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Summer Tour
Take a journey with a group of friends...
Ben has always had it bad for his childhood friend Anna, but after years of unrequited pining, he’s officially done with her. It’s the summer before he and his best friends graduate college and they are about to go on tour, following their favorite band all over the east coast. This group is like a family—extremely close but with their fair share of old wounds and hidden secrets…
Anna figured out at a young age not to rely on anyone and she has always done whatever necessary to get by. She has carefully constructed her life—keeping herself isolated to stay focused and avoid getting hurt. But everyone has vulnerabilities and even the strongest willed have their breaking point…
Ryan is buried in stress at work, so when his friend suggests a night out, he reluctantly agrees. But what starts off as a typical night in a strip club just outside New York City, ends in an encounter that will change everyone’s lives…
Summer Tour is intended for readers 18+ due to mature content, profanity, and recreational drug use (marijuana and psychedelics)
Ben has always had it bad for his childhood friend Anna, but after years of unrequited pining, he’s officially done with her. It’s the summer before he and his best friends graduate college and they are about to go on tour, following their favorite band all over the east coast. This group is like a family—extremely close but with their fair share of old wounds and hidden secrets…
Anna figured out at a young age not to rely on anyone and she has always done whatever necessary to get by. She has carefully constructed her life—keeping herself isolated to stay focused and avoid getting hurt. But everyone has vulnerabilities and even the strongest willed have their breaking point…
Ryan is buried in stress at work, so when his friend suggests a night out, he reluctantly agrees. But what starts off as a typical night in a strip club just outside New York City, ends in an encounter that will change everyone’s lives…
Summer Tour is intended for readers 18+ due to mature content, profanity, and recreational drug use (marijuana and psychedelics)
- GenresNew Adult
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
2 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Diane Matlick
3 books19 followersWelcome to my author page! My name is Diane Matlick and I live in northern New Jersey with my husband and two children. My first book, Summer Tour, is a coming of age story about a group of friends following their favorite band the summer before they graduate college. My second book, Winter Break, is the sequel. Happy reading everyone!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 5, 2015
Copy provided for an honest review.
This was so much fun. This whole group of misfits really make you feel like you are in college again and remembering all the carefree fun. This story unfolds slowly and you have all these moments unfolding that you know will lead you somewhere amazing, but as each piece is unveiled there seem to be more secrets and questions.
This story is so well written you can't help but be sucked right into this world. Anna is so lost and trying to make all the hard grown up decisions to keep the ones she loves in the lifestyle she thinks they deserve. Ryan is caught up in all the stress of his job and trying to make the best decisions to move his career along, until Anna comes along and blows it all up in his face. Then there is sweet and loving Ben, all he ever wanted was to be there for Anna and be all she ever wanted in return.
You follow each of these characters and their amazing group of friends on a Summer tour where secrets are revealed and friendships as strengthened. An amazing read and an author to watch!
This was so much fun. This whole group of misfits really make you feel like you are in college again and remembering all the carefree fun. This story unfolds slowly and you have all these moments unfolding that you know will lead you somewhere amazing, but as each piece is unveiled there seem to be more secrets and questions.
This story is so well written you can't help but be sucked right into this world. Anna is so lost and trying to make all the hard grown up decisions to keep the ones she loves in the lifestyle she thinks they deserve. Ryan is caught up in all the stress of his job and trying to make the best decisions to move his career along, until Anna comes along and blows it all up in his face. Then there is sweet and loving Ben, all he ever wanted was to be there for Anna and be all she ever wanted in return.
You follow each of these characters and their amazing group of friends on a Summer tour where secrets are revealed and friendships as strengthened. An amazing read and an author to watch!
June 23, 2015
I received a free e copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I enjoy books that are written from the points of view of different characters.
Summer Tour is told from the POV of Anna, who I think of as the main character, Ben, her childhood friend, and Ryan, a catalyst in helping Anna move on. Rocky does a "monologue" at the end, but more about that later. It is through their voices that this story of love, friendship, relationships and conflict is told.
