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Beyond #2
Before: Beyond Series, Book 2
What would you do if you had the chance to change your past?
Presley and Landon finally have a chance at a real relationship, when they travel back in time to two months before Landon’s fatal accident. But their leap backward has altered reality. Landon has no memory of Presley, his death, or of anything that happened when he was a spirit.
Hurt and alone, Presley is still determined to save his life, even as Landon’s death-date looms. But true love doesn’t always mean a happy ending, and not all the dangers they faced together were left in the future.
Landon’s alive for now, but nothing is like it was...before.
Presley and Landon finally have a chance at a real relationship, when they travel back in time to two months before Landon’s fatal accident. But their leap backward has altered reality. Landon has no memory of Presley, his death, or of anything that happened when he was a spirit.
Hurt and alone, Presley is still determined to save his life, even as Landon’s death-date looms. But true love doesn’t always mean a happy ending, and not all the dangers they faced together were left in the future.
Landon’s alive for now, but nothing is like it was...before.
Audible Audio
First published September 11, 2018
18 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Catina Haverlock
2 books27 followersCatina worked her way through college as a TV reporter and a dating game show host. A sucker for Young Adult romance stories (both real and make-believe), she has a panache for match-making and loves that many of her "set-ups" have resulted in marriages.
After spending most of her adult life in Las Vegas, Catina traded in tumbleweeds for earthquakes and now lives with her husband and four children near San Diego, California. If she's not home, chances are you can find her at the beach, Disneyland or In-N-Out.
After spending most of her adult life in Las Vegas, Catina traded in tumbleweeds for earthquakes and now lives with her husband and four children near San Diego, California. If she's not home, chances are you can find her at the beach, Disneyland or In-N-Out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 19, 2018
Before picks up right where Beyond ended, so if you were left wanting more at the finale of Beyond you definitely need to read this book! I loved Beyond, but I personally found Before to be even better! I ate up every word like I would a favorite treat.
There is no question that Angela and Catina are naturally gifted writers. They write #cleansteam like no one else. I was immediately immersed in the story of Presley and Landon before, and felt the whole gamut of emotion reading this book. I loved the banter between characters, the blossoming relationships, the gorgeous, vivid descriptions. I feel like I know the characters personally because the authors have depicted them in such a way that they feel real to me. I cheer when they triumph and cry when they fail. It was an absolute pleasure to spend more time with these characters, especially Chase and James. I think James was a favorite character for me this time around, and Chase is always such a sweetheart. I applaud the authors for bringing attention to autism, and also for creating such a fascinating background and story.
I’m a sucker for happy endings and had a huge smile on my face upon completion of Before. So much to celebrate!
There is no question that Angela and Catina are naturally gifted writers. They write #cleansteam like no one else. I was immediately immersed in the story of Presley and Landon before, and felt the whole gamut of emotion reading this book. I loved the banter between characters, the blossoming relationships, the gorgeous, vivid descriptions. I feel like I know the characters personally because the authors have depicted them in such a way that they feel real to me. I cheer when they triumph and cry when they fail. It was an absolute pleasure to spend more time with these characters, especially Chase and James. I think James was a favorite character for me this time around, and Chase is always such a sweetheart. I applaud the authors for bringing attention to autism, and also for creating such a fascinating background and story.
I’m a sucker for happy endings and had a huge smile on my face upon completion of Before. So much to celebrate!
November 29, 2018
Check out my blog, One Man Book Club
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Friends, I loved (A LOT) Beyond (book 1) and Before (book 2) by sisters Catina Haverlock and Angela Larkin.
Wait…aren't they YA Romance?
Yep. Paranormal romance, actually.
And aren't you a 42-year-old dad with 6 kids?
Yep.
Well, dang. I guess I'm just a mushy romantic after all.
Hi everyone. My name is Dan. I like to read romance novels.
But I have rules:
1) No shirtless guys on the cover. Or shirtless girls for that matter...but for some reason the girls always have their clothes on. Huh.
2) I must be able to read it out loud to my teenage daughter without her (or me) getting embarrassed.
3) The romance must be age appropriate for the characters.
4) There must be other stuff happening in the book that interests me.
5) It must make me remember how much fun it was falling in love with my wife for the first time.
6) No one can sparkle in the sun.
Check. Check, check, check, check, and check.
Beyond and Before are a little bit Twilight with a MUCH better female lead, a little bit The Sixth Sense without the blood and jump scares, and little bit Ghost without the pottery. They are a lot bit sweet and romantic, and have some legit, white-knuckle anxiety moments mixed in as well.
Honestly, this story did everything right for me.
