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Downward Spiral
One horrible night changed everything.
And now, Paige can’t stop the nightmares. No one can…
Except him.
When Paige Tomlin unexpectedly runs into Eli Stone one day, memories of that awful night don’t come crashing down on her like she thought they would. Instead, memories from when they were young and inseparable surround her.
The boy she rode the bus to school with every day.
The boy who picked her up and drove her around the first day he got his license.
The boy who told her his deepest secrets.
The boy who left her without saying good-bye…
The man who came back for her.
Thrown into a world of fear and confusion, they lean on each other for support and survival.
But is the one thing that brought them back together the very thing that will rip them apart forever?
And now, Paige can’t stop the nightmares. No one can…
Except him.
When Paige Tomlin unexpectedly runs into Eli Stone one day, memories of that awful night don’t come crashing down on her like she thought they would. Instead, memories from when they were young and inseparable surround her.
The boy she rode the bus to school with every day.
The boy who picked her up and drove her around the first day he got his license.
The boy who told her his deepest secrets.
The boy who left her without saying good-bye…
The man who came back for her.
Thrown into a world of fear and confusion, they lean on each other for support and survival.
But is the one thing that brought them back together the very thing that will rip them apart forever?
274 pages, Unknown Binding
First published September 14, 2014
221 people want to read
About the author
Bria Starr
5 books80 followersa little of this and a little of that
Bria Starr grew up in a small town in Minnesota and continues to live there with her family. She’s a quiet person with an infinite imagination, loves junk food, and is always cold. Her favorite things include reading, writing, listening to music, and watching too many movies.
Bria Starr grew up in a small town in Minnesota and continues to live there with her family. She’s a quiet person with an infinite imagination, loves junk food, and is always cold. Her favorite things include reading, writing, listening to music, and watching too many movies.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 24, 2014
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
"Oh calm your tits. It's nothing bad!"
"I was always yours. You just didn't know it."
"Girls are not supposed to say it first! We wait it out until they realize that they love us and let us know. We hold that shit in and wait, that's how it goes."
My Review:
A sweet second chance love story with a smattering of suspense, trauma, heartbreak, humor, rediscovery and recovery. Our characters have known each other since childhood and shared their first kiss as innocent teenagers. But things change, don’t they always? Ms. Starr does an excellent job of portraying the turmoil and inner conflict of PTSD as suffered by our characters as adults. She also does a good job of penning the heartbreak, self-consciousness, disappointments, confusion, and cruelty of those pesky teen years and social cliques. She squeezed my heart and stung my eyes. I was afraid I wasn’t going to get my HEA, but mercifully, the fates were with me on this. However, I don’t want to leave the impression it was all sadness and tears – no –no- no! There is also snarky humor and fun to be had. I confess to stealing my new favorite expression from her book, “Calm, your tits.” I initially used it on my BFF and she gasped, then we both broke into giggles. I have since used it several times and it made me feel so in the now! Not a steamy read but has some tender love scenes. The ending left me with a peaceful feeling of contentment. Ms. Starr is growing in confidence and skill, I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
"Oh calm your tits. It's nothing bad!"
"I was always yours. You just didn't know it."
"Girls are not supposed to say it first! We wait it out until they realize that they love us and let us know. We hold that shit in and wait, that's how it goes."
My Review:
A sweet second chance love story with a smattering of suspense, trauma, heartbreak, humor, rediscovery and recovery. Our characters have known each other since childhood and shared their first kiss as innocent teenagers. But things change, don’t they always? Ms. Starr does an excellent job of portraying the turmoil and inner conflict of PTSD as suffered by our characters as adults. She also does a good job of penning the heartbreak, self-consciousness, disappointments, confusion, and cruelty of those pesky teen years and social cliques. She squeezed my heart and stung my eyes. I was afraid I wasn’t going to get my HEA, but mercifully, the fates were with me on this. However, I don’t want to leave the impression it was all sadness and tears – no –no- no! There is also snarky humor and fun to be had. I confess to stealing my new favorite expression from her book, “Calm, your tits.” I initially used it on my BFF and she gasped, then we both broke into giggles. I have since used it several times and it made me feel so in the now! Not a steamy read but has some tender love scenes. The ending left me with a peaceful feeling of contentment. Ms. Starr is growing in confidence and skill, I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
September 15, 2014
Downword Spiral was a good book from start to finish. The prologue was really intense and gave me goosebumps, I didnt know what was gonna happen next. I thought the author did a great job!