Initially I read this slowly, enjoying Anna's, Ben's and Ryan's stories unfold. When I wasn't reading I found myself thinking about Anna and Ryan. What was Anna's secret? Why did Ryan have a hero complex? I was enjoying the pace at which things were unfolding, slowly enough to realise there were complex issues involved, not so slowly that I became impatient. The dialogue was excellent and the context well written. Ben, Matt and Rocky were great characters and I was enjoying their close relationship. I loved the way in which their families had helped mould who they were and how they behaved. All, flawed, but all likeable.
However, this was very much a book of two halves. The reason why Anna is a stripper is just plopped into the story. No suspense, no allusion, no build up, no bombshell, no device. It's not understated, it's just mentioned. i was disappointed with the way it was revealed. I was also disappointed in the way that Ryan turns out to be a device to create a bit of tension later on. His character was too well developed to simply drop. The last third of the book moves too quickly. The dialogue is brief and events described dispassionately as if to hustle the reader to the end.
One highlight occurs near the end though. I love the way Ben and Anna getting together is treated. They are passionate, tender and delightful. This is wonderful writing.
I also like the way the character of Rocky develops. His is one of the strongest characters in the story. I would have loved to have found out more about him. But not through the final monologue. He is a much too complicated character to be dealt with so blithely.
I like the music references too. Great details to put in a story about a group of young people touring music concerts. And they were clever references, especially Layla!
I like the premise of the story. A close group of young people on the verge of the responsibilities of adulthood, from diverse backgrounds, all carrying baggage of some sort, dealing with their own demons while building and maintaining relationships with others. The writing was a bit patchy, but it was a good read, and at times excellent. If I could, I'd give it three and a half stars, so a solid three stars.
I enjoy books that are written from the points of view of different characters.
Summer Tour is told from the POV of Anna, who I think of as the main character, Ben, her childhood friend, and Ryan, a catalyst in helping Anna move on. Rocky does a "monologue" at the end, but more about that later. It is through their voices that this story of love, friendship, relationships and conflict is told.
Initially I read this slowly, enjoying Anna's, Ben's and Ryan's stories unfold. When I wasn't reading I found myself thinking about Anna and Ryan. What was Anna's secret? Why did Ryan have a hero complex? I was enjoying the pace at which things were unfolding, slowly enough to realise there were complex issues involved, not so slowly that I became impatient. The dialogue was excellent and the context well written. Ben, Matt and Rocky were great characters and I was enjoying their close relationship. I loved the way in which their families had helped mould who they were and how they behaved. All, flawed, but all likeable.
However, this was very much a book of two halves. The reason why Anna is a stripper is just plopped into the story. No suspense, no allusion, no build up, no bombshell, no device. It's not understated, it's just mentioned. i was disappointed with the way it was revealed. I was also disappointed in the way that Ryan turns out to be a device to create a bit of tension later on. His character was too well developed to simply drop. The last third of the book moves too quickly. The dialogue is brief and events described dispassionately as if to hustle the reader to the end.
One highlight occurs near the end though. I love the way Ben and Anna getting together is treated. They are passionate, tender and delightful. This is wonderful writing.
I also like the way the character of Rocky develops. His is one of the strongest characters in the story. I would have loved to have found out more about him. But not through the final monologue. He is a much too complicated character to be dealt with so blithely.
I like the music references too. Great details to put in a story about a group of young people touring music concerts. And they were clever references, especially Layla!
I like the premise of the story. A close group of young people on the verge of the responsibilities of adulthood, from diverse backgrounds, all carrying baggage of some sort, dealing with their own demons while building and maintaining relationships with others. The writing was a bit patchy, but it was a good read, and at times excellent. If I could, I'd give it three and a half stars, so a solid three stars.
