This is the original version of A Whole New Crowd. It has only gone through one round of edits so it is rough. I make no apology for this. The edited version was released as A Whole New Crowd. This is being published at readers' requests. They want to own the original version as well so here it is in all its gritty and monstrously long glory.
damn, i'm such a sucker for Tijan's book...any of her books...
So, i can't stay away from angst and fuckery that these assholery, spoiled rich kids get into...bwahaha
and just like I ve mentioned it above, when I choose Tijan's book, I KNOW i'm getting into YA and all the multi-layered piles of shitty, messy and fucked up.
Dysfuncional relationships. Destroyed families. Kids acting like grown-ups dealing with things they should NOT be dealing with in the first place. Grown-ups acting like losers, immature shadows of postures of what they are supposed to be...
now, the kids are not only dealing with "teen" shit, like school, duh? and who slept with whom, and who cheated on who and wheather they should get back together or not, as long as it stays in the close "popular" circle...
(that was kinda annoying...but at the same time the only thing that was actully considered as the "teen action" cause yeah, I guess the immature and screeching tantrum cause the ho, now her ex-bestie fucked her, now, ex-boyfriend and then the next day, they are again the very best friends again and she's back with her, now, not anymore, ex-boyfrined, well, until they repeat the process, all over again - would, in fact, make my head hurt LOL)
but they are also solving crime, drug deals gone wrong, they "rule" the crime milieu, doing things I find likely ANY kid actually could be ABLE to do. But these kids are fuckin able, intelligent as hell, capable of many trades, filled with many skills...they are practically geniouses...
and inspite my loving of Tijan's writing style and the way she incorporates the suspense and twists while building anticipation through revelations of secrets, lies and hidden agendas of every. single. character in this story I still find it quite unbelieveable for the YA population participating in these kind of ordeals.
Somehow, this time it doesn't work for me.
and as the heroine in this story says
Fucking bittersweet. I hated this feeling. Really, really fucking hate it.
I originally read this on Tijan's LiveJournal page back in March 2013, and my review for that is on A Whole New Crowd.
I LOVED this version. I am ETERNALLY GRATEFUL for Tijan to release this version because I do prefer this version to the newly published one. Don't get me wrong. I did enjoy A Whole New Crowd, but this one, has more drama, more action, more (dare I say it) sex.
Tray as a character, is stronger in this version. He kind of became an attractive accessory for Taryn in the newly published version, while in THIS version, he is Taryn's equal, and maybe also someone to be reckoned with. Someone to respect, as well as to fear. He is a character that you want in your corner when the chips are down.
I love some teen drama, and boy howdy is there a whole heap in this! I could picture the bitchy-ness, backstabbing and a truck load of teenage hormones it was AWESOME!
I love The Original Crowd SOOOOO much more than the edited A Whole New Crowd. I feel like Tijan cut out everything that made this story great in that version. The Original Crowd is GRITTY, DARK AND BADASS. There is always something that just gets me with unlawful teenagers. It is my kryptonite. This is my guilty pleasure. And I wont be ashamed of it! :) If anyone wants to give this book a try, I would definitely urge you to READ this version! :)
I love the story and the characters. Exactly what I've come to expect from Tijan. The book was a great way to tide me over until the next Fallen Crest book. Both series have a similar feel to them. That said, though I loved the story, I feel like it took way too long to be told. And that's the only minus about The Original Crowd.
Wow, "The Original Crowd" was such a rush! Thankfully I did a little research and read the unedited and original version of "A Whole New Crowd". More sex and more violence is definitely more my style! Following the high school drama, romance and violence plot Tijan did it again for me. I did not love this one as much as "Fallen Crest High" but it does come before "Jaded" for me. Although Tray and Taryn's relationship was a little less developed I loved Tray as a hero. What knocked this one a point higher than "Jaded" was Jace. He was so intriguing to me even when we found out that he had been working for the DEA. The possibility of a relationship between them seemed explosive to me. Apart of me wanted them to try it out but I knew Taryn's character was far too loyal for that to happen.
"I had to grow up quickly; I never had time for a childhood. I had to learn to take care of myself, because I was the only one I could count on. But I survived."
This book is the original version of 'A whole new crowd' and everyone should read this book instead of that new 'A whole new crowd'.
I shit you not that The Original Crowd is like 10000 times better than the new book. I absolutely love this book, it has been one of my favourites for a long time .Seriously read this book!!!!!! Not the whole new crowd, also this one is more steamy!