September 16, 2014
If your looking for a 5 star romance--THIS IS IT!!!! WOW!!!! I was blown away. The cover and description pull you in. I was immediately intrigued and memorized by the storyline and characters. The whole love- love lost- reuniting -is a heart breaker. So yes, you may need some tissues. Love is never easy. So most can relate. This journey from childhood to adulthood is so full of emotions and challenges. I was all over the place emotionally. So yes, I needed tissues. Excellent blending and inclusion of true to life reactions and responses. The raw and pureness can be felt. The sweet and whole hearted love for another being. No major hot scenes because that really isn't what this story is. Expect a little of everything here. So many twist and turns as two hearts try to heal and reconnect. Each character on his or her own path while trying to forgive and accept. Impressive writing and storytelling. A complex view into the life's of each character at various stages growing up. How each is affected. How each changes. How each adjust and moves on. Fall in love with each one...ok mayb that every one.. But even those roles are easy to appreciate and acknowledge their placement in story. A perfect example of how every day events can often change the paths we choose. How forgiveness isn't easy. How forgetting is impossible. How others can often make and take choices away. I loved how different settings were talked about. The descriptive terminology to make you feel the story was great. Respectful and dignified writing around some serious topics. It was obvious that research was done to be able to write certain scenes and dialogue. A magnificent story!!!!I LOVED and can say I had no disappointments. I highly recommend!!! AndreaAH
September 21, 2014
If you love a good romance, I highly recommend Downward Spiral by Bria Starr! This book is very well written and once I picked it up, I could not put it down until I had read the entire story. It has everything in it that a sweet romance should, along with a little bit of suspense. There was also a twist in the end that I did not see coming.
Eli and Paige are perfect for each other. Friends since they were 12, together every day until trauma broke them apart while in high school. When they are brought back together years later by more trauma, they eventually take the chance they were unwilling to take before. An awesome story! I laughed, I cried, and I loved!
Eli and Paige are perfect for each other. Friends since they were 12, together every day until trauma broke them apart while in high school. When they are brought back together years later by more trauma, they eventually take the chance they were unwilling to take before. An awesome story! I laughed, I cried, and I loved!
September 20, 2014
Tragic event bonds forever
Despite the title it was a good book. I think you have to let something go in order for it to come back. That's what this book was about. If your past is the love of your life you know your future will be with that one person. Once I started reading this book I was able to connect with the characters and I enjoyed the look into the characters past. Don't let the title deceive you into thinking that the book will be depressing because it wasn't. It was about two past seeing each other again that try to overcome an almost tragic event to become who they would've become if Eli didn't leave Paige after high school.
Despite the title it was a good book. I think you have to let something go in order for it to come back. That's what this book was about. If your past is the love of your life you know your future will be with that one person. Once I started reading this book I was able to connect with the characters and I enjoyed the look into the characters past. Don't let the title deceive you into thinking that the book will be depressing because it wasn't. It was about two past seeing each other again that try to overcome an almost tragic event to become who they would've become if Eli didn't leave Paige after high school.
September 21, 2014
I have to say that I really enjoyed this story. Paige and Eli drew me in from the first page. I love how the story showed their bond from when they were kids. It added another wonderful layer to an already great story.
I enjoyed the secondary characters even Corbin. A well written villain is just as important to a story. The ending made the story for me though. Paige and Eli grew together while dealing with their pasts. I would recommend this to a friend.
I enjoyed the secondary characters even Corbin. A well written villain is just as important to a story. The ending made the story for me though. Paige and Eli grew together while dealing with their pasts. I would recommend this to a friend.