Set in real-life locations around Lake Tahoe, the story follows 17-year-old Presley as she tries to fit in as the new girl at the school where her single mom has just been hired as Principal. She makes some friends, deals with bully's, takes care of her younger brother who has autism, and falls in love with a cute boy.
Who happens to be dead.
The romance is sweet. The female lead is strong, independent, and a great example for my daughters (I especially liked when she punched her bully in the face. Yep.) The why-can-Presley-see-dead-people mystery is fun. The paranormal elements are a good kind of creepy. The anticipation of figuring out how a story about a girl who falls in love with a ghost can possibly have a happy ending? Outstanding.
There are some of the usual YA pitfalls—insta-love that borders on insta-obsession, a boy with no flaws, a love triangle—but they weren’t obnoxious, and they blended in well with the story. Not a concern.
I was particularly touched by how the story treated Presley's autistic brother, Chase, who is a very present character in both books. If autism touches your life, you have an ally in Beyond and Before. Chase's character was inspired by co-author Catina's own child who has autism, and Chase and Presley's sibling relationship is patterned after Catina's own children. As a dad I can't even think of the tenderness these siblings have for their brother without feeling teary and emotional. Because of Catina's personal experience, she can write about living with autism in a very raw, real, and eye-opening way. It's as much a tribute as it is an effort to generate awareness. It's an outstanding addition to this story and is very, very well done.
I appreciated the responsible, age appropriate, and realistic romance between the high-school aged main characters. The female lead is strong in the right places and vulnerable in the right places. The male lead is respectful, thoughtful, and kind. They are physically romantic with each other while communicating boundaries and acknowledging there is a point of no return they choose to avoid instead of trying to get as close as they can. These elements are all very meaningful to me as a dad who wants to help my children understand how to have their own age-appropriate relationships, and to find this in a YA romance book is exceedingly rare. This is a big deal, folks, and it makes Beyond and Before treasures. I'd be happy to have my teenagers read these books.
So ya, if romance books are like these, sign me up. I don't think I'll find many that fit my requirements, though. The rest are barf.
No sex, no language, no violence. You will find teens kissing, the value of surrounding yourself with good friends, how to be a good friend, family love, dealing with grief and death, the challenges of living with autism, taking responsibility for your actions, and discussions about doing what’s right even when it's the harder choice.
Oh, and you’ll also learn what has to happen before you can make out with a ghost. Hopefully that won’t come up too often though…
Mature 12 and up, probably more like 14 and up.
Happy Reading!
Hey, here’s some bonus stuff!
Since Catina and Angela are both members of One Man Book Club and are super cool ladies, I thought I’d throw in some bonus material. Thanks to the bloggers who originally posted the content.
Catina and Angela gave a TV interview about Beyond here
Here's their playlist that goes along with Beyond (Thanks www.KenleyColes.com)
Hymn for the Weekend by Coldplay
Untitled by Simple Plan
Stolen by Dashboard Confessional
Already Gone by Kelly Clarkson
I Will Wait for You by Mumford and Sons
Forever Young by Alphaville
If I Die Young by The Band Perry
Waiting on an Angel by Ben Harper
Fix You by Coldplay
Hurt by Johnny Cash
Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis
Save Tonight by Eagle-Eye Cherry
The Reason by Hoobastank
Here's an interview by Typewriter Society where Catina and Angela talk about how two people go about writing a book together.
Here's an Author Q&A:
(Thanks Stacey at booksdreamslife0829, original post here)
1) When did you start writing, and was there a specific event or person who influenced you to become an author?
Angela: I've always enjoyed writing in school, but I started writing short stories and bookish things on my own after high school. It was my way of dealing with a huge unrequited crush! Reading the Grapes of Wrath was formative moment for me as a writer. It was the first book that powerfully showed me how incredible writing can be.
Catina: I've loved writing stories my whole life but developed a passion for it in college when I started writing for our university's newspaper and TV station. One morning, the idea for BEYOND came to me and I knew I had to morph my journalism skills into that of an author, because the story had to be told!
2) Are you currently working on a project, and if so, can you tell us anything about it?
Angela: Right now I'm querying a romance set in rural NV. It's like The Breakfast Club meets Holes. I'm currently working on a romance about a British Prep School boy forced to accompany his father on a business assignment to a tiny Tennessee mountain town. There he meets a girl struggling to support her family. Though total opposites, they have a lot to learn from each other . . . and of course they fall in love!
Catina: I am currently working on a middle-grade adventure. Because I have a request for the full manuscript, I can't say much!
3) What is your favorite writing snack?
Angela: Trader Joe's dips and hummus.