This book isn't typical YA book, I should say that this is more NAish, okay it's based on high-school dramas but it's more hardcore than young-adult books IN MY OPINION!
If you like a REALLY badass heroine and hero, and lots of high-school dramas it is for you:)
really good !! i havent read the other one called a hole new crow so I cant compare but this one was a good one , like all thing Tijan it was super hot and the story very entertaining ...i'm running out of Tijan's books to read... WHAT TO DO !!
I recently been on a read/re-read everything Tijan. I really missed the angsty filled and multi-layer of intense drama, not gonna lie. This is technically a re-read for me but, as I began to read, I learned that I forgot a lot of the other surrounding plots in this story. Overall, I was pleased to do a re-read of this and will continue this Tijan binge.
So to clarify any confusion The Original Crowd is the original version of A Whole New Crowd. This version was published via the request from the readers. Both versions are available on Amazon, but the story premise is essentially the same for both books. If some grammatical errors and typos are something you do not like I would recommend reading A Whole New Crowd then. Additionally, A Whole New Crowd is a series; however, the other two "books" are free to read on fiction press.
The Original Crowd is about Taryn who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. She's been in and out of foster care homes and has a rap sheet longer than my arm. Since she's never had a permanent place to stay and call home, her family consisted of her crew - Geezer, Grayley, Trent, Jace, and Brian (who is her ex). Brian has always been her rock, home, the Clyde to her Bonnie. When Brian and Taryn would do any crime they were invincible, until things finally crumbled around them and they are no longer a team. Taryn is moved finally to a new home and she wants a new start. She decides she wants to give up her skill of robbery and actually do better for herself that is until Tray comes barreling into her life. That being said, secrets upon secrets... hey did I mention SECRETS are willing to be exposed, which means Taryn is faced with returning to her old ways to get the answers she deserves to know.
Overall Opinion of this Book
I absolutely loved this book! The chemistry between Taryn and Tray...is incombustible, intense, and hot!! I loved Taryn from the beginning! Taryn is a "bad-ass" heroine as she is always willing to speak her mind and when challenged she can stand her own ground. Sure, she can be hot-headed at times and does not always think things through, but you can tell she means well and is passionate in what she believes in. Although Tray appears to be laid-back with his lazy grins and rich party boy persona, Tray can be ruthless, cold, a methodological planner when crossed by others. Make no mistake, Tray runs Rawley and whatever he says goes expect maybe when Taryn is involved. I liked how the H and h balance each other out. Tray challenges her in ways that no one else every did, whereas Taryn can go toe-to-toe with Tray which no ever has done before.
Chapter Twenty-One. I literally was crying. You know how you can associate songs with an experience? When reading this I felt two songs, specifically, The Funeral by Band of Horses and Driveway by Great Northern. I felt right along side Taryn in this chapter, it was heartbreaking.
Lastly, there is a lot that goes on in this book with many layers of drama and different plots. I felt that some secondary characters that came on strong throughout the book were just randomly dropped 3/4 the way through the book, then showed up very briefly in other chapters or resurfaced quickly in the epilogue. I do feel maybe this was re-edited in A Whole New Crowd. I look forward to see if changes were made to have it flow better instead coming on strong, then abruptly disappearing or having one sentence mention in chapters until the epilogue.
Five amazing stars! If I could give this 6 stars I would. If you’re into YA romance, I can’t recommend this story enough about a strong orphan girl finally finding a forever home, read this ASAP! This is the original version so it’s longer with no scenes cut out. It’s as long as 2 books in 1.
The book had one of the strongest heroines I’ve ever seen, she’s tough and likable until the last 20% of the book, then the book does get annoying and a little ridiculous. High school romance turns into a 007 movie...
Honestly, this is the best high school drama romance I’ve ever read!
Safety gang No cheating It’s not a triangle but her ex BF, who is not the hero, is part of the story, And he’s totally obsessed and in love with her, so it did feel like a love triangle. I did ugly cry because of this ex. Actually, this love story is more compelling than the main H/h story.
I still liked Mason/Sam's love story better (from another series) but I liked this book better than the Mason series.