August 8, 2018
Paige and Eli knew each other as kids then reconnected. They use each other for support/survival, but will the one thing that brought them back together end them? This book was full of emotions and some laughter. We all must spiral out of control at times to succeed or get ahead in life itself. This was my first book by this author and won't be the last one.
October 29, 2017
Love this story
I love the characters and THE style of writing. This was my first book from this author but certainly not my last!
I love the characters and THE style of writing. This was my first book from this author but certainly not my last!
October 2, 2014
** JOSIE'S 4 STAR REVIEW **
Downward Spiral is an interesting and memorable read. After I read the first page I was pulled into the story. I am a sucker for second chance romances and first loves. It felt so real and natural. The author touches on the issues of PTSD, peer pressure and its effects. Bria gives readers suspense, trauma, heartache, love, funny moments and flashbacks. Eli and Paige were close when they were kids, they shared so many first in their lives together. Just when things are going right, Eli leaves town and Paige behind. It isn’t until years later on a horrible night that the two will cross paths again.
Paige and Eli first meet when they were 12 years old. After he gives her a comic book they are inseparable. Eli is intrigued with Paige, she is smart and loves to read and there is just something that makes him want to be around her. Everything is fine until they get into high school. Eli is the popular one while Paige is considered a nerd. Eli changes and has a new group of friends and becomes distant with Paige. Eli only comes to see Paige at night when he’s away from his new friends to hang out with her. Eli gets some devastating news and his entire world comes crashing down and pushes everyone away. Paige is a really sweet person, she is always looking for the bright side and sees the good in people. She doesn’t worry about Eli, until he leaves and she never hears from him again.
While out at bar with her best friend Laura, Eli and his oldest friend Patrick come walking in. That night will change all 4 friends’ lives forever and Paige will have a hard time adjusting to those events. Out of all the friends, Paige is the one that is suffering the most; she is not able to sleep and has nightmares.
Paige has been in a relationship with Corbin for years, he was her first love and first and only lover. I really did not like Corbin; he was selfish and was not sympathetic with Paige’s emotional trauma. He thinks it is no big deal and she should get over it. When Corbin realizes who Eli really is, he becomes jealous and has a sudden interest in Paige and their future. That does not settle well with Paige, and the relationship that has not been going very well is over.
Guess what, Eli is there to help Paige throughout it all. The chemistry and connection between the two is strong and natural. At first, after Eli walked away from Paige I was not his biggest fan but that changed for me. Eli truly loved Paige, she was it for him. He knows he messed up but walking away from Paige a second time is no longer an option. Paige is the most beautiful and important person to Eli and he will show her that every day. Paige is hesitant since he left her behind, but the communication and connection they share quickly erases her fears and doubts and after that they are a force to reckon with.
“I’m not sure what’s going on now?”
“I was never good enough for you. That’s all it was.”
“You left me. You left me behind.”
“I came back for you.”
What I love most about this book is how the author details the chaos and inner struggle Paige and Eli experienced, and how PTSD has affected her. You will cry, dear lord, I used my Kleenex a couple times while reading. The author goes from past to present and I felt everything the characters were going through; I felt their sorrow, inadequacies, frustration and confusion. This is a great read and I am really glad I got the chance to read it.
Downward Spiral is an interesting and memorable read. After I read the first page I was pulled into the story. I am a sucker for second chance romances and first loves. It felt so real and natural. The author touches on the issues of PTSD, peer pressure and its effects. Bria gives readers suspense, trauma, heartache, love, funny moments and flashbacks. Eli and Paige were close when they were kids, they shared so many first in their lives together. Just when things are going right, Eli leaves town and Paige behind. It isn’t until years later on a horrible night that the two will cross paths again.
Paige and Eli first meet when they were 12 years old. After he gives her a comic book they are inseparable. Eli is intrigued with Paige, she is smart and loves to read and there is just something that makes him want to be around her. Everything is fine until they get into high school. Eli is the popular one while Paige is considered a nerd. Eli changes and has a new group of friends and becomes distant with Paige. Eli only comes to see Paige at night when he’s away from his new friends to hang out with her. Eli gets some devastating news and his entire world comes crashing down and pushes everyone away. Paige is a really sweet person, she is always looking for the bright side and sees the good in people. She doesn’t worry about Eli, until he leaves and she never hears from him again.