April 16, 2015
St Elmo's Fire meets Tour
Summer Tour was impossible for me to put down. I immediately felt a connection to these characters and cared so much about their stories. Matlick did such a great job of delving deep into the heart of these relationships and conveying the strong sense of their history, comradery and loyalty. Matlick developed a sophisticated and intricate storyline, surprising the reader with sudden emotional and heart wrenching twists. Incidental characters became prevalent in unexpected ways, which is probably the biggest testament to Matlick’s skills as a storyteller.
The characters evoked a “St. Elmos Fire” sort of connection as they abandoned their everyday obligations to enter “tour bubble”. The reader was a very entertained fly on their wall of Phish tour from the lawn of SPAC during the shows to the cheap hotel room during the hectic after-hours parties. Whether a reader is looking for a love story, a mystery, an emotional roller coaster, ST delivers all.
Summer Tour was impossible for me to put down. I immediately felt a connection to these characters and cared so much about their stories. Matlick did such a great job of delving deep into the heart of these relationships and conveying the strong sense of their history, comradery and loyalty. Matlick developed a sophisticated and intricate storyline, surprising the reader with sudden emotional and heart wrenching twists. Incidental characters became prevalent in unexpected ways, which is probably the biggest testament to Matlick’s skills as a storyteller.
The characters evoked a “St. Elmos Fire” sort of connection as they abandoned their everyday obligations to enter “tour bubble”. The reader was a very entertained fly on their wall of Phish tour from the lawn of SPAC during the shows to the cheap hotel room during the hectic after-hours parties. Whether a reader is looking for a love story, a mystery, an emotional roller coaster, ST delivers all.
August 8, 2015
Thanks to the author who provided by with a mobi copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Anna has worked hard her whole life in order to provide substance to her younger sister. On the outside, she seems like a put together person; however, she has demons that she has to conquer inside. She has a past that has haunted her for many years and continues to wreak havoc on her by causing her do things that she doesn't really want to do. Ben, one of her best friends since childhood has loved Anna their whole lives; however, enough is enough for him and he cannot continue pining for someone who keeps using him and tossing him to the side. However, there are reasons as to why she keeps pushing him away and why she does what she does. As hard as she tries to hide them, they soon come to light when she spends more time with him and his friends on the Summer Tour. However, it could be more beneficial for her than detrimental.
This story was really interesting and was a little different from others that I have read. However, it was once again all about hope and being able to change yourself into the person that you want to be and the person that you want others to look at in a positive light. I liked how it was relevant to some of the issues that plague society today, such as smoking weed and whatnot. I liked that the author wasn't afraid to include that in her story because I feel like weed is so prevalent in society nowadays and is a huge issue as well. However, maybe there was a bit too much mention of weed and smoking it in the story. Anna was a great surprise; I liked how much she changed from the beginning to the end of the story. I can't really say that Ben had changed, he was an ok guy, but jumped to conclusions too quickly. I really loved Rocky though, I thought that he was just hilarious and had graeat lines and everyone else was great as well like Rachel and Matt. Also, I felt that Anna had no one really before, but afterwards, she had a whole lot of people who were behind her and wanted to help her out of her situation and that was just great to read about. All in all, this was a short, enjoybale read about second chances.
Anna has worked hard her whole life in order to provide substance to her younger sister. On the outside, she seems like a put together person; however, she has demons that she has to conquer inside. She has a past that has haunted her for many years and continues to wreak havoc on her by causing her do things that she doesn't really want to do. Ben, one of her best friends since childhood has loved Anna their whole lives; however, enough is enough for him and he cannot continue pining for someone who keeps using him and tossing him to the side. However, there are reasons as to why she keeps pushing him away and why she does what she does. As hard as she tries to hide them, they soon come to light when she spends more time with him and his friends on the Summer Tour. However, it could be more beneficial for her than detrimental.
