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Hope #1
Hope For Her
No one ever expected much from him.
Joshua Elijah Griffin, IV is on his last chance. A stint in rehab and a transfer to a new school has scared him into putting his life on track. He’s determined to live up to his family’s expectations, but on the first day of class, Josh meets a girl, and he knows his father won’t approve, but in Carrington, he sees a kindred spirit. He's willing to give up everything to be with her.
No one ever thought she was special.
Carrington Olivia Butler is ready to shine. Always in the shadows of her siblings, she goes away to college to break out of her shell. All Carrington wants is to feel special. Josh's attention is exactly what she craves, but their intense and sometimes volatile relationship is more than what she bargained for.
Josh’s demons return, and Carrington’s feelings fade, but both aren’t ready to give up hope. They give their love one last shot to survive, but hope, may not be enough.
**This book contains adult subject matter. Not intended for young readers.**
Joshua Elijah Griffin, IV is on his last chance. A stint in rehab and a transfer to a new school has scared him into putting his life on track. He’s determined to live up to his family’s expectations, but on the first day of class, Josh meets a girl, and he knows his father won’t approve, but in Carrington, he sees a kindred spirit. He's willing to give up everything to be with her.
No one ever thought she was special.
Carrington Olivia Butler is ready to shine. Always in the shadows of her siblings, she goes away to college to break out of her shell. All Carrington wants is to feel special. Josh's attention is exactly what she craves, but their intense and sometimes volatile relationship is more than what she bargained for.
Josh’s demons return, and Carrington’s feelings fade, but both aren’t ready to give up hope. They give their love one last shot to survive, but hope, may not be enough.
**This book contains adult subject matter. Not intended for young readers.**
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2014
83 people are currently reading
1119 people want to read
About the author
Sydney Aaliyah Michelle
41 books809 followersSydney Aaliyah Michelle is a Contemporary Romance writer, a voracious reader, tattoo lover, and movie fanatic who hails from Texas.
After surviving 5 1/2 years living in China, she had the courage to finally pursue her passion and become a writer.
She identifies the sci-fi action flick "The Matrix" as the best representation of her life in the past. She is now blessed to be awake and doing what she loves.
She can recite the entire script from the 80's teen comedy/drama "The Breakfast Club" and loves any and everything associated with the Avengers Movie, especially Tony Stark.
When it come to books, Sydney reads different genres, but some of her favorite writers are Stephen King, Alex J. Cavanaugh, J.A Huss, M. Never & Emily Bronte. Under the Dome, The Great Gatsby & Wuthering Heights are her favorite books.
Email Sydney at sydney@sydneyamichelle.com
After surviving 5 1/2 years living in China, she had the courage to finally pursue her passion and become a writer.
She identifies the sci-fi action flick "The Matrix" as the best representation of her life in the past. She is now blessed to be awake and doing what she loves.
She can recite the entire script from the 80's teen comedy/drama "The Breakfast Club" and loves any and everything associated with the Avengers Movie, especially Tony Stark.
When it come to books, Sydney reads different genres, but some of her favorite writers are Stephen King, Alex J. Cavanaugh, J.A Huss, M. Never & Emily Bronte. Under the Dome, The Great Gatsby & Wuthering Heights are her favorite books.
Email Sydney at sydney@sydneyamichelle.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
January 7, 2016
whoa...wtf was this author thinking when she wrote this. When i started i was digging the story and found the characters intriguing if a bit wishy washy. Then there was this one shining moment where Josh was perfect and said the words every woman longs to hear from a guy. And it was all downhill from there. The supposed hero of this book is a right jackass. He claims to love her yet he lets everyone he knows trash talk her. Then she still tries to be empathetic with him and he not only says but does some unforgivable shit to her. She stands up for herself and he leaves her stranded in the middle of nowhere. The only way for me to continue at that point is if she tells him to f**k off and maybe tries jackson (who actually seems really sweet) out. but no instead SHE HAS SEX WITH HIM...like immediately after he just basically called her an attention whore if not leaving the "attention" out and left her alone on the road at midnight. Nope no thank you i cannot respect anyone who would allow that to go down. DNF...shame too because it showed a lot of promise. Next time try writing a love interest that actually has a spine! A shitty childhood does not excuse that kind of treatment
April 6, 2017
Awesome
I was so surprised at this book. This is not just another mere love story. Some parts of this destroyed me others had me laughing to myself (Cray Cray I know). Then some had me like oh yeah that couldn't have been me.
I love the cover it pulled me in initially. Then the story began to unfold and each scene burst from the pages. The storyline was solid and gave you everything you needed but had just enough to keep you looking for more.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants the next big romantic, devastatingly, awesome book!
I was so surprised at this book. This is not just another mere love story. Some parts of this destroyed me others had me laughing to myself (Cray Cray I know). Then some had me like oh yeah that couldn't have been me.
I love the cover it pulled me in initially. Then the story began to unfold and each scene burst from the pages. The storyline was solid and gave you everything you needed but had just enough to keep you looking for more.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants the next big romantic, devastatingly, awesome book!
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March 22, 2015FREEBIE http://amzn.to/1LJzo0w
November 10, 2014
*****I was give a copy of this book for a fair and honest review*****
With that said, this has to be one of the most difficult books that I have read to review. Hope for Her by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle is her first book and hopefully in the future the writing will improve. I never mind reading a book that has errors but this book was riddled with them to the point I had to reread sentences to decipher what the characters were trying to say, it became annoying. I had to put the book down several times.
Carrington, a freshman, is attending her first year of college at FSU away from her home in Texas. She wants to find herself and become independent. Her attitude from the beginning turned me off. She meets two guys that she may be attracted to, Joshua and Jackson. What she doesn't realize is that they are frat brothers.
Joshua is a sophomore looking to turn his life around and get a fresh start after encountering problems at the previous college he attended the year before. He can't seem to escape his demons, but when he sees Carrington he believes this will be the start he needs to lead him in the right direction. He looks at her as his angel.
Their initial meeting in class is kind of cute. I like his attempt to be secure and her attempt to strong, but it doesn't seem to work. I wanted there to be some chemistry but it just fell short. Her mind was always elsewhere when she was with Josh, she would constantly make comparison to Jackson and what if? Poor Josh was always trying to make sure he was doing what he thought Carrington would want. I did like the fact that we got both POV's. Josh's character broke my heart. His family, especially his father, were terrible people. No matter what Josh did he would always be a loser to them and this is what sent him into a downward spiral. At times it seems that Carrington is caring and there for him, but I found her to be really immature and selfish just like the other people in his life. Don't get me wrong some things he does are unforgivable but at least you can see why they happen and how he gets pushed to it. He has no willpower but he also doesn't have a strong support system. Carrington finds herself pregnant and Josh tries his hardest to do right by her, but will his family allow it? I hate that Carrington kept saying "It isn't our job to save him." I believe this is her way of justifying her feelings toward Jackson.
I really wish that the author did some more research regarding the NICU. I work in that area of the hospital and even the simplest details were incorrect. Even a micro-preemie is more than 5 inches long, Ugh! So many errors.
Unfortunately for me this book fell way short. It could have been a story of finding one's self and recovery. I was truly disappointed with the direction the story went and makes the next book very predictable. I feel very bad being so critical but this is generally the type of story I stay away from. Call me sappy but I like a HEA! Again, a re-write would be advised.
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June 10, 2017
This was a deep read. Normally it's not something that would get a 3 or higher from me. However, the reasons for the romance to fall apart were very understandable. It will be interesting to see how Carrington's life will be after all this.
September 26, 2014
I was given this for an honest review. So honestly I can there was some good parts in this book, I really felt for Carrington, she was just trying to do good by going to college and experiencing life. She didn’t expect to fall for and rich, spoiled lost boy. Josh had many issues, they all seemed to stem from the death of his mom and how his dad treated him. He had just got transferred over to another college after he got in trouble and had to go to rehab. You see Josh has a problem with drinking and doing heavy drugs. He seemed to do well, met Carrington and started a relationship with her. He suddenly becomes over bearing and she decides she needs a break. He decides that he needs to have some fun and before you know it, Josh is doing drugs again and his life is out of control.