While out at bar with her best friend Laura, Eli and his oldest friend Patrick come walking in. That night will change all 4 friends’ lives forever and Paige will have a hard time adjusting to those events. Out of all the friends, Paige is the one that is suffering the most; she is not able to sleep and has nightmares.
Paige has been in a relationship with Corbin for years, he was her first love and first and only lover. I really did not like Corbin; he was selfish and was not sympathetic with Paige’s emotional trauma. He thinks it is no big deal and she should get over it. When Corbin realizes who Eli really is, he becomes jealous and has a sudden interest in Paige and their future. That does not settle well with Paige, and the relationship that has not been going very well is over.
Guess what, Eli is there to help Paige throughout it all. The chemistry and connection between the two is strong and natural. At first, after Eli walked away from Paige I was not his biggest fan but that changed for me. Eli truly loved Paige, she was it for him. He knows he messed up but walking away from Paige a second time is no longer an option. Paige is the most beautiful and important person to Eli and he will show her that every day. Paige is hesitant since he left her behind, but the communication and connection they share quickly erases her fears and doubts and after that they are a force to reckon with.
“I’m not sure what’s going on now?”
“I was never good enough for you. That’s all it was.”
“You left me. You left me behind.”
“I came back for you.”
What I love most about this book is how the author details the chaos and inner struggle Paige and Eli experienced, and how PTSD has affected her. You will cry, dear lord, I used my Kleenex a couple times while reading. The author goes from past to present and I felt everything the characters were going through; I felt their sorrow, inadequacies, frustration and confusion. This is a great read and I am really glad I got the chance to read it.
September 20, 2014
✯✯5 Shiny Stars!!✯✯
Finally!! I been waiting for Bria Starr to come out with another book. I loved her debut book Your Exception and Downward Spiral was just as good. If not better. I loved the people in this story. We watch 2 people meet at the age of 12. Then, go from 12yrs old to present time. Bria had you feeling everything they did. As they were getting to know each other to hiding their feelings. To them innocently flirting. You will definitely think about your first love while reading this.
Paige and Eli meet when they are just 12yrs old and became instant friends.Paige is a major bookworm. Which I loved bc well lets face it. I'm one too. Eli is instantly intrigued with Paige. He gives her a comic book to read and from there on out they were besties.
Until high school that is. You know how it goes. When you meet someone when you guys are young. Then, when you get a little older you're group of friends change and then you start to drift away. That's Eli & Paige story. Eli becomes popular and Paige doesn't. Eli still cares for Paige and looks out for her from far away. But, when the night comes they hang out.
Eli's life turns upside down and totally pushes everybody away. Including Paige. Paige knows he's hurting so she accepts it knowing that at least there will be college. Until there wasn't. Eli leaves without a word.
Fast forward a few years. Paige and her best friend/roommate Laura go out for the night. While at the bar she's faced with her past. There is Eli & his oldest friend Patrick. Next thing the 4 of them know their lives are turned upside down never to be the same.
Now, Paige has sever nightmares. They all are dealing with PTSD in their own ways. Paige has been dating Corbin. Who is the only person I hated in this book! Corbin doesn't understand what she's going through and doesn't try to understand.
Eli ends up at the restaurant Paige still works at since she was 16. After agreeing to go to his house that night for a get together/BBQ things get crazy. Corbin 1st insists on going. To then not wanting to go. But, she always has to go to his work functions to be his arm candy/trophy girl. Then, acts like a over jealous, obsessive boyfriend!
Move over Corbin because here comes Eli Stone!! Eli and Paige understand each other. On so many levels! From childhood. To what they went through that horrible night. Eli in his own way starts to help Paige heal. When I tell you I love Eli.
Eli & Paige are meant for each other. Eli loves Paige with everything he has. He lets her know she's beautiful and how important she is. It's always been Eli for Paige. Once these 2 get back in each others life. Thing's move pretty quick. That doesn't bother me or surprise me. Some people belong together. Eli & Paige are those people.
