful story of overcoming loss.
June 21, 2014
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Insipid has to be the most heartbreakingly beautiful story I have ever read. The author Christine Brae is a genius. I know this because I've read her other books. But. This. Book. It went beyond anything I could have ever imagined. It was painful. It was brilliant. I didn't just read this book. I lived it.
"Life happens at every moment."
"Live or exist. The choice has always been mine."
Jade Richmond doesn't live. She exists. Her past and present circumstances has made her this way. While a strong and successful business woman, her life is the complete opposite. She is broken beyond repair. Constantly in a state of dread and runs from anything that has the potential to make her happy. Until him. He changes the game for her. Giving away the details of this story would be a complete disservice to the reader. You need to immerse yourself in the story. And you will.
"The high from a touch that cures the deepest of wounds...it will never leave me. I will never recover from this."
Insipid is not your average story. This is not the usual formulaic boy and girl have horrible past lives and find each other and fall in love. This is not that story. Christine Brae doesn't write those stories. Insipid hurts. It will leave you reeling. You will be upset, confused, frustrated. And you will love it. You cannot help but become involved in these characters lives. Their stories will consume you. You will FEEL for them. You will hold on to every word.
"And just like that, he released all his doubts inside me, trusting me, giving me everything of himself, his heart, his soul. His life."
This story is highly romantic. Yet different. You will find that love doesn't come in small neat little packages. It comes when you least expect it. When you need it. It comes when you don't go looking for it. You may even question your beliefs about love. This story goes deep. How can love exist when life throws so much at you? If you've loved before and lost it how do you go on? Can love really have second chances? The emotions in this story are raw. The main character Jade may not be liked by everyone. So why read the book? Because we all have flaws. These characters are genuine. We all make mistakes. When it comes down to it, our past defines us. However it is up to us on how we move forward. Insipid attests to that truth.
"Whatever the reasons, whatever the circumstances, you were the one that my heart chose to help me pick up the pieces of my broken soul."
The writing of this story is flawless. Every single word contributes to this beautiful story. The transition from present to past and back to present was seamless. The story flows really well. Insipid comes back full circle. The characters you meet in this story are broken in some way, but you will love them. You will not read this story. You will experience it. You will live it. Insipid goes where contemporary romance doesn't go. It shows the bad. The ugly. That love exists even in the deepest darkest places. In all things, choose life. Choose love.
Insipid has to be the most heartbreakingly beautiful story I have ever read. The author Christine Brae is a genius. I know this because I've read her other books. But. This. Book. It went beyond anything I could have ever imagined. It was painful. It was brilliant. I didn't just read this book. I lived it.
"Life happens at every moment."
"Live or exist. The choice has always been mine."
Jade Richmond doesn't live. She exists. Her past and present circumstances has made her this way. While a strong and successful business woman, her life is the complete opposite. She is broken beyond repair. Constantly in a state of dread and runs from anything that has the potential to make her happy. Until him. He changes the game for her. Giving away the details of this story would be a complete disservice to the reader. You need to immerse yourself in the story. And you will.
"The high from a touch that cures the deepest of wounds...it will never leave me. I will never recover from this."
Insipid is not your average story. This is not the usual formulaic boy and girl have horrible past lives and find each other and fall in love. This is not that story. Christine Brae doesn't write those stories. Insipid hurts. It will leave you reeling. You will be upset, confused, frustrated. And you will love it. You cannot help but become involved in these characters lives. Their stories will consume you. You will FEEL for them. You will hold on to every word.
"And just like that, he released all his doubts inside me, trusting me, giving me everything of himself, his heart, his soul. His life."
This story is highly romantic. Yet different. You will find that love doesn't come in small neat little packages. It comes when you least expect it. When you need it. It comes when you don't go looking for it. You may even question your beliefs about love. This story goes deep. How can love exist when life throws so much at you? If you've loved before and lost it how do you go on? Can love really have second chances? The emotions in this story are raw. The main character Jade may not be liked by everyone. So why read the book? Because we all have flaws. These characters are genuine. We all make mistakes. When it comes down to it, our past defines us. However it is up to us on how we move forward. Insipid attests to that truth.