I would recommend this book to others. It does have a sad turn of events in the book that you might need tissues for but I didn’t but it all depends on how you connect with the characters.
.
A One-Click Addict’s Book Blog
I would recommend this book to others. It does have a sad turn of events in the book that you might need tissues for but I didn’t but it all depends on how you connect with the characters.
.
A One-Click Addict’s Book Blog
April 10, 2015
PARANORMALY YOURS BOOK CLUB REVIEW
**Book provided by the author for an honest review**
This book should have warning labels on it for the drug/alcohol abuse, and violence against an unborn child, and a woman! I did not see this book as a "romance" novel at all! I also did not care for the story as a whole, just not my cup of tea. The characters were naive college students who confused lust with love, and even then the sex scenes had me uncomfortable and shaking my head during.
The whole thing reminded me of a Lifetime Movie of the week sort of thing with the drama, addictions, and abuse. The writing was ok, although there were a couple of places where the main character Joshua would do something really weird, and it wasn't explained or dealt with at the time or later in the book which made me feel very confused.
If this book had truly been a romance with an HEA, (happily ever after) then I would have enjoyed it more, because that is more up my alley! I appreciate the effort the author put into this story and for those who like drama shows and movies will love this book!
**Book provided by the author for an honest review**
This book should have warning labels on it for the drug/alcohol abuse, and violence against an unborn child, and a woman! I did not see this book as a "romance" novel at all! I also did not care for the story as a whole, just not my cup of tea. The characters were naive college students who confused lust with love, and even then the sex scenes had me uncomfortable and shaking my head during.
The whole thing reminded me of a Lifetime Movie of the week sort of thing with the drama, addictions, and abuse. The writing was ok, although there were a couple of places where the main character Joshua would do something really weird, and it wasn't explained or dealt with at the time or later in the book which made me feel very confused.
If this book had truly been a romance with an HEA, (happily ever after) then I would have enjoyed it more, because that is more up my alley! I appreciate the effort the author put into this story and for those who like drama shows and movies will love this book!
September 25, 2014
Sydney certainly knows how to write emotionally driven stories. Mistakenly I thought this was going to be a sweet romance then BAM! I didn't see that coming! Her characters were real and I felt their emotions and traumas, even after the story ended. I great New Adult story and I look forward to reading other books in the series.
Four and a half stars from me!
Four and a half stars from me!
November 16, 2016
"I was provided by the author with a copy of this book so I could give an honest review."
The best part of being a reviewer is that I've always taken by surprise from the unexpected stories I have the honor to read. To speak honestly, I rarely read the synopsis of the books I receive, almost never. It's a thing I want to keep invariably, only with the books I have for reviewing, so I'll always have to welcome the first feeling of what is going to happen at the duration of the story until the end of it. Of course there are specific genres I love to read, which all have the same kind of narration...somehow! Of course I'm helpless romantic and love happy endings, which is almost impossible not to find in these books! But the unexpected is, what makes a story a success and, is what I love most to find inside each book I read.
" In my eighteen years of wishing and hoping to become someone's something, I never thought about what it would be like being someone's everything" ~Carrington Olivia Butler
Hope for Her is what I called an unexpected story! Even the title couldn't prepare me about what is going to happen or how or why or when so I can understand where the word "Hope for" stands for. Maybe, as a reader, I wanted to be clueless about what would happen, not to try to observe better the signs but to let the story takes me with it, safe to live the experience of unexpected. Maybe!!
So here we are, at the Florida State University, watching two freshman college students, try to normalize their new lives into the maze of colleagues and their own indepentency. Both have their personal demons, their own anchors which keep them apart and far away of being as same as the other students. However, these are what makes them be so much more special than the others. Coming from two opposite worlds, Joshua Elijah Griffin and Carrington Olivia Butler found a connection to link their lives together and be a couple, despite their differenses. Their journey together starts with the welcome jolt of romance, a man and a woman always have, when they first met. It was majorly sweet to watch them interact, trying to earn the attention and then, the approval of the other. After all, is a story about college students; but still, nothing is the same.
"...The habit of self-loathing and fear of not measuring up was much worse..." ~Joshua Elijah Griffin IV
Hope for Her is a story, which includes both heroes personal stories. This way, thoughts and feelings, help the reader a lot to unfold what is going on inside these special creatures, both Joshua and Carrington are. The narration begins with Joshua's first day at the PKP fraternity house of Florida's State University; a university his family went there and graduated, for generations. Coming from a very wealthy and well known family in Florida, Joshua is the quite opposite his family, and most specific his father, wanted to be. Sensitive and vain inside, Joshua was living a life between the need for his father acceptance and the need to be his own self. Last year he screwed up his life and family name. He became small in the eyes of his father, again. Now he has a second chance to do it right and be a true Griffin, proud of his name and family history. Unfortunately, it became difficult to achieve it, when he wanted Carrington in his life as badly as he wanted his father love.
"I wanted to go someplace where no one knew me..." ~Carrington
I loved Carrington! She's the type of girl that doesn't easily fits with others, but she is easy going, not wanted to make someone unhappy and she needs the space to be alone with herself. I can totally understand her!! Both lonely and imperious, Carrington craves to control her life as she pleased. Feeling incongruous in her own family, she decided to go far away from home and takes her law degree at the Florida State University, living the adventurous life, any collage student has the privilege to experience. No strings attached, no romances, no self-loathing again, only the freedom to enjoy freedom. Beautiful, with exotic chocolate skin, Carrington acknowledged the interesting two handsome colleagues had for her and felt special. She wanted to explore the unknown. When Joshua told her that he wanted to be her boyfriend, straight forward and clear, it was the first step into this exploration and Carrington took the chance without second thinking. But, when she saw red flags at Joshua's actions everything changed and everything stayed the same.
"I wanted her, and I wanted a taste - one of my addictions compined with my new obsession in one gorgeous package." ~Joshua
Singling out specific words from this line, you could easily understand the depth of Joshua's problem and which way he is dealing with it. He is a former drug and alcohol addict, a result of the lack to control his life as he wanted to and, the unsolved issues he has with his father. The package he is carring is big but, nonetheless, he doesn't share it with Carrington. He believed that, she had the power to change him, to keep him on track and be the free man he always craved to be, without her knowing this little detail. If she knew, she would leave him and it wasn't something Joshua could endure without slide into his past addiction. Yes, his love for Carrington was undeniable deep and majorly intense but the ups and downs on his mood wheren't helping much his side either. With any encounter he had with his father, Joshua was again being in control of his self-loathing, a moving time bomb ready to destroy what's important for him. His relationship with Carrington.
"Carrington had all the power to crush me or make me the happiest man in the world....It scared me to give someone that kind of power...I wanted to tell her to be careful with me." ~Joshua
Hope for Her isn't the classic novel of some college students having an affair. It's more of that, I can tell!!! Without putting the color difference and what problems might caused, both heroes have their own issues to confront and these issues are what this story is all about. What I saw, was two vulnerable souls, each one for different reasons but with the same effect, the need to be loved and accepted by their families.
At the duration of the story, these issues were unfolded infront of my eyes occasionally. Seeing the depths of loneliness and worthlessness a young man was having in the most productive moment of his life was riveting. Joshua's story, just like Carrington's, was so honed to precision that was so easy to understand why he acted the way he did or why he truly craved a life with Carrington despite the young of their age. She was his soulmate, the kind heart who can understand him, be connected with him, had the strength to control his inner demons and keeps them at bay...almost. As I said above, Joshua craved two different things and the one of these two things had more control of his life than the other. What is going to happen when he let himself be under control again? The ultimate disaster!!
" I felt empty, manipulated, and stupid. I confused passion with obsession and control. All of it compined, in hindsight, made the ending pretty predictable." ~Carrington
That's it!!! I think I wrote a very confusing review this time. I understand that I haven't say much about Carrington, maybe too little, but I literally wanted all of you to find out alone, what was her journey inside the story. It is, honestly, a breathtaking journey, with a corrage that leaps off the pages even when she didn't believe she had it. Yes, the chemistry between them was very intensed but, I would never expect less of it, I would never expect it differently. The vehemence this story had on me is indescribable!