Catina: I love to eat flavored popcorn while I write. I can feel like I'm indulging without doing too much damage!
4) If you could have dinner with any of your characters, which ones would you choose? Why? What food would you serve?
Angela: I'd have dinner with Reese from the Beyond series because I like the funny boys. We'd eat microwave convenience store burritos and Dr. Pepper - his favorite:)
Catina: I'd have to have dinner with Reese and Landon together. I lover their brotherly cousin dynamic and their senses of humor. I'm also a little star struck by their awesome skiing skills and ravishing good looks. Ha! They have huge appetites so I'd probably grill piles and piles of rib-eye and serve it with a yummy pasta salad and dessert.
5) Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Angela: I learned I can do harder things than I thought I could. And that all skills can be improved upon with practice, no matter who you are.
Catina: I've learned to write what's in your heart. Write, write, write and do not edit as you go. Save the editing for after your entire first draft is complete. I've also learned that my writing improves so much when I hit it every day. Big breaks aren't awesome when it comes to writing skills.
6) How do you relax, or what do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
Angela: I eat brownies in bed and watch Netflix shows about food, decorating or kissing.
Catina: I love going to the movies so much. We are an opening night kind of family. I also love to read as much as I can. At any given time, I'm reading a book for book club, one in the genre I'm writing, one for my kids and one off my personal list.
7) What is your largest unfulfilled dream, and what are you doing to reach it?
Angela: I'd love to get my MFA in creative writing. Currently, I'm researching schools and hyperventilating about taking the math portion of the GRE.
Catina: Ooohhhh - that's a tough one - but I'd have to say seeing my work on the big screen. That would be incredible.
8) What do you fear most?
Angela: Betrayal.
Catina: Spiders. Being bitten by a brown recluse in the night.
9) What was your favorite Halloween Costume?
Angela: Without my mom's permission, I bought a Harem Girl costume when I was nine. As an adult, I see the folly in this, but at the time I LOVED the purple veil and the gold sequins belt and headband. And it even came with brass finger cymbals!
Catina: My favorite Halloween costume wasn't really for me - it was one I created for my son. He was Wolverine. We grew his hair out for four months, found an awesome leather jacket at the thrift store and bought him his first pair of jeans. Ha ha! We nailed it and everywhere we went, people wanted a picture.
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Friends, I loved (A LOT) Beyond (book 1) and Before (book 2) by sisters Catina Haverlock and Angela Larkin.
Wait…aren't they YA Romance?
Yep. Paranormal romance, actually.
And aren't you a 42-year-old dad with 6 kids?
Yep.
Well, dang. I guess I'm just a mushy romantic after all.
Hi everyone. My name is Dan. I like to read romance novels.
But I have rules:
1) No shirtless guys on the cover. Or shirtless girls for that matter...but for some reason the girls always have their clothes on. Huh.
2) I must be able to read it out loud to my teenage daughter without her (or me) getting embarrassed.
3) The romance must be age appropriate for the characters.
4) There must be other stuff happening in the book that interests me.
5) It must make me remember how much fun it was falling in love with my wife for the first time.
6) No one can sparkle in the sun.
Check. Check, check, check, check, and check.
Beyond and Before are a little bit Twilight with a MUCH better female lead, a little bit The Sixth Sense without the blood and jump scares, and little bit Ghost without the pottery. They are a lot bit sweet and romantic, and have some legit, white-knuckle anxiety moments mixed in as well.
Honestly, this story did everything right for me.
Set in real-life locations around Lake Tahoe, the story follows 17-year-old Presley as she tries to fit in as the new girl at the school where her single mom has just been hired as Principal. She makes some friends, deals with bully's, takes care of her younger brother who has autism, and falls in love with a cute boy.
Who happens to be dead.
The romance is sweet. The female lead is strong, independent, and a great example for my daughters (I especially liked when she punched her bully in the face. Yep.) The why-can-Presley-see-dead-people mystery is fun. The paranormal elements are a good kind of creepy. The anticipation of figuring out how a story about a girl who falls in love with a ghost can possibly have a happy ending? Outstanding.
There are some of the usual YA pitfalls—insta-love that borders on insta-obsession, a boy with no flaws, a love triangle—but they weren’t obnoxious, and they blended in well with the story. Not a concern.
I was particularly touched by how the story treated Presley's autistic brother, Chase, who is a very present character in both books. If autism touches your life, you have an ally in Beyond and Before. Chase's character was inspired by co-author Catina's own child who has autism, and Chase and Presley's sibling relationship is patterned after Catina's own children. As a dad I can't even think of the tenderness these siblings have for their brother without feeling teary and emotional. Because of Catina's personal experience, she can write about living with autism in a very raw, real, and eye-opening way. It's as much a tribute as it is an effort to generate awareness. It's an outstanding addition to this story and is very, very well done.
