The engagement's off and with Collin behind her, Lexi has decided that the temptations of Raven Davenport are too strong to be ignored. It doesn't take long for Lexi and Raven to find themselves wrapped in each other's affection, but not without the challenges that life poses. But can she withstand the world he's created or will the forces that are against them rip them apart? Love, faith, betrayal and heartache ripple through their lives as they fight to be on the same side.
Aww, so much happened in this and like I legit just wanted punch her mom in the damn face lol.
As her engagement to Collin is off and away, Lexi focuses on the man she truly loves, Raven Davenport.
After a visit to Ravens mothers house makes Raven doubt his relationship with Alexis and feel like she's too good for him, things between the two end. Lexi refuses to believe he doesn't care so decides to show him what he's missing.
As more and more obstacles are thrown in their way, and the relationship is dealt hard blows with cocaine and a terrible accident will Lexi finally stand up to get negative and overbearing parents. Will Raven and Lexi's relationship survive?
Read this lovely story to see what happens next for these two lovers.
I decided to give book 2 a try because the overall ratings are better than book 1. I feel this book was worse! This book was just ok for me. The writing and storyline came across as juvenile again. I felt the characters should be in high school not seniors in college. There were also a lot of lines that were repetitive, and became annoying to me especially "the Raven trap". Just didn't work for me.
What a roller coaster! Raven and Lexi are so much better together than apart. This book was perfect from beginning to end and I'm so excited that there will be another one because I don't think I'll ever get tired of them.
This review is for the first three books and contains spoilers !!!
This girl just lets everyone walk all over her!!! First Collin, I thought for sure he was gay, who the hell only chastely kisses their girlfriend /fiancé of 4years ( besides the Duggars). He showed her NO affection and actually gave her the silent treatment for 3 days when she got a little tipsy from two mimosas at a family brunch!!! Second, Luke... he is just a big fat uncaring jerk. He’s never there for his TWIN sister and just “stays out of everything “rather then defend her. THIRD, her mom.... I swear every new adult book I’ve read lately has an over the top crazy controlling mom and I’m just over it . She actually burns her adult daughters Victoria’s Secret underwear etc. and takes away her phone , computer and iPad... she’s 20 years old wtf?!?! Then Raven, sure he’s great when he’s happy and everything is going good. The minute it’s not he makes stupid decisions, does drugs gets drunk and hooks up with other girls ( when he is still with Lexi). But guess what?!? Every time she takes him back, she never gets mad and is constantly telling him she loves him no matter what blah blah blah. Why would he ever stop his behavior if he knew she’d take him back every single time??? This book ( especially the ending ) just pissed me off. Raven has a shit fit and leaves Lexi , like packs up and moves to another state without even a text goodbye because he got kicked out of college. In the meantime she finds out she’s pregnant and after 2 months of no communication SHE flies to New Orleans to tell him she’s pregnant.. with his twins... he says “fuck” and then tells her to fuck off when she she mentions her wanting her kids to know their dad unlike he did. She finally has some sense and leaves in a taxi after yelling at him ( just a little but though). Not two minutes later she tells the taxi to turn around and she runs back to his house. Of course he’s the perfect Raven again promising to do everything right blah blah blah . She’s just a pushover and he’s a dick. Rant over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Firstly have to get off my chest, bravo to the author for the moment in the book when she lost her virginity. Did I feel as I missed something no, it was probably one of the first books in a very long time that did not make me bang my head against my iPad about the whole best night of my life rubbish, it did not hurt and angels sang. We get to read about all their sexual exploits but I liked how their first night was like a secret between them two as characters.
Ok so moving on The Same Side finds Raven and Lexi are now together. She has broken off her engagement to Colin and is taking a big jump with Raven, all hell is about to break loose.
This series really does have all the drama you expect from a college story. I must say in this book Delaney and Luke really got on my nerves, their relationship was constantly in the background but they then would pop up here and there in the storyline. Delaney, what is her story, I am thinking the author may have another book up her sleeve so we may not find out too much about them, I am just expressing a hunch, I am probably totally wrong but Lexi questioned so many of their moves in the storyline, weird to me.