The way Sydney Aaliyah Michelle narrates Hope for Her, shows a very well versed author in the genres of romance books, with a fair amount of suspence and the sensitivity of a hot topic, like drugs and alcohol addictions, included violence. She truly cares about her heroes, a feeling that's clearly appears through out the story, presented them with tenter and compassion, showing every aspect of what a broken soul can do.
I loved that it was a page turning book, with every scene, every inside thought, had used the perfect amount of time, not to stall what was coming next; and of course, that once again, but not very offen, I read a fully consuming novel that gave me a true ache inside. Thank you so much Sydney for the honor you gave me to read this beautiful story of yours. Joshua and Carrington would always be in my heart for now on.
And for all of you who I help or don't help with this terrible review, Hope for Her has a second and a third book ready to be read as well. So, don't wait long, grab your own copy, dive at your special spot and start reading them.
Vivi
An insatiable joy while reading a good book...
The best part of being a reviewer is that I've always taken by surprise from the unexpected stories I have the honor to read. To speak honestly, I rarely read the synopsis of the books I receive, almost never. It's a thing I want to keep invariably, only with the books I have for reviewing, so I'll always have to welcome the first feeling of what is going to happen at the duration of the story until the end of it. Of course there are specific genres I love to read, which all have the same kind of narration...somehow! Of course I'm helpless romantic and love happy endings, which is almost impossible not to find in these books! But the unexpected is, what makes a story a success and, is what I love most to find inside each book I read.
" In my eighteen years of wishing and hoping to become someone's something, I never thought about what it would be like being someone's everything" ~Carrington Olivia Butler
Hope for Her is what I called an unexpected story! Even the title couldn't prepare me about what is going to happen or how or why or when so I can understand where the word "Hope for" stands for. Maybe, as a reader, I wanted to be clueless about what would happen, not to try to observe better the signs but to let the story takes me with it, safe to live the experience of unexpected. Maybe!!
So here we are, at the Florida State University, watching two freshman college students, try to normalize their new lives into the maze of colleagues and their own indepentency. Both have their personal demons, their own anchors which keep them apart and far away of being as same as the other students. However, these are what makes them be so much more special than the others. Coming from two opposite worlds, Joshua Elijah Griffin and Carrington Olivia Butler found a connection to link their lives together and be a couple, despite their differenses. Their journey together starts with the welcome jolt of romance, a man and a woman always have, when they first met. It was majorly sweet to watch them interact, trying to earn the attention and then, the approval of the other. After all, is a story about college students; but still, nothing is the same.
"...The habit of self-loathing and fear of not measuring up was much worse..." ~Joshua Elijah Griffin IV
Hope for Her is a story, which includes both heroes personal stories. This way, thoughts and feelings, help the reader a lot to unfold what is going on inside these special creatures, both Joshua and Carrington are. The narration begins with Joshua's first day at the PKP fraternity house of Florida's State University; a university his family went there and graduated, for generations. Coming from a very wealthy and well known family in Florida, Joshua is the quite opposite his family, and most specific his father, wanted to be. Sensitive and vain inside, Joshua was living a life between the need for his father acceptance and the need to be his own self. Last year he screwed up his life and family name. He became small in the eyes of his father, again. Now he has a second chance to do it right and be a true Griffin, proud of his name and family history. Unfortunately, it became difficult to achieve it, when he wanted Carrington in his life as badly as he wanted his father love.
"I wanted to go someplace where no one knew me..." ~Carrington
I loved Carrington! She's the type of girl that doesn't easily fits with others, but she is easy going, not wanted to make someone unhappy and she needs the space to be alone with herself. I can totally understand her!! Both lonely and imperious, Carrington craves to control her life as she pleased. Feeling incongruous in her own family, she decided to go far away from home and takes her law degree at the Florida State University, living the adventurous life, any collage student has the privilege to experience. No strings attached, no romances, no self-loathing again, only the freedom to enjoy freedom. Beautiful, with exotic chocolate skin, Carrington acknowledged the interesting two handsome colleagues had for her and felt special. She wanted to explore the unknown. When Joshua told her that he wanted to be her boyfriend, straight forward and clear, it was the first step into this exploration and Carrington took the chance without second thinking. But, when she saw red flags at Joshua's actions everything changed and everything stayed the same.
"I wanted her, and I wanted a taste - one of my addictions compined with my new obsession in one gorgeous package." ~Joshua
Singling out specific words from this line, you could easily understand the depth of Joshua's problem and which way he is dealing with it. He is a former drug and alcohol addict, a result of the lack to control his life as he wanted to and, the unsolved issues he has with his father. The package he is carring is big but, nonetheless, he doesn't share it with Carrington. He believed that, she had the power to change him, to keep him on track and be the free man he always craved to be, without her knowing this little detail. If she knew, she would leave him and it wasn't something Joshua could endure without slide into his past addiction. Yes, his love for Carrington was undeniable deep and majorly intense but the ups and downs on his mood wheren't helping much his side either. With any encounter he had with his father, Joshua was again being in control of his self-loathing, a moving time bomb ready to destroy what's important for him. His relationship with Carrington.
"Carrington had all the power to crush me or make me the happiest man in the world....It scared me to give someone that kind of power...I wanted to tell her to be careful with me." ~Joshua
Hope for Her isn't the classic novel of some college students having an affair. It's more of that, I can tell!!! Without putting the color difference and what problems might caused, both heroes have their own issues to confront and these issues are what this story is all about. What I saw, was two vulnerable souls, each one for different reasons but with the same effect, the need to be loved and accepted by their families.
At the duration of the story, these issues were unfolded infront of my eyes occasionally. Seeing the depths of loneliness and worthlessness a young man was having in the most productive moment of his life was riveting. Joshua's story, just like Carrington's, was so honed to precision that was so easy to understand why he acted the way he did or why he truly craved a life with Carrington despite the young of their age. She was his soulmate, the kind heart who can understand him, be connected with him, had the strength to control his inner demons and keeps them at bay...almost. As I said above, Joshua craved two different things and the one of these two things had more control of his life than the other. What is going to happen when he let himself be under control again? The ultimate disaster!!
" I felt empty, manipulated, and stupid. I confused passion with obsession and control. All of it compined, in hindsight, made the ending pretty predictable." ~Carrington
That's it!!! I think I wrote a very confusing review this time. I understand that I haven't say much about Carrington, maybe too little, but I literally wanted all of you to find out alone, what was her journey inside the story. It is, honestly, a breathtaking journey, with a corrage that leaps off the pages even when she didn't believe she had it. Yes, the chemistry between them was very intensed but, I would never expect less of it, I would never expect it differently. The vehemence this story had on me is indescribable!
The way Sydney Aaliyah Michelle narrates Hope for Her, shows a very well versed author in the genres of romance books, with a fair amount of suspence and the sensitivity of a hot topic, like drugs and alcohol addictions, included violence. She truly cares about her heroes, a feeling that's clearly appears through out the story, presented them with tenter and compassion, showing every aspect of what a broken soul can do.
I loved that it was a page turning book, with every scene, every inside thought, had used the perfect amount of time, not to stall what was coming next; and of course, that once again, but not very offen, I read a fully consuming novel that gave me a true ache inside. Thank you so much Sydney for the honor you gave me to read this beautiful story of yours. Joshua and Carrington would always be in my heart for now on.
And for all of you who I help or don't help with this terrible review, Hope for Her has a second and a third book ready to be read as well. So, don't wait long, grab your own copy, dive at your special spot and start reading them.
Vivi
An insatiable joy while reading a good book...
November 29, 2014
~~I was given this in exchange for an honest review~~
Josh is a recovering addict. He wants to do well, he wants to make is dad proud of him. Josh is getting a second chance at life, a second chance at making his dad proud, and a second chance at school. When he sees Carrington sitting across the quad at FSU, he has to know her. When he finally gets the nerve to talk to her, he feels like she is the best drug he has ever taken. He can't get enough of her.
Carrington is from Dallas, TX and wants to get away from her parents. She sees Josh looking at her from across the quad, and something about him keeps her look at him. He is mysterious, she feels drawn to him. When they get together, it is awesome. She knows something is wrong, but she can't help being with him.
Can their love for each other keep Josh from returning to the life he led before FSU? Or will the stress of family send him down a terrible spiral?