This story was really interesting and was a little different from others that I have read. However, it was once again all about hope and being able to change yourself into the person that you want to be and the person that you want others to look at in a positive light. I liked how it was relevant to some of the issues that plague society today, such as smoking weed and whatnot. I liked that the author wasn't afraid to include that in her story because I feel like weed is so prevalent in society nowadays and is a huge issue as well. However, maybe there was a bit too much mention of weed and smoking it in the story. Anna was a great surprise; I liked how much she changed from the beginning to the end of the story. I can't really say that Ben had changed, he was an ok guy, but jumped to conclusions too quickly. I really loved Rocky though, I thought that he was just hilarious and had graeat lines and everyone else was great as well like Rachel and Matt. Also, I felt that Anna had no one really before, but afterwards, she had a whole lot of people who were behind her and wanted to help her out of her situation and that was just great to read about. All in all, this was a short, enjoybale read about second chances.
January 13, 2015
We meet a lot of characters in this concert-goers' coming-of-age debut by Diane Matlick. Not unlike at a college keg party, where you show up knowing no one, and leave with five best friends you will have for life.
It took me some time to decide which characters were sticking around and who to invest in, but Matlick's easy conversational style sucked me in and chose for me.
The relationship between Ben and Anna is one worth rooting for. Who doesn't have that "what if?" childhood crush that drifts between hiatus and heart-throbbing opportunity? Their story arc was relatable and realistic.
And I especially liked the female friendships that formed between the three very different women while they were on the road: Anna, who's had a some hard knocks in life (and trusts few with good reason), Carla, who's a lesbian and Rachel, the college-girl-next-door with a secret.
Rocky, though, was the guy who won my heart. He's part Jeff Spicoli, part Ted "Theodore" Logan, with a bit of young Jason Mewes. I hope he gets his own story!
Summer Tour is more than just Trustafarians going on tour. It's about true friendships, and the building up and breaking down along the way. By the end of the book, you will want to road trip with the gang.
It took me some time to decide which characters were sticking around and who to invest in, but Matlick's easy conversational style sucked me in and chose for me.
The relationship between Ben and Anna is one worth rooting for. Who doesn't have that "what if?" childhood crush that drifts between hiatus and heart-throbbing opportunity? Their story arc was relatable and realistic.
And I especially liked the female friendships that formed between the three very different women while they were on the road: Anna, who's had a some hard knocks in life (and trusts few with good reason), Carla, who's a lesbian and Rachel, the college-girl-next-door with a secret.
Rocky, though, was the guy who won my heart. He's part Jeff Spicoli, part Ted "Theodore" Logan, with a bit of young Jason Mewes. I hope he gets his own story!
Summer Tour is more than just Trustafarians going on tour. It's about true friendships, and the building up and breaking down along the way. By the end of the book, you will want to road trip with the gang.
January 10, 2015
Since the age of thirteen, Anna has been hiding a deep dark secret. Now in her twenties, Anna thinks she has come to terms with her past and put it behind her.
Anna has a lot of financial pressure on her right now. Not only is she working to put herself through school, but she is also paying for her step sister’s education and her mother’s nursing home expenses. She is so close to graduating, she can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Several events happen within the pages of this book that forces Anna to reassess her life. Sometimes she feels so lost and all alone. Is it possible that true love can save her or will the demons that have haunted her since childhood win?
Author Diane Matlick has written a compelling story of love, tragedy and the power of friendship. This story quickly captures your attention and you will find yourself completely absorbed in the characters, which is a true sign of a well written book. 4.1 Stars!
Stephanie Lasley, from The Kindle Book Review
The Kindle Book Review received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review. We are not associated with the author or Amazon.
Anna has a lot of financial pressure on her right now. Not only is she working to put herself through school, but she is also paying for her step sister’s education and her mother’s nursing home expenses. She is so close to graduating, she can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Several events happen within the pages of this book that forces Anna to reassess her life. Sometimes she feels so lost and all alone. Is it possible that true love can save her or will the demons that have haunted her since childhood win?