I appreciated the responsible, age appropriate, and realistic romance between the high-school aged main characters. The female lead is strong in the right places and vulnerable in the right places. The male lead is respectful, thoughtful, and kind. They are physically romantic with each other while communicating boundaries and acknowledging there is a point of no return they choose to avoid instead of trying to get as close as they can. These elements are all very meaningful to me as a dad who wants to help my children understand how to have their own age-appropriate relationships, and to find this in a YA romance book is exceedingly rare. This is a big deal, folks, and it makes Beyond and Before treasures. I'd be happy to have my teenagers read these books.
So ya, if romance books are like these, sign me up. I don't think I'll find many that fit my requirements, though. The rest are barf.
No sex, no language, no violence. You will find teens kissing, the value of surrounding yourself with good friends, how to be a good friend, family love, dealing with grief and death, the challenges of living with autism, taking responsibility for your actions, and discussions about doing what’s right even when it's the harder choice.
Oh, and you’ll also learn what has to happen before you can make out with a ghost. Hopefully that won’t come up too often though…
Mature 12 and up, probably more like 14 and up.
Happy Reading!
Hey, here’s some bonus stuff!
Since Catina and Angela are both members of One Man Book Club and are super cool ladies, I thought I’d throw in some bonus material. Thanks to the bloggers who originally posted the content.
Catina and Angela gave a TV interview about Beyond here
Here's their playlist that goes along with Beyond (Thanks www.KenleyColes.com)
Hymn for the Weekend by Coldplay
Untitled by Simple Plan
Stolen by Dashboard Confessional
Already Gone by Kelly Clarkson
I Will Wait for You by Mumford and Sons
Forever Young by Alphaville
If I Die Young by The Band Perry
Waiting on an Angel by Ben Harper
Fix You by Coldplay
Hurt by Johnny Cash
Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis
Save Tonight by Eagle-Eye Cherry
The Reason by Hoobastank
Here's an interview by Typewriter Society where Catina and Angela talk about how two people go about writing a book together.
Here's an Author Q&A:
(Thanks Stacey at booksdreamslife0829, original post here)
1) When did you start writing, and was there a specific event or person who influenced you to become an author?
Angela: I've always enjoyed writing in school, but I started writing short stories and bookish things on my own after high school. It was my way of dealing with a huge unrequited crush! Reading the Grapes of Wrath was formative moment for me as a writer. It was the first book that powerfully showed me how incredible writing can be.
Catina: I've loved writing stories my whole life but developed a passion for it in college when I started writing for our university's newspaper and TV station. One morning, the idea for BEYOND came to me and I knew I had to morph my journalism skills into that of an author, because the story had to be told!
2) Are you currently working on a project, and if so, can you tell us anything about it?
Angela: Right now I'm querying a romance set in rural NV. It's like The Breakfast Club meets Holes. I'm currently working on a romance about a British Prep School boy forced to accompany his father on a business assignment to a tiny Tennessee mountain town. There he meets a girl struggling to support her family. Though total opposites, they have a lot to learn from each other . . . and of course they fall in love!
Catina: I am currently working on a middle-grade adventure. Because I have a request for the full manuscript, I can't say much!
3) What is your favorite writing snack?
Angela: Trader Joe's dips and hummus.
Catina: I love to eat flavored popcorn while I write. I can feel like I'm indulging without doing too much damage!
4) If you could have dinner with any of your characters, which ones would you choose? Why? What food would you serve?
Angela: I'd have dinner with Reese from the Beyond series because I like the funny boys. We'd eat microwave convenience store burritos and Dr. Pepper - his favorite:)
Catina: I'd have to have dinner with Reese and Landon together. I lover their brotherly cousin dynamic and their senses of humor. I'm also a little star struck by their awesome skiing skills and ravishing good looks. Ha! They have huge appetites so I'd probably grill piles and piles of rib-eye and serve it with a yummy pasta salad and dessert.
5) Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Angela: I learned I can do harder things than I thought I could. And that all skills can be improved upon with practice, no matter who you are.
Catina: I've learned to write what's in your heart. Write, write, write and do not edit as you go. Save the editing for after your entire first draft is complete. I've also learned that my writing improves so much when I hit it every day. Big breaks aren't awesome when it comes to writing skills.
6) How do you relax, or what do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
Angela: I eat brownies in bed and watch Netflix shows about food, decorating or kissing.