I just don't quite know where to begin with this review. This book hits home for me on a level that is scary. When you are an addict of something, you only know two things, the way that you feel when you are high, and the way that you feel when you are not. When you are a recovering addict, you try your hardest to stay clean and sober, but sometimes, things just don't go your way. Life (for those people) gets too difficult and they think the only solution is to get high. Josh feels great when he is with Carrington. She is like the best drug he has ever taken. She is his high. Sometimes that is enough, other times, it is too much. I have read books that have dealt with addiction before. Some authors send the character to rehab, they come out and everything is fine with them. They feel great, and they have no relapses. That isn't real life. Sydney writes Josh as a normal addict. The addict that thinks he has it under control, but deep down he knows he is going to destroy every that is good in his life. He just can't realize it until it is too late. Granted, some addicts do recover and they are fine. But there are those, more times that not, that do not get better, they get better for a short time. Then something snaps, they return to what they know. Sydney doesn't sugar coat anything in this book, and I commend her for it. She shows what an addict goes through.
A good friend of mine is an addict. He keeps getting clean, then something happens and it is back to the familiar. He knows the people, the places, and can get what ever he wants. I have seen him spiral down, seen him sober, and seen him stoned off his ass. It doesn't stop him even though it kills the ones that love him to see him do this to himself.
Sydney takes a super difficult subject and writes is beautifully. She doesn't gloss it over. She doesn't sugar coat it, and she certainly doesn't make it glamours. She tells it like it is, the messy, the gross, the smelly, and the heartbreak it causes those that are close. I was honored to read this book. It made me cry, it made me smile, it made me laugh (at the right times). You need to read this book. This is the best book that I have read by her!!
Josh is a recovering addict. He wants to do well, he wants to make is dad proud of him. Josh is getting a second chance at life, a second chance at making his dad proud, and a second chance at school. When he sees Carrington sitting across the quad at FSU, he has to know her. When he finally gets the nerve to talk to her, he feels like she is the best drug he has ever taken. He can't get enough of her.
Carrington is from Dallas, TX and wants to get away from her parents. She sees Josh looking at her from across the quad, and something about him keeps her look at him. He is mysterious, she feels drawn to him. When they get together, it is awesome. She knows something is wrong, but she can't help being with him.
Can their love for each other keep Josh from returning to the life he led before FSU? Or will the stress of family send him down a terrible spiral?
I just don't quite know where to begin with this review. This book hits home for me on a level that is scary. When you are an addict of something, you only know two things, the way that you feel when you are high, and the way that you feel when you are not. When you are a recovering addict, you try your hardest to stay clean and sober, but sometimes, things just don't go your way. Life (for those people) gets too difficult and they think the only solution is to get high. Josh feels great when he is with Carrington. She is like the best drug he has ever taken. She is his high. Sometimes that is enough, other times, it is too much. I have read books that have dealt with addiction before. Some authors send the character to rehab, they come out and everything is fine with them. They feel great, and they have no relapses. That isn't real life. Sydney writes Josh as a normal addict. The addict that thinks he has it under control, but deep down he knows he is going to destroy every that is good in his life. He just can't realize it until it is too late. Granted, some addicts do recover and they are fine. But there are those, more times that not, that do not get better, they get better for a short time. Then something snaps, they return to what they know. Sydney doesn't sugar coat anything in this book, and I commend her for it. She shows what an addict goes through.
A good friend of mine is an addict. He keeps getting clean, then something happens and it is back to the familiar. He knows the people, the places, and can get what ever he wants. I have seen him spiral down, seen him sober, and seen him stoned off his ass. It doesn't stop him even though it kills the ones that love him to see him do this to himself.
Sydney takes a super difficult subject and writes is beautifully. She doesn't gloss it over. She doesn't sugar coat it, and she certainly doesn't make it glamours. She tells it like it is, the messy, the gross, the smelly, and the heartbreak it causes those that are close. I was honored to read this book. It made me cry, it made me smile, it made me laugh (at the right times). You need to read this book. This is the best book that I have read by her!!
November 10, 2014
Hope for Her is not a romantic love story, but a dark tale about drug addiction, abuse and obsessive love — the kind of love that drives a person to do rash and reckless things, ultimately wrecking the lives of both people involved.
The Negative:
I loved the idea of this story, but the execution was clunky. There were lots ‘extra’ inner monologues and unnecessary scenes. These made the story drag and had me skim reading through much of the middle part.
Carrington: Josh was dark, and I got his character. Not so much with Carrington. Her motives and reactions were not only delayed, but in many cases, seemed implausible, too. As the dysfunctional relationship evolves, Josh becomes more jarring and cruel to her, but Carrington never addresses this problematic behavior.
Character reactions to major disruptions were sometimes belated and unrealistic. Reactions in general, were strange: like chuckling and laughing at inappropriate times. Carrington’s response to Josh’s family’s wealth: I didn’t buy it. She says straight away that Josh’s trust fund doesn’t impress her, but a more realistic response for a girl of her age would have been much bigger — either to be extremely intimidated by such vast wealth or be enamored with it — possibly both.
I didn’t get naming each chapter/section with the full name of the character (first, middle and last name). It didn’t take away from the story, but it seemed pointless.
The Positive:
The plot. I really enjoyed the storyline, with the building of the dysfunctional relationship.
Josh. Getting a glimpse into his mindset and seeing his dark thoughts play out is what kept me reading. The author wrote him like she had a definite understanding of him.
The elements of Josh and Carrington’s obsessive connection rang true, and I could easily see this as realistic.
The finale. Everything about the way Hope for Her wraps up was satisfying, from Josh’s demise to how Carrington is shown as a survivor. Josh’s last chapter is especially captivating. — somber but compelling and felt completely lifelike.
The Negative:
I loved the idea of this story, but the execution was clunky. There were lots ‘extra’ inner monologues and unnecessary scenes. These made the story drag and had me skim reading through much of the middle part.
Carrington: Josh was dark, and I got his character. Not so much with Carrington. Her motives and reactions were not only delayed, but in many cases, seemed implausible, too. As the dysfunctional relationship evolves, Josh becomes more jarring and cruel to her, but Carrington never addresses this problematic behavior.
Character reactions to major disruptions were sometimes belated and unrealistic. Reactions in general, were strange: like chuckling and laughing at inappropriate times. Carrington’s response to Josh’s family’s wealth: I didn’t buy it. She says straight away that Josh’s trust fund doesn’t impress her, but a more realistic response for a girl of her age would have been much bigger — either to be extremely intimidated by such vast wealth or be enamored with it — possibly both.
I didn’t get naming each chapter/section with the full name of the character (first, middle and last name). It didn’t take away from the story, but it seemed pointless.
The Positive:
The plot. I really enjoyed the storyline, with the building of the dysfunctional relationship.
Josh. Getting a glimpse into his mindset and seeing his dark thoughts play out is what kept me reading. The author wrote him like she had a definite understanding of him.
The elements of Josh and Carrington’s obsessive connection rang true, and I could easily see this as realistic.
The finale. Everything about the way Hope for Her wraps up was satisfying, from Josh’s demise to how Carrington is shown as a survivor. Josh’s last chapter is especially captivating. — somber but compelling and felt completely lifelike.
October 1, 2014
Speechless, Mouth open, shaking my head, laughing, crying, smiling. These are all things I did or that happened to me while reading Hope for Her. It's a rare occasion that a book will take me through that many emotions, but this one did.
Carrington is the girl you root for. She just wants to be her own person. She's ready to grow up and start a new life. Josh is the kind of guy she comes to realize isn't good for her, but she just can't stay away from. Josh is fighting his own demons of addiction and knowing he will never be good enough for his father.
What I loved about this book, and really all of Sydney's books, is that she's not afraid to tackle the tough subjects. She will dive right in and get elbow deep. She doesn't make them pretty or gloss them over. She shows you the gritty parts.
Hope for Her is a great book that took me on a roller coaster of emotions, and the story captured my heart. Another great read by Sydney Aallyah Michelle.
Carrington is the girl you root for. She just wants to be her own person. She's ready to grow up and start a new life. Josh is the kind of guy she comes to realize isn't good for her, but she just can't stay away from. Josh is fighting his own demons of addiction and knowing he will never be good enough for his father.