"Whatever the reasons, whatever the circumstances, you were the one that my heart chose to help me pick up the pieces of my broken soul."
The writing of this story is flawless. Every single word contributes to this beautiful story. The transition from present to past and back to present was seamless. The story flows really well. Insipid comes back full circle. The characters you meet in this story are broken in some way, but you will love them. You will not read this story. You will experience it. You will live it. Insipid goes where contemporary romance doesn't go. It shows the bad. The ugly. That love exists even in the deepest darkest places. In all things, choose life. Choose love.
June 17, 2014
MICHELLE'S REVIEW
I read Christine's first two books- The Light in the Wound and His Wounded Light.
Insipid is a standalone but for those of you who read Christine's other books- I think there were a lot of similarities.
Let me start of by saying I really did enjoy this book. I thought that it was smart and sexy and the author has a way with words that draws you in.
My biggest issues lies with Jade, our main character. Let me explain. There were moments I really liked Jade. But sometimes, I was annoyed by how childish she would act. Things aren't going your way, Jade? Throw your hands up and just give up! She was like a child who just couldn't see that maybe she should stick around and talk things out once in a while. I was just like:
I also feel like there was a bit of Golden Vagina syndrome. Every guy everywhere loves Jade. All of the men.
And all of the men sound pretty great. Well except for one but I won't spoil that. Lucas is hot sexy, latin lover man and I want to go to him. And he's great. And sometimes I just want to be like- be with me, not her!!!
Despite those things- which would normally be a big no for me- I had sympathy for Jade. The book is divided into 3 parts and in the second part- you get to see Jade and what happened to her. And I get it. I get why she is the way she is and to an extent. I even understand her childishness in relationships. Mostly- my heart breaks for what she's been through and how misguided she is about what makes someone happy. She has good intentions but she's always so busy doing what she thinks will make people happy that she really ends up making herself and everyone around her unhappy. I was like:
I know you're probably thinking- Ok Michelle- should I read this? I would say yes. This book has almost every element to make me not like the book- there's cheating, the golden vag, a female that really isn't all that strong until the end- all things I don't like. And yet- I walked away REALLY liking this book. To me that says the author did a great job writing a story that will keep you captivated. So grab this book- read it- see what you think for yourself!
September 11, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ebook was provided by Red Coat PR in exchange for an honest review.
Insipid is a standalone contemporary romance slash women's fiction novel from author Christine Brae and my very first read by her. This truly was main character Jade Richmond's story to tell and it was one that evoked a myriad of emotions. The men in her life--her first love, Chris Wilmot, her husband, Joshua Richmond, and her new admirer, Lucas Martinez--represent different phases, each one with positive and negative moments that have Jade changing directions now and again on the road to finding peace of mind.
There's no denying that Jade is a highly flawed character, one who had me frustrated more than once, what with her inconsistencies and ill-conceived notions and decisions. Chris, Joshua, and Lucas hurt her in more ways than one, but she did her own share of hurting and I think there were times that she did so with intent, though I don't think she was necessarily malicious. I honestly believe that she needed intensive therapy to deal with what happened to Felicia plus a professional to speak with regarding her other issues.
Lucas turned out to be an enigma. He was becoming increasingly unattractive with his treatment of Jade for a good portion of their non-relationship, and then when the truth is revealed, you can't help but empathize with the guy. He really was a nice person, one who refused to make as big of a deal of the fact that he was thirty-three and that the woman he was falling for was nine years older. My heart broke for him and for Chris and Joshua as well. Then there was Jade, who's own heart seemed irreparably broken.