Bria did such an excellent job with this story. I love how she gave us the stuff that impacted them the most in their earlier years. The good and the bad. It made me really connect with them. Even at the worst time in their lives, they'd do anything to protect the other one. You will absolutely love this story.
Finally!! I been waiting for Bria Starr to come out with another book. I loved her debut book Your Exception and Downward Spiral was just as good. If not better. I loved the people in this story. We watch 2 people meet at the age of 12. Then, go from 12yrs old to present time. Bria had you feeling everything they did. As they were getting to know each other to hiding their feelings. To them innocently flirting. You will definitely think about your first love while reading this.
Paige and Eli meet when they are just 12yrs old and became instant friends.Paige is a major bookworm. Which I loved bc well lets face it. I'm one too. Eli is instantly intrigued with Paige. He gives her a comic book to read and from there on out they were besties.
Until high school that is. You know how it goes. When you meet someone when you guys are young. Then, when you get a little older you're group of friends change and then you start to drift away. That's Eli & Paige story. Eli becomes popular and Paige doesn't. Eli still cares for Paige and looks out for her from far away. But, when the night comes they hang out.
Eli's life turns upside down and totally pushes everybody away. Including Paige. Paige knows he's hurting so she accepts it knowing that at least there will be college. Until there wasn't. Eli leaves without a word.
Fast forward a few years. Paige and her best friend/roommate Laura go out for the night. While at the bar she's faced with her past. There is Eli & his oldest friend Patrick. Next thing the 4 of them know their lives are turned upside down never to be the same.
Now, Paige has sever nightmares. They all are dealing with PTSD in their own ways. Paige has been dating Corbin. Who is the only person I hated in this book! Corbin doesn't understand what she's going through and doesn't try to understand.
Eli ends up at the restaurant Paige still works at since she was 16. After agreeing to go to his house that night for a get together/BBQ things get crazy. Corbin 1st insists on going. To then not wanting to go. But, she always has to go to his work functions to be his arm candy/trophy girl. Then, acts like a over jealous, obsessive boyfriend!
Move over Corbin because here comes Eli Stone!! Eli and Paige understand each other. On so many levels! From childhood. To what they went through that horrible night. Eli in his own way starts to help Paige heal. When I tell you I love Eli.
Eli & Paige are meant for each other. Eli loves Paige with everything he has. He lets her know she's beautiful and how important she is. It's always been Eli for Paige. Once these 2 get back in each others life. Thing's move pretty quick. That doesn't bother me or surprise me. Some people belong together. Eli & Paige are those people.
Bria did such an excellent job with this story. I love how she gave us the stuff that impacted them the most in their earlier years. The good and the bad. It made me really connect with them. Even at the worst time in their lives, they'd do anything to protect the other one. You will absolutely love this story.
January 26, 2015
WOW! Bria Starr has done it again! This book is fantastic! Such a wonderful story of fear and bravery; love and friendship; trust and commitment. Such a wonderfully told story and it creates such deep emotions that you begin to cheer for the characters.
Six months ago, Paige had a traumatic experience and in that one night she saved someone and became a hero. What if she doesn’t feel like a hero? What if she needs saving not only now but even before that night? Paige has a boyfriend that even though has been there for her through this experience he’s also very controlling and she has realized that she’s not in love with him. Maybe she hasn’t ever been?
Eli and Paige have been best friends for most of their life. They did everything together and never went a full day without seeing each other. They were there for each other more that anyone else ever could be. He was her everything and she loved him deeply. When his mom dies (he’s fifteen) it rocks his world. His mom was his safe person. His dad was not very nice and after his mom is no longer there, things are much worse. After graduation he decides he can’t take it anymore and leaves. No goodbye or anything. Paige is beside herself with hurt and anger. She has no idea where he is and really won’t know for three years.
Eli is back and all those feelings are back again in full force. Can she forgive him? Can she understand? Will he be understanding to her hurt and anger? Will he be able to express how he feels about her?
What happens when you learn the person you thought you loved, were going to possibly marry, is the one person that changed your life forever. When the truth all comes out where will this leave Paige & Eli? The way the events of this story come to conclusion is just fantastic! What a wonderfully written story!