What I loved about this book, and really all of Sydney's books, is that she's not afraid to tackle the tough subjects. She will dive right in and get elbow deep. She doesn't make them pretty or gloss them over. She shows you the gritty parts.
Hope for Her is a great book that took me on a roller coaster of emotions, and the story captured my heart. Another great read by Sydney Aallyah Michelle.
November 7, 2014
Received for a honest review. Between 3 & 4 stars. This book was a Young adult tragic love story. Carrington was a young girl trying to start new life in a new state at a different college than her family and friends were at. She was tired of feeling not wanted or important. A fresh start was ahead for her at FSU. A fresh start was what Josh needed too. FSU was in his blood, where he was suppose to be ( according to his father). With the help from his best friend, Jackson, he would get through school hopefully without incident. Both Jackson & Josh spot the beautiful Carrington on campus but timing isn't everything when it comes to Carrington.
This story had a good beginning but was a little choppy at times. I do have to say that the end of the book was hard to put down. I really wished I heard from Jackson's voice but was glad to know there is a second book. (Hopefully has to do with Jackson.)
This story had a good beginning but was a little choppy at times. I do have to say that the end of the book was hard to put down. I really wished I heard from Jackson's voice but was glad to know there is a second book. (Hopefully has to do with Jackson.)
November 11, 2014
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review
Wow all I can say not what I expected. I thought this was just going to be another love triangle but it wasn't. Carrington is a strong woman. Josh is just so intense. I think of the song wrecking ball, as I right this review. This book is very intense and very real. Ok the elite alumni may be for the 1% of America but the biracial relationships, drugs, sex, are all a huge reality for so many ppl. I can the author kept me on my edge and whenever I thought I knew what was going to happen I was shocked . There is not much I can say without giving anything up, but this a must read. Not your typical book. I can't wait for the next one. I hope we get more of Jackson, yeah I know I left him out but I guess you just have to read it
Wow all I can say not what I expected. I thought this was just going to be another love triangle but it wasn't. Carrington is a strong woman. Josh is just so intense. I think of the song wrecking ball, as I right this review. This book is very intense and very real. Ok the elite alumni may be for the 1% of America but the biracial relationships, drugs, sex, are all a huge reality for so many ppl. I can the author kept me on my edge and whenever I thought I knew what was going to happen I was shocked . There is not much I can say without giving anything up, but this a must read. Not your typical book. I can't wait for the next one. I hope we get more of Jackson, yeah I know I left him out but I guess you just have to read it
September 23, 2014
4.5 Crazy Stars!
Wow! That was an emotional ride! I love how the author weaves the story and draws you in. I didn't want to stop reading.
Wow! That was an emotional ride! I love how the author weaves the story and draws you in. I didn't want to stop reading.
October 2, 2014
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Hope For Her is the first book in Sydney Aaliyah Michelle's new Hope series. I honestly don't even know where to begin this review. I was originally drawn in by the blurb. I expected this one to be tough at times, and I really think that Sydney Aaliyah Michelle was able to take on some really tough issues with this story. This book will absolutely be hard for some to read, and features some very adult topics that even some adults will struggle with. As much as I wanted to love this story though and appreciate it for the journey that it is, I just had too many things that held me back.
After his latest screw up Joshua Elijah Griffin IV, he arrives at FSU where he joins his best friend Jackson at the fraternity that they both belong to. He ends up seeing a girl one day and misses the opportunity to talk to her, but vows that the next time he will make sure that they meet. When he sees her again, they begin a volatile relationship that has many ups and downs. Carrington Olivia Butler is everything that Joshua's family doesn't approve of, but Josh can't stay away from her. As Carrington and Joshua grow closer, his demons begin to return and things get harder for them than ever before. But Carrington and Joshua aren't ready to give up on their relationship despite all the problems that they encounter. However just because they want things to work out doesn't mean that it will or that things will get any easier.
I honestly struggled with these characters. Joshua makes you want to root for him, but somehow I was just never able to fully connect with him. He had a horrible family that were not only snobs, but also allowed a lot of really awful things to happen right in front of their faces. They simply turned the other cheek and it really drove me crazy. Josh did that so many times with their treatment of Carrington that it really pissed me off. Not only that, but Josh ran extremely hot and cold and never seemed to really support Carrington in the way she needed. He was weak and wouldn't let her in, he never opened up to her and would get really mad at her and make assumptions if anyone in his life let her in on any of the many secrets he kept from her. Carrington was wishy washy, and it really drove me nuts. At first she is interested in both Josh and his friend Jackson, but then when she happens to come across Josh at a party first she decides to go for him. She allowed him to treat her in a way that made me sad for her and women all over. He did something unforgivable, and yet they never even discuss it. They end up having sex and all is forgotten. I just couldn't ever fully get behind their relationship even though I badly wanted them to figure things out and get on the right track. I think that they definitely had their steamy moments, but I was missing that emotional connection to go with it.
I didn't care for the way that Jackson was brought into this story at convenient times and then forgotten at others. It seemed like he only showed up when drama was needed or when he served a purpose, and the rest of the time his absence was noticeable. For someone who was a love interest at first, it seemed odd that he would just disappear for a large portion of the story only to reappear later on. Then when he does reappear, Carrington is suddenly forgetting about Josh and basically mentally cheating on Josh with everything she wishes were happening with Jackson. I wanted her to make a choice one way or another. Another problem I had was that there were a lot of things that Carrington never found out, the biggest being about everything that Joshua did when he would relapse and return to the drugs. It was sad, and I hated how it was a complete non-issue. I kind of wondered why we even got to see that at all if it wasn't going to come out. The whole time you are hoping that Joshua will turn things around, and it was just hard to see him fall further and further as the story progressed. I will admit that my biggest problem with this story though was the way things played out at the end. I honestly can't say what happened without spoiling a huge part of this book, but I really felt sort of betrayed when it was all said and done. I can't really say why I felt that way because of what happens, but as a reader reading a NA romance story I just didn't feel like the ending of this book did these characters justice. By that I mean all of the characters. The other thing that really bothered me as a reader were the inconsistencies in the story. As an ARC reader, you expect for there to be editing issues still to be dealt with and some misspellings or grammar mistakes. But what I am talking about are huge differences such as the constant mixing up of characters names, the fact that a character's name is never introduced then randomly appears in a sentence. Then in the next sentence that random new character already has a shortened version of the name and is turned into a character so familiar that they have a nickname? I think that this story had a ton of potential, but I really think that this book just needed a lot of work. It needed an editor in the worst way and someone to go through and point out where all the inconsistencies were and fix them. They were more than just simple mistakes, and I feel like if those were fixed this really could have been a much better story. There are two more books currently in the works for this series, and at this time there are no blurbs or any information that I could find on them. I think if they are about Carrington, that it might change the way I view the ending of this book. But as things currently stand, I am still really disappointed with how this one ended. I will keep an eye out for news on this series though, and consider giving the next two books a shot because I really do think that if they continue Carrington's story that these will be worth the read.
Hope For Her is the first book in Sydney Aaliyah Michelle's new Hope series. I honestly don't even know where to begin this review. I was originally drawn in by the blurb. I expected this one to be tough at times, and I really think that Sydney Aaliyah Michelle was able to take on some really tough issues with this story. This book will absolutely be hard for some to read, and features some very adult topics that even some adults will struggle with. As much as I wanted to love this story though and appreciate it for the journey that it is, I just had too many things that held me back.
After his latest screw up Joshua Elijah Griffin IV, he arrives at FSU where he joins his best friend Jackson at the fraternity that they both belong to. He ends up seeing a girl one day and misses the opportunity to talk to her, but vows that the next time he will make sure that they meet. When he sees her again, they begin a volatile relationship that has many ups and downs. Carrington Olivia Butler is everything that Joshua's family doesn't approve of, but Josh can't stay away from her. As Carrington and Joshua grow closer, his demons begin to return and things get harder for them than ever before. But Carrington and Joshua aren't ready to give up on their relationship despite all the problems that they encounter. However just because they want things to work out doesn't mean that it will or that things will get any easier.