Catina: I love going to the movies so much. We are an opening night kind of family. I also love to read as much as I can. At any given time, I'm reading a book for book club, one in the genre I'm writing, one for my kids and one off my personal list.
7) What is your largest unfulfilled dream, and what are you doing to reach it?
Angela: I'd love to get my MFA in creative writing. Currently, I'm researching schools and hyperventilating about taking the math portion of the GRE.
Catina: Ooohhhh - that's a tough one - but I'd have to say seeing my work on the big screen. That would be incredible.
8) What do you fear most?
Angela: Betrayal.
Catina: Spiders. Being bitten by a brown recluse in the night.
9) What was your favorite Halloween Costume?
Angela: Without my mom's permission, I bought a Harem Girl costume when I was nine. As an adult, I see the folly in this, but at the time I LOVED the purple veil and the gold sequins belt and headband. And it even came with brass finger cymbals!
Catina: My favorite Halloween costume wasn't really for me - it was one I created for my son. He was Wolverine. We grew his hair out for four months, found an awesome leather jacket at the thrift store and bought him his first pair of jeans. Ha ha! We nailed it and everywhere we went, people wanted a picture.
October 29, 2019
Fantastic Build Up!
This is the second book in this series that absolutely must be read in order. I think I actuality liked this one better than the first one. No cliff hanger but instead the happily ever after I long for. The build up in all areas was fantastic. By the end of the book I was reading so fast I literally had to tell myself to slow down. There was such a sense of desperation. I loved it. 4.5 stars. YA paranormal romance.
This is the second book in this series that absolutely must be read in order. I think I actuality liked this one better than the first one. No cliff hanger but instead the happily ever after I long for. The build up in all areas was fantastic. By the end of the book I was reading so fast I literally had to tell myself to slow down. There was such a sense of desperation. I loved it. 4.5 stars. YA paranormal romance.
September 25, 2018
I reread Beyond in preparation for this one and couldn't wait for the kindle edition to come out. (It's a good thing, though. Now I can send them with my teen on her overnight volleyball trip this weekend. For some reason I can't get her off of her phone but she won't read on a device.) I am so impressed by this series. It has got so many different and imaginative elements while still being relatable. I wanted to know more about some of the characters and hope someday their stories are told. I highly recommend this series and am already planning the people I will loan them to next.
September 26, 2018
Clean romance?!? Yes, please! I loved it! Can't wait to share it with my daughters!
April 8, 2021
Compelling, Wholesome Romance
The main reason I love this book is because it is an intense, wholesome romance. But that is only the beginning! The characters in this book have depth, and you find yourself wishing you could be friends with them, too. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Chase, the main character’s autistic brother, or to feel empathy for the unique suffering of all the different people in this story. I love that the authors offer chapters from various people’s perspectives. I truly enjoyed the added depth in the storyline created by the interactions of those no longer in the mortal realm. It was intriguing and made the story far more intense and suspenseful. I highly recommend this captivating novel to anyone who loves an intense romance with some twists...but plan to be up half the night if you’re like me and can’t resist a good story!
Also, before reading Before, reading Beyond is a must! The second book picks up precisely where the first leaves off, which is another thing I love.
The main reason I love this book is because it is an intense, wholesome romance. But that is only the beginning! The characters in this book have depth, and you find yourself wishing you could be friends with them, too. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Chase, the main character’s autistic brother, or to feel empathy for the unique suffering of all the different people in this story. I love that the authors offer chapters from various people’s perspectives. I truly enjoyed the added depth in the storyline created by the interactions of those no longer in the mortal realm. It was intriguing and made the story far more intense and suspenseful. I highly recommend this captivating novel to anyone who loves an intense romance with some twists...but plan to be up half the night if you’re like me and can’t resist a good story!
Also, before reading Before, reading Beyond is a must! The second book picks up precisely where the first leaves off, which is another thing I love.
September 15, 2018
I’ve realized that I hate cliffhangers and have an ingrained need for happily ever afters and a sweet epilogue. Thankfully Angela and Catina made that happen in Before. I liked it even more than Beyond and was so very grateful to not be left hanging again. ;) I can’t deny that I’m really not a lover of the paranormal element, but I certainly do love a good romance and Landon and Presley’s was all that and more. So much intensity and passion while still being clean is only possible through excellent writing. The beautiful descriptions combined with an engaging story sucked me in right away and forced me ;) to finish reading all in one day. I LOVE to be swept away in a good book and Before did not disappoint. I look forward to rereading both books back to back so I can fully immerse myself in all the feels and details again. These ladies are so talented I can’t wait to see what they bring us next!