I love this story! I thought at first that we needed to get on with the secret. The truth about what happened “that night” but by the time I got to the end I understood the reason. The story needed to be told the way it was. The build up and the learning of the characters were as important to the story as the the story itself. I guess my lesson in this is trust your author! LOL I do have to say that this is the second story I’ve read of Bria Starr and I’m still a huge fan!!!!
Highly Recommend!
Six months ago, Paige had a traumatic experience and in that one night she saved someone and became a hero. What if she doesn’t feel like a hero? What if she needs saving not only now but even before that night? Paige has a boyfriend that even though has been there for her through this experience he’s also very controlling and she has realized that she’s not in love with him. Maybe she hasn’t ever been?
Eli and Paige have been best friends for most of their life. They did everything together and never went a full day without seeing each other. They were there for each other more that anyone else ever could be. He was her everything and she loved him deeply. When his mom dies (he’s fifteen) it rocks his world. His mom was his safe person. His dad was not very nice and after his mom is no longer there, things are much worse. After graduation he decides he can’t take it anymore and leaves. No goodbye or anything. Paige is beside herself with hurt and anger. She has no idea where he is and really won’t know for three years.
Eli is back and all those feelings are back again in full force. Can she forgive him? Can she understand? Will he be understanding to her hurt and anger? Will he be able to express how he feels about her?
What happens when you learn the person you thought you loved, were going to possibly marry, is the one person that changed your life forever. When the truth all comes out where will this leave Paige & Eli? The way the events of this story come to conclusion is just fantastic! What a wonderfully written story!
I love this story! I thought at first that we needed to get on with the secret. The truth about what happened “that night” but by the time I got to the end I understood the reason. The story needed to be told the way it was. The build up and the learning of the characters were as important to the story as the the story itself. I guess my lesson in this is trust your author! LOL I do have to say that this is the second story I’ve read of Bria Starr and I’m still a huge fan!!!!
Highly Recommend!
October 6, 2014
Downward Spiral was a good book. I would give it a 3.5 stars. It is told in one POV and does end with and HEA. This is the first book I have read by Bria Starr, and I will continue to look out for books she will write in the future. I would recommend this book to my friends. You will really love the characters in this book and not just the main ones. I gave this book a 3.5 stars because to me it was missing something in the end, I guess I was little disappointed that the roommate isn't getting her own story or that Eli's best friend doesn't get his either. There was a little insight into what there future held at the end but I feel like they deserved so much more.
Eli and Paige have known eachother since grade school. One day when Eli's world comes crumbling down around him he will push Paige away and he leaves town never to be heard from. Paige is torn up over his departure but she will get older and with time it got easier. She is also in a relationship with Corbin who she knows she loves but there is just something missing with him. When she goes out one night with her friend Laura to a local bar to think over her relationship she runs into the man that captivated her heart years ago...but for them that night will only turn into a nightmare and have them both running away from eachother again. Month's will go by with the constant nightmares of what could have happened and Paige still in her same relationship with Corbin. One day things will change when she runs into Eli again and what was a nightmare will soon turn into something that will bring them closer and maybe even open her eyes to why Corbin isn't the one... how can he be her love when Eli stole her heart years ago. But with every new found happiness there will be a downward spiral... will Eli be strong enough this time to stick around or will he run again? Will Paige finally be able to get away from Corbin or does he play apart in her nightmares?
Go get your one-click finger clicking and pick up this story. I look forward to more from this author and thanks Bria for a good story!
Eli and Paige have known eachother since grade school. One day when Eli's world comes crumbling down around him he will push Paige away and he leaves town never to be heard from. Paige is torn up over his departure but she will get older and with time it got easier. She is also in a relationship with Corbin who she knows she loves but there is just something missing with him. When she goes out one night with her friend Laura to a local bar to think over her relationship she runs into the man that captivated her heart years ago...but for them that night will only turn into a nightmare and have them both running away from eachother again. Month's will go by with the constant nightmares of what could have happened and Paige still in her same relationship with Corbin. One day things will change when she runs into Eli again and what was a nightmare will soon turn into something that will bring them closer and maybe even open her eyes to why Corbin isn't the one... how can he be her love when Eli stole her heart years ago. But with every new found happiness there will be a downward spiral... will Eli be strong enough this time to stick around or will he run again? Will Paige finally be able to get away from Corbin or does he play apart in her nightmares?