Author Diane Matlick has written a compelling story of love, tragedy and the power of friendship. This story quickly captures your attention and you will find yourself completely absorbed in the characters, which is a true sign of a well written book. 4.1 Stars!
Stephanie Lasley, from The Kindle Book Review
The Kindle Book Review received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review. We are not associated with the author or Amazon.
September 15, 2015
I was originally given an early copy of this book from the author. She’s a friend, but we talk books a lot and she knows I love to read so she asked me for my opinion. I told her that i absolutely loved it from the very first page.
This is a unique story that addresses some serious issues with humor and heart. The characters are some of the most vivid i’ve read and the growth that they go through makes for an unforgettable story with a few surprising twists and turns. Just when you think you know the whole story, most secrets are revealed and just when you think everything is resolved, a character that hovered in the background the entire story makes a splash and you realize how much you fell for him too.
I highly recommend taking a chance on this addicting read. To me, it felt like Dazed and Confused or Freaks and Geeks— misfit kids having fun but also trying to be better people and come to terms with secrets and misunderstandings that are common amongst friends who have known each other a long time.
This is a unique story that addresses some serious issues with humor and heart. The characters are some of the most vivid i’ve read and the growth that they go through makes for an unforgettable story with a few surprising twists and turns. Just when you think you know the whole story, most secrets are revealed and just when you think everything is resolved, a character that hovered in the background the entire story makes a splash and you realize how much you fell for him too.
I highly recommend taking a chance on this addicting read. To me, it felt like Dazed and Confused or Freaks and Geeks— misfit kids having fun but also trying to be better people and come to terms with secrets and misunderstandings that are common amongst friends who have known each other a long time.
November 20, 2015
Betrayal....dirty secrets...love triangles...stalkers....surprise twists and turns...what else can you ask for in a book???
I absolutely loved this book about a group of friends who go on a trip following one of their favorite bands while they are on summer tour. The book is told from alternate POV's from mostly Anna and Ben's voices but we do get to hear from the other friends on occasion. There's just so much going on with these friends and a lot of it is so emotional and heartbreaking. The author also does a really good job of pulling the reader into the story. You will connect with the characters right away and hang by a thread hoping that everything will work out for them.
I didn't really understand Ryan's role in the story though. He played a minor part in Anna's life and then he just disappears from the story. It would have been nice to see him added into the circle of friends. There were also a few typos but nothing too distracting. All in all, this was a great read and an engaging story about growth, moving on, and second chances.
I absolutely loved this book about a group of friends who go on a trip following one of their favorite bands while they are on summer tour. The book is told from alternate POV's from mostly Anna and Ben's voices but we do get to hear from the other friends on occasion. There's just so much going on with these friends and a lot of it is so emotional and heartbreaking. The author also does a really good job of pulling the reader into the story. You will connect with the characters right away and hang by a thread hoping that everything will work out for them.
I didn't really understand Ryan's role in the story though. He played a minor part in Anna's life and then he just disappears from the story. It would have been nice to see him added into the circle of friends. There were also a few typos but nothing too distracting. All in all, this was a great read and an engaging story about growth, moving on, and second chances.
May 7, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book and the extraordinary characters. The complex relationship and the dirty secrets that Anna had to endure was emotionally draining. The fast paced drama and curious knight in shining armor (Ryan) made for an intriguing story twist, which made it difficult to see which way the story was going to go. I loved all the characters and all the drama that each created. It was an emotional read and worth the time. Thanks for allowing me to read this.
I really enjoyed this book and the extraordinary characters. The complex relationship and the dirty secrets that Anna had to endure was emotionally draining. The fast paced drama and curious knight in shining armor (Ryan) made for an intriguing story twist, which made it difficult to see which way the story was going to go. I loved all the characters and all the drama that each created. It was an emotional read and worth the time. Thanks for allowing me to read this.