I honestly struggled with these characters. Joshua makes you want to root for him, but somehow I was just never able to fully connect with him. He had a horrible family that were not only snobs, but also allowed a lot of really awful things to happen right in front of their faces. They simply turned the other cheek and it really drove me crazy. Josh did that so many times with their treatment of Carrington that it really pissed me off. Not only that, but Josh ran extremely hot and cold and never seemed to really support Carrington in the way she needed. He was weak and wouldn't let her in, he never opened up to her and would get really mad at her and make assumptions if anyone in his life let her in on any of the many secrets he kept from her. Carrington was wishy washy, and it really drove me nuts. At first she is interested in both Josh and his friend Jackson, but then when she happens to come across Josh at a party first she decides to go for him. She allowed him to treat her in a way that made me sad for her and women all over. He did something unforgivable, and yet they never even discuss it. They end up having sex and all is forgotten. I just couldn't ever fully get behind their relationship even though I badly wanted them to figure things out and get on the right track. I think that they definitely had their steamy moments, but I was missing that emotional connection to go with it.
I didn't care for the way that Jackson was brought into this story at convenient times and then forgotten at others. It seemed like he only showed up when drama was needed or when he served a purpose, and the rest of the time his absence was noticeable. For someone who was a love interest at first, it seemed odd that he would just disappear for a large portion of the story only to reappear later on. Then when he does reappear, Carrington is suddenly forgetting about Josh and basically mentally cheating on Josh with everything she wishes were happening with Jackson. I wanted her to make a choice one way or another. Another problem I had was that there were a lot of things that Carrington never found out, the biggest being about everything that Joshua did when he would relapse and return to the drugs. It was sad, and I hated how it was a complete non-issue. I kind of wondered why we even got to see that at all if it wasn't going to come out. The whole time you are hoping that Joshua will turn things around, and it was just hard to see him fall further and further as the story progressed. I will admit that my biggest problem with this story though was the way things played out at the end. I honestly can't say what happened without spoiling a huge part of this book, but I really felt sort of betrayed when it was all said and done. I can't really say why I felt that way because of what happens, but as a reader reading a NA romance story I just didn't feel like the ending of this book did these characters justice. By that I mean all of the characters. The other thing that really bothered me as a reader were the inconsistencies in the story. As an ARC reader, you expect for there to be editing issues still to be dealt with and some misspellings or grammar mistakes. But what I am talking about are huge differences such as the constant mixing up of characters names, the fact that a character's name is never introduced then randomly appears in a sentence. Then in the next sentence that random new character already has a shortened version of the name and is turned into a character so familiar that they have a nickname? I think that this story had a ton of potential, but I really think that this book just needed a lot of work. It needed an editor in the worst way and someone to go through and point out where all the inconsistencies were and fix them. They were more than just simple mistakes, and I feel like if those were fixed this really could have been a much better story. There are two more books currently in the works for this series, and at this time there are no blurbs or any information that I could find on them. I think if they are about Carrington, that it might change the way I view the ending of this book. But as things currently stand, I am still really disappointed with how this one ended. I will keep an eye out for news on this series though, and consider giving the next two books a shot because I really do think that if they continue Carrington's story that these will be worth the read.
October 6, 2014
No one ever expected much from him.
Joshua Elijah Griffin, IV is on his last chance. A stint in rehab and a transfer to a new school has scared him into putting his life on track. He’s determined to make his father proud and show him that he is a Griffin. On the first day of class Josh meets a girl and he's willing to give up everything to be with her.
No one ever thought she was special.
Carrington Olivia Butler is ready to shine. All Carrington wants is to feel special. Josh's attention is exactly what she needs. Their relationship is intense and volatile and its more then she asked for. Josh’s demons return, and Carrington’s feelings fade, but both aren’t ready to give up hope. They give their love one last shot to survive, but hope, may not be enough.
I really like the college age characters. This is not your typical romance novel. In fact its nothing like what Im used too. The characters are the same but different if that makes sense. But I think the author did an amazing job of combining possible real life and fantasy situations.
That first pick up line that Josh used was a good one. I havent heard that one. I laughed so hard when Josh ran right right into Carrington. I love her name. Josh is a very different kind of male.The things that Josh does is different as well. He really likes Carrington but he is constantly expecting her to leave him, so he does stupid things. I think he wants her to leave but he also wants to love her and be with her forever. He doesnt really show or tell his feelings and when he does its small and almost unnoticeable.
I havent read alot of male characters act that way to that degree. The things that Carrington and Josh deal with during the book is intense for college kids but I understand the way they react to most of it. By the end, more like during the entire story I absolutely hated Josh's father. By the end I didnt like Josh anymore. I kind of understood him but I didnt like him. The things he did was inexcusable. I highly recommend this book. Be on the look out for the next book in the Hope Series called Hope For Him.
Joshua Elijah Griffin, IV is on his last chance. A stint in rehab and a transfer to a new school has scared him into putting his life on track. He’s determined to make his father proud and show him that he is a Griffin. On the first day of class Josh meets a girl and he's willing to give up everything to be with her.
No one ever thought she was special.
Carrington Olivia Butler is ready to shine. All Carrington wants is to feel special. Josh's attention is exactly what she needs. Their relationship is intense and volatile and its more then she asked for. Josh’s demons return, and Carrington’s feelings fade, but both aren’t ready to give up hope. They give their love one last shot to survive, but hope, may not be enough.
I really like the college age characters. This is not your typical romance novel. In fact its nothing like what Im used too. The characters are the same but different if that makes sense. But I think the author did an amazing job of combining possible real life and fantasy situations.
That first pick up line that Josh used was a good one. I havent heard that one. I laughed so hard when Josh ran right right into Carrington. I love her name. Josh is a very different kind of male.The things that Josh does is different as well. He really likes Carrington but he is constantly expecting her to leave him, so he does stupid things. I think he wants her to leave but he also wants to love her and be with her forever. He doesnt really show or tell his feelings and when he does its small and almost unnoticeable.
I havent read alot of male characters act that way to that degree. The things that Carrington and Josh deal with during the book is intense for college kids but I understand the way they react to most of it. By the end, more like during the entire story I absolutely hated Josh's father. By the end I didnt like Josh anymore. I kind of understood him but I didnt like him. The things he did was inexcusable. I highly recommend this book. Be on the look out for the next book in the Hope Series called Hope For Him.
January 26, 2016
oh wow I wasn't expecting this book to be as good as it was.
this writer has a talent of making you connect with the characters and feel as they do, I'm so glad that when Josh started being an arse that Carr did pick up on it she didn't sit in denial she fought back with him, like the sleazy brother in law I'm glad that she told Josh and made a point of telling him his family has issues and are not normal.
I think Carr is one of those women who through everything makes sure she comes out stronger and won't be bullied. I have so much respect for her for dismissing the money Josh dad offered although I think she should get something as its for little Jack and his future.
at first getting to know Josh I thought ok he's messed up this is his last chance clean slate, so I liked him but it didn't take long for the first three strikes which had me really doubting him;
strike 1: not defending Carr when his frat brothers were talking about.
strike 2: when the brother in law was being creepy, Josh said that girls loved the attention and Carr is one of them. Hell no she is not!
strike 3: driving off and leaving her, yes he stopped but he made her cry not on!
this was all in the first 39% of the book
I do believe he wanted to do right by Carr and he did try, it's not excusable keep using his mother's suicide and the fact his dad is a dick, but this young man was trouble from the start and should have been given professional help.
it did make me cry Josh last moments because I think if he had been given help or just had a normal upbringing he would have been a decent person, such a shame.
I was crying for Carr and what she went through,couldn't imagine knowing someone who's suppose to love you, doing something unforgivable and I know he was on drugs but he shouldn't have taken them.
Jackson ahhhh Jackson I really hope he finally gets his girl, he is every girls knight in shining amour and every blokes most loyal friend.
I blame Josh dad for this situation!!!
cannot wait for the next book I need more Carr and Jackson :)
this writer has a talent of making you connect with the characters and feel as they do, I'm so glad that when Josh started being an arse that Carr did pick up on it she didn't sit in denial she fought back with him, like the sleazy brother in law I'm glad that she told Josh and made a point of telling him his family has issues and are not normal.