Go get your one-click finger clicking and pick up this story. I look forward to more from this author and thanks Bria for a good story!
October 6, 2014
I really enjoyed Downward Spiral by Bria Starr. This is a second chance romance filled with heartbreak, trauma, forgiveness and love. It was very refreshing to read a book that wasn't all about sex. This story was very relatable as the characters do more "real life" things like going out for a beer and hanging out with friends.
Eli and Paige have known each other since they were little. They shared their first kiss as teenagers. Eli's world is soon turned upside down and this sends him running. He leaves everything behind without so much as a goodbye. Paige is devastated by this but knows she needs to move on with her life. She begins dating Corbin whom I hated.
A few years go by and one night Paige and her friend Laura are out at the bar when she sees Eli and his friend Patrick. A terrifying event occurs that changes all four of their lives forever. Paige now suffers from horrible nightmares caused by the event and the only one who really understands what she is going through is Eli.
Eli ends up going to the restaurant the Paige works at and she agrees to go to a BBQ at his house. She takes Corbin with her and her acts like the jealous crazy boyfriend he is. Paige quickly realizes that Corbin will never be the right guy for her. She starts spending more time with Eli. Will they be able move forward and learn how to deal with the past? Will Eli be able to make Paige see that he never stopped loving her even when he moved away? I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what Bria is working on next!!
~~Sarah~~
December 22, 2014
Downward spiral by Bria Starr - Author
This is a beautiful story about life lived, life lost, life fought for and life survived. I've really enjoyed reading downward spiral.
Paige has been through a trauma that no one would ever want to go through. This has made her shut off, scared, and constantly living a nightmare that she can't escape from. Her best friend Laura was there the day of the incident but can't understand why paige is still like she is after so much time, and no longer has the answers to help her out. Corbin is Paige's boyfriend, and is trying to help her out as much as he can. However paige is feeling more and more shut off from him as the days go on, and she's starting to feel suffocated by his constant presence.
Eli is Paige's childhood best friend. He's also captain of the football team, comic nerd, stud and all around good guy. But what happens to us as children, teens and even young adults can stick with us for life and maybe there's a reason that he couldn't face things.
Join me in reading this beautiful love story of love, longing, lasting and remaining passion through the ages as we meet paige and Eli, and get to hear their, not quite so fairytale, happily ever after, if they make it that far?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NLN29B6
This is a beautiful story about life lived, life lost, life fought for and life survived. I've really enjoyed reading downward spiral.
Paige has been through a trauma that no one would ever want to go through. This has made her shut off, scared, and constantly living a nightmare that she can't escape from. Her best friend Laura was there the day of the incident but can't understand why paige is still like she is after so much time, and no longer has the answers to help her out. Corbin is Paige's boyfriend, and is trying to help her out as much as he can. However paige is feeling more and more shut off from him as the days go on, and she's starting to feel suffocated by his constant presence.
Eli is Paige's childhood best friend. He's also captain of the football team, comic nerd, stud and all around good guy. But what happens to us as children, teens and even young adults can stick with us for life and maybe there's a reason that he couldn't face things.
Join me in reading this beautiful love story of love, longing, lasting and remaining passion through the ages as we meet paige and Eli, and get to hear their, not quite so fairytale, happily ever after, if they make it that far?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NLN29B6
December 22, 2014
Downward spiral by Bria Starr - Author
This is a beautiful story about life lived, life lost, life fought for and life survived. I've really enjoyed reading downward spiral.
Paige has been through a trauma that no one would ever want to go through. This has made her shut off, scared, and constantly living a nightmare that she can't escape from. Her best friend Laura was there the day of the incident but can't understand why paige is still like she is after so much time, and no longer has the answers to help her out. Corbin is Paige's boyfriend, and is trying to help her out as much as he can. However paige is feeling more and more shut off from him as the days go on, and she's starting to feel suffocated by his constant presence.