May 19, 2015
I really wanted to love this story. The promise of fun, music and romance made me want to dive into this book. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this read. I found the writing a bit flat. I wasn't feeling the linear narrative which described every detail of every day sometimes mundanely. I also thought using multiple points of views took away some of the angst that could have been felt. I love that feeling of 'does he like her too' and I never got that with this story.
I did like the characters and I loved the idea of the story, it just didn't grab me.
I did like the characters and I loved the idea of the story, it just didn't grab me.
April 27, 2015
I loved Anna's story! However I was a little confused at first to see so many POV however as you continue to you read it adds to the story. It allows the reader to see the different perspective instead of just one person's POV. Getting to feel the other characters Anna's, Ben's and even Ryan's.
However I was sad to see Ryan's POV just stop towards end...like that nothing. I would like to see how the series continues. :)
However I was sad to see Ryan's POV just stop towards end...like that nothing. I would like to see how the series continues. :)
March 5, 2015
Great book! Interesting, diverse characters with lots of unexpected twists and turns throughout the plot. Everyone can relate to someone in the book. Whether it's themselves or a friend. Fantastic story about the ups and downs of friendships and the inevitable mistakes that make us all human. Quick read that will surely not disappoint.
February 15, 2016
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March 22, 2015
I really enjoyed the character development in this book. Definitely wanted to keep reading to find out what happened.
May 18, 2015
/love this book it a must read first from author andd wont be m last.....buy it wont regret
July 1, 2015
I received this ebook for free in exchange for an honest review. This by no means changes my opinion.
Actual rating: 3 stars.
Summer Tour is the story of Anna and Ben: a pair of old friends who ultimately find their way back to eachother.
They became friends when they were younger and had a bond due to some bad stuff that happened to Anna. Ben's always had unrequited feelings for Anna and now, he's done. He can't take much more of his heart being stomped on, so he's moved on to Chloe.
Anna is a stripper. She goes home from the strip club one night with a guy named Ryan, completely on a whim. He ends up being the catalyst and what ultimately gets her to see that stripping isn't for her anymore. It's safe to say Ryan also has a hero complex because ultimately, that's his plan from the moment he meets Anna. Unfortunately, Ryan forgets to tell Anna he has a girlfriend, which further proves to Anna that everything's going all wrong.
She responds to a text from Ben, asking her if she wants to take a summer tour with him and his friends to catch a bunch of Phish shows on the East coast. In the process of doing that (and seeing Ben with Chloe), Anna realizes that the feelings she thought she turned off so long ago are back with a vengeance.
**
I liked the book okay, but it felt kind of lacking. I'm not sure what it was lacking, but it did at least hold my attention. I liked all of the characters and didn't really find anyone to be a waste of space. I liked all the little side stories and how you get details about each separate characters lives. I also liked that the story was told from different point of views.
I think that my favorite part was the last couple chapters, told in Rocky's POV. I didn't realize it until then, but I think he was my favorite "extra" character. He had charisma and was funny -- also a little bit vulgar, but not overly so.
I look forward to reading the next story in the series, especially if it follows Rocky closely.
Actual rating: 3 stars.
Summer Tour is the story of Anna and Ben: a pair of old friends who ultimately find their way back to eachother.
They became friends when they were younger and had a bond due to some bad stuff that happened to Anna. Ben's always had unrequited feelings for Anna and now, he's done. He can't take much more of his heart being stomped on, so he's moved on to Chloe.
Anna is a stripper. She goes home from the strip club one night with a guy named Ryan, completely on a whim. He ends up being the catalyst and what ultimately gets her to see that stripping isn't for her anymore. It's safe to say Ryan also has a hero complex because ultimately, that's his plan from the moment he meets Anna. Unfortunately, Ryan forgets to tell Anna he has a girlfriend, which further proves to Anna that everything's going all wrong.