There is just something about Tijan's writing that is so freaking fascinating. Her character's are so gritty, kick ass, in your face,take no prisoners, and ruthless! I read A Whole New Crowd on her old blog on livejournal.com and loved it just as much then. Taryn is an easily annoying, quick triggered kinda girl. She will tell you like it is in the 2 seconds it takes her to size you up. She's a tough chick with a big heart, and she has a hell of a story to tell. She has a huge loyalty for those she loves and will protect them fiercely. Her relationship with Tray was fun to read. It would have been cool to read some of the story through his point of view, but there were alot of good moments between him and Taryn regardless.
This book has just the right amount of drama, adventure, steam, and comedy.
This book sucked me in from the beginning. So much was happening had my head spinning. So much fighting, drama, manipulation, and deceit. I freaking loved it. I only got 3 hours of sleep so I could finish this amazing book
Taryn is such a blast. I loved her character so much. She was a smart and tough cookie. Tray had me swooning. Taryn's ex made me angry so many times I wanted to sucker punch him. I loved all the side characters.
This is a very long book but I throughly enjoyed reading this. I can say this is definitely a top favorite for me by this Author.
Nobody, and I mean nobody writes messed up YA Romances better than Tijan. I read the first ten or twelve chapters on Wattpad and I had to get the book and as always I was hooked from the moment I started.
Also, the kids in this book are legit scary and get into places that even an adult will have problems. I mean, breaking into a police station? Damn. That's some hardcore stuff and even though it seems a tad OTT and I enjoyed the hell out of it.
Wowsa !! Woah !! Too much intensity !! Tijan is pretty phenomenal when it come to bad-ass uber-bitchy girls.. And Taryn is one of a kind !! I loved everything about this book. So many emotions and all so well portrayed. Taryn and Tray are an atomic explosion together !! Taryn is a b*itch and Tray a predator, but damn !! Gave the already interesting a plot an amazing high.
And I loved everyone else too ! Brian might have been an ass, but I liked what he meant for Taryn. And Jace is a mystery altogether.. Mandy and Austin (mini-Taryn, I can't wait for him to have his own story).. a touch of hope for family.. Greyley is the perfect best friend..and every small character who had their own role to play in bringing out various sides to Taryn's nature.. I loved it all !!
Totally unrealistic and lots of impulsive, angry kids with the problems of a 30 year old. Per usual, non-existent or negligent parents and high school kids that rule the town a la Lord of the Flies meets Beverly Hills 90210.
Three stars because I will always devour anything Tijan writes. She just has this unique style where I feel like I'm at a noisy club and someone is yelling a story at me.
I'm not going to go into the plot. I know there are two versions out there. I read a sample of the edited version. I'm glad I opted to read this one.
After Fallen Crest series this has become my favorite Tijan book, more than 500 pages and I found it short. I ❤️ Taryn since the beginning, a badass that can’t stand anyone’s shit, a master thief and a very loyal friend. Tray made me fall in love with him as the book progressed, I was waiting to see some action between Taryn and Jace to be honest. I would have liked to have delved deeper into Taryn’s past, her relationship with both brothers(Jace and Brian) and her criminal past. But I❤️the book and I will re-read it without a doubt.
Tray to Taryn: “ I’ve fallen for the bitch that walked down the hallway and to me to screw myself. I’ve fallen for the girl who cares so Goddamn much about her sister, about her psycho ex, his brother, about anyone who considers family that she’d do anything for them, including going to jail. I’ve fallen for the girl who swears at me when she’s happy, and who’ll fight to the fucking bitter end if it means she’ll come out standing. I’ve fallen for the girl who can tell me to fuck off. I’ve fallen for the girl who can bring me to my knees, over and over again, and then press a hand to my cheek and lift me back up. I’ve fallen for the girl who makes me humble”. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Después de Fallen Crest series éste se ha convertido en mi libro favorito de Tijan, más de 500 páginas y se me ha hecho corto. Amé a Taryn desde el principio, una tía dura que no aguanta mierda de nadie,una ladrona magistral y una amiga muy leal. Tray me ha ido enamorando según iba progresando el libro, estaba esperando ver algo de acción entre Taryn y Jace para ser honesta. Me hubiera gustado haber profundizado más en el pasado de Taryn, en su relación con los 2 hermanos (Jace y Brian) y en su pasado criminal. Pero me encanto el libro y de seguro lo volveré a leer en el futuro.