Eli is Paige's childhood best friend. He's also captain of the football team, comic nerd, stud and all around good guy. But what happens to us as children, teens and even young adults can stick with us for life and maybe there's a reason that he couldn't face things.
Join me in reading this beautiful love story of love, longing, lasting and remaining passion through the ages as we meet paige and Eli, and get to hear their, not quite so fairytale, happily ever after, if they make it that far?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NLN29B6
This is a beautiful story about life lived, life lost, life fought for and life survived. I've really enjoyed reading downward spiral.
Paige has been through a trauma that no one would ever want to go through. This has made her shut off, scared, and constantly living a nightmare that she can't escape from. Her best friend Laura was there the day of the incident but can't understand why paige is still like she is after so much time, and no longer has the answers to help her out. Corbin is Paige's boyfriend, and is trying to help her out as much as he can. However paige is feeling more and more shut off from him as the days go on, and she's starting to feel suffocated by his constant presence.
Eli is Paige's childhood best friend. He's also captain of the football team, comic nerd, stud and all around good guy. But what happens to us as children, teens and even young adults can stick with us for life and maybe there's a reason that he couldn't face things.
Join me in reading this beautiful love story of love, longing, lasting and remaining passion through the ages as we meet paige and Eli, and get to hear their, not quite so fairytale, happily ever after, if they make it that far?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NLN29B6
August 14, 2015
Friends since they were kids Paige Tomlin and Eli Stone spend all their time together, but when they turn 14, WHAM childhood friendship turns into a huge crush. But Unfortunately for Paige Eli becomes a very popular. Everyone wants to be with him, so Paige gets pushed aside.
5 years after they graduate a chance encounter brings them back into each others lives.
As a romance book lover this book really grabbed me. Eli Stone to me is just amazing. He had it rough growing up. Being a son and the oldest his father was really hard on him ( that's putting it lightly) I loved everything about him.
Paige was a great part of the story. Although she's not the type of person I would have hung out with. Mainly because hse was out of my league. The book was fantastic.
5 years after they graduate a chance encounter brings them back into each others lives.
As a romance book lover this book really grabbed me. Eli Stone to me is just amazing. He had it rough growing up. Being a son and the oldest his father was really hard on him ( that's putting it lightly) I loved everything about him.
Paige was a great part of the story. Although she's not the type of person I would have hung out with. Mainly because hse was out of my league. The book was fantastic.
April 20, 2016
I absolutely LOVED this book from page 1 until the very last page. Bria does an amazing job of sucking you in from the beginning. I love picking up a book and not wanting to put it down until you're done and this book did that for me.
Eli and Paige were best friends growing up and drifted apart only to find themselves in the same place at the same time years later. Is this coincidence or fate? You could argue both sides, but by the time you are done reading Downward Spiral you'll know the answer without a second thought. If you're looking for a sweet romance with a little bit of suspense thrown in, this is the book for you!
Eli and Paige were best friends growing up and drifted apart only to find themselves in the same place at the same time years later. Is this coincidence or fate? You could argue both sides, but by the time you are done reading Downward Spiral you'll know the answer without a second thought. If you're looking for a sweet romance with a little bit of suspense thrown in, this is the book for you!
February 14, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Especially from the psychological aspect. The two main characters, Eli and Paige were both suffering from PTSD due to a tragic event that they went through six months ago. These two had been best friends since childhood but fell distant in high school when popularity and cliques reared their ugly heads. As adults they are brought back together by surviving the same horrific night and event. Will they find a way to heal each other, or will they be doomed to continue suffering forever? Only one way to find out.
December 29, 2015
I won this ebook in a competition and absolutely loved it. A reminder to take every opportunity that life throws at you. Very well written. My only criticism is that there was about 2 or 3 grammatical errors, but I doubt many others would have noticed them.
Looking forward to reading more from Bria Starr.
Looking forward to reading more from Bria Starr.
April 27, 2015
Enjoyed it.
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