She responds to a text from Ben, asking her if she wants to take a summer tour with him and his friends to catch a bunch of Phish shows on the East coast. In the process of doing that (and seeing Ben with Chloe), Anna realizes that the feelings she thought she turned off so long ago are back with a vengeance.
**
I liked the book okay, but it felt kind of lacking. I'm not sure what it was lacking, but it did at least hold my attention. I liked all of the characters and didn't really find anyone to be a waste of space. I liked all the little side stories and how you get details about each separate characters lives. I also liked that the story was told from different point of views.
I think that my favorite part was the last couple chapters, told in Rocky's POV. I didn't realize it until then, but I think he was my favorite "extra" character. He had charisma and was funny -- also a little bit vulgar, but not overly so.
I look forward to reading the next story in the series, especially if it follows Rocky closely.
April 25, 2015
****I received a copy of this book for an honest review****
Honestly this is a 3*** review for me. I would have liked to give it more but it was all over the place. Too many character POV's, sub-stories within the main story.
I first thought this book was going to be about Anna and Ryan, but as it turns out it was about Anna and Ben. Ryan was a pivotal character that helps Anna reevaluate what she is doing with her life. She is an intelligent young woman in her last year of college.On a full scholarship she still struggles to make end meet. What no one knows is that she is paying for her younger sisters boarding school and her mothers institutionalization. Working as a part-time stripper she meets Ryan who make her question what she is doing. Her long-time friend Ben and his college roommate, Rocky, decide to go on a summer tour to see one of there all time favorite bands. Ben invites Anna and she accepts knowing that she has to make some changes in her life and needs to get away to think.
Throughout the book Ben and Anna confess things to one another that should have been said years ago. They both have underlying feelings for one another. Could all these confessions finally bring them together by the end of the summer tour?
Unfortunately, most of the characters in this story have secrets that they are hiding and we hear them all. Like I said there is just too much going on. I get that it will most likely lead to their own stories, but this is supposed to be about Ben and Anna. So this is why I am going to say, this had one of the worse Epilogues I have ever read. I had to go back and reread the end to see if I missed something before the epilogue. It was from Rocky's POV. WHAT? Also, I thought I was going to get high by how much pot these characters smoked including the parents. This is why I couldn't give this story more than 3 stars, had it stayed on track it would have been much better.
Honestly this is a 3*** review for me. I would have liked to give it more but it was all over the place. Too many character POV's, sub-stories within the main story.
I first thought this book was going to be about Anna and Ryan, but as it turns out it was about Anna and Ben. Ryan was a pivotal character that helps Anna reevaluate what she is doing with her life. She is an intelligent young woman in her last year of college.On a full scholarship she still struggles to make end meet. What no one knows is that she is paying for her younger sisters boarding school and her mothers institutionalization. Working as a part-time stripper she meets Ryan who make her question what she is doing. Her long-time friend Ben and his college roommate, Rocky, decide to go on a summer tour to see one of there all time favorite bands. Ben invites Anna and she accepts knowing that she has to make some changes in her life and needs to get away to think.
Throughout the book Ben and Anna confess things to one another that should have been said years ago. They both have underlying feelings for one another. Could all these confessions finally bring them together by the end of the summer tour?
Unfortunately, most of the characters in this story have secrets that they are hiding and we hear them all. Like I said there is just too much going on. I get that it will most likely lead to their own stories, but this is supposed to be about Ben and Anna. So this is why I am going to say, this had one of the worse Epilogues I have ever read. I had to go back and reread the end to see if I missed something before the epilogue. It was from Rocky's POV. WHAT? Also, I thought I was going to get high by how much pot these characters smoked including the parents. This is why I couldn't give this story more than 3 stars, had it stayed on track it would have been much better.
May 4, 2015
Read my full review of the book at seriesousbookreviews.com! Spoiler Free!