One other thing that did not make sense for me, what happened to Colin, where is he, I really wanted some more showdown scenes between the three of them. It's liked he sulked off to a corner somewhere and is licking his wounds, considering he is an athlete I really thought he would have more fight and competitiveness but now reflecting he really did not love her so she gave him the easy way out.
This book I found not as emotional as book 1, it did not grab me however I am so involved in Lexi as a person I cannot let her go. I am proud of the way she stands up to her mother and father, she has guts and determination and I really think it is why I am loving this series and this books ends off in a great way.
Look yes Raven is hot but something is tugging at me about him, why did he not go to her parents, he just stayed away?
I am still in two minds about this whole series, I am continuing on as Lexi is in my heart and she is such a strong and smart female character.
Now that her engagement is officially off, Lexi has decided she is going to do what she wants to do and stop living the life her parents want her to live. Her first step, Raven.
Raven is the man who has tempted her since the day they met but because of her situation, she wasn't free to explore it. Now that she is, Lexi is going for it.
But a relationship with Raven won't be easy and Lexi quickly learns she will be fighting every step of the way to make things work.
This is book 2 in the University Park series and is not meant to be read as a stand alone. If you try to read it that way, you will be hopelessly lost so do yourself a favor and read book one first.
Now with that being said, on to this one. I really enjoyed book one and with the way it ended, I was excited for this one to see what happened next. It was just ok for me though.
There were a lot of things I was still left with questions about and the lack of heat/passion was disappointing.
My thoughts:
POV: Lexi Quick hook or slow starter? 4 (I was hooked from the beginning but it lost me at a couple points) Character development: 3.5 Level of Romance between characters: 3.5 Passion/Heat level: 2(such a disappointment, all the sex is "fade to black" implied) Angst/Heartbreak: 3.5 (there is a little toward the end) Cliffhanger?: Not really a cliffhanger,but there are a lot of unanswered questions.
Overall, after having really enjoyed book one, this one left me sadly disappointed and I don't think I will continue on to books 3 and 4.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book! I've read the first book, Opposing sides, and I have to say that I enjoyed the second book, The Same Side, more! I connected with Raven more in this book than in the last book, which is why I loved this book more. C.M. Doporto's books just get better and better and I seriously can't wait until the next book. Team Raven!!
This book starts where the last book left off. Raven and Lexi have realized that their attraction is mutual and decide to give a relationship a try. Raven is everything Lexi wants in a man and Lexi is everything Raven ever wanted in a woman. They both care for each other and don't want to be without the other, so what can go wrong?
Will Raven and Lexi let others, who wish them to not be together, break them apart? Or will they stick together and come out on the same side?
I'm not going to give anything away, but there's a lot of secrets we learn from Raven's past and we learn even more about Lexi and her awful family. I feel as if you got a better look at the characters and their past in this book.
I love this book! I'm officially caught in The Raven Trap! Don't worry. It's an awesome place to be. You should join. This book is really amazing and I can't wait until the next book! I need to know what happens next with Raven and Lexi! The suspense is killing me!
By the way, the first book is free, if you want to read this book, I recommend you read the first. You will not be disappointed because both books are amazing!
A few weeks after her engagement to Collin was off, Lexi found herself trapped by The Raven and she wasn't doing anything to get away from it - or him. Raven had opened up new horizons for her, made her realized all the things she'd been missing, helped her mark off the things in her bucket list. With Raven, Lexi became alive.
Raven proved to be a real deal-breaker for her. He had a messy past and complicated life, but he tried his best to steer clear and change. Lexi was helping him become a better person. But as always, there are struggles and obstacles that prevented them from having a fulfilled and happy ending.
Cheers to another cliffhanger ending from C.M. Doporto. I know a lot of people aren't really into this kind of endings, where you need to wait for the next book in order to get the whole story. But me, I'm all for it. I love the feeling of excitement cliffhangers bring. The author knows how to keep the fire burning in The Same Side. Doporto can make me wait for weeks or months, and I'd still get giddy and bouncy when the next book releases.
Oh I am definitely caught in the Raven's Trap and I'm loving it.
So I've been sick, and had nothing to do but lay in bed and read. (Because that is such a hardship lol) Imagine my surprise when I saw this on Kindle Unlimited. I'd been waiting to pick this one up, not because I didn't want to read it, but because my winter TBR is as along as my arm.