September 19, 2018
'Before' was such a wonderfully written novel. I loved being engrossed in the story and was so sad when it was over and I had to jump back into reality. The love between Presley and Landon is enchanting. I loved the first novel in the series 'Beyond', but somehow I loved this one even more. I can't wait to see what the authors come up with next. Whatever it is I'm looking forward to it!
September 21, 2018
Another great read from the authors of Beyond! Aaaaahhhhh- the end!!! I loved it so much. I highly recommend reading both Beyond and Before... excellent storyline, brilliant writing and lovable characters. Great job Angela and Catina! ❤️
October 9, 2018
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Perfect ending and great sequel to Beyond. Such great clean steam and perfect ya book. Good job Angela and Catina, you did not disappoint.
August 1, 2019
I enjoyed the sequel even better than Beyond! It sucked me in and was a fun read!! I love that these are totally clean and something my teenager can read!
April 11, 2021
I was team Reese.
I loved this whole series and read it in two days. I was a little thrown by the paranormal part but it fit well. It is a very clean read and that was refreshing.
I loved this whole series and read it in two days. I was a little thrown by the paranormal part but it fit well. It is a very clean read and that was refreshing.
October 18, 2018
This was a great sequel to Beyond!
October 4, 2018
All the feels, all the love. My heart was tossed to and fro. What a wonderful journey.
October 8, 2018
Great second book.
Could not have asked for a better second. This book gave you everything from wanting to continue to even better outcomes. So much love is shown.
Could not have asked for a better second. This book gave you everything from wanting to continue to even better outcomes. So much love is shown.
May 25, 2021
3.5 stars. This was just as well written as the first book in the series, I just didn't enjoy it as much. I'm not a huge fan of memory loss plots, so I didn't have as much fun with this book as I did with the first in the series. Still, Landon and Presley were cute throughout this, so I enjoyed reading their scenes together, Still, in spite of the pacing, I really did enjoy this book. In addition to the romance, I really loved the world building of this series regarding the afterlife. There were also quite a few moments that tugged on my heartstrings ( ), so kudos for that. In summary, I found this book a bit harder to get into than the first, because of the memory loss aspect and the romantic plot line starting over, but once I got into it, I really enjoyed it and it was a nice conclusion to the duology.
October 25, 2018
I liked this one better than the first. I forget books pretty soon after reading them but because this is my first paranormal (she sees dead people) book, I think I’ll remember this one for awhile. Nice job keeping it a clean romance.
September 18, 2019
Best YA series of 2019
A must read! Beautifully written . Best YA series I've read this year. Emotionally compelling and strong lead characters. My new favorite YA series. I read this series in one day! I fell in love with the characters, I dread putting this book down!
A must read! Beautifully written . Best YA series I've read this year. Emotionally compelling and strong lead characters. My new favorite YA series. I read this series in one day! I fell in love with the characters, I dread putting this book down!
January 24, 2019
Oh how I loved both these books! Before didn't disappoint! Great story and clean so my 13 year old can enjoy both . Love that thank you!
January 26, 2019
I really enjoyed these books! Great story and I got sucked right in!
February 4, 2019
I like the writing better than the first and thought it was a very good story with good surprises!
October 10, 2019
Good book
It was as good or better than the first book.you will love them.give them both a read.I will read again.
It was as good or better than the first book.you will love them.give them both a read.I will read again.
July 8, 2020
(A review on both series)
What a fun series! I absolutely loved Beyond, it told a great story, had this mysterious paranormal/fantasy part to it and how it dealt with grief was amazing. The full story had this bittersweet heaviness to it which I loved. (Also it was clean! Both of the series are! No swearing and no ripping clothes off, it was such a pleasant read and it didn't feel lacking or childish!)
"Before" I felt was an added addition to the story. I wanted to know what happened next, but technically the way how Beyond ended, it could have been a good ending too. Landon is alive! All is well! Though, "Before" is now just the ramifications of that decision to go back in time.
The beginning was strong, the introduction of the big bad was intriguing, and the ending was sweet, but I think I kept wishing for a bit more out of the story. Mainly that I wish Landon would have gotten more of his memory back earlier in the story. How different would that have been if he knew that he was going to die and had a "YOLO" streak and was starting to be really rash and maybe blowing his chances at the Olympics? Or that the big bad was introduced earlier? A lot happened towards the end so I almost wish that they tried to go down this path to really pull the story out a little more.
I almost wish too that they stuck with Liam being the big bad in this story. The grand scale of who or what Apollo is felt so important to their world. If he's supposed to be basically the Devil in this world or just some big powerful demon - his presence could of held an entire multi book paranormal YA series I feel. Since the story is centered around Landon and Presley, Liam and his friends (who they were barely able to get away from at the end of "Beyond") could have been a good villain team to bring back.