This book was far more than I expected and was an intense read that I finished in one sitting in the wee hours of the morning. Once I started, I simply had to keep going, needing to get the answers to the questions that were popping up in my head. Christine Brae has created a story that speaks to anyone who's ever loved and lost and to every single one of us who feels stuck in neutral, tempted to go in reverse in hopes of re-discovering something that is possibly no longer meant to be found. Insipid receives 4.5 stars, rounded off to five stars for Goodreads. ♥
Note: This ebook was provided by Red Coat PR in exchange for an honest review.
Insipid is a standalone contemporary romance slash women's fiction novel from author Christine Brae and my very first read by her. This truly was main character Jade Richmond's story to tell and it was one that evoked a myriad of emotions. The men in her life--her first love, Chris Wilmot, her husband, Joshua Richmond, and her new admirer, Lucas Martinez--represent different phases, each one with positive and negative moments that have Jade changing directions now and again on the road to finding peace of mind.
There's no denying that Jade is a highly flawed character, one who had me frustrated more than once, what with her inconsistencies and ill-conceived notions and decisions. Chris, Joshua, and Lucas hurt her in more ways than one, but she did her own share of hurting and I think there were times that she did so with intent, though I don't think she was necessarily malicious. I honestly believe that she needed intensive therapy to deal with what happened to Felicia plus a professional to speak with regarding her other issues.
Lucas turned out to be an enigma. He was becoming increasingly unattractive with his treatment of Jade for a good portion of their non-relationship, and then when the truth is revealed, you can't help but empathize with the guy. He really was a nice person, one who refused to make as big of a deal of the fact that he was thirty-three and that the woman he was falling for was nine years older. My heart broke for him and for Chris and Joshua as well. Then there was Jade, who's own heart seemed irreparably broken.
This book was far more than I expected and was an intense read that I finished in one sitting in the wee hours of the morning. Once I started, I simply had to keep going, needing to get the answers to the questions that were popping up in my head. Christine Brae has created a story that speaks to anyone who's ever loved and lost and to every single one of us who feels stuck in neutral, tempted to go in reverse in hopes of re-discovering something that is possibly no longer meant to be found. Insipid receives 4.5 stars, rounded off to five stars for Goodreads. ♥
August 9, 2015
Again. She did it again.
I though that after TLITW story I wouldn't and couldn't love another of her books as much, but, boy, I was so wrong.
I started reading it a bit biased, since age difference (Older woman, younger man), was never my cup of tea, and the first part didn't really helped me to connect with the caracters but .. ..
Christine has a magic talent, not only about the way she has with words, but with the way she makes you feel like they feel, the way you invest to her hereos and heroines, they way you love to love them, and love to hate some of them, too..
Jade has been through a lot, has made many mistakes in her life, but we see about her journey..
And that's what I love about Christine's books. You won't find any perfect person (well , except Alex but he also had his fair share of being a noble idiot in book 2) , but flawed characters that learn through their mistakes.Their actions are not excused, but being used to make them better people...
Heartbreaking, raw, brilliant, emotional, are just some of the words that describe this book...
When you pick-up a book by Christine, its a guarantee that you will love it !
Thank Christine ! :D
I though that after TLITW story I wouldn't and couldn't love another of her books as much, but, boy, I was so wrong.
I started reading it a bit biased, since age difference (Older woman, younger man), was never my cup of tea, and the first part didn't really helped me to connect with the caracters but .. ..
Christine has a magic talent, not only about the way she has with words, but with the way she makes you feel like they feel, the way you invest to her hereos and heroines, they way you love to love them, and love to hate some of them, too..
Jade has been through a lot, has made many mistakes in her life, but we see about her journey..
And that's what I love about Christine's books. You won't find any perfect person (well , except Alex but he also had his fair share of being a noble idiot in book 2) , but flawed characters that learn through their mistakes.Their actions are not excused, but being used to make them better people...
Heartbreaking, raw, brilliant, emotional, are just some of the words that describe this book...
When you pick-up a book by Christine, its a guarantee that you will love it !
Thank Christine ! :D
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