Well, it's on KU, so I grabbed it... and of course I dove right into it. I'm more than happy to say I was sucked right back into the story of Raven and Lexi. Now I'm ready for the next book and I have to make myself wait!
I probably won't ever do a full review on this series, but it has some amazing reviews out there. It's also well worth the read. :)
Received from the author for a honest review. The Same Side is the second book in the University Park Series and we start were we left off- Lexi & Raven revealing the attraction to each other. Lexi canceling her engagement to see where this feeling will take them. Raven still not sure if he is good enough for the naive Lexi. The big question is - will Lexi live her life and not the life her mom expects for her? Will Raven let Lexi in and give what they feel a chance? I enjoyed the story even through it drag in the middle and Lexi does seem to cry a lot. I Look forward to the next book in the Lexi/Raven love story.
This book was so amazing!! I am so hooked on the characters and the story line. I thought the first book was great, but this series just keeps getting better and better. The passion that the main characters have feels so real when you read it. I feel like any girl that has been in a very sheltered and controlled life can relate to the way Lexi feels. But oh if we could all have a Raven to help us figure ourselves out!
CM you are an amazing author and I can not wait for December!
this book really irked me in many ways ... how can their relationship go from zero to living together in a matter of a few days ... I didn't really understand nor feel the deep connection between Lexi and Raven ....
CM Doporto continues to rip my heart out with Raven and Lexi's story. I admit it... I've been caught in the Raven's trap and I cannot wait until the next book.
This book was an emotional roller coaster that I could not put down! I enjoyed it even more than the first book in the series and can not wait for book 3.
Lexi finally decides to take control of her life in this book. She makes changes concerning her career and also her love life. She is going to follow Raven and trust in his love.
They go through quite a bit and let me just say her parents (mainly mom) is freaking psycho. I thought Analise was the most psychotic mom in the Fallen Crest series, but this mom might be a big competitor. I mean for GOODNESS sakes, Lexi is 20 (almost 21) and they treat her like she's 14! I can't stand it.
I optimistically saw some emerging potential towards the end of The Other Side, so thought I would read on… won’t be making that mistake again. Yes, it has a reasonable overall 4 star rating but this is the second book of the series so many (sensible) readers will have seen sense and abandoned the story at the end of book 1.
This book was just really dull and so unrealistic. Lexi is just as judgmental as the parents she complains about throughout
Lexi and Raven start dating.they have their ups and downs and we learn more about Ravens past. I absolutely cannot stand some of the girls in Ravens past or Lexis mama! I’m happy one minute and kissed the next. I keep cheering for them to get their happily ever after.
This book picks up exactly where book 1 left off and we get to continue our journey into the Raven trap. There are some ups and downs, but Lexi and Raven are a beautiful duo. I'd love to say more, but right now I need more Raven!
I think this book was really good. I can understand why the characters went a bit fast with their relationship but I do prefer characters who go a bit slower when it's something like that. Otherwise, great book! P.S. you gotta read this series in order.
Picks up right were the first left off. They kiss! whoo hoo! Then they start forming a relationship. Thing are going good.
Then Lexi, her friend, and Raven all head to his moms house for dinner. His mom says something like, "he's lucky to have you" or something along that lines and he is quite on the ride home. Lexi knows something is wrong when he drops her off.
A few days goes by and she hasn't heard from him. When she does finally see him, he tells her, "Your too good more me. go back to Collin" blah blah blah. (I really hate when characters do that but I know in this world people are actually dumb and do do that) anyways..
Lexi is sad and really hurt. Then a few days later she goes to a party (which she never does) and is determined to show Raven that she isn't has good as he thinks and she can party and have a good time. She drinks too much.. Starts talking with a guy named Brain and then dances dirty with him. lol Of course Raven was at the party and then comes in and takes her away from Brian and takes her home where they talk for awhile.
The next morning he comes over and basically in a nut shell tells her that she is the one he wants blah blah blah. This is also the morning that her brother picks her mom to take her to their parents house. Luke (Lexi brother) sees Raven and Lexi making out and hates it.