**I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review**
When I picked up this book, I was looking forward to reading about a group of friends as they follow their favourite band. To me, it promised a lot of drama and juicy secrets and I was excited to get down to the nitty gritty.
But with this book, I feel like too much was happening at once. Not only do you learn about Anna, Ryan and Ben's pasts but you also get into some of the drama with the secondary characters (their friends). It doesn't particularly help that these characters are overly complex with their heavy pasts and secrets. I just found it to be overwhelming to read and it took away from the great character development as some aspects weren't taken to their full potential.
Also, I thought the romance was lacking. Again, it's the result of too much happening, shifting the focus from what I thought I was going to be reading to something else. Which I didn't really mind because I liked the character growth but it wasn't what I expected going into this novel.
I also want to mention that there is a lot of drug use in this book (mostly marijuana). It was really off putting for me and I felt like it took away from the plot at times. I don't mind if characters partake in drugs, I just don't like when it gets so much focus.
OVERALL: This book wasn't what I was expecting. It wasn't so much of second chance, friends-to-lovers story to me but instead a story about personal growth which is the whole idea behind a New Adult story.
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
**I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review**
When I picked up this book, I was looking forward to reading about a group of friends as they follow their favourite band. To me, it promised a lot of drama and juicy secrets and I was excited to get down to the nitty gritty.
But with this book, I feel like too much was happening at once. Not only do you learn about Anna, Ryan and Ben's pasts but you also get into some of the drama with the secondary characters (their friends). It doesn't particularly help that these characters are overly complex with their heavy pasts and secrets. I just found it to be overwhelming to read and it took away from the great character development as some aspects weren't taken to their full potential.
Also, I thought the romance was lacking. Again, it's the result of too much happening, shifting the focus from what I thought I was going to be reading to something else. Which I didn't really mind because I liked the character growth but it wasn't what I expected going into this novel.
I also want to mention that there is a lot of drug use in this book (mostly marijuana). It was really off putting for me and I felt like it took away from the plot at times. I don't mind if characters partake in drugs, I just don't like when it gets so much focus.
OVERALL: This book wasn't what I was expecting. It wasn't so much of second chance, friends-to-lovers story to me but instead a story about personal growth which is the whole idea behind a New Adult story.
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
April 27, 2015
I waa given the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I ca't say that this story was bad, yet it wasnt great either...which why I am giving it 3 stars.
I didn't really relate to any one character and wasn't particularly drawn into the story, which is why I consider it to be just an 'okay' story.
The story line was unique, however linear, thankfully jumping the narration from charcter to character gave it a bit more pep.
I wasn't really certain how to feel about the character of Ryan. I get that Anna's time with him is what sort of sparked her decision to get her shit together, but at the same time, he just seemed a bit pointless to the story, in a sense that he had very little depth to him.
Like I stated, this wasn't terrible, but not entirely captivating either. I will consider reading on in the series to see what comes next.
I ca't say that this story was bad, yet it wasnt great either...which why I am giving it 3 stars.
I didn't really relate to any one character and wasn't particularly drawn into the story, which is why I consider it to be just an 'okay' story.
The story line was unique, however linear, thankfully jumping the narration from charcter to character gave it a bit more pep.
I wasn't really certain how to feel about the character of Ryan. I get that Anna's time with him is what sort of sparked her decision to get her shit together, but at the same time, he just seemed a bit pointless to the story, in a sense that he had very little depth to him.
Like I stated, this wasn't terrible, but not entirely captivating either. I will consider reading on in the series to see what comes next.
December 25, 2015
Enjoyed, but didn't get overly vested in this group of friends. It was almost too many stories to keep straight. They are bigtime recreational drug users and often drinkers, too. I kinda hope they grow up soon. However, several are rich and have hippies for parents, so it doesn't look likely. Glad when Anna finally came clean with everything and sought help. I think all of them could use a huge reality check. I thought with the title of the book and series that the and would be more important, but I think they are just a destination for the next party.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
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