I think Carr is one of those women who through everything makes sure she comes out stronger and won't be bullied. I have so much respect for her for dismissing the money Josh dad offered although I think she should get something as its for little Jack and his future.
at first getting to know Josh I thought ok he's messed up this is his last chance clean slate, so I liked him but it didn't take long for the first three strikes which had me really doubting him;
strike 1: not defending Carr when his frat brothers were talking about.
strike 2: when the brother in law was being creepy, Josh said that girls loved the attention and Carr is one of them. Hell no she is not!
strike 3: driving off and leaving her, yes he stopped but he made her cry not on!
this was all in the first 39% of the book
I do believe he wanted to do right by Carr and he did try, it's not excusable keep using his mother's suicide and the fact his dad is a dick, but this young man was trouble from the start and should have been given professional help.
it did make me cry Josh last moments because I think if he had been given help or just had a normal upbringing he would have been a decent person, such a shame.
I was crying for Carr and what she went through,couldn't imagine knowing someone who's suppose to love you, doing something unforgivable and I know he was on drugs but he shouldn't have taken them.
Jackson ahhhh Jackson I really hope he finally gets his girl, he is every girls knight in shining amour and every blokes most loyal friend.
I blame Josh dad for this situation!!!
cannot wait for the next book I need more Carr and Jackson :)
October 4, 2014
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON
He was filthy rich and he can get away with anything. Thanks to his name and not to mention his father. Joshua Elijah Griffin IV is on his last chance. After what happened that had placed him in rehab, he was given a chance by his father to transfer to another school and make good. With the pressure of his family’s expectations, he tries. What he didn’t expect was to meet Carrington on his first day of class. He would do anything to be with her.
She lives in the shadow of her family. Eager to start new in college, Carrington Olivia Butler can’t wait for her first day of class. She was ready to get out of her shell. All she wants is to feel special. Josh knows exactly how to make her feel that way. But Josh can be overwhelming at times, and their relationship has too many ups and downs that it was not what she really signed up for.
When his past came back crawling to haunt him, and Carrington’s emotions begins to fade – they have tried to work it out, to compromise. Carrington had been very patient – if I were her, I’d leave immediately. But Josh knows how to work his way to her heart. Now, their love has one last chance to survive…
Hope For Her is one heck of a read. It’s unpredictable and intense. It’s filled with twist and turns that had me wondering how is this all going to end. I had my bets, but nothing prepared me for what the author had in-stored for me. Characters will surprise you, just as when you thought you are sure you know them, they’d turn a 180, and leave your jaws hanging open.
•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON
He was filthy rich and he can get away with anything. Thanks to his name and not to mention his father. Joshua Elijah Griffin IV is on his last chance. After what happened that had placed him in rehab, he was given a chance by his father to transfer to another school and make good. With the pressure of his family’s expectations, he tries. What he didn’t expect was to meet Carrington on his first day of class. He would do anything to be with her.
She lives in the shadow of her family. Eager to start new in college, Carrington Olivia Butler can’t wait for her first day of class. She was ready to get out of her shell. All she wants is to feel special. Josh knows exactly how to make her feel that way. But Josh can be overwhelming at times, and their relationship has too many ups and downs that it was not what she really signed up for.
When his past came back crawling to haunt him, and Carrington’s emotions begins to fade – they have tried to work it out, to compromise. Carrington had been very patient – if I were her, I’d leave immediately. But Josh knows how to work his way to her heart. Now, their love has one last chance to survive…
Hope For Her is one heck of a read. It’s unpredictable and intense. It’s filled with twist and turns that had me wondering how is this all going to end. I had my bets, but nothing prepared me for what the author had in-stored for me. Characters will surprise you, just as when you thought you are sure you know them, they’d turn a 180, and leave your jaws hanging open.
•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
November 4, 2014
I regret to say that Hope For Her wasn't what I had hoped it would be. I knew from the synopsis that it wouldn't be a hearts-and-flowers type story but I didn't expect it to be as depressing as it was. I didn't care for Josh from the beginning but I still hoped that having Carrington in his life would have a positive influence on him and that even if he struggled and stumbled a bit, he would ultimately get better. That was definitely not the case.
I liked Carrington, initially, but as the story went on she seemed so contradictory to how she'd previously been depicted. I didn't understand a lot of her decisions and grew less and less sympathetic towards her. I was a fan of Jackson's from the beginning and I thought he would have a more significant role throughout the story. It just seemed as if he popped up here or there instead of being a major player.
The way Hope For Her was written became more problematic as the story went on. It's riddled with careless errors that could have easily been fixed with a thorough proofreading. (Who where still speak to me. . . He head was full of brownish . . . has been taken care of you . . . I placed my hands on either side other face and . . . At three am, I didn't see another soul) Those were just a few of the many mistakes that made reading Hope For Her more of a chore. I think a good developmental editor would be beneficial as well. There were many instances where I tried to connect with the characters or a particular scene only to be snatched out of it by having irrelevant information and back stories dumped on me.
As always, these are merely my opinions and are meant as nothing more than explanation for why I didn't enjoy Hope For Her as much as I would've have liked.
*************I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review***************
I liked Carrington, initially, but as the story went on she seemed so contradictory to how she'd previously been depicted. I didn't understand a lot of her decisions and grew less and less sympathetic towards her. I was a fan of Jackson's from the beginning and I thought he would have a more significant role throughout the story. It just seemed as if he popped up here or there instead of being a major player.
The way Hope For Her was written became more problematic as the story went on. It's riddled with careless errors that could have easily been fixed with a thorough proofreading. (Who where still speak to me. . . He head was full of brownish . . . has been taken care of you . . . I placed my hands on either side other face and . . . At three am, I didn't see another soul) Those were just a few of the many mistakes that made reading Hope For Her more of a chore. I think a good developmental editor would be beneficial as well. There were many instances where I tried to connect with the characters or a particular scene only to be snatched out of it by having irrelevant information and back stories dumped on me.
As always, these are merely my opinions and are meant as nothing more than explanation for why I didn't enjoy Hope For Her as much as I would've have liked.
*************I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review***************
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2015
I received this copy in exchange for a honest review
It was hard for me to give any kind of rating since I don't really know what to say. At first, the plot was a little to slow and suddenly it went way to quick. I'm not saying to have everything written in detail but it would have been better to dig a bit deeper. Somehow I didn't really feel the relationship of Jash and Carr developing.
Also the writing confused me a bit. I'm not a native speaker and I do mistakes in grammar and spelling, but this made it also super hard for me to understand certain sentences and I had to re-read several tine. I was planning to read the book in one setting but it was simply impossible.
First, the main characters, Carrington and Josh, annoyed me to no end.
Josh - the rich kid with an addiction problem. He's controlling and possessive.
Carrongton - not from a bad house either. Nice girl who wants to escape her old life. She know what she wants but she's also very naive. I also felt that at the beginning Carrington was described as a very normal girl and suddenly she's the hottest girl on the campus.
And then there's Jackson. He's a cool dude and best friends with Josh.
The plot starts out as a normal college romance. Hell there are a lot of books that handle substance abuse and the struggle with it, but I guess there was never quite such a book. I didn't expect that ending...and it kinda left me a bit out of words - unfortunately in a negative way.
I hope Sydney will other reviews to improve and avoid more errors in the future.
It was hard for me to give any kind of rating since I don't really know what to say. At first, the plot was a little to slow and suddenly it went way to quick. I'm not saying to have everything written in detail but it would have been better to dig a bit deeper. Somehow I didn't really feel the relationship of Jash and Carr developing.
Also the writing confused me a bit. I'm not a native speaker and I do mistakes in grammar and spelling, but this made it also super hard for me to understand certain sentences and I had to re-read several tine. I was planning to read the book in one setting but it was simply impossible.
First, the main characters, Carrington and Josh, annoyed me to no end.
Josh - the rich kid with an addiction problem. He's controlling and possessive.
Carrongton - not from a bad house either. Nice girl who wants to escape her old life. She know what she wants but she's also very naive. I also felt that at the beginning Carrington was described as a very normal girl and suddenly she's the hottest girl on the campus.
And then there's Jackson. He's a cool dude and best friends with Josh.
The plot starts out as a normal college romance. Hell there are a lot of books that handle substance abuse and the struggle with it, but I guess there was never quite such a book. I didn't expect that ending...and it kinda left me a bit out of words - unfortunately in a negative way.