Luke leaves without Lexi and she ends up spending the week at Ravens house. They have sex for the first time (which the author doesn't go into details about) and its a fun week for them. He finally takes her home after her mom threatens to call the cops.
Her parents are unbelievable and very controlling! They take away all her devices and she is unable to reach out to Raven. Raven texts her and says (again) that the relationship is over and he doesn't want to come between her and her family and that she should go back to Collin (I think I mentioned how much I hate this!) When Lexi's mom reads that text her gives Lexi her phone and shoves it into her face. Lexi is of course heart broken.
Then during the new years party, Lexi's friend gets a text that Raven was in an accident. They run out the door after FINALLY getting by Lexi's family. They said never come back if you go back to Raven.
Raven is okay..he tells Lexi its a long story why he sent those texts and he would explain later and that he loved her more then anything and he would do anything for her. She replies with almost the same words...And the book end.
But at the end of the book it says book 3 is coming...
I'm just not a big fan of this series. But I will read book 3 because I want to read the happily ever after cause I'm that type of person! :p
The Same Side is the next book in University Park Series. Its an emotional rollercoaster with so much drama. Lexi is not so timid anymore and she is not afraid to get what she wants. It picks up right where OPPOSING SIDE left off. I just had to start this book, as soon as I finished the part one. I enjoyed this book a lot more.
OMG OMG Raven and Lexi together finally. SQUEEEEEEEEEEEE !!!!
After the Engagement is officially off, Lexi is free again. But to her freedom felt little tainted as nobody supported her choice, but her best friend Delaney. Things are strained with her family but she refuses to let it pull her down. After few weeks Lexi finds herself getting caught in Raven’s charm or you can say “Raven’s Trap” as she calls it. She continues to explore her new freedom with Raven and ticks off the experiences from her bucket list. Raven’s affection towards her and the passion in their relationship brought her to life.
This was a new territory for both of them, they were both scared and vulnerable. Feelings were growing deeper and the bond was getting stronger. Raven has his own past and problems to overcome. Lexi makes him want to be a better person in life, yet he doesn't feel worthy of her love. Lexi feels dubious and insecure with Ravens past.
With Lexi’s family interjecting in the situation and trying to pull them apart, Will they be able to fight for each other and emerge on The Same Side ?
Finally some romance for Lexi! The same side picks up right where Opposing sides ends, and this book is a lot more action packed then Opposing Sides!
Lexi and Raven decide to give it a go, and the chemistry between the two of them is undeniable, and I thought "Yay, everything is going to be great for them now". I was so wrong! When things start getting good between them, Raven pushes Lexi away, and Lexi is devastated.
Watching Lexi try to win Raven back was cute, and she definitely grabbed his attention. She wants him like she hasn't wanted anyone before, and Raven showed he is a good guy and does not take advantage of her in the state she is in.
In The Same Side it is a lot easier to connect with Raven, as we get to know him more. He has a sweet side and wants to be a better person because of how he feels about Lexi and how she makes him feel about everything going on in life. This doesn't mean that things between these two are easy. There are definite struggles for both of them, and Lexi does everything she can to help him through his dark times.
The days that Lexi and Raven were together were very hot, but at the same time sweet. Raven really just wants to be around Lexi all the time, and the way he takes care of her, and treats her is beautiful. Granted he does make a mistake, but Lexi was able to intervene before things got worse for him.
When Lexi's parents find out about Raven, things go from great for them to absolutely horrible. I already was not a big fan of Lexi's parents, and I definitely fell into a deep hatred for them during this book. I understand she's their child, but the way they intervene, and don't let her live her life is absolutely horrible and I really felt for Lexi and what she was going through. It didn't help that Luke wasn't much of a help to Lexi either, and was kind of a jerk about everything.
My heart was breaking for Lexi, and I was just hoping and praying that Raven didn't do anything stupid, and you'll have to read this one to see if he did or not. I will say I went from happy, to sad, to happy, to wanting to scream, to being happy all over again. Raven and Lexi definitely have some things to work on, and I can't wait to see how they do that in the next book.
This is a great series that captured me in each book, and I felt as if I was a part of the story playing out on my Kindle, and I can't wait to see what happens next for these two opposite, yet beautiful characters!