The characters were so much fun. The teenagers felt like teenagers in both books, Gayle and Presley's relationship grew so much between the both books, Chase was adorable, I loved Erin...
I am totally on the Reese and Presley train though, have been since the beginning of "Beyond". Even this alternate timeline he made her feel welcome and was just cute. He was even welcoming of Chase before Landon was in this book too. Maybe it's because I'm an adult reading it I feel this way, but it just felt like Reese and Presley were kind of always meant to be. In "Beyond", she probably would have ended up with Reese anyway, so I'll just imagine that there's some alternate timeline where she and he got together ♡
Overall: what a fun great little series to read. I hope the authors continue writing! It was clean, great writing, cute romance, and had a great story to tell about grief and time travel.
What a fun series! I absolutely loved Beyond, it told a great story, had this mysterious paranormal/fantasy part to it and how it dealt with grief was amazing. The full story had this bittersweet heaviness to it which I loved. (Also it was clean! Both of the series are! No swearing and no ripping clothes off, it was such a pleasant read and it didn't feel lacking or childish!)
"Before" I felt was an added addition to the story. I wanted to know what happened next, but technically the way how Beyond ended, it could have been a good ending too. Landon is alive! All is well! Though, "Before" is now just the ramifications of that decision to go back in time.
The beginning was strong, the introduction of the big bad was intriguing, and the ending was sweet, but I think I kept wishing for a bit more out of the story. Mainly that I wish Landon would have gotten more of his memory back earlier in the story. How different would that have been if he knew that he was going to die and had a "YOLO" streak and was starting to be really rash and maybe blowing his chances at the Olympics? Or that the big bad was introduced earlier? A lot happened towards the end so I almost wish that they tried to go down this path to really pull the story out a little more.
I almost wish too that they stuck with Liam being the big bad in this story. The grand scale of who or what Apollo is felt so important to their world. If he's supposed to be basically the Devil in this world or just some big powerful demon - his presence could of held an entire multi book paranormal YA series I feel. Since the story is centered around Landon and Presley, Liam and his friends (who they were barely able to get away from at the end of "Beyond") could have been a good villain team to bring back.
The characters were so much fun. The teenagers felt like teenagers in both books, Gayle and Presley's relationship grew so much between the both books, Chase was adorable, I loved Erin...
I am totally on the Reese and Presley train though, have been since the beginning of "Beyond". Even this alternate timeline he made her feel welcome and was just cute. He was even welcoming of Chase before Landon was in this book too. Maybe it's because I'm an adult reading it I feel this way, but it just felt like Reese and Presley were kind of always meant to be. In "Beyond", she probably would have ended up with Reese anyway, so I'll just imagine that there's some alternate timeline where she and he got together ♡
Overall: what a fun great little series to read. I hope the authors continue writing! It was clean, great writing, cute romance, and had a great story to tell about grief and time travel.
February 2, 2021
5🍭🍭🍭🍭🍭
English & Spanish Opinion
ESP ::
Este dueto necesita vivirse así, sin investigar más acerca de la trama.
Es un libro que mueve muchas emociones y, que en momentos tan sensibles como el que estamos viviendo históricamente, nos da algo invaluable: esperanza.
El tema es algo con lo que lidiamos diario, aunque no de cerca, pero nos hace cuestionar creencias y nos cuesta aceptar aún cuando es lo único seguro que tenemos: la muerte.
Manejado de una forma muy linda, y con Landon y Presley cómo protagonistas, este libro tiene un lugar especial en mi corazón.
Lo único que no me gustó es el intento de triángulo amoroso que involucra, pero porque es un tema que me desagrada en todo sentido, especialmente cuando todos los involucrados me caen perfecto.
ENG ::
This book is the second part of a duet and needs to be read without investigating any further.
It’s about death and loss, a topic that surrounds us daily, even if it’s not directly. The topic makes us question everything, even though is the only thing we know will happen for sure.
I don’t know if it’s because these are sensitive times, or because I am dealing with loss, but I connected completely with the book, experiencing something that right now I need: hope.
With Landon and Presley as the main characters, the story has powerful emotions and a love so deep, it defies the time and place barriers.
The only thing I did not like very much was the weird almost love triangle, but because I hate that and especially, when all the parties are lovely.
English & Spanish Opinion
ESP ::
Este dueto necesita vivirse así, sin investigar más acerca de la trama.
Es un libro que mueve muchas emociones y, que en momentos tan sensibles como el que estamos viviendo históricamente, nos da algo invaluable: esperanza.