I think I would have enjoyed this more if I read it first instead of A Whole New Crowd. After reading A Whole New Crowd, which was just AMAZING, this is hard to compare. This is a completely different perspective that although kept the very basic general story line the same, everything else was different. Taryn wasn't the major badass in this one, she was more submissive when it came to Tray. Tray was more of a fake popular facade with a secret genius underneath rather than being mysterious and primarily an observer. I didn't connect with the characters as much because Taryn didn't show their "other side" that only she really experiences. A great example of this is with Brian. Many of the other relationships seemed more superficial.
My Playlist: Shawn Mendes & Hailee Steinfeld - Stitches ft. Hailee Steinfeld Machine Gun Kelly - At My Best ft. Hailee Steinfeld Ed Sheeran - Shape of You Paramore: Ain't It Fun Cheat Codes - No Promises ft. Demi Lovato Nick Jonas - Under You Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee - Despacito (Remix Audio) ft. Justin Bieber The All-American Rejects - Gives You Hell Linkin Park (feat. Kiiara) - Heavy Anna Clendening - Boys Like You (Acoustic) Julia Michaels - Issues, Uh Huh Selena Gomez - Bad Liar Niall Horan - Slow Hands Hailee Steinfeld, Grey - Starving ft. Zedd
𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: The Original Crowd 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: A Whole New Crowd #0.5 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Tijan 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
The Original Crowd is (not surprising) the original version of A Whole New Crowd. This version has only been edited once, but I have to say I didn’t notice many errors and if I did, it did not bother me whilst reading. This story definitely is longer and has 100% more steamy moments (you are warned). I don’t think I can say I liked either version better than the other. I think I loved them both equally much in their own way. The character development that Taryn goes through is just perfection, it is beautiful to see how she develops new friendships and finds love. The chemistry between Tray and Taryn is FIREEE. The pace of the story is really good as well and there are enough twists and turns to keep you entertained. Overall, an amazing read and I think especially Tijan fans will appreciate this version!
A lot of my reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
After doing some research I decided to read this one first before “A Whole New Crowd” and I just need to say this one ALMOST became my fave standalone by Tijan. I just love Ryan’s Bed too much!
That being said, this book was so raw and emotional. I love how Tijans books have strong female leads and of course, just like all but two hero’s she has written, I’m in love!
My heart absolutely shattered at Brian & Jaces story line. Taryn reminded me a lot of Bren (Crew series) she’s so strong and deserves so much. She’s loyal to the ones she loves and takes absolutely no ones shit and I love that most about her!
Tray! Oh my! I could feel the connection between him & Taryn! I could feel what he felt for her. He was there for her when she finally said goodbye (and kissed) her ex for the last time. He was there for her for other things (I won’t spoil it). They became a team. They became each other’s equals. They fell in love and let nothing stop them.
I first read A Whole New Crowd. I liked it, but felt that there were missing parts. Then I read this book....the first version. The Original Crowd is a better developed story both in character and plot. There are many aspects of the sanctioned book, A Whole New Crowd, but this book being reviewed is, in my opinion, just better. I found myself more invested in the characters. This book was nearly twice as long as the one that was published. Maybe that was why it got shelved. I liked that there was an epilogue, not so in A Whole New Crowd. I am in love with Tijan's writing style. I have many more to read before I am done, but I'm looking forward to that.
All I can say is I’ve never met one of Tijan’s main characters that I haven’t loved & Tray & Tarryn are no exception. I love them individually & together. The way Tijan can weave a story is amazing. I stayed up till 5:30am to finish this book because I couldn’t put it down. The ups & downs and twists and turns made this another truly hit out of the park Tijan book!
I read "A Whole New Crowd," and I must say that of the two, it was, as the cleaned and polished version, much better. Taryn was not an innocent, bounced from foster home to foster home, being molested at six years old, she learned to take care of herself at a young age. She is, by way of adoption at the age of seventeen, thrust into a stepford-like community that she at first tries to conform to...then decides to just be herself! Look out!!!
So I think this is where You and I part ways. There was so much drama in this that I couldn't keep up, so many characters that I'm still confused as who everyone was, and so many annoying high school girls I just wanted to punch.
Oh, and I'm pretty sure the main characters never said I love you throughout the entire 600 pages...wtf
Tijan never disappoints! The Original Crowd is one of my favorites. Tray is the ultimate bad boy Alpha that every teenaged girl dreams of. Although Taryn is angsty and rough I love her feistiness. Her sass and badasserie (is that a word 😆) makes you want to take a stand for all the under dogs of the world. I love this angsty YA love story. I will never get enough! 5 stars! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️