I hope Sydney will other reviews to improve and avoid more errors in the future.
November 17, 2014
Hope for her is one of those books that you will either love or hate; no middle ground there. Well I loved it! The only reason I rated it 4 stars instead of 5 was because of the grammar/spelling mistakes that seem to be all over the book.
It's really weird when you come across a character that you really want to hate but you can't bring yourself to do so because you understand that this person's actions do not reflect their true personality. That's exactly how I felt about Josh. It would be so easy to let myself hate him as a character and blame him for everything that went down, but that would be extremely shallow of me. Things in life are never black or white; I guess same thing goes for fiction. Yes, Josh's actions and weak personality led to some terrible consequences but Carrington's decision to stay with him despite the fact that she wasn't as into him as Josh was into her was the real catalyst here.
I really don't know if I'm making any sense... the only thing I know is that I've read hundreds of books but this book's ending (and I'm talking about the last chapter/scene) was the only thing that made me shed a tear while reading a book. I don't know why, but this story really got to me.
I'll be definitely reading the next book and I definitely recommend this one, even if you end up hating it.
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review*
It's really weird when you come across a character that you really want to hate but you can't bring yourself to do so because you understand that this person's actions do not reflect their true personality. That's exactly how I felt about Josh. It would be so easy to let myself hate him as a character and blame him for everything that went down, but that would be extremely shallow of me. Things in life are never black or white; I guess same thing goes for fiction. Yes, Josh's actions and weak personality led to some terrible consequences but Carrington's decision to stay with him despite the fact that she wasn't as into him as Josh was into her was the real catalyst here.
I really don't know if I'm making any sense... the only thing I know is that I've read hundreds of books but this book's ending (and I'm talking about the last chapter/scene) was the only thing that made me shed a tear while reading a book. I don't know why, but this story really got to me.
I'll be definitely reading the next book and I definitely recommend this one, even if you end up hating it.
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review*
November 5, 2014
4.5 stars!
Wow! I never thought this book will be filled with deep emotions. This is a one great book to be honest. I first thought that this would be a cliche love story about some damaged guy who have to rebel against his family and eventually will have a happily ever after but no. It is more than that. I feel so much much pain for Josh especially at the latter part. Oh my god, why does his father have to be so hateful and racist. I kind of hate Josh for the way he handled the pressure. He should have just walk away to his family rather than keep on trying to be good enough for his father. I also like the way he treated Car when she was being attacked by Brian. If he love her or respect her enough he wouldn't even let him do that to car. Anyway I'm so intrigued what made Mr. Griffin came to Car's home and pay her a visit and Jackson. Though it was kind of too late when he accepted his grandson because he lost his son because of it. Over all heart wrenching, cry me a river is what the book is. Love it!
Wow! I never thought this book will be filled with deep emotions. This is a one great book to be honest. I first thought that this would be a cliche love story about some damaged guy who have to rebel against his family and eventually will have a happily ever after but no. It is more than that. I feel so much much pain for Josh especially at the latter part. Oh my god, why does his father have to be so hateful and racist. I kind of hate Josh for the way he handled the pressure. He should have just walk away to his family rather than keep on trying to be good enough for his father. I also like the way he treated Car when she was being attacked by Brian. If he love her or respect her enough he wouldn't even let him do that to car. Anyway I'm so intrigued what made Mr. Griffin came to Car's home and pay her a visit and Jackson. Though it was kind of too late when he accepted his grandson because he lost his son because of it. Over all heart wrenching, cry me a river is what the book is. Love it!
November 26, 2015
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book was really intense and emotional. At the beginning I was not to into the book but the more I kept reading the more I liked. I never would have guessed the ending of this book.
The storey line was so intense, it dealt with some major issues, drugs, sex, abuse, addiction, suicide. It was really emotional to read closer to the end of the book as just so much at once happened it was a lot to take in.
I did not really feel a connection between Josh and Carrington and I feel that could be because I was not a fan of Josh. Right from the start he turned me off and the more I read the more creeped out I was of him. He was so intense. He had major issues and they just ate away from him until the end. The connection I felt the most was between Carrington and Jackson. I loved Jackson he is not your typical Frat boy Football star. I was really rooting for them and glad that there is another book hoping for more Jackson.
This book was really intense and emotional. At the beginning I was not to into the book but the more I kept reading the more I liked. I never would have guessed the ending of this book.
The storey line was so intense, it dealt with some major issues, drugs, sex, abuse, addiction, suicide. It was really emotional to read closer to the end of the book as just so much at once happened it was a lot to take in.
I did not really feel a connection between Josh and Carrington and I feel that could be because I was not a fan of Josh. Right from the start he turned me off and the more I read the more creeped out I was of him. He was so intense. He had major issues and they just ate away from him until the end. The connection I felt the most was between Carrington and Jackson. I loved Jackson he is not your typical Frat boy Football star. I was really rooting for them and glad that there is another book hoping for more Jackson.
October 18, 2014
Wow!!!-page Turner- BRAB Online Book Club
Ever so often you find a new author that completely blows your mind, this author is one of those. I had no idea what to expect when I first started reading the book, but I never expected it to take such a hold of my emotions.
Joshua Griffin came from a rich, dysfunctional family with an overbearing, hateful father at the helm. Carrington
Butler grew up with an older brother in a middle-class family. When she decided to leave Texas a d go to school in Florida, she had no idea the adventure she craved world turn out the way it did.
The author did an excellent job of building the characters and shows their triumphs and their failures,
their strength and weaknesses. I loved Carrington and Joshua's story and I am anxious to read the next book in the series.
Ever so often you find a new author that completely blows your mind, this author is one of those. I had no idea what to expect when I first started reading the book, but I never expected it to take such a hold of my emotions.
Joshua Griffin came from a rich, dysfunctional family with an overbearing, hateful father at the helm. Carrington
Butler grew up with an older brother in a middle-class family. When she decided to leave Texas a d go to school in Florida, she had no idea the adventure she craved world turn out the way it did.
The author did an excellent job of building the characters and shows their triumphs and their failures,
their strength and weaknesses. I loved Carrington and Joshua's story and I am anxious to read the next book in the series.
October 12, 2014
It took me sometime to get into the book, I was like wow Josh oh Josh, he broke my heart. He was wanted to live up to others expectations and yet break away at the same time. I was so rooting for Josh to fight it and be stronger and make his own decisions. His character broke my heart I had tears in my eyes when reading his despair. Carrington I liked her character but I wanted a little more from her. She gave into Josh too easily on certain aspects of their relationship.
The book was an emotional roller coaster, intense one minute and had you hot and bothered the next one. The beginning of the book was slow to me but it took off rather quickly. I can't wait to see how she writes this series. Great book, cheap price you won't be mad that you read it.
Happy Reading!!!!
The book was an emotional roller coaster, intense one minute and had you hot and bothered the next one. The beginning of the book was slow to me but it took off rather quickly. I can't wait to see how she writes this series. Great book, cheap price you won't be mad that you read it.
Happy Reading!!!!
November 4, 2014
This novel was a roller coaster ride from start to finish. I really enjoyed the male and female perspectives throughout the story as it added great dimensions and diversity to the situations. I really liked how the story would ascend then plateau for a while then take an even steeper ascend; this made for a page-turner without being boring. My only critique is for proofreading for minor spelling errors. Other than that, I highly recommend this book for anyone who can handle complex adult scenarios. While reading this book, I was hit with so many different emotions from happy and giddy to even crying at certain parts. I felt like I was watching a movie rather than reading a book.
I have strong anticipation for other books in the series.
I have strong anticipation for other books in the series.
November 5, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review .... Five beautiful stars for hope for her . This book was amazing, full of emotion . It will have you smiling and crying. Some parts of the book were intense, but so realistic. Sydney did such amazing job with Josh's addiction and the way he deals with his family and Carrington . Pulls at your heart strings. Jackson, oh Jackson ... Loved him! "I didn't want to be your first boyfriend I wanted to be your last" omg! I can not wait for the second part of this series !!! This is the first book I have read by Sydney and to be honest I can not wait read another book by her. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
December 22, 2014
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