El tema es algo con lo que lidiamos diario, aunque no de cerca, pero nos hace cuestionar creencias y nos cuesta aceptar aún cuando es lo único seguro que tenemos: la muerte.
Manejado de una forma muy linda, y con Landon y Presley cómo protagonistas, este libro tiene un lugar especial en mi corazón.
Lo único que no me gustó es el intento de triángulo amoroso que involucra, pero porque es un tema que me desagrada en todo sentido, especialmente cuando todos los involucrados me caen perfecto.
ENG ::
This book is the second part of a duet and needs to be read without investigating any further.
It’s about death and loss, a topic that surrounds us daily, even if it’s not directly. The topic makes us question everything, even though is the only thing we know will happen for sure.
I don’t know if it’s because these are sensitive times, or because I am dealing with loss, but I connected completely with the book, experiencing something that right now I need: hope.
With Landon and Presley as the main characters, the story has powerful emotions and a love so deep, it defies the time and place barriers.
The only thing I did not like very much was the weird almost love triangle, but because I hate that and especially, when all the parties are lovely.
May 25, 2020
This picks up where the last one finished. I actually really liked the first half of this book. It was good, I was engaged, and I liked where it was going. Until I didn’t.
Truly it is unbelievable the whole story premise, but I have to give it to the writers for coming up with something unique. There were some very cringe worthy moments happening all throughout this book. The love triangle tries and fails to come back. Which I still don’t at all understand that relationship...was it even a relationship? It was so weird. Hallelujahs, the relationship with her mom improved. As it should never have been so accusatory. I really think middle school girls would enjoy this series of books. While I liked them ok, it is not something I would re read.
Truly it is unbelievable the whole story premise, but I have to give it to the writers for coming up with something unique. There were some very cringe worthy moments happening all throughout this book. The love triangle tries and fails to come back. Which I still don’t at all understand that relationship...was it even a relationship? It was so weird. Hallelujahs, the relationship with her mom improved. As it should never have been so accusatory. I really think middle school girls would enjoy this series of books. While I liked them ok, it is not something I would re read.
June 27, 2020
I loved so many things about this book, but my favorite? The fact that Presley's brother, Chase (who has autism) is a hero. He plays such a major role in helping Presley and Landon - sharing truth, warning them, and loving them. The characters were truly all lovable and relatable, but he was my favorite. Also refreshing? A strong, compassionate female protagonist who is positive, uplifting, and patient.
The story kept me on my toes and I was SO tempted to speed it up so I could get to the end faster! Great, clean read for teens and anyone who is a fan of YA paranormal!
The story kept me on my toes and I was SO tempted to speed it up so I could get to the end faster! Great, clean read for teens and anyone who is a fan of YA paranormal!
December 15, 2020
This was definitely better than the first book! Never would I believe if someone said I was going to enjoy reading a spooky love haha!
I had given the first book 4 stars since the entrance was long and the development of love wasn't adequately satisfying. But this... The pacing was nice. There were more details added to the story (which made me wish there was a third book) and the way the author unfolded them was quite bright.
So the second -and final novel deserved all the 5 stars!
I had given the first book 4 stars since the entrance was long and the development of love wasn't adequately satisfying. But this... The pacing was nice. There were more details added to the story (which made me wish there was a third book) and the way the author unfolded them was quite bright.
So the second -and final novel deserved all the 5 stars!
May 23, 2021
Nawwwwwwwww stop it. love a romance. and a happy ending. super cheesy, massive grin. yes.
I'm not going to lie... it is a tad emotional getting to this point. did have a bit of a cry. Loved the fued between Landon and Reese, because it wasn't a love triangle (hate them) it was more real.
Chase I feel is the character that made this series. without him (even as a supporting character) the story would feel flat.
love it. highly recommend.
I'm not going to lie... it is a tad emotional getting to this point. did have a bit of a cry. Loved the fued between Landon and Reese, because it wasn't a love triangle (hate them) it was more real.
Chase I feel is the character that made this series. without him (even as a supporting character) the story would feel flat.
love it. highly recommend.
September 1, 2023
A great ending to the two-book series. It would be nice if the author did a spin-off book about Reese. I’d like to read about the last 4 years from his perspective.
A good, clean book. I bought both the audiobook and the physical copy. I look forward to whatever this author writes next. Highly recommend.
A good, clean book. I bought both the audiobook and the physical copy. I look forward to whatever this author writes next. Highly recommend.
September 10, 2024
As much as I adore Beyond, Before is even better! There were moments as I reread it that I had to make myself stop so I could get some sleep. I love everything about Presley and Landon and their selfless love